tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64897914207246897052023-11-16T06:09:01.569-08:00Living Outdoor in a TREK'Di wayPinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-6319702659403484832020-06-22T01:24:00.003-07:002020-06-22T01:30:38.728-07:00Sahyadri Tiger Reserve - An Unknown Forest (Part 2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary</span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /> Koyna reserve is the northern part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The Koyna river originates from Old Mahabaleshwar and initially flows west of Mahabaleshwar but then it does not descend in Konkan, instead it turns southward and then about 50km south it turns south east. There at koyna nagar Koyna Dam was built. This dam is one of the biggest dams of maharashtra. Now because of this dam there is great water divide and precisely this has helped to create prestine jungles in the mountain crests of Sahyadri around the Koyna river forming the Koyna Wildlife Reserve.<br /><br /><br /> The "Koyna wildlife Sanctuary" is divided in following segments as we go from north to south.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1] Shindi / Met shindi (tourist zone & buffer zone starts)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2] Vasota / Met indavli (Tourist zone & Core zone starts)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3] Maldev/ Kusawade (core zone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4] Pali (core zone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5] Jhungti (core zone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6] Dicholi (tourist zone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7] Shirshinge (core zone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8] Nawaja (core zone & buffer zone)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Each of these zones are valley or catchment zones formed by tributaries of Koyna River. It is a high rainfall zone and because of divide of dam backwater all these regions are difficult to reach and hence it has very good quality of forest. Ofcourse there are some villages still existing in these parts of forest as these villages has been there for centuries but they are sparsely populated and most of the area is left untouched.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1] Shindi / Metshindi</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We can reach to this area by road+ ferry boat from Mahabaleshwar. A road from the base of Pratapgad travels south for about 40-45. We also cross Madhu-Makarandgad on the way. They we cross water by ferry. The road further leads us to Tapola. We can also take boat from Tapola or Bamnoli to reach this place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> After crossing by ferry there are several villages Morni, Mahalunge, Arav, Shindi, Met shindi, Ravandi. Around these villages we find Mahimandangad, Parbatgad, Chakdev. These villages are in buffer of the sanctuary and forest department is interested in promoted eco tourism in these villages. ofcourse exploration of widlife must be done on foot. There are no vehicle Safaris. A trek route can take us from here to Vasota. It is almost trek route of 14 Hrs and no one in the way to guide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2] Vasota</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> To reach here we must travel by boat. We can hire one from Bamnoli or Tapola. You can also climb by foot from village called Choravane which arrives at Nageshwar temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> New vasota fort is part of tourist zone but old vasota is part of core zone. We can also visit Nageshwar temple which is part of tourist zone. There is a confirmed siting of 1 tiger in this part of forest. possibly 1 more in old vasota area. Old vasota is also known to have sloth bear population. If you are lucky there is a high chance to spot herd of Indian gaurs- favourite food of Tiger from top of Nageshwar or Vasota. It is very difficult to spot mammals on foot as they are very alert and you are not !!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3] Maldev / Kusawade</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It is a very dense forest zone with just 3 villages and now they are also mostly abandoned. There are no heritage locations around but from bio diversity perspective very wealthy area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Officially you can not visit this area as it is part of core zone, even if you have permission normal wayto reach this area is by boat from Koynanagar or from Bamnoli. But there is another way on foot if you are adventurous enough. If you travel from Chiplun to a village called Sakhar then you can climb towards Maldev by "Sarichi wat"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4] Pali</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Another cathcment area defined by the name of village "Pali." But interesting part is that there is a fort named "Paligad" in this area which is highly unexplored and there is absolutely no information about it. Last reference of this fort I got from Harish Kapadia's book - Trek the Sahyadri's. Today this fort comes in core parts of Koyna forest and hence impossible to visit officially.