Bhimashankar (October 8-9, 2006)

Members: Rajendra Gavas, Ganesh Utekar, Pravin Tawade (Our phoptographer) & Sambhaji Chopdekar

I had done this trek earlier twice in monsoon and that too from the shidi-ghat! It is one of the amazing treks as far as we reach the small lake atop! Then onwards the experience of staying there is a bit painful! The reason you all know if you had been there.

Therefore, when Pravin & Gavas asked me for this trek in monsoon, I was not ready. However, I could not resist their offer after the monsoon was over. Obviously, I was once again the guide for this trek (…just kidding!) and for the sake of safety; we decided to go by the Ganapati ghat. Actually, the route is so well guided that it does not pose any problem even for a naïve trekker!

We reached Khandas at about 0945 am via Kashele. Then we moved to the bridge through the village. The route to the left goes to the Katewadi from where there are two ways to Bhemashankar-one is the Shidi ghat and the other is the Ohol ghat.

We started our journey towards the Ganapati ghat for which the route goes to the right of the bridge keeping the river to the right. It is a tarry road that enters into the jungle. Though it was a sunny day, we couldn’t see the Padargad as it was covered with thick fog.

Soon we came to a small bandhara from where the way goes towards left. We arrived at a small hut at about 1015 am where we were welcomed by the display of the bheemashankar sanctuary. It took us just 30 minutes then, to reach the Ganesh Mandir. It is a small hut like structure that is an ideal place for taking rest.

The trek was calm & peaceful as we headed slowly towards the well that is situated at the base of Padargad. On the way, we took some beautiful snaps of our beloved Padargad. Its gopur type of structure reminded me of Markinda.

We had our lunch just before the well enjoying some thinned waterfalls jumping from the cliff. After 10 minutes, we came across a waterfall where some trekkers were enjoying their bath. We did not join them, as we wanted to reach our destination in time. Therefore, we scheduled this programme for the next day!

It was 13.05 pm when we reached the joint where the route from the shidi-ghat meets. The straight way from here goes to the Padarwadi where a temple of Shri-Kshetra Sahyadeshwar and an ashram of Shri Sadanand Maharaj are located.

From this joint, we should head towards right. The path now becomes steep. After ascending for some 45 minutes, we were at such a height that we could easily locate the sidhhagad ahead and Kothaligad (Peth) just behind the Padargad. Tungi is visible all the way from Khandas.

We were thankful to a small waterfall that had potable water on the way. Rajendra had a beautiful idea of using a big leaf as a droNi to collect the water. From here, the Khandas bridge can be easily seen. The way then goes through the dried waterfalls.

After some 20 minutes, we came at the plateau. The route through the jungle then led us to the lake at about 1450 pm. From here, the right way goes towards the Nagphani. (I was the happiest person at that time as we were not welcomed by the land-mines which is a usual scene in monsoon especially in the month of shravan).

It was cloudy at that time and we wanted to look for the shelter, probably at the dharmashala situated at the Jyotirling temple. Therefore, we abandoned the thought of visiting the Nagphani and headed forward towards the temple.

However, the accommodation was not available there and we had to book a room at the dharmshala run by the Varkari Sampraday of Ghatkopar. (But think a lot before staying as the main basic amenity such as call of nature is not available in such places!….) And, the pouring rain dashed our hopes of visiting the places like the gupt-bheemashankar!!

The next day we just quietly started our return journey, as we knew we would come here once again to visit those missed places. But certainly not in monsoon of course, as far as I am concerned, if you ask me!...

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The journey:

(1) Karjat to Kashele : by ST Rs. 13/- and by shared rikshaw Rs. 15/-

(2) Kashele to Khandas : by shared rikshaw Rs. 10/-

The snaps of this trek…taken by Pravin Tawade

Please visit the following link:

http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sambhajichopdekar/album?.dir=3af8scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sambhajichopdekar/my_photos

Visapur fort (August 13, 2006)

Members: Amit Jagtap, Nitin Gavkar, Rajesh Raut, Vishal Chaugule, Jitendra Chaudhary, Dhananjay Deulgaonkar, Dhananjay Zope and Sambhaji Chopdekar

Actually I had been at Lohgad with my UICTian friends on 8th of July. However, I had promised my colleagues that I would be there for this trek again. Therefore, I tried to avoid the mistake of not visiting Visapur at that time and finalized our programme. We decided to visit Visapur followed by Lohgad to go to Bhaje caves.

