Soorgad or Surgad (August 31, 2008)

Surgad is situated at Vaijnath, a small village, just 2 km away from Khamb which is on the Mumbai-Goa highway (NH 17) between Nagothane and Kolad. Khamb is precisely 67 km km away from Panvel. One may reach here from Pali (Ballaleshwar) via Vakan as well.

We reached Vaijnath at about 11.15 am and kept the fort toward right after crossing a small stream and soon lost in the jungle. After exhausting a lot for about 2 hours, we could find the North bastion and then it was an easy route to reach the top through the North col.

The land with tall grass posed a threat but we overcame it using sticks. The fort is spread from North to South and one can easily locate a complex of five water cisterns, a scripture in Farsi, fortifications, a stony throne, a devastated house (vaada) and two beautiful bastions.

A moustache bearing Maruti is another attraction which one can find at the base of Sudhagad fort also (Dhondse village). We alighted through the South col and reached Madali (Vaijnath wadi) at about 05.15 pm. The climax was wonderful as we both had a luxurious return journey through a rented Mahindra Bolero.

Members: Vishal Chaugule and Sambhaji Chopdekar

Do visit:

http://sambhaji.multiply.com/photos/album/96/Surgad_31.08.2008

or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uujnoBOBEY4

Do enjoy!

Fort Sudhagad (27-07-2008)

Sudhagad, also known as Bhorapgad, had been, once, considered for the capital by the great Shivaji Raje Bhosale. It is situated just 10-12 km away from Pali.

We ascended this mighty fort from Thakurwadi (just ahead of Pachchhapur) and descended toward Dhondse. It was pouring all day that made this hike thoroughly enjoyable!

Members: Just two of us, Pranjal Wagh n myself.

Snaps with the help of NOKIA 6600 (again it was useful even though it was raining!)

Do enjoy!!!