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> As usual there is no way to reach this place except Boat. No roads. There could be a possible way from Konkan but I am not aware of it. Forest is stunning. I haven't been able to witness this part first hand but my friends from forest department have shared some photographs and they are enough to entice any nature lover. There is a big "Sada" near Pali village which is among the first of similar features we find southwards. Sada is a feature where plateau is filled with volcanic rocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5] Jhungti</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Another enigmatic area with very dense forest and part of core zone. Approach only by boat. This area has confirmed resident tiger movement. Ofcourse like in forests of plains, tigers of mountains do not stay in one area for long and hence not easy to pin them down to any one specific area but still with high density of forest and high availability of food tigers tend to stay in this area longer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Like i mentioned in Pali area, another unknown fort named "Jhungti" is located in this valley. It is suppose to be similar to Jangli Jaigad fort, a small fort on the crest of mountain guarding a route to konkan. With the same logic of Jaigad with can call this fort as Jangli Jhungti</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6] Dicholi</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It is a big area consisting of Dicholi & dhokawale villages and around. Unlike other area's this is not really formed of a watershed. This area has lot of flat area and plateaus making it a favorite grazing area for Gaurs and Sambar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> On the opposite side of dam there are villages called Kathi, Gojegaon, Gawadewadi etc which are out of forest reserve and has facilities of eco huts. With permission from forest department we can take a boat from these locations to Dicholi area and explore the jungle. Being easy to reach, this area has been kept as tourist zone by forest department. Ofcourse all this exploration is on foot and there are no roads around for safari.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7] Shirshinge</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Another corezone area formed by a catchment of koyna's tributary. Shirshinge, Zadoli, Punavli are some villages from this area. Nothing special to mention about this area except now we are almost at the end of the Koyna sanctuary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This area is better accessible from Koyna dam. As Koyna dam and its hydropower project comes in very high risk area, forest department and overall administration are very sensitive about who goes in this area. It is more to do with Security of state rather than wildlife. But still wildlife has benefitted out of this protection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>8] Nawaja</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> It is the southernmost zone of Koyna sanctuary. It is also known for the 4th phase of Koyna hydropower project where the underwater tunnel takes water from dam in konkan to create electricity. Nawaja is the place where the tunnel is placed under water. It is a highly protected area. Part of this area comes in core zone and part in buffer zone. There is also a ghat roads which services only for hydropower workers and support team. Rest of the traffic moves via Kumbharli ghat which marks the end of Koyna wildlife sanctuary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Nawaja is famous for two attractions. First is Ozarde waterfall, an amazing waterfall easily accessible to tourists as it is in buffer zone. Second is Jangli Jaigad to which trek route goes from Nawaja village and is in core zone. Jangli jaigad fort is sitting right on the top of 4th phase of Koyna project and hence not easily allowed to visit. Trek route is also not well marked and it is very easy to get lost in this jungle (not recommended at all !!!). Through Trekdi I have been able to take treks to this fort at least 10 times but now with strict rules of forest department it is tough to get permission.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I will be writing about Chandoli wildlife sanctuary in my next part. I will also be sharing more photographs in coming days.</span></div>
