कलाडगड (2021_01_01)

Members: Mahesh Raut, Dhruv Mulay, Kedar Yogi, Pranjal Wagh and Malhar Chopdekar

अंगावर येणारा चढ आणि त्यात अत्यंत हुशारीने खोदलेल्या पावट्या हे कलाडगडाचे सौंदर्य म्हणायला हरकत नाही.

पाचनाईनंतर पेठेवाडीच्या अलिकडे पायथ्याला गाड्या लावल्या आणि पागोडयाच्या सावलीत दुपारचे जेवण उरकले. मग फारसा वेळ न दवडता मार्गस्थ झालो.

कड्यावरील मार्गात असलेली गुहा, तिच्या बाहेर असलेल्या सौरदिव्याच्या दांडक्यामुळे सहज कळून येते. काही ठिकाणी rock-patches किंचितसे कठीण आहेत, तिथे काळजी घेतलेली बरी.

गुहेनंतरचा मार्ग बालेकिल्ल्याला उजवीकडे ठेवत माचीकडे जातो. वाटेत काही सायकससदृश झाडे आहेत. डावीकडे असलेल्या दरीकडे पाहायचे असेल तर थोडे थांबावे. अन्यथा सावकाशपणे मार्गक्रमणा करीत जावे. 

ज्या ठिकाणी बालेकिल्ला सुरू होतो त्याच्या पायथ्याशी माचीवर पाण्याची दोन कुंडे आहेत. जे पहिले आहे त्यातील पाणी आटून गेले असले तरी एका बोळक्यात गारेगार पाण्याचा जिवंत झरा आहे. पुढच्या टाक्यात भरपूर पाणी असले तरी त्यातील कचरा पाहून आम्ही त्या बोळक्यातीलच पाणी वापरायचे ठरवले.

हे दुसरे टाके ओलांडले की लगेचच माचीवरील सपाटी चालू होते. इथून पश्चिमेच्या दिशेला असलेला कुमशेतचा कोंबडा किती अजस्त्र आहे याचा अंदाज येतो. माचीच्या टोकाला पोचलो की खाली कलाडचा अंगठा दिसतो. समोर दक्षिणेकडे नकटा (नाप्ता) आणि पूर्वेकडे हरिश्चन्द्रगड आपल्या स्वागतास तत्पर असतातच. त्यांना नीटपणे न्याहाळून मागे परत फिरावे.

माचीवर आकाशाच्या छताखाली विसावलेली शेंदूर ल्यालेली गडदैवते आहेत. त्यांच्या लगतच आम्ही आमचे तिन्ही तंबू उभारले आणि रात्रीच्या मुक्कामाच्या तयारीला लागलो.

~संभाजी राजाराम चोपडेकर

आमची मंगळी!😊

मंगळीचा प्रवास:

२०१८ च्या फेब्रुवारीत आम्ही तिघेही पवईच्या हिरानंदानी संकुलात असलेल्या  TrueBil च्या अखत्यारीतील जुन्या गाड्या पाहायला गेलो आणि प्रथमदर्शनीच, लालसर रंगाच्या फोर्ड फिगो या गाडीच्या प्रेमात पडलो. किंमत वाजवी होतीच आणि मुळात फोर्ड हा माझा स्वतः चा आवडीचा ब्रँड असल्याने फारशी खळखळ न करता तिला पदरात घेतले. मनोमन तिचे 'मंगळी'असे छानसे बारसेही केले. 

नोंदणीचे सोपस्कार पार करून १ मार्च २०१८ म्हणजे होळीच्या दिवशी ती आमच्या डोंबिवलीला आली. बरेच दिवस डोंबिवली-प्रभादेवी अशा फेऱ्या झाल्या नंतर तो दिवस उगवला.  ५ मे २०१८ या दिवशी पहिल्यांदा ती लॉन्ग ड्राईव्हसाठी सज्ज झाली आणि स्थळ होते बसगडचा किल्ला. कल्याण-इगतपुरी-घोटीमार्गे भल्या पहाटे आम्ही निरगुडपाड्यात दाखल झालो. 

