Fort Sankshi (October 18, 2009)

Members: Vishal Chaughule and Sambhaji Chopdekar.

We reached Panvel at about 9.00 am as we both woke up late as usual. The ST stand was crowded as most of the Mumbaikars were eager to celebrate the Diwali vacation with their near and dear ones at their respective native places. Fortunately enough there were three Alibuag bound STs and we got into the least crowded one. Our destination was Balavali phata which is just ahead of village Jite on the Panvel-Pen highway (NH17). From here, one can easily locate Karnala, Manikgad and Sankshi.

We started toward the Badruddin Dargah which is about 5 km away from this phata. The tar road leads us through the beautiful Balavali village which has a spacious temple. The road accompanies us up to the school, thereafter a wide trail starts that goes to Nidhavali village. After about a 1.5 hr walk we reached the newly reconstructed Baddruddin Durgah.

We were told to go side by side of the pipeline that carries water from one of the water tanks of the fort to this Dargah. The route to the fort from the Dargah, is easy, but we had to struggle a bit as it was quite difficult to find out the pipeline which was not easily visible due to the thick plantation. Actually, it is in front of the old domed tomb which is just nearby the Dargah. But once the pipeline was seen, we were through and reached the wall of the fort bearing over-hangs.

The way toward the right seemed to be lost in the thick bushes, so we took the left path and soon found two water tanks carved out on the cliff. Thanks to the Sony Cybershot, we were able to see the paavtya (small steps) near the left water-tank. But initially, the problem was we could not find the way to reach the wall that bears them, due to the thick bushes at the base of those steps. However, after a short struggle, we made up our minds and rushed into the thick bushes and with the help of the fallen rocks (they provided the much needed support!),we could actually see the small steps. It was an enjoyable moment for us and after clicking some snaps, we started upward.

We reached the left water-tank but didn’t dare to go to the right one as the path seemed slippery and open to fall. Nevertheless a big flat rock there gave ample opportunity to us to have the photo session. Just above the left tank there is a small rectangular shaped excavation which might have borne the Jagai Mata. History says, she had committed suicide after her father, the king Saank, was killed by the ruler of Karnala.

From here the route upward provided a small practice session for rock-climbing and soon we reached the potable water cistern. It was almost 01.00 pm and hence, we finished our lunch enjoying the beautiful views of Karnala, Manikgad and the tiny looking dargah and tomb. It was time to relax and we just roamed the ridge keeping the cliff to our left to find out two more water tanks. The first one had water having yellow surface. The reason may be the presence of phytoplanktons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoplankton). The second one was unique bearing two carved out idols which are now disappeared.

We left these three water cisterns and moved upward to reach the top in just 5 minutes. We were welcomed by a rectangular shaped carving, the purpose of it was not understood. We moved to the eastern part and thrilled to see a complex of four water cisterns, only one of them had water but non-potable. The most astonishing fact is that the top has lots of small craters (you cannot even measure them unless you have been given a task). The next amazing thing is they are joined to each other at some places with cut-patterns (char). According to me, they might have been dug out to have the rain water percolate inside the kaatal.

The western part has four water cisterns but due to the thick grass it was quite difficult to find out what was described in the literature as the easiest route. It was almost 04.00 pm, and hence we abandoned our attempt to find it out and came back to our initial route from where we had climbed up. Going down was really fun but I was equally fearful while going down through the thick bushes (you know the reason - Vishal was advising me to have some knowledge on the first-aid in case any serpent bites us. You can realize it now!)

For snaps do visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/vishalchaughule/FortSankshi18102009#

(Snaps taken by Vishal Chaughule using Sony Cybershot)

Reference: http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/KOLABA/places_Sankshi%20Fort.html

Do enjoy!!

Khanderi-Korlai (March 10, 2009)

Members: Sulekh Baikar, Pranjal Wagh and Sambhaji Chopdekar

We visited this wonderful sea-fort on the day of Holi along with three Punekars viz., Vikas Konduskar, Amey Patankar and Nitin Joshi.

In the afternoon, we went to korlai fort and enjoyed the wonderful sea-beach over there!