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Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-85434967556962614482020-06-22T01:21:00.002-07:002020-06-22T01:33:43.770-07:00Sahyadri Tiger Reserve - An Unknown Forest (Part 1)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <i><u>Sahyadri Tiger reserve</u></i> is the most recent Tiger reserve of Maharashtra notified in year 2008. This tiger reserve is the only tiger reserve in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.<br /><br /><br /> This forest is formed of various sanctuaries which were exisiting long before. To give additional protection to Tiger, these areas were notified as Tiger Reserve. This Reserve when formed included<br /><br /><i>> Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary<br />> Chandoli Wildlife Sacntuary</i><br /><br />and now it is extended upto<br /><i>> Radhanagarti (Dajipur) wlidlife Sanctuary</i><br /><br /> The Tiger reserve has core area of 600 sq.km. and buffer area of 565 sq.km including total 1165 sq km. making it one of the top 10 of Project tiger by sheer size. This tiger reserve spreads for about 100km from North to south but overall width of this forest varies from region to region. This makes it a very unique type of reserve.<br /><br /> The buffer zone of this forest start south of Pratapgad fort near Mahabaleshwar which coverts to core zone near Vasota Fort. The core zone runs south till Koyna Dam wall and then after small buffer area another core zone starts around Bhairavgad near an abandoned village called Patharpunj which runs till Chandoli village. another long stretch of buffer zone till Gaganbawda fort/ghat and then kicks in the parts of Radhanagri Sanctuary which runs till fonda ghat.<br /><br /> As per 2009-10 Tiger population estimation excercise it is estimated that there are about 7 tigers in the Project. But it is also thought that this prediction could be erronious as this terrain is highly remote, mountainous to get true population. Also the new protection might have kicked in little bit of population boost. Ofcourse this area is more Leopard friedly than to tigers and hence very healthy population of leopards.<br /><br /> As all of you have noticed that this Tiger reserve though notified recently holds and old forest and is dotted with lots of Forts and subsequently lot of heritage and stories, I will be covering entire forest part by part. So keep reading !!!</span></div>
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Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-9746633810333135902014-12-01T03:59:00.000-08:002014-12-01T23:07:34.481-08:00Vasota Jungle Trek with TREK'Di Adventures and Tours<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was a nice morning in the village of Bamnoli in satara district to which we reached at 3.30am. I was there on Vasota trek with TREKDI Adventures and Tours. A dynamic trekkers group from Pune. When I walked down the steps of the Bhairav Mandir in which we rested for around 3 hours ,I saw three white ducks walking in a queue .It reminded me of my childhood when we used to play train train. It was such a nice sight.<br />
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Later after I freshened up I took a cup of tea and then walked towards the coast of the back waters just alone By then I was also accompanied by two other persons. We captured few awesome movements of the ducks swimming in the waters and then coming out and walking in again. The way they took plunges into the water was a graceful act. Technically their movements set their bodies to make them navigate easily in the waters. Wow!!!<br />
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After the duck show I returned to the temple where trek leaders served us breakfast and tea. Since it was a chilly morning I found that tea as a heaven. Waah.<br />
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At around 8.45am we were asked to gather around the temple porch to listen to the instructions and to self introduce . Over there I realised that I was going to have trek with people from varied professions....class! I met Veerta the great in the trek...taai atishay dhanya ahet ..madam na pratyek muddyawar apla mat mandaychach asta...haha<br />