We went to Lonavla by Pandharpur fast passenger that does not halt at Malavli- we were told. Hence, it was really painful spending those 3 hrs at the Lonavla platform as it was drizzling continuously. Thanks to our windcheaters, we were saved from the chilled atmosphere.

The first local train for Pune is at 0530 that carries us to Malavli in just 10 minutes. We had our breakfast at a nearby hotel. After that, we headed for Paatan instead of the usual Bhaje route as per the plan.

The road to the right from the over bridge goes to Bhaje while on descending to the left we are off to Paatan that is reachable in just 30 minutes. The Bhaje hill (as it holds those famous caves, accessible from Bhaje!) is always to our right.

Now the route goes from the padar of this hill towards the Visapur Khind. However, we thought it might be risky due to thick greenery and went ahead of the temple to cross a stream. The way is not too confusing here onwards as we should keep an eye to our right. To the left, one can easily see the Bhaatrasheechaa Dongar.

During this journey, we came across some well-built steps beside a waterfall and felt relieved to be on the right path. The Mumbai-Pune Express highway is always behind us. The fortification of Visapur is now easily seen ahead of us. But one should march towards the right to the khind.

The way was very well guided by the usual white painted marks (Rekhi). In the last stage, we went through thick bushes just below the left part of Visapur. The route leads us to a stream coming downwards through the khind, which has destroyed most of the steps.

Soon we reached a well-built cave where an idol of Maruti has been carved out on the nearby wall. After ascending those 60 odd steps, we had been atop! We were welcomed by a cannon! There are some water cisterns on the top and we were fortunate enough to locate two houses (vaadaa) also.

The atmosphere was full of thick fog, so it was not advisable to go for sight seeing! Hence we decided to go to the South for Lohgad. It was not easy due to thick fog still we could manage to come to the khind from where the route goes towards the Lohgad-Visapur Khind.

It was fun while going down through the waters. The route is not so difficult and within just 30 minutes we were on the way to Lohgad!...

Bhivgad/Bheemgad (July 30, 2006)

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!

http://sulekhbaikar.multiply.com/photos/album/3

...Snaps taken by Sulekh Baikar & wherever possible, by the camera itself!

Vishramgad/Pattagad (July 01-02, 2006)

Vishramgad aka Pattagad on July 01-02, 2006

Members: Smita Jadhav, Hemant Jadhav, Shubhangi Lokhande, Kundan Lokhande, Rohan Rao, Raokaka, Abhinav, Shriharsh Tendulkar, Mallika Tendulakar, Gurudatta Pawar, Sambhaji Chopdekar, Mihir Jadhav (6 years old) and Parth Lokhande (5 years old).

My brother-in-law Gurudatta Pawar had invited me to join their group for this wonderful trek. Three members had already done this trek earlier. As I had not been at this range, I accepted his invitation at the expense of Khandas-Bheemashankar trek that was organized by my UICTian colleagues.

I alighted at Igatpuri by Tapovan Express at about 09.00 am along with Hemant, Shriharsh and Mallika who had been in another compartment. Others joined us there by Gorakhpur Express. By that time, we did some needful shopping like groceries and plastic covers. 

There was no bus available for Ninavi, the base village of Avandhha, hence we hired a jeep that carried us there through Kadva Colony. It was almost 12.00 noon and raining in between. Therefore, we made it fast. Soon we passed the Bajarang temple on the way. We climbed the first patch keeping the waterfall towards our right. It was almost 13.15 hrs so we had our lunch there on that plateau.

From here, we went straight towards the South direction to find another range in front of us. Still the Avandhha was not visible due to thick fog. This range has a nedhe (a hollow space!) towards its left. One should use the col of this hill to take a traverse towards right. However, we went through the dhhorvaataas (cattle-made trails) present between the two waterfalls to reach the top.

It was raining heavily. We continued towards the khind (a pass!). Here, a structure of Vaghobaa is present. Before crossing the khind, the way towards the right goes to the Avandhha. We abandoned the thought of climbing it, as it was not viable due to fog.