Snaps of only Khanderi fort are uploaded at: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/570488074LcjjXm

All are taken with NOKIA 6600!

Do enjoy!

Nageshwar-Vasota (Feb 28 & March 01, 2009)

It was done with Green Carpet!...we first visited Nageshwar through the dried stream from Met Indavali. The next day, the new Vasota was visited!!...In all, it was really an enjoyable trek!...

Snaps are taken with the help of NOKIA 6600 and Canon BF-80

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/570368374ZEQwQq

Do enjoy!!

Birwadi aka Chanera fort (February 08, 2009)

A bike trek to the Birwadi and Avachitgad forts. we had an enjoyable night stay at the Avachitgad!!

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/570012191HcrMpv

Do enjoy!

Gorakh-Siddhagad (November 22-23, 2008)

An enjoyable weekend spent with Prasad Mayekar n Ramdas Salunkhe at the famous duo-Gorakh n Siddha!...After visiting Gorakhgad, we descended the valley toward Uchale with the help of a localite and then proceeded further to the Siddhagad paada...had a wonderful stay at the Siddhagad machi.

But the only regret was that the villagers are not aware about some health precautions. Most of them were seen spitting in their own homes and it was quite disgusting!...

Still the visit to the Siddhagad fort was wonderful!!

Peb fort (August 17, 2008)

It is also known as Vikatgad which is visible from the Panorama point of Matheran.

Members: Mangesh Halbe, Vaibhav Jadhav, Kailash Dhumal, Raghav Desai, Suryavanshi, Suniel Patil, Rahul Tiwari , Krishnendu, Vidya, Ritishka, Saurabh Londhe and Sambhaji Chopdekar

Snaps: as usual with the help of my NOKIA 6600! http://sambhaji.multiply.com/photos/album/94/Peb_fort_17.08.2008

Do enjoy!!!

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!!!

Balwantgad/Balvantgad (July 13, 2008)

Members: Sulekh Baikar, Mangesh Halbe and Sambhaji Chopdekar

Balwantgad is a small fort located in the Kasara region. It is easily accessible from Vihigaon which is just 10 km away each from Kasara as well as Igatpuri on the Khodale road. Many private jeeps ply between Kasara and Khodale, so transport is not an “issue” (This word is a patented one from Mangesh! Sorry Mangya, for using it!!).

From Vihigaon, a left diversion goes to Maal village (4 km). We started our hike on this tar road. Actually the fort is not so far from Vihigaon, but we went ahead too long as we were busy talking when suddenly Mangesh observed a bastion type of structure on the nearby hillock. It’s the Balwantgad, a small tiny fort, might be utilized to keep an eye on the Thal ghat along with Tringalwadi fort.

We moved toward it through thick woods. This bastion is on the west side of the fort. As we were approaching it, pouring started and continued for some time to make the way slightly slippery. But that did not offer much worries as we were comfortably atop. The highest part of this top is a small place with some sacred stones painted in orange. To the right, there is a huge ‘joti’ giving enough indication of a big house.

We proceeded toward the southern part and soon came across an unknown idol without any shelter. There is a small Shivpindi along with an equally tiny Nandi. Sulekh appreciated its beautiful ears. From here, a big water cistern can be located downwards to the south-west. These are two water tanks which are interconnected and the water seemed not enough potable.

We continued toward the south end. The view of the Kasara-Igatpuri railway track is fantastic from here. The railway enters the tunnel and there is a long ascending green spur of another railway track that was laid down in case of break-down (This valuable information was shared by Mangesh whose father is associated with the railways!).

We proceeded further toward east and found another bastion like structure. It’s mentioned in the gazetteer* that the whole fort was protected with a long, round stone-wall, the remains of which we were observing there. From here, the view of both the Igatpuri road (the Thal ghat!) and the Khodale phata gives ample proof of its importance as a watch-keeper in those days.

We walked further toward north and came across another beautiful stone arrangement, probably the remains of the same protecting wall. From here, the paagote shaped Tringalwadi fort renders a wonderful view to the north-east.

Balwantgad is too small to spend much time there. We finished our lunch and started descending from the north end. The spur led us to the same tar road from where it took hardly 15 minutes to reach Vihigaon.

