ONE DAY TREK TO DHAK BAHIRI

DHAK BAHIRI

Type: Hill Cave
District: Raigad
Height: 2300 feet above mean sea level
Base Village: Jambholi
Region: Karjat -Lonavala
Difficulty Rating: Tough 
Transport: Kalyan to Lonavala by rail, Lonavala to Jambholi by bus.
Time to reach the top: About 3 hrs from the base

Trek to Bahiri caves is famous for its rock climbing section and is considered one of the toughest trek of Maharashtra just because of this rock patch.
But we will try to make it as easy as possible, with appropriate use of ropes, securing safety of each and every participant over the patch.

The plans for the trek will be as follows :
Though it’s a one day trek, the scorching sun in this dry season heats the rocks and makes it difficult to climb after 11 am itself. So to avoid getting burnt by heated rocks we have decided to hike the cave early in the morning and for the same reason we need to reach the base one night prior to the trek.

We will be starting from Mumbai on Saturday afternoon, Our Mates from Pune will join us at Kamshet or Lonavala
Will reach jambhavli the base village by night.
Will have our dinner in the Village, rest for an hour, and start for a night trek till the base of the cave.
Early morning wake up, breakfast, will start towards the patch.(this will prove us very helpful, as only one person can climb the patch at once. and no other goup reaches )
We will climb the patch and will be back by 12pm to the base of the cave.
From here we will return to Jambhavli.
Have lunch and will start our return journey to Mumbai(Karjat) / Pune(Kamshet).

[
Things To Be carried:
A bottle of water (Atleast 2 Ltrs),
TORCH with extra batteries, Candles (compulsory).
2-3 bunch of papers and proper bedding
Camera(Optional)
Cap, etc.,
Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits, etc.
Medicine those if u require usually (Optional)
Good trekking shoes,
A haversack to put in all the things to be carried. so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas.
Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments.]

ONE DAY TREK TO SHIVNERI

Shivneri

·                     Fort Height : 3500 feet.

·                     Type : Hill forts

·                     Fort Range : Naneghat

·                     Grade : Medium

·                     Village : Junnar

·                     Days : 1 days

·                     Accommodation Facility : One can make a stay on the fort in Shiv Kunj or Ambarkhana. Shiv Kunj is a suitable option among the two because of water cisterns is available near it.

·                     Food Facility : Available in Junnar

·                     Drinking Water Facility : Water ponds are available at the top.

·                     Time To Reach : 1 hour from base village..

Shivneri Fort is a historic military fortification located near Junnar which is around 105 km from Pune, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is known as the birthplace of Shivaji Raje.

History :

Shivaji's father, was a general in the army of the Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. He was concerned for the safety of his wife Jijabai during her pregnancy as there was constant warfare going on.He,therefore moved his family to Shivneri fort. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly-built citadel.
Shivaji Maharaaj was born at the fort on 19 February 1630, and spent his childhood there. Inside the fort is a small temple of goddess Shivai Devi, after whom Shivaji was named so.He acquired all the skills and training on this fort which he used while establishing hindavi swaraj (self-rule). He learnt the early lessons of swaraj on this fort. There are statues of Jijabai and young Shivaji. In the fort there are two water springs, namely Ganga-Jamumna, which have water throughout whole year.

Sightseeing: 

Shiv Janmasthan: 
This is the place on the fort where the birth of Shivaji Maharaj took place. This place is named as Shiv Mandir. Ahead of Shiv Mandir there is a huge water tank.
Kadelot point : 
This is the place where prisoners were punished by throwing them down the fort. This point is on the northern end of the fort.
Shiv Kunj : 
Shiv Kunj is a monument constructed by the state government, in honor of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Inside Shiv Kunj there is an idol of Bal Shivaji and Jijabai made of “Panchdhatu”
Kamani Masjid :
In front of Shiv Kunj on can see this Kamani Masjid. It might have been named Kamani because the top of this structure is like bow that is called as Kaman in Hindi. On the east-facing wall there is an inscription in Urdu.
Ganga Jamuna :
These are the water cisterns behind the Shiv Kunj. Water in these cisterns is potable. On whole of Shivneri there are more than 10 water tanks.
Ambarkhana :
Every fort needs to have a warehouse for its storage of grains and food products. Ambarkhana is the place where huge amount of grain can be stored. The caretakers here keep this place very clean.