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At 9.20am we were grouped into 12 and we departed towards Vasota fort coast. The ferry boat was a diesel engine boat with a nylon roof to cover and practically no safety jackets to don. Well! It was 1.5 hrs journey . I never had such a long journey on a boat ever before. The waters were green or sometimes blue...all because of the sunlight that had its reflection onto our eyes. The waters were surrounded by the scenic beauty of the green pastures spread on the tiny hills and mini hillocks. The skies were quite clear and blue and the waters cold although the atmosphere was humid. In the ferry all the trekkers were offered a pouch of Kokam sherbet which tasyed reasonably good. All of us began capturing the pictures from our cameras of varying strengths and capacities. Bhagyashree took a nice photo of mine in which I dipped my hand into the tides thay rose as the ferry swam ahead.<br />
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Atlast at 10.45am our ferry reached the coast of the fort . We jumped out and walked towards the gate where the tiger reserve began. It took much time ahead for other ferries to reach the gate. It was a waste of time in the scorching sun ...<br />
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Later we began with the trek after our leader Amit distributed the bread loves amongst the trek group.<br />
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Initially I was going quite well, took no stops and nothing ....but as the time came to climb uphill and we took height ,my endurance was hampering. This situation was a consequence of my laziness . Laziness in the sense that I took up this physical task suddenly after two months sitting at home for my IPCC group2 studies. I was having palpitations. Haahoo haahooo!! I was breathing heavy. I walked and climbed carrying my fatigue. THe forests were green and lush inside although it was winter. Obviously winter in India is far different from the Tundra region and also this forest reserve was situated along the Koyna dam,so,it was quite obvious that the forest ought be green. There were also few rock benches made by the forest department governing the reserve. There were few patches where there were wild flower blossoms and moths and butterflies buzzing around. In the small cottage like building that I visited just before the trek begun after the ferry , I saw a poster depicting an insect which had a similar body like a twig that can be seen on a tree or a herb. What a camouflage!!! There were also banyans and peepul trees, apart there could be numerous more trees herbs shrubs that I might not come across atleast in this life. Although it was 12 in the noon the air was cool and not hot.<br />
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I was taking many stops and sat anywhere with all unknown trekkers and chatted with them on any possible topic. I was able to revive my skills of talking with strangers. The best talk was with Veerta . Madam must have an opinion on every other topic we might converse on. <br />
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We walked and walked and finally before the final lap I met Veerta with her best friend (sarcastically) Roshni. She irritated Veerta throughout the climb asking when we will reach when we will reach...atishay ff..<br />
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ATLAST I and Veerta together reached the destination .....finally... AND all the anxiousness dissolved. It was like , climbing the HIMALAYA is an interesting activity and amusing whereas when you reach the Everest all the eagerness...anxiety and all that wow feeling dwindles in no time.<br />
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We walked to flat land and over there all of us had tasty PavBhaji with shrikhand....<br />
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Then I took a short walk to other end of the fort. The view from there was fascinating...it shown me the might of Sahyadris...wollaa..The curvature that the valleys had were all because of the wind pressure. But the bad part was that that the sunlight disturbed all the view when captured in my simple nikon camera. Albeit I was awestrucked. Then I returned to base and from there Amit sir took us too BABU gad . The panoramic view of the hills surrounding the cliff was a nature's creation. Again the curvatures caught my awe. Over there Amit sir in his dense voice payed respect to Raja Chatrapati Shivaji maharaj and the voice echoed back in around 6 to 7 echoes or times. Wow ....speechless.. felt proud.<br />
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And then there was return journey to Pune again by walking and hopping down the fort and by ferry towards the bus. 4I reached home at a strike of 1am sharp after enjoying a simple veg thali at a dhabaa and an antakshari in the bus.<br />
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Yo!!!<br />
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<b>Rushikesh sambare</b></div>
Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-75686488654353874872014-02-24T04:13:00.002-08:002014-02-24T04:28:50.315-08:00Kalavantin - A Night Hike to Remember<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfl7clIrqMamV3Z6S3dQhR04D6N_QbAJVRMTx84GqrERofs8A8ntuMq0WMVi930tS8f9BmAgm4pIsmbUAkezCgyl46kq45Arxc7_91XJtpylzAY9KuFhh1Riy2boYQ5mdfR4unc6ggoE/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i>'To those who have struggled with them, the mountains reveal beauties that they will not disclose to those who make no effort. That is the reward the mountains give to effort. And it is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly to those who will wrestle with them that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again. The mountains reserve their choice gifts for those who stand upon their summits" - Sir Francis Younghusband.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqTnMC6SX6sfDtbtN1eswErGK1WOvkocJjxafQ2gjZhKaQiHfYL4gHK2Gt-fEqiwgwdWQ96jFTiAQXBvJko8I2fpBctM-lKOQtEREfX2v6AEIlz4OaZy05qLR115kp7gY8qPVNNEwPz4/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqTnMC6SX6sfDtbtN1eswErGK1WOvkocJjxafQ2gjZhKaQiHfYL4gHK2Gt-fEqiwgwdWQ96jFTiAQXBvJko8I2fpBctM-lKOQtEREfX2v6AEIlz4OaZy05qLR115kp7gY8qPVNNEwPz4/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrF6YbFBqHjtcwOaQLrlfP09wEhvj2beuk8KJ2vJ4wz-1OOnIcslXBSlmvkfvniTzTTfzjoX4jfBaVF6pbo7Ly2bbvZlGVIJSkKgOKQk1Ssi4HJ9DHOLhOlpY9da4gjMkbwWHOZqV02I/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfl7clIrqMamV3Z6S3dQhR04D6N_QbAJVRMTx84GqrERofs8A8ntuMq0WMVi930tS8f9BmAgm4pIsmbUAkezCgyl46kq45Arxc7_91XJtpylzAY9KuFhh1Riy2boYQ5mdfR4unc6ggoE/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /> As year 2013 was coming to an end, I was yearning to end it on a high. I was mulling over an idea to climb Lingana with my friends of Wild Trek Adventure (WTA) Group. Lingana is supposed to be one of the most strenuous climbs in Sahydari mountain range and you need to have technical expertise to climb the same as approach to its summit was destroyed in the past. Unfortunately, my wish was nipped in the bud as my wife vehemently opposed the idea of scaling Lingana calling it as insane and urged me to look for simpler option.I tried to convince her citing WTA's technical expertise and safety precautions to make this climb successful but to no avail. Humorously, I even tried alluring her with the amount of insurance that I had for my life in case I wouldn't return alive but still it bore no fruits.I was disheartened but understood the concern of my wife and decided to look for other options and zeroed on hike to Kalavantin pinnacle near Panvel which also involves rock climbing but is many times undemanding, safer as compared to that of Lingana.<br /><br /> I joined TrekDi group for this hike and we started off around 10.15 p.m. from Pune.We had a group of 8-9 trekkers with 2 trek leaders - Vikas and Shubham. TrekDi had arranged a comfortable 17 seaters for such a small group. Apparently, this trek did not get much of a response but fortunately organizers did not cancel the trek and went ahead with the small available group.<br /><br /> Hiking with strangers has its own advantages; you get to meet a lot of new people from the varied backgrounds, you forge a lot of new friendships, you meet lot of inspiring people who fill your life with so much of positivity.<br /><br /> Our target was to reach Thakurwadi village, starting point of our hike, around 1.30 a.m.. Journey to reach this village was eventful. As we were on the way to Thakurwadi, it was post-midnight and we came across a village bustling with a lot of activity and where many cars were parked. Food stalls were open serving tea and food. I was surprised to see so much of a rush at such an unearthly hour and surveyed in the other direction to notice that there was night cricket tournament being played. It felt wonderful and brought back some nostalgic moments of my childhood where we used to play such night cricket tournaments in our village. After asking the direction to Thakurwadi to one of the stall owners, we carried on further.<br /><br /> After driving for 10 minutes on a straight road, we came across a diversion but our driver drove straight ahead instead of taking a turn at diversion. Soon, we reached to the dead end of the village only to realize that we had lost our way. As there was nobody awake in the village, only practical option was to return back to the diversion and hope that the other road would lead us to our destination. Fortunately, it turned out to be the correct route and we saw the board indicating the direction to Thakurvadi village. We soon reached to the village only to realize that we again had come in the wrong direction. We were supposed to reach to a big banyan tree which was the starting point for the trek but there was not any banyan tree in the near sight and the route was going farther from the Kalavantin peak.