Note:

(1) *Reference: http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/pdf/gazeetter_reprint/Thane-III/places_Balvantgad.html

(2) From Vihigaon, one may go to Devbandh (24 km), famous for its Ganesh temple or Tryambak (62 km)

(3) For snaps: http://sambhaji.multiply.com/photos/album/92/Hike_to_Balwantgad_13.07.2008

and

http://sulekhbaikar.multiply.com/photos/album/11/Balwantgad_near_Kasara#

Do enjoy!!!

Siddhagad (July 06, 2008)

Members: Sulekh Baikar and Sambhaji Chopdekar

1. The beginning from Uchale:

During Gorakhgad hike, one must have seen the massive Siddhagad on the way. We decided to visit this mighty fort on this Sunday. We reached Mhasa at 08.45 am via Murbad. As per the literature available, Narivali is the base village to this beautiful fort. But in one of the books* it’s mentioned that Uchale, the next village to Narivali on the Mhasa-Dehri road, would be an ideal halt to start this hike. We decided to do the same as some of the local people advised us not to proceed from Narivali since there are lots of routes that may confuse a naïve trekker while the route from Uchale is a straight forward one. And it proved the same as we lost the valuable time while returning to Narivali in the evening.

We alighted at Uchale at about 09.10 am. From here, the view of both Machchhindra and Gorakhgad is simply awesome. The area surrounded by Siddhagad, has now been declared as the Bheemashankar Sanctuary. A board depicting the same welcomes us there.

The ‘Rajmarg’ for the Siddhagadwadi from here is just amazing! Most of the times, we had to walk through the watery path due to overflow from the nearby streams. It was not raining but we couldn’t spot our destination i.e. Siddhagad due to thick fog.

Soon we came across a small, narrow river that might be flowing through the Gorakhgad valley. We found a suitable place there to have some breakfast. A villager joined us while we were discussing the next route as the clouds were not yet cleared from the Siddhagad machi. But this local confirmed that we were on the right track.

Actually the route is quite simple. One must eye for heading toward the ‘Siddha’ pinnacle (Siddhachi Lingi) as the first destination. After having breakfast, we resumed our journey and soon reached a hamlet called Shindewadi. As per the advice of a local boy, we kept on going straight and came across a river. This same river may be flooded when the rains may be in full swing. The Gorakhgad always accompanies us to the left. And we were so amused by the surrounding beauty that we were almost trying to capture each and every frame that we found beautiful. It might be one of the reasons for which we had to pay afterwards.

We crossed this not so flooded river easily and soon reached another hamlet called Siddhagadwadi at about 10.15 am. Now the way ahead was familiar to Sulekh who had done this hike seven years ago.

2. Motiram Bhaware’s jhaap:

There is a steep route from this small hamlet that goes through a thick jungle. There are too many tracks on the way that may confuse us. But it’s always advisable to go through the middle one which is the most prominent one and not to forget to keep the stream (remember the same earlier river!) to the left. The route was leading us to the base of the Siddha pinnacle keeping the Siddhagadmachi toward right.

It was almost 11.00 am when we came upon a small hut belonging to Mr. Motiram Bhaware. It’s the only shanty on this way; so reaching here, one must feel relieved to know that s/he is on the right track. From here, the Siddhagadmachi remains toward our right and the way, mostly known as the Narivali ghat further goes toward the Siddha pinnacle.

3. Narivali Ghat:

We continued our hike keeping an eye on the Siddha pinnacle, keeping the stream originating from this pinnacle as well as the beautiful Siddhagadmachi toward our right. After hiking for about 30 minutes, we reached a point where one has to cross this stream to the right (11.30 am). Again, the same thing happened. We couldn’t control ourselves from capturing the beauty of this full-fledged flowing stream in our cameras and spent some valuable 15 minutes at this junction. But I think, it was worth.

After having that fun, we crossed this stream and started climbing the ghat. Soon we came across another stream that jumps down the valley gracefully. From here, the mouse shaped Kakadmala pinnacle looks fabulous. There is a small rock-cut water tank near a chafa tree at this junction. The beautiful ghat then led us toward the Siddhagad machi keeping the Siddha pinnacle always in front. On the way, there is a beautiful stone arrangement.