Hence, we crossed the khind and went to the left for Pattawadi. The way was not proper as it is being under construction. A windmill is to be mounted here. The road was full of mud due to rain and we were just following it blindly, as there was no option available. Soon we realized that the fort Patta was towards our left and we were not heading for Pattawadi. We came across a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesh on our way. At last, we reached Konkanwadi that is at the South-West of Patta. We stayed at the Bhairavnath temple and retired at night after having a wonderful dinner.

In the morning, we saw the amazing katalkadaa of fort Patta as the skies were clear. When we set out for Patta, Hemant caught a non-poisonous snake called Trinket Tusker from a nearby hut. It was about 3 ft in length. He held it carefully and allowed us to have the wonderful experience of handling it with utmost care. It was one of the unforgettable experiences of my life! Mihir was not also frightened as he had handled them earlier. However, to our astonishment most of the villagers were afraid to, even, touch it. It was then safely allowed to go to its way.

The route to the fort Patta goes towards right that is connected to a tar road. Here, we should always keep the Patta towards left. Within an hour, we were in the Pattawadi at about 08.50 am. From here, the way is not at all confusing. We should keep an eye on the electricity poles. We can easily locate the cave where a Swamiji called Laxman Swami Maharaj had lived and a temple of Ambikamata above it.

We started towards the West and soon we came across a place where a red-painted cannon has been placed. The trail is simply straightforward from here onwards. Firstly, we reached the cave where some of us took some rest. 

The buruj (bastion) of this fort is just mind-blowing! It is built using the rocks of the wall. It is simply awesome. To the left, there is another cave but it is not suitable for the night-stay. 

After ascending some more steps, we came at the gate that is, I think, accessible from Tirghewadi. We could make out Aad, Bhurundaa and Mhasoba (Channagiri) to the East. 

Soon we reached the ashtabhuja Ambika temple. She is sitting on a tiger. The temple has a potmaala (balcony) - may be used for storage purpose. This temple can be used for overnight stay, as there is enough water available in the form a big underground reservoir. Its outermost portion is very well separated with a well-built wall in between.

From here, the way goes to the maachi traversing the temple and keeping the poles towards the left. After ascending some hilly region, we reached a black building known as the Ambarkhana at about 09.40 am.

The structure has three blocks with three rocky roofs. The first block has a five-foot high entrance with a small window. The second block has an entrance to the right while the third block has two entrances on each side. There are totally three windows that are having the same centre.

The sky had turned cloudy and the time was not so enough, hence we did not go further. We also gave up the thought of descending towards Konkanwadi as it was rather easy to go to Pattawadi. However, we diverted our way to the right from the cannon and soon we were on the tar road. On the way, Shriharsh and I tried our best to catch the khekdas (crabs) (without harming them) under the effective training of Hemant. 

We started our return journey at about 13.00 hrs. It was really a long walk (about 5 km) as it is simply a plain road. We reached the Konkanwadi phata at about 14.00 hrs. Soon, we got an ST from Sinnar for Kasara via Taked.

In all, a memorable trek as I had my first experience of handling a snake! (So what, if it was non-poisonous!)

Gorakhgad (June 24, 2006)

Members: Amit Jagtap, Jitendra Jagtap, Rajesh Raut, Vishal Chaughule and Sambhaji Chopdekar

We reached Murbad at about 09.15 am. An ST bus going to Dehri, the base of Gorakhgad, was just waiting for us. We reached there at about 10.00 am. We got some time to have refreshments at a small hotel where the group has to register itself.

After having tea and Mugaachi Bhajji (thanks to Amit’s mother!), we started our trek at about 10.20 am. As per my friend, Sulekh’s advice, we took the correct way that goes from the right of the Gorakhnath’s temple. One should not go downwards-the mistake we had made in our earlier hike.

It is a hilly path and we thought as if we were heading for Sidhhagad. Soon the way diverted to the left. Now we could see both Machchhindragad and Gorakhgad to our left. We could easily make out the Chaphaa tree atop! There is one dumba to the right of Gorakhgad. One has to take traverse to this dumba as well. Now, the ever-inspiring Sidhhagad is always to our right and the range in which the Ahupe Ghat is situated is just superb! We crossed almost 10-15 dried streams through this jungle. We were on the right track as we were able to see the orange coloured temple at the top of Gorakhgad.