<br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrF6YbFBqHjtcwOaQLrlfP09wEhvj2beuk8KJ2vJ4wz-1OOnIcslXBSlmvkfvniTzTTfzjoX4jfBaVF6pbo7Ly2bbvZlGVIJSkKgOKQk1Ssi4HJ9DHOLhOlpY9da4gjMkbwWHOZqV02I/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> It was already close to 1.30 a.m. and villagers were sleeping like a log. We experimented with GPS but it deserted us at the wrong time because of some network issues. We desperately needed to get hold of somebody who could guide us. Fortunately serendipity came our way in the form of a man sleeping in the temple. We tried to arouse the man from the sleep indirectly by making some noise and chiming the bell in the temple but the man didn't move an inch. As we were in dilemma whether to wake up this man forcefully, he finally seemed to have opened his eyes. Ceasing this golden opportunity, we politely asked him way to the banyan tree - starting point for hike to Kalavantin. He gave details regarding the correct route and even offered to accompany us till the banyan tree. He said that he would sleep in other village and it would not be a problem if he accompanied us. What an amazing fellow!<br /><br /> We happily took this man along and soon reached to the banyan tree. After expressing gratitude to this god sent man, we began our hike in the direction of Prabalmachi, the base village of the fort. There is no road connectivity to this base village and you have to hike for 2 hours to reach to it. You can imagine the plight of the villagers who still haven't been provided with the basic amenities in the 21st century where India is believed to be shining. Fortunately, our government seems to have woken up from the slumber and seems to have started some kind of work to make this village connected by road. Hopefully, in few years’ time, the road to this village will be a reality making the life of these villagers much easier. <br /><br /> As we commenced our hike, Kalavantin Pinnacle and massive Prabalgad were glowing in the resplendent moonlight and it was sight to behold. It was moment to take the first photograph and I took out the camera and pressed "click" button only to realize to my dismay that I had forgotten the memory card at home. Though I made sure to fully charge both the camera batteries, I forgot to check whether memory card was inside the camera. I felt wretched to come to term with the fact that I had to do this trek without clicking any photo. As luck would have it, my trek-mate Rishi Kasne, who also takes keen interest in photography was carrying extra memory card and he offered it to me. With the borrowed memory card, my mood sharply turned from somber to ecstatic. By the way, I still have to meet Rishi and copy the photos that I took in his memory card. <br /><br /> It was a wonderful night with the full moon. Moonlight hikes are absolutely fun. Hiking amidst the serene surrounding with soothing moonlight guiding your way, at a time when your part of the world is dreaming, is absolutely a divine experience. I was expecting a chilly night and was wearing a full sweater but as soon as we started our hike, we were drenched in the sweat and most of us, removed our sweaters. We took occasional breaks and reached to the plateau of Prabalmachi around 3.30 a.m.. There was already a group of campers camping just outside the village; some sleeping, some chatting. I struck up a conversation with them; the group had come from Mumbai and one Puneite from that group felt happy to see group belonging to his city and immediately waved and shouted to inform us him being Puneite.<br /><br /> On entering the village, we were greeted by the cacophonous barking of lots and lots of dogs. Their noise was frightening to the core and we were feeling like thieves surreptitiously sneaking into the village but we just moved on ignoring these dogs. We were searching for the shelter to spend remaining few hours of the night. We didn’t want to sleep in the area open to sky to avoid our mats and sleeping bags getting drenched on account of the due. Soon, we spotted a small house with the shade in front and we decided to lie down under the shade.<br /><br /> Few of my trek mates were already hungry because of climb and chose to munch from the packed lunch; I just tucked myself inside the cozy sleeping bag and tried to get as much rest as possible. It was almost 3.45 a.m. and we hardly had time for 2-3 hours of nap. All the dogs in the village were active throughout the night barking unnecessarily and it was irritating to the hilt. As if it was not enough, roosters started crowing vociferously around 4.15 a.m., almost two hours before the dawn. It is amazing how internal clocks of these roosters make them crow few hours before the dawn.