At about 12.15 pm, we were welcomed by the equally beautiful gate. The route from Bheemashankar meets this junction. Before proceeding toward the entrance, we changed our track to visit the two stone structures lying near a small plateau which is facing the Siddha pinnacle. The Kakadmala pinnacle and the adjacent mighty hill (Damdamya Dongar) toward right present an excellent view from here. The Siddhagad machi and its massive citadel (balekilla) offer an equally fascinating view toward our left. One can easily locate the Naarmata temple surrounded by thick jungle from here.

4. Siddhagadmachi:

We returned from this heaven and entered the gate. The entrance is still in wonderful condition. It was almost 12.30 pm so we skipped the Naarmata temple and went ahead. After walking for about 15 minutes we reached the famous school (Just kidding! But it is a well-known place among trekkers as it’s an ideal place for the night-stay).

Just before this school, the route bifurcates toward left for the balekilla. The route to the top can be visualized from here-just look at the massif for a cave which is of Saatvahan era. Just above it, there is another rectangular-shaped excavation. The route is through a hidden col which is situated to the right of this Saatvahan cave. Here some small steps (paavtya) offer the much needed help.

5. Toward the balekilla:

We decided to have our lunch at top and marched toward the balekilla. The route is quite easy which passes by a big mango tree. We entered the jungle and started climbing toward the balekilla. The view of Siddhagadmachi and Gorakhgad after ascending some distance is simply breathtaking.

At about 13.35 pm, we reached the cave of Saatvahan era. There are two small water cisterns nearby to the right of this cave. We then traversed to the right and reached the hidden col. This is the first set of steps that are cleverly made. Hats off to the creator!

After ascending those, we came across another set of about 30-35 useful steps. One must be careful while ascending further as the valley offers a frightening look to the left. It was then a zigzag route that reminded me of my Salher hike. The steps are really helpful. The most dangerous spot is just before the rectangular excavation where the water flows down the steps continuously to make them slippery and there is a free fall behind. We must thank nature as it didn’t rain during our march.

6. The summit:

At about 14.40 pm, we reached the top and we were happy that we could make it at last after 5 hrs. Before having lunch, we decided to inspect the fort first. We were first welcomed by a well-carved Shivpindi and Nandi who have been here bearing the wrath of nature without having any shelter. One can locate the Jambhurde dam to the South-west. The view of Padargad from here to the South is just superb!

There are two big water cisterns to the left beside the shivpindi. When we started toward the eastern part, we found a complex of three more water cisterns ahead which are interconnected and the water seemed to be potable. We went further to find a beautiful green spur just similar to Vinchukata of Lohgad.

We came back and then proceeded toward the western part. There is a small gate which comprises of two small guard rooms (devdya) inside it. We entered it and moved toward the western end to find some remains of houses. There is one dilapidated structure at the end and the view of Gorakhgad from here is beyond explanation.

We returned back to the Shivpindi, had lunch and set out for the return journey at about 15.40 pm. Thus we spent full one hour atop. Descending was fun but at some point, frightening too, especially near the rectangular excavation. A rope is certainly advisable for this patch.

7. The climax:

We reached Siddhagadmachi at 17.00 pm. You know what, it was our first hike that was not yet over; otherwise we try to finish it by this time as it’s sometimes dangerous due to the diminishing light. However we were fortunate as the sunlight was quite in abundant and it took about half an hour to reach the stream where we had enjoyed in the morning. It was time to get refreshed so we spent another 15 minutes there to enjoy the waters. At about 17.50 pm we resumed and within 20 minutes we had been at the Bhaware’s hut (18.10 pm). Still Dilli was far ahead!

We set out for Narivali from here as the ST for Murbad does not go up to Uchale. We made it really fast keeping the Siddhagad machi toward left. But the route is not so simple. We were walking endlessly to find our dearest destination, Narivali. But it was not yet in our sight. No doubt, we were helped by the local people on this route. But still it was a long route than our expectations.