त्यानंतर हळूहळू बरीच ठिकाणे पाहण्याचा योग मंगळीमुळे आला. लॉकडाउन असल्याने अनायासे वेळ मिळाला आणि विस्मरण होऊ नये म्हणून ही यादीच  बनवली.

१ मार्च ते जून २०१८ पर्यंत : 
निरगुडपाडा (बसगड), देहू-आळंदी, खिडकाळेश्वर, त्र्यंबकेश्वर (दुर्गभांडार), गणेश-घोळ देऊळ ;

जुलै २०१८ ते जून २०१९ पर्यंत: 
घणसोली-गवळीदेव, वांगणी-बेडीसगांव, कोंडेश्वर, माहुली पायथा, हट्टी-चांदवडपर्यंत (कांचना-मंचना,धोडप, इंद्राई, राजदेहेर), लोणावळे, कोराईगड, दुधिवरे खिंडीतून लोहगड आणि तेथून घाट उतरत भाजेमार्गे मळवली, धोकावडे-आवास, उरण-बेलापूर किल्ले, मुळगाव-खंडोबा, नांदगाव-विनायक, पंढरपूर ते अक्कलकोट मार्गे पार गाणगापूर, सोलापूर किल्ला;

जुलै २०१९ ते जून २०२० पर्यंत: 
सिन्नर-गोंदेश्वर, गणेशपुरी-वज्रेश्वरी, पोशीरमार्गे खांडस (पदरगड), रेवदंडा-साळाव-कोरलाई आणि लॉक-डाउन कृपेने बदलापूर :)

माहुली-रस्ता!

 (अपूर्ण )

Fort Padargad (18-01-2020)

Members: Mahesh Raut, Vishal Chaughule, Sambhaji Chopdekar, and MangaLi (Ford-Figo).

When we started from Dombivli and reached Badlapur via pipeline road, our Google baba showed us the fastest road-going through #Poshir village that connects the Murbad -Mhasa road near #Khandas, instead of the usual Neral-Kothimbe-Kashele-Khandas road. It was lonely but quite enjoyable as going through the jungle. However, at some points, it is filled with little stones - authorities have forgotten to add the tar, it seems!

At some junctions, it was confusing but the map was getting adjusted accordingly. So, initially, there was not any problem. However, at one point, we had to halt on the way to confirm the route toward Khandas from a local motorist as the map shown by Google baba was not helpful.

Though we were not able to find out Padargad, the beautiful view of Sidhhagad was heartening. Soon, we reached a junction from where the Padargad was far away in the right-hand direction. It was obvious as we had on a different path toward Khandas. By keeping the Bhimashankar range to our left-hand side, we, at last, reached the Khandas bridge.

There is a tar road that goes till the base of the Ganesh ghat. Initially, we thought it to be the ideal place for parking. 

However, we realized there is ample space ahead for parking and the vehicle was parked safely there. There was nobody except us. In monsoon, this parking space might have been getting fully occupied - thanks to the beauty of this trek then!

The parking space at the base of Ganesh ghat

We started and within 30 minutes reached the small but famous Ganapati temple. That's why the name of this route is Ganesh ghat. It goes toward Padarwadi - a big well is an indicator. 

The route goes through a beautiful jungle known as Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary.  In monsoon, its beauty enhances multifold, and hence, lots of enthusiastic people flock to Bhimashankar to enjoy - the so-called monsoon picnic.

Beauty with two cute beasts! :D

On the way, we came across this wonderful source of chilled water that was replenished in our stomach as well as bottles.

Slowly but steadily we reached that big well. 

From that big well, the usual straightway goes toward a big waterfall (obviously in full swing in monsoon) - the waters of it fall swiftly into the vast valley between the Padarwadi and the Bhimashankar range. From that waterfall point, the route goes further toward Bhimashankar and meets the path from the Shidi ghat. 

For Padargad, however, one should look for the pathway slightly ahead of that big well that moves to the right-hand direction into the thick jungle. Fortunately, some trekkers had already marked this point which made our task quite easy.

Arrow indicating a direction toward Padargad

The route through the jungle ahead of that big well up to the base of Padargad is very well marked with red painted rekhi and numerous balanced stones models.