Soon we came at a spot where the actual way goes to the left. However, we were clueless, as the way had vanished ahead due to the thick bushes. Even I was confused about the next way. I was feeling that we should avoid this way and go straight and then we would get a diversion to the left for the gate while Rajesh was emphasizing that, it was the right track and we should go further through those bushes. He was perfectly correct as we lost almost 30-45 minutes in finding our way in that dense forest due to my fault.

Again, we came to our original spot and took the left diversion to find our way through those bushes. After some time, we could see the orange coloured gate and we felt relieved! After ascending some hilly region, we went to our right where we found a place with a Shivpindi and some stone-carved idols. From here, a way leads us straight to the Gorakhgad and the opposite track goes to a small hut. We did not go there as we were running short of time (13.15 pm).

Hence, we went straight to find the ruined Mahadev temple. The rock-hewn steps lead us to the orange-painted gate. The gate reminded me of Peth. Then came the second rock-patch. On one of the steps, there has been something written in Bramhi Lipi. After so much of trouble, we were through and went to the right to have the much-needed rest in the well-carved excavation.

The water in the nearby tank is potable but the level had dropped. Therefore, we went ahead to the north to find a water cistern that satisfied our need.

At about 15.00 pm, Vishal and I decided to climb the top of the Gorakhgad while others were happy to be at the excavation. One has to climb the 50 odd rock-hewn steps. It was frightening to look downwards while ascending. I was also in a confused state of mind, as we had not taken any safety equipments such as rope. Still, we climbed the steps very carefully to reach the top. The view atop is simply fantastic!

There is an orange coloured Gorakhnath’s temple with a Shivpindi and Nandi in front of it. We could see Naneghat and Jeevdhan but could not make out Dhakoba. The view of both Siddhgad and Machchhindragad is just amazing! And, least to say about the Ahupe wall. The time that we spent there was quite mind-fresh!

Then, the real test began! Descending the rock-steps has now become one of my memorable moments. The deep valley was somewhat discouraging, but then, there was no option. We were fortunate that though it was somewhat cloudy, there was no sign of raining. We took utmost care and helped each other to land safely. It was almost 16.00pm and we were quite relaxed and happy after doing such an adventurous job!

We started our return journey at about 16.20 pm. Soon the entire region was covered with black clouds. We were fortunate (again!) that it did not rain until we reached the dilapidated temple! Then there was the real fun! It started raining and quickly it took its pace. It was pouring! We could easily make out the way through the small running streams and within 30 minutes, we came to our original spot(from where I had misled my team!).

From this, the next way was not so difficult. The view of the waterfalls on the Ahupe wall delighted us a lot. We reached the Gorakhnath temple at about 18.00 pm and quickly found a jeep coming from Dhasai that carried us to Mhasa. From here, we settled in another jeep going to Murbad.

Note: To see the snaps of this trek, please visit the following link...snaps by sambhaji & vishal!...

http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sambhajichopdekar/album?.dir=8f3ascd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sambhajichopdekar/my_photos

Fort Jivdhan (10-06-2006)

Members: Sulekh Baikar, Shamim Sheikh and Sambhaji Chopdekar.

We reached Kalyan at about 08.00 am. Many ST buses go to Nagar & Junnar via Malshej ghat. We settled in one of them going to Aalefata. Murbad is about 30 km away from Kalyan. We saw some mini buses that go to Dhasai or Vaishakhre. One group was going to Gorakhgad in one of them. From here, the major village is Tokavade that is about 27 km away from Murbad. We requested the conductor to alight us at the NanetaL which is about five km away from Tokavade. The total fare is Rs. 40/-.

We reached NanetaL at 10.00 am. One can easily locate the Vandarlingi, Jeevdhan & Nanacha Angatha from here. We started from there, had some breakfast of pohe & fish (thanks to Sulekh’s mother) and reached the Naneghat cave slowly at about 13.15 pm. The trek is rather easy due to the white painted marks (rekhi). We could see two water tanks and a stone carved with a sharabh & (may be) Hanuman on our way.

In the cave, there was nobody except two local boys. We had our lunch over there. The water in the tanks is still potable. Just, one should move away the tiny green leaves to get a crystal clear water. It is just amazing!

After having some rest, we got off for Jeevdhan at about 14.10 pm. We hired one of the above boys viz., Kaloo who led us there via Vandarlingi. One has to go to the right of the Gune ghat. One can easily locate the beautiful Dhakoba that is the highest peak in that region. We remembered our exhaustive Durg-Dhakoba trek. Shamim literally folded his hands towards it.