We crossed the river (the same!) and were on the most convincing bullock cart way. But it proved deceptive. The time was running out like the dried sand through the palms. At about 18.45 pm, we were literally running desperately to look for the Narivali village and we lost our way.

But soon, Sulekh identified a villager in the dimming light and called upon for the further way. Due to his great help, we reached a field where a farmer was just returning home after his work. He accompanied us up to Narivali and in the diminishing light, we reached there at about 19.20 pm, only to discover, the ST had left for Murbad.

It was our mistake that we could not make out it and decided not to repeat such mistake again in future. It was our fault as we unnecessarily spent time in the morning. Really it was a very frustrating situation as the private vehicles plying on this road had gone for taking rest. But there was a last hope, an ST for Murbad** at 20.30 pm and we desperately waited for it like a lover waits endlessly for his lady!

* Reference: A Marathi book entitled ‘Chala Trekkingla’, by Pandurang Patankar, Snehal Prakashan, Pune

**Note: The ST for Murbad does not go via Mhasa.

Sindola/Shindola fort (June 22, 2008)

Members: Rajesh Raut, Mangesh Halbe, Anand Pethe, Pranjal Wagh, Amol Haral, Sidhesh Patil and Sambhaji Chopdekar

This fort is not well described in many literature books as it may not have witnessed any historical event. Nevertheless, a fort in the Sahyadris is an enough reason for me to visit it and enjoy the Geography around it. At this juncture, I must confess it was the snaps of Sindola fort uploaded by one of my hiking friends, Dipaali Bhosale, on webshots.com, was very helpful.

We alighted at the Khubi phata at about 10.15 am. Actually one should alight at Karanjale or at the Dattamandir near the Velkhind. Sindola is quite visible from the highway. The aim must be to reach the spur of Sindola. There is a hillock that should be crossed to reach this spur.

We were not aware about the route from Kananjale and hence had to walk up to the Dattamandir (11.15 am). The Velkhind leads us to Pargaon from where the way is easy. But on the advice of two wise local men we started our hike from the route just behind the Datta temple. After ascending this small hillock, Sindola looks like just Manikgad…the similar spur and the fort adjoining it.

Now the route is not at all difficult. We walked up to the base of the spur (12.15 pm) and went upward to reach the spur from where the pass (khind) is in the vicinity which I think is the same that has been described in Dongaryatra by Anand Palande.

We climbed the easy rock patch to reach the pass (khind) at about 12.30 pm. Actually there is an easier route available that we utilized while returning. After passing through this khind, the way was now quite straightforward. To the right, the highway and the Pushpavati dam accompany us, while on the left we can easily locate Moroshi’s Bhairavgad.

We reached the first col (ghalai) at 12.45 pm. There is a small water source upward just below the ghalai and the water is just amazing. We filled up our bottles. There is a small cave but the water inside it was not potable. We had a nice photo session here and took the much needed rest.

We then proceeded further keeping the Sindola fort to our right. One has to be careful while walking as the route is not so wide. Soon we passed the second ghalai. The way then moved toward the right at the third ghalai and we realized we have come closer enough to the entrance. The route guides us through some helpful steps (pavtya) on the way in between keeping the non-accessible valley toward our left. The unknown mighty hill beyond this valley keeps us accompanying on the left. The way goes through the ghalai and now, the bastion is visible to the right.

And at about 01.30 pm, we entered the fort where Shri Ganesh and an unknown have been carved out near the entrance. The gate is now vanished but its “astitva” can be visualized by the adjoining bastion. We reached the top but there is nothing much left on this fort. But the view is breathtaking enough. To the North, the way to Khireshwar (dam line) is clearly visible along with the Kalyan-Alephata highway.

We enjoyed our brief stay at the fort, cracked some hilarious jokes at one another, had lunch and roamed around to capture the beauty of the Sahyadri range. We decided to return back at 3.30 pm. The return journey was not at all painful as we reached the first ghalai at about 4.00 pm, filled up the water bottles. It was 4.30 pm when we reached the pass (khind).

Now there were two options: first to go along the spur and alight to the right toward Pargaon which we thought time consuming. The other option was to descend to the left through a well-guided route and go to left as much as possible toward the Karanjale village.