In order to understand the exact route to the top of Padargad, one should consider the following snap of the fort taken from the point near the well:

We can clearly observe - there are two V-shaped structures. The left-hand side (LHS) V has to be negotiated with chimney climbing followed by a slightly difficult rock patch to the RIGHT-hand side that takes us to the base of the first hillock.

 

 

 

Video courtesy: Mahesh Raut

Traversing the first hillock, one comes across the first rectangular excavation. 

It offers a beautiful display of Bhimashakar dense jungle from here for sure!

First cave of Padargad, Photo by Mahesh Raut

Then the way enters the second V with broken steps as the first set. One should be vigilant while ascending them. The route then moves toward the right-hand side with the second set of steps.  

Here one should remain cautious as the bridging point might be scary due to exposure to the valley. I would never ever forget a mishap had happened with a group here while returning. Fortunately, there was not any casualty but the incident was quite scary. However, if one remains calm and careful, such unhappy events can be certainly avoided. 

The second set of steps is in a well-maintained condition that makes it easy to reach the plateau atop the fort.

The second set of steps in the second V, Photo by Mahesh Raut

Just after ascending those steps, there are two dried up water tanks on the LEFT-hand side at the plateau. One can easily locate Kothaligad (Fort Peth) from here.

Dried water cistern on the left-hand side (LHS)

We moved further toward the second hillock known as Nandi pinnacle. There is a small pit to cross over.

Toward the second hillock (Nandi pinnacle)

The Nandi pinnacle of Padargad!

There is one potable water cistern on the RIGHT-hand side at the base of the Nandi pinnacle beside the remainings of a house type structure.

Potable (?) water tank at the base of Nandi, Photo by Mahesh Raut

After moving ahead keeping Nandi (the second hillock) to the RIGHT-hand side, we reached the third and last, largest hillock bearing the second cave/excavation.  

It is easy to locate the Tungi fort behind this hillock if the skies are clear.

 

The second cave excavated at the base of the third hillock, Photo by Mahesh Raut

This second cave is easily visible with naked eyes from the point where that big well is situated. We had the much-needed rest here. It was really enjoyable to observe the wonderful forest through which the ladder route goes to Bhimashankar!

Nandi pinnacle and Bhimashankar, Photo by Mahesh Raut

We started our return journey after having lunch and a peaceful nap.

Look at Mahesh behind - carefully walking toward Nandi!

Nandi pinnacle from the base of the third and last hillock

We carefully descended through the second V. 

The steps in the second V

The major challenge for me was alighting the rock-patch just before the chimney. It was negotiated very well.  

Vishal alighting safely through the chimney

Descending thereafter was quite smooth. We replenished our bottles at that point mentioned earlier. While returning, we looked at the mighty Padargad astonishingly as we had been there a short while ago.

The route was still enchanting - thanks to the beautiful Padargad from various angles.  

We took some rest at the Ganapati temple and resumed quickly. As we approached the base, I felt relieved to check the vehicle safe and intact. While returning we took the usual road from Khandas to Neral.

Thanks for visiting this blog. Do enjoy!

© SRC Sambhaji Rajaram Chopdekar  

Fort Sudhagad (16-01-2016)

Members: Mahesh Raut, Vishal Chaughule, Rajesh Raut, Santosh Surve, Pradeep Uthale, and Sambhaji Chopdekar.

Sarasgad, Soorgad and Sudhagad aka Bhorapgad are the three jewels present in Pali (One of the AshtaVinayak places) region of Maharashtra. Sudhagad was also considered as an option for the capital of Swarajya by the great Chhatrapati himself but ultimately given way to Raigad.

It's a huge fort. There are two easy routes for the common trekkers to approach this mighty fort. Either go to Thakurwadi ahead of Pachchhapur (12 km from Pali) or Bairampada (Dhondse, 8 km from Pali).

It's easier to go from Thakurwadi via Pachchhapur Darwaza due to two ladders placed at the appropriate junctions on the spur connecting to the fort. 

Enroute Pachchhapur Darwaza!...