How To Reach : 
To reach on fort Shivneri first we have to reach Junnar. Distance between Junnar Bus stand and Shivneri is 2 km by road.

Ways to reach Junnar :
1) From Mumbai or Kalyan one can reach Junnar via Malshej Ghat or via Khandala Ghat. Route via Malshej Ghat is the preferable as it takes less time. Buses ply hourly from Kalyan towards Junnar. Distance from Mumbai is approximately 100 km.

2) From Pune or Shivaji Nagar one can take buses for Junnar. Buses ply hourly for Junnar from these bus stands.

3) On Kalyan – Nagar road there lie two diversions:
a) Bangar Phata
b) Aale Phata.
One can also descend at any one of these diversions and use local transport to reach Junnar city.

ONE DAY OUTBOUND PROGRAM TO VASOTA

Vasota

·                     Fort Height : 4267 ft.

·                     Type : Forest forts

·                     Fort Range : Mahabaleshwar

·                     District : Satara

·                     Grade : Medium

·                     Days: Max 2 days

·                     Accommodation Facility: Mahadeo Mandir can accommodate 2-3 people. A plateau near the joint water cisterns can also be used as camping ground. Nageshwar cave can accommodate 20-25 people easily.

·                     Food Facility: One should arrange for self.

·                     Drinking Water Facility: The way to the right of the stairways to Nageshwar cave takes us to a well, water in which can be used for consumption. Even in summer this well does not dry out. Water is available in sufficient quantity on Vasota.

Situated in dense forests surrounded by river Koyna is the fort of Vasota, which according to the ‘Dnyaneshwari’ means a resting place. This fort is also known by the name of Vyaghragad.
History : We have to go back to the times of Sage Vasishtha to know how exactly old is the fort. It’s believed that a disciple of Vasishtha, a sage by the name Agasti, came to reside on a mountain on the banks of river Koyana. He named the mountain after his mentor. Later the mountain was fortified and converted into a military station. In the course of time, fort Vasishtha was pronounced as ‘Vasota’.

This fort is believed to belong to the Shilahar dynasty era, and probably named Vasota due to the name Vasantgad given to it during that era. According to ancient scriptures Shivaji took Vasota after his successful raid on Javli region. But it is untrue. Shivaji took Javli and other forts in the Konkan region but Vasota eluded him. When Shivaji was trapped on Panhalgad he dispatched a battalion from his main army and won Vasota on June 6, 1660. Later in 1679, 26,000 rupees were found on the fort. Among the prisoners caught in 1661 in Rajapur, Faren and Samuel were kept imprisoned on the fort.

Later in 1706, Tai Telini brought the fort under her control. The very next year Peshwa Senapati Bapu Gokhale fought with her. After 8-10 months of intense battle, Bapu Nadkarni conquered the fort.

Sightseeing:

There are two entrances to the fort Vasota

On entering the fort there is a Hanuman temple, now devoid of a roof. Three ways go ahead this temple. The path straight ahead takes us to the remnants of the fort. The one on the left takes us at ‘Kalkaiche Thane’.
On the way is a Mahadeo temple which can accommodate 2-3 people. Moving along the path we arrive at ‘Machi’. The view of the surrounding region is simply spectacular.

Babukhada :
The cliff to the west of the gorge has a sheer drop of 1,500 feet if not more. It was known as the Babukhada and was used as a place of execution for criminals or offenders who used to be hurled down the cliff. The west face of the fort was only a degree less abrupt, and a loose block or boulder of the old wall, if tumbled down the cliff, might be seen bounding from ledge with increasing violence- and speed for an extraordinary distance. The face of the cliff to the south is in three concave stretches and a shout or whistle gives three or sometimes four beautifully distinct echoes. The view to the north is fine, including Makrandgad or the Saddleback and the fine group of steep hills about Kandat and the Par pass. The view south is shut out by the Babukhada, but the west gives an extensive prospect over the rugged Konkan down to the sea.

Old Vasota : 
The mountain that is seen from the Babukada on Vasota is Old Vasota. No way exists now that takes us to this fort. In addition there is an acute shortage of water. Also presence of wild animals in the area keeps the trekkers away from this fort.