Our aim should be straight-the Vandarlingi. The slit having the Kalyan Darvaza is easily visible towards the left of it on the katalkada of Jeevdhan. We then entered into the jungle, thanks again to the white mark! Soon we reached a small dam-like structure at about 14.35 pm. From here, we proceeded further keeping the Jeevdhan to the left.

At about 14.37 pm, we came across the bamboo jungle. Now our aim was definite! We kept Vandarlingi in front of us and rushed into the bamboo jungle. Then we went towards the right to find some big rocks. We traversed them from our right and proceeded towards the left to the steep patch to have the beautiful Vandarlingi just above our heads. Due to rains, it was difficult to have a clear path but the target was sure.

After ascending the steep patch through those dense bushes, we came across at 14.52 pm to a large stonewall. We could see the small lingi (pinnacle) that is just below the Vandarlingi towards our right.

From here, we started towards the left through the stream path. The view of Nanacha Angatha (thumb) is just superb. Within just 5 minutes, we reached the carved footsteps and relaxed there for some time. After ascending some 40 odd steps, we dashed towards the Vandarlingi keeping Jeevdhan to the left. We reached the base of Vandarlingi at about 15.20 pm. It is also known as the “Khadaa Paarashi” because of its peculiar structure.

A cute little boy from a family just reminded me of my beloved nephew, Mihir. His father kept him on his shoulders and went to the Vandalingi by crossing the thin patch that connects both of these beautiful structures to each other. It was just heartening!

We had some rest at the well-carved cave at the base. The view is simply breathtaking! We had our beloved Dhakoba and a beautiful wall reminding us the Konkankada of Harishchandra. We had enough rest so we started at 15.35 pm for Jeevdhan.

Soon we reached some 30 odd steps that lead us towards the right to find the hidden bastion (buruj. The wind blow is simply terrific! The Nanacha Angatha keeps us inspiring to ascend the rock patch. The path is literally tiresome reminding us the footsteps of Sarasgad. After ascending it with some efforts, some 25 steps take us to the Kalyan Darvaza that is built in the well-known Gomukhi fashion.

It had been destroyed by the British! One can easily locate the spots where they had put the ammunition. The gate is not so high but full of rocks inside it. There are three structures carved on the gate. We could identify only the moon and sun but were clueless about the middle one that is like a Kumbh.

We then climbed it with the help of our guide. It is like this, first we have to keep our feet on the rock as a bird, say, a cock. Then raising our heads safely we turn to the left taking the help of the wall. It’s not so difficult! The scene is just fantastic once you reach the top. We were there at about 16.10 pm. Thus, we had our task completed within 2 hrs, thanks to our guide!!

Then we headed towards the south to see the Vandarlingi from the top! It’s just worth seeing! We laid down carefully and observed the pinnacle (lingi) from its top. The moment was really satisfactory!

The fort has a tank upwards, just near the Kalyan gate. Then we went towards the Kothi after descending the citadel (balekilla). It’s a large structure that was used to store food grain in those days! We entered it carefully with torches, but this place is not so safe for the night stay! The Kothi has an amazing roof built of rock. On observing it, one can easily conclude that some part of the Kothi is just below the balekilla. There are about 5 tanks to the left of the Kothi out of which only one has some water in it.

Here one can easily locate the bastion to the east side and the base village-Ghatghar just below to the left. It was almost 17.30 pm and our guide was unable to show us the temple of Jeevai. So we started our return journey towards Ghatghar to the left of Kothi.

After descending some 25 steps, there is a water tank but it was covered with some yellow-colored algae. After some 55 steps, we came across two successive rock patches which bear the helpful step holes (pavtyaa). Thanks again to our guide, we alighted both of them within 10 minutes by following the simple rule-Face the Rock!

After descending some more 65 steps, we came across the first waterfall. There was no water so it was easier for us to descend. However, it would be somewhat difficult to descend in the rainy season! It was almost 17.55 pm and we were on the opposite side of the sun. Soon we were in the bamboo jungle and came out of it at about 18.15 pm.

At last, we had successfully completed our trek. We then went to Ghatghar to find Subhash Dake’s house where we had a nice night-stay.

...