The route is now having well-constructed steps in the Darwaza section which is a commendable task. 

Toward Pachchhapur Darwaza

The most prominent remanent things on this fort are the Sarkar Wada, the Bhoraidevi temple and of-course the Mahadarvaza (main gate). 

During this visit, we came across a very beautiful structure resembling Telbaila. For me, it was quite special as I had not witnessed it in my earlier visits.

 

Mini Telbaila?

Sarkar Wada is quite useful for having a night stay.

At the Sarkar Wada

There is a complex of three potable water cisterns just before the Sarkar Wada to the right-hand direction toward the valley facing the Takmok point if one comes from the Pachchhapur route.

After Bhoraidevi temple, the path descends through a well-preserved jungle toward Bairampada and soon we came across the beautiful Mahadarvaza. Ahead of this, there are two more dilapidated structures of gates. At the third (i.e. first from Bairampada) gate there is a potable and hence, wonderful water cistern hewn in the adjacent rocks.

The route offers another equally useful water cistern known as Tanaji Tanke after negotiating for about half an hour. As the base approached we came across the mustache bearing Hanuman known as Kasarpeth Maruti. A similar idol is also present at the Soorgad fort.

Kasarpeth Maruti

From here, the route is easy toward Bairampada. You can have the company of a full-fledged water stream if it's monsoon. Don't worry, there is a small bridge over it to enter the village.

The mighty Sudhagad from Bairampada near Dhondse!

Maharashtra ST Mahamandal has now extended its services up to Bairampada. Else, one can approach the rikshawalas from Pali in advance to make a better hassle-free return journey.

 

© SRC Sambhaji Rajaram Chopdekar

Fort Surgad (30-08-2015)

Members: Pranjal Wagh, Rajesh Raut, Nitesh Jagwani, Ketan Kinkale, Siddhesh Patil and Sambhaji Chopdekar.

Surgad (Soorgad) is accessible through the base village - Vaijnath, 2 km away from Khamb on the Mumbai Goa National Highway, which is reachable from Nagothane. 

In monsoon, its top is covered with thick grass and hence, it may not be advisable to explore it then. However, it's altogether an amazing experience to visit forts in the Sahyadris in this season due to beautiful greenery around and immense water availability en route.

So, visiting Surgad during monsoon was a well-thought decision by all of us. The route to the fort starts from a small gully beside the Maruti temple @ Vaijnath and leads to two well-built wells - the second, being installed in the stream itself. 

The path after crossing this very stream through the thick woods is easy to follow due to the path-markings (rekhi) and some great work done by the Durgveer Pratisthan (y). 

Soon we came at a plateau from where the South col is clearly visible.

We negotiated the thick jungle and came across the junction where there is a small sign-board indicating the route through the South col. Just before the ascent from the South col, there is a small water cistern.

GoPro loaded with Pranjal Wagh (Waghya!) :D

We entered the fort from the South col which might be dangerous at some points in monsoon - a rope would be of great help. There are small steps carved in the path at the upper part but the path may become slippery due to the waters! We committed the mistake of not carrying rope - a great learning lesson for sure!

South col route!

Nevertheless, we could negotiate it - thanks to the useful guidance of Pranjal Wagh (Waghya).

The dilapidated gate of Surgad

We then explored the fort till its Northern end. It is enriched with some wonderful monuments such as mustache bearing Maruti, ruins of a big house, stony throne, Shiv-Pindi, a big water cistern beside it, a complex of five water cisterns in the middle part, plinths of some dilapidated houses and a mighty bastion followed by a stone carved with Farsi script.

Five water cistern complex

The path further was not easily identifiable. Pranjal took immense pains to search it for but in vain. 

Finally, we were forced to come back to the South col to descend the fort. It was a little bit scary as it started drizzling in between with some strong winds but due to able support from our Waghya, we were through to the base SAFELY. 

The fort is quite beautiful as it offers the amazing necklace view of Kundalika river from the Southern end.

Kundalika river

Mustache bearing Maruti

Do visit it at least once in monsoon to experience the rich beauty of this tiny fort.

© SRC Sambhaji Rajaram Chopdekar