How to Reach :
There are 2 main ways to reach the fort, one via Nageshwar and the one directly to Vasota.
Via Nageshwar : It can be said that a visit to Vasota is incomplete without visiting Nageshwar. On our way to Vasota a distinct pinnacle catches our attention. This pinnacle is named Nageshwar. A cave is carved in this pinnacle with a Mahadeo temple inside it. Thousands of devotees crowd this place on Shivratri. Water droplets fall on the Shivling from the rooftop of the cave throughout the year. Most of the trekkers generally visit Nageshwar on their way to Vasota; the only constraint being a walk for a few miles.
Directly to Vasota : a)From Satara:
One can reach Vasota from Satara by 2 different routes.

i)Via Kusapur:
Board a bus at 9 a.m. from Satara and reach Bamnoli. From here one should come to Kusapur by launch. From Kusapur 2 ways go through dense forest, the left towards Vasota and the one on the right towards Nageshwar.

iii)From Mahabaleshwar:
From Mahabaleshwar get to Tapole village and then further arrive at Kusapur by launch. From Kusapur one can reach Vasota as described above.

b)From Chiplun: 
i)Board a bus from Chiplun at 8.30 a.m. and alight at village Choravane. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Vasota from this village. It is to be noted that there is no water on the way and one has to carry his own supply. After climbing for some time one comes across a plateau from where the path on the left goes to Nageshwar and the one on the right to Vasota. As we move ahead along the way to Nageshwar we see another path below that goes to a well through dense forest. We can cut short the total time to Vasota to just 2 hours if we take this path.

ii) Arrive at Tivre village from Chiplun. From here we can reach Vasota via the Rede Ghat.

ONE DAY TREK TO KALAVANTIN DURG

Kalwantin Durg

·                     Fort Height : 2300 feet.

·                     Type : Hill forts

·                     Grade : Medium

·                     Village : Thakurwadi

·                     Days : 1 days

·                     Accomodation : Not Available

·                     Food Facility : Arrange yourself

·                     Drinking Water : Can be arranged from tanks on fort.

·                     Time to reach : 2-3 Hr (from base village)

Kalwantin fort is situated on northeast side of Panvel, on Mumbai-Pune road. One can see it from express highway as V-Shaped mountain.
The left one is Kalwantin durg & on the right side is Prabalgad. There is a dense forest on the way.

Kalwantin durg pinnacle is tougher than Prabalgad. It has some rock cut steps and slippery path near the pinnacle. It’s really adventures.

Ways to reach :
Pune to Shendung Phata on Panvel highway.
Shendung Phata to Thakurwadi via Belavali (15 kms)
From Thakurwadi you can proceed to Kalavantin durga.

ONE DAY OUTBOUND PROGRAM TO TIKONA

Tikona

Tikona (Vitandgad)

·                     Hill Fort Fort Range : Lonavala

·                     District : Pune

·                     Height above sea level : 3600 ft.

·                     Base village : Tikona Peth

·                     Appx. time to reach the top : 1 hr from the base village

·                     Water availability : Potable water is available throughout the year.

·                     Food : Not available, need to carry on our own.

·                     Shelter : Except during monsoon, about 10 to 15 persons can be accommodated in the cave.

Tikona (Vitandgad) is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune The village nearest the fort is called Tikona-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".

The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a water tank and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.

Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and aanexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657 Shivaji Maharaj (The Great Maratha Emperor) brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. This fort was a strategic nexus: the centre of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona. Jaysingh invaded the regionn in 1665 and the local villages were by Dilerkhan but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halalkhan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubadkhan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by the Marathas

The mountains on Deccan plateau in the vicinity of Bor Ghat have many ancient caves like Karle, Bhaje, Bedse, Bhandara and Shelarwadi. The forts of Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona were built in order to defend these caves. This region also has a number of Ghat-routes connecting the ports on the western coast to the cities located on the Deccan plateau. These forts served as protectors of these important trade routes of ancient India. As the caves found in this area belong to the Buddhist and Heenyana era, it is believed that these forts must have been built around 800 to 1000 AD.