We were fortunate enough as the second option clicked and we were on a rather simple route going toward Karanjale. We thought we should have followed it in the morning. But you know, it happens! You are not always right!! We reached the highway at about 5.00 pm near Karanjale and were on the Kalyan route soon, in a comfortable ST.

Snaps with the help of JXD mp4

Do enjoy!...

Ghangad (October 29, 2007)

Members: Prasad Mayekar, Ramdas Salunkhe, Vijay Kamble and Sambhaji Chopdekar

After having lunch at Mr. Rokde, we set out for Ekole from the Telbail village, which is about 12-13 km away via Bhamburde. As we approached Bhamburde, the Navara Navari pinnacles came closer and closer. But that was not our destination. We took a right diversion for Ekole. The road is not yet developed. But we could manage it with some difficulty.

We inquired about the night stay when we reached the village ahead of Maruti temple. We soon found a house called “Chandraprakash”. The lady was really helpful. We kept our sacks inside her house and set out for Ghangad.

We were accompanied by two small kids viz. Sumit and Nitin from this village. Nitin was more experienced as he has done this fort many a times. We were on the way to the Gaarjai temple which is visible with a naked eye in the thick jungle around the fort. The Telbail walls accompany us on the route.

The temple is renovated now. There is a Deepmaal in front of it. But the cannon ball is missing now; may be we were unable to find it out. But the miserable thing is that the stone scripture mentioning the fort and the Goddess Gaarjai, is also got painted so it is not so readable now.

After having some snaps and rest, our companions led us through the woods to the top. Soon we reached the khind between the Ghangad and the Eastern hill. The stone arrangement in the form a Pindi and the valley behind is just awesome. From there, we returned back and headed toward the first gate through a small bastion.

We were welcomed by the caves atop. The left cave is spacious and can be used for the night stay if required. But the amazing thing is the big rock that has been detached and has rested with the wall of Ghangad. We went underneath it toward the Vaghjai idol which is situated in a small cave.

But the real fun was just ahead. With the help of Nitin, Prasad and I went still ahead to find a potable water tank. The path is really breath taking as the cliff offers a good site of the deep valley.

Soon we returned back to the Vaghjai cave. Now the next destination was the balekilla. For this one has to climb the rock patch, precisely of 16 ft high as the steps have been destroyed by the British in 1818. A well-prepared climber has no problem but amateurs should use rope for the safety purpose which we did. Our group leader Prasad climbed it easily and anchored himself with the sling at the piton which has been fixed near the water tank atop. One by one we climbed the same.

There are three water cisterns after climbing some steps, out of which only one offers potable water. Still the balekilla was not near. We had to climb some distance to enter the second gate. The bastion to the east is in nice condition but one may wonder how it would have been useful for protection from the mighty hill in front of it in those days.

Okay. We reached the top. There is not much to see around. The remains were hidden due to the thick bushes in the surroundings. But one can have a fabulous view of both Sudhagad and Telbail from the top. We had some good time there.

And now, it was time to go. We decided to make it fast. The rope was a useful object once again. Prasad was the last man to rappel down. After reaching the base, we had a night stay at “Chandraprakash”.

...

Telbaila walls (October 28, 2007)

From Korigad, we headed for Telbail from Peth Shahapur via Saaltar paas!...one may wonder the beauty of the road from Lonavla upto the Amby Valley!...but the real fun begins from Peth Shahapur onwards!...

On the way to the Telbail village, right from the Saaltar paas, the road is so fascinating that the Maharashtra Government should organise a MOTOCROSS competition over there!...in this way, we can attract lots of tourists to find the UNKNOWN MAHARASHTRA!...

The road is full of stones...we had to drive very carefully so that the bikes wouldn't get punctured out!...But at the same time, it was heartening to see the Maharashtra ST buses plying through this difficult road!...hats off to them!...How they manage to track this road is really commendable!...

Do visit Telbail walls!...to experience this wonderful journey!!

P.S. For the snaps please visit the following link:

http://sambhaji.multiply.com/photos/album/69/Telbail_or_bail-tal...the_place_for_bulls

Do enjoy!