Members: Sulekh Baikar & Sambhaji Chopdekar
For the last few days, both of us were not sure about the trekking spot nearby but then I came across Bheemgad in the books*. It is also referred as Bhivgad. People who go to Dhakgad via Vadap, may overlook this small fort as it is not so well known. We had not been together anywhere since our jeevdhan trek and felt desperately to go somewhere and decided to visit this fort.
It is at Gaur-kamath just ahead of Vadap. We reached Karjat late at about 10.00 am, due to my laziness. One should go to the bridge over the Ulahas River from where the six seaters go to Kadav & Kondivde. Soon we settled in a 3-seater rickshaw for Gaur-kamath (Fare is just Rs. 7/-).
It is on the way to Jambhivali so one can catch that ST also. However, as we did not know the exact time we preferred rickshaw, did some breakfast with the fried rice brought by Sulekh. One of the passengers showed some concern and warned us about the slipperiness of the steps. We assured him that we were not going to do any mischief.
Soon we passed Vadap and could see a small hill called Bheemgad. We reached Gaur kamath at about 10.30 am. The fort is just 200 m (660 ft) high from the sea level. We thought that we could make it in an hour and then would go to the waterfall beside it.
The villagers helped us by showing the way. This tiny fort is spread from north to south. We started from the sond (spur) that has reached the village. Within just 15 minutes, we came across the steps. The passenger was right. It was very difficult to climb those slippery steps. To add to our fear there were two caves to the right above us, one of which was full of bats. We carefully ascended the steps through the khind like srtucture and then moved towards the left to find the tree of Pandharee. The route was not yet over. Today there is no sign of fortifications but the path is an enough indication of the same.
After walking some traverses, we reached a well-built taanke (tank). The way just goes from its right to a plateau. The view is fascinating from here and the speed of the wind is mind-blowing!
We went southwards to find two more, well-built tanks on the top. The villagers have hoisted a saffron coloured flag here. Just above the bigger tank, one can easily make out the existence of a very big vaadaa (house) from the black coloured and well-cut stones (joti). There is no shelter right now but we enjoyed the monsoon a lot! The view of Sahyadris is just amazing from here and the Vadap waterfall is simply awesome!
There is a pass (Khind) between Bheemgad and the mountain from which the waterfall jumps downwards! One can easily see it, thanks to the electricity poles! The route to the right goes to Vadap while the left way upwards goes to Dhakgad from that khind.
We decided to go back to the steps, as we wanted to have their snaps. Therefore, we descended downwards to the left and traversed backwards to the north. We went further to notice a small dry tank. Soon we came just below the top to find two more well built tanks. The right tank carries a pole inside indicating its seniority!
It was 12.15 and we felt hungry. However, the monsoon interrupted our party (Please do not go by the dictionary meaning of party…it was a simple Indian chapatti-bhaaji & amrakhand menu!) and we decided to march back!
It was more thrilling going downwards. I took off my shoes as I slipped many a times. Sulekh did the wonderful work of capturing the awesome views of the surroundings and the steps! We reached the base, completed our lunch and went to the waterfall keeping Bheemgad to the left to get chilled out! But, we had it enough due to the pouring monsoon! Hence, we started our return journey satisfied with the sweet memories of our beloved Bheemgad after taking the snaps of the equally beautiful waterfall!
* Reference books:
(1) Anand Palande, Dongaryatra, 3rd Ed. Prafullata Prakashan, Pune
(2) Suresh Paranjape, Sahali Ek Divasaachyaa, Aaspaas Mumbaichyaa…, Snehal Prakashan, Pune
(3) Young Zingaro Trekkers, Sangaatee Sahyadrichaa, Sahyadri Prakashan, Mumbai
NOTE:
To see the snaps of this wonderful hike, please visit the following site!
...Snaps taken by Sulekh Baikar & wherever possible, by the camera itself!