History :

Not much is known about the history of this fort. Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered it in 1585 and thus it was made part of the Nizam territory. In 1657 king Shivaji conquered Tikona along with the forts of Mahuli, Lohgad, Visapur, Songad, Tala and Karnala. Thus, all areas of Konkan, which earlier belonged to the Nizam's territory, came under king Shivaji’s control. This fort was strategically very important to keep a watch on the entire region of Pauna Mawal. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was assigned the task of ensuring security of fort Tikona. This fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halalkhan and others. However, the Marathas later recaptured the fort.

In 1682, king Sambhaji met with Aurangzeb's son Akbar. After this meeting, Akbar was offered to stay at fort Tikona, however was sent later to Jaitapur since the climate here didn't suit him. A small battle was fought with the British on Tikona in year 1818 and the fort was damaged to a great extent. Till date the fort of Tikona lies in the form of ruins.

Sightseeing :

The whole fort can be seen in an hour's time, as the area is not so wide. Turn left after passing the entrance. In a short while a cistern and cave can be seen. About 10 to 15 persons can be accommodated in this cave. However, it is not suitable for a stay during monsoon. The path going uphill adjacent to the cave takes us to the entrance to the bastion. The steps in this stretch are a bit tiring. One can see cisterns on the right and fortification on the left after passing through the entrance. After taking a few steps straight ahead, a trail climbs down on our right. Here too are a few cisterns. Return back and join the main path, which takes us to a stretch of broken steps. A climb uphill brings us to a Mahadev temple, behind which is a big moat. Circumventing this moat takes us to the flag-post. From the bastion one can have a view of adjacent fort Tung, Lohgad, Visapur, Bhatrashi hill, Morse hill, Jambhuli hill, Pauna region and Fagne dam. Thus, the whole of Mawal region is visible from fort Tikona.

How to reach :

·                     From the village of Tikona Peth :

The main route to the fort is from the village of Tikona Peth. To reach this village, alight at Kamshet, which is two stops ahead of Lonavala on the Mumbai- Pune rail route. From Kamshet railway station, take a bus / shared private vehicle (jeep) to Kale colony. One can also get a vehicle to reach Tikona Peth from Kale colony.

A bus at 08:30 a.m. at Kamshet bound for Paund or Morsay is convenient for reaching Tikona Peth. From Tikona Peth the fort can be reached in about 45 minutes. This straight route is quite simple and not at all tiring. After passing through the entrance door, a path leads towards left and takes us to the citadel in about 20 minutes.

·                     From the Bedse caves :

A combined trek of Lohgad, Visapur, Bedse caves and Tikona can be done. On such a trek, Tikona can be reached from the Bedse caves.

From Kevre-Bramhnoli-Tikona Peth :

A combined trek of Tung and Tikona can also be done. For that, climb down to Tungawadi after visiting fort Tung. From here reach the village of Bramhnoli with a launch available from the village of Kevre. It takes about 30 minutes' to walk from Bramhnoli to Tikona Peth.

one day trek to purandar

Purandar

·                     Fort Height : 1500 Meters.

·                     Type : Hill forts

·                     Fort Range : Pune

·                     District : Pune

·                     Grade : Easy

·                     Days: One and half days

·                     Accommodation Facility : Available on the prior permission of the officers military in Camps

·                     Food Facility : You have to make your own arrangement for food.

·                     Drinking Water Facility : Available the year round.

Purandar is about 40kms south-east of Pune and some 10kms south-west of Sasawad. It really comprises two fortresses: Purandar, the stronger and more important of the two, and Vajragarh, small sister for t situated on a ridge running out east of it. Purandar has two parts: the upper or Balekilla with precipitous sides all around and the lower part or machi about 300 metres above the plain. On the north side of the lower part there is a broad terrace comprising the cantonment area of the fortifications.

History :
The history of the Purandar fort goes back to the 13th century. The Bahamani Sultans in the 14th century built here some walls and bastions. From 1484 AD, for about a hundred years, the fort remained in the hands of the Nizamshahi rulers. In 1596 AD, the fort was given as Jagir to Maloji Bhosale, grandfather of Shivaji. However, Shivaji had to struggle very hard to establish his control over the fort in 1646 AD. In 1665 AD, Purandar was besieged by the mighty Mughal forces under the command of Jai Singh and Dilir Khan. In the ensuing battle Murar Baji Prabhu, the gallant commander of the fort, was killed. Shivaji, under a treaty, had to surrender to the Mughals his 23 forts, including Purandar and Vajragarh. At the lower fort a statue of Murar Baji Prabhu has been installed in his memory. Purandar was recaptured by Shivaji in 1670 AD Later it became a favourite retreat of the Peshwas. Purandar was captured by the British in 1818 AD. During the Second World War, the British kept here the German war prisoners. Dr. H. Goetz, one of the German prisoners, thoroughly studied Purandar and wrote a monograph on it. After Independence there also functioned a National Cadet Crops (N.C.C.) Training unit at the top.
Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji, was born on Vaishakh Shudhha 12, Shake’ 1579, ie., 16th May 1657, Thursday on this fort.

Sightseeing:

Purandareshwar Temple :
This is Lord Mahadev’s temple built in ‘Hemadic’ style of architecture. The temple houses approx. 1.25 to 1.5 feet high statue of Lord ‘Indra’. Senior Bajirao was instrumental in leading its reconstruction.

Delhi Darwaja :
This door, facing north, is still in a good condition. As the road turns near the Darwaja, we can see a temple of Goddess Laxmi. A leftward route from the bifurcation ahead leads us to the other end of the Citadel. The same road leads us to some water cisterns. The rightward road from the bifurcation leads to yet another door (Darwaja). Two statues of lions guard either sides of this Darwaja.

Kedareshwar :
As we walk for 15 minutes along the main road and climb the steps, we come across ‘Kedareshwar’ temple. A reconstructed temple, it is of Lord Kedareshwar. During Mahashivratri thousands of pilgrims visit this temple. ‘Deepastambha’, a stone pillar for enlightening the lamps, can be seen in front of the temple.
This temple is a topmost part of the fort. One can see the forts like Rajgad, Torna, Sinhagad, Raireshwar, Rohida, Malhargad as well as Karhe-Plateau from here.

Bini Darwaja :
The only door to Purandar Machi,enroute from Narayanpur as we approach Purandar fort. Unlike many other forts, the door is in good condition even today. As one enters through the door, there are provisions for the guards to hide and attack enemy. These are called as the Gatehouses. (Paharekaryandiya Devdya) As one proceeds further, the khandakada immediately catches our attention.
Once you enter through the door, the road branches, one straight ahead whereas the other towards the rear end of fort. As we move on, we come across the vintage military camps and a few bungalows. The same road leads to the foothills of the citadel, where we can see the temple of “Purandareshwar”. Also, the statue of Murarbaji in his fighting stance gives us the feel of his courageous nature and dose not fail taking us back to those glorious days.

Rameshwar temple :
This temple is located towards the rear end of Purandareshwar temple. Constructed during the start of ‘Peshva’ dynasty, built by Balaji Vishwanath, it was a temple that was privately owned by the Peshvas. Moving further ahead we come across the remains of an ancient two storied bungalow called as ‘Wada’.
It was in the same ‘Wada’ that Sawai Madhavrao was born. Behind it is a well, which is in a good condition even today. Moving further ahead, the road bifurcates, one that leads to the foothills of citadel whereas the other towards ‘Bhairav Khind’. As we move towards the road leading the citadel, after a walk of 15 minutes, we come across ‘Dilli Darwaja’.

Purandar Machi :
Coming back up to Delhi Darwaja, one can take a straight route, which leads to ‘Purandar Machi’. We get to see many dilapidated remains along this route. Statue of Murarbaji Deshpande : The statue of Murarbaji Deshpande was established in 1970 to the right after we go through Bini Darwaja.

How to Reach :

·                     From Saswad : S.T. bus to Bhor from Saswad will drop you at the bus-stop of ‘Purandar Ghat matha’ in Narayanpur village. A road on the left side along the two houses situated on mountain ahead leads to Bini Darwaja which can be reached approximately in 45 minutes.

·                     From Pune : S.T. bus to Saswad from Pune takes us to the foothills of Purandar fort. Pune-Narayanpur bus is also available to reach up to the base village, Narayanpur.