<br /><br /> Few of the trek mates had not prepared well for the chilly night and hadn’t brought anything to pull over. It was becoming very freezing and they just could not lie down and got up to see whether they could light some fire to get some warmth. I sympathized with them; actually I was also shivering inside the sleeping bag as I was not wearing sweater and socks and somehow cold already had penetrated inside the sleeping bag. Cursing the sleeping bag manufacturer, I got up again, wore the sweater, monkey cap, socks and again tucked back into the sleeping bag. At last tiring body felt warm with this extra cushion of clothing and stopped paying heed to external noises and went into the trance. I had a sound sleep of 1-2 hours before I was awakened by a sound of “tea is ready”. Apparently, our trek leaders had already woken up and finished with preparing the tea and started cooking the Maggi. I was not willing to get up but the thought of hot tea and the prospect of amazing early morning hike washed away all the lethargy, tiredness and I gradually came out of the sleeping bag to join my other trek-mates who already were warming themselves near the fire.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfl7clIrqMamV3Z6S3dQhR04D6N_QbAJVRMTx84GqrERofs8A8ntuMq0WMVi930tS8f9BmAgm4pIsmbUAkezCgyl46kq45Arxc7_91XJtpylzAY9KuFhh1Riy2boYQ5mdfR4unc6ggoE/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfl7clIrqMamV3Z6S3dQhR04D6N_QbAJVRMTx84GqrERofs8A8ntuMq0WMVi930tS8f9BmAgm4pIsmbUAkezCgyl46kq45Arxc7_91XJtpylzAY9KuFhh1Riy2boYQ5mdfR4unc6ggoE/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> After breakfast, we set off for the climb after confirming the direction from the villagers. Once you start your trail correctly from the village, it will automatically take you to the col between Kalavantin and Prabalgad. Ascent till the col is steep and it will take around 20-25 minutes to get there. The route passes through the small rocks and boulders and you need to be careful to avoid any slip. It is dreadful to twist your ankle on this way with careless hiking as real magic awaits you further which you just don’t want to miss because of the twisted ankle.<br /><br /> Once you reach to the col, you get nice views of Matheran plateau which is hidden from you as you are climbing. You can easily distinguish Matheran plateau from other mountains because of towers erected on it. The whole view of the giant mountains on all the sides is just breathtaking and you feel rewarded for all the toil and efforts that you have taken to witness such a grand vista.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrF6YbFBqHjtcwOaQLrlfP09wEhvj2beuk8KJ2vJ4wz-1OOnIcslXBSlmvkfvniTzTTfzjoX4jfBaVF6pbo7Ly2bbvZlGVIJSkKgOKQk1Ssi4HJ9DHOLhOlpY9da4gjMkbwWHOZqV02I/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span> I had listened to and read a lot of interesting stories about the steps of Kalavantin fort and as we were about to start the actual climbing, I was thrilled at the prospect of climbing these much talked about steps. At the very start of the climb, you need to climb a small, slanting rock patch with proper grooves. This can unsettle few especially in the rainy season when the rocks get slippery. In the winter, it is not such a big deal and you can easily do it. You have a zigzag route to follow and you soon reach to the steps carved in the rock. Sometimes, whenever steps change the direction, they become too narrow to your comfort as there is a steep fall on the other side. You need to keep your weight on the right side; proper shoes and careful steps can make this ascent easy. You can have testing time if you do the same hike in monsoon when there is a moss and steps are slippery. I even noticed some bolts on these steps which I assume are used to tie ropes in the monsoon so as to ensure safety. As you climb the steps to reach the summit, massiveness of Prabalgad on the other side just make you spellbound. Overall, all of us did quite well and negotiated these steps without any hiccups. I would say that with proper precautions, this climb is straightforward in winter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /> </span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrF6YbFBqHjtcwOaQLrlfP09wEhvj2beuk8KJ2vJ4wz-1OOnIcslXBSlmvkfvniTzTTfzjoX4jfBaVF6pbo7Ly2bbvZlGVIJSkKgOKQk1Ssi4HJ9DHOLhOlpY9da4gjMkbwWHOZqV02I/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrF6YbFBqHjtcwOaQLrlfP09wEhvj2beuk8KJ2vJ4wz-1OOnIcslXBSlmvkfvniTzTTfzjoX4jfBaVF6pbo7Ly2bbvZlGVIJSkKgOKQk1Ssi4HJ9DHOLhOlpY9da4gjMkbwWHOZqV02I/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> You need to negotiate a small rock patch (Grade: Easy) to reach to the summit. Some people climb it without any ropes but it is advisable to take safety precautions if you have non-climbers in the group. As most of the trek-mates were novices in the field of rock climbing, our trek leader, Vikas ascended ahead; tied the rope to a big rock and suspended it down where other trek-leader Shubham tied the ropes along the waist of the trekkers and soon, one by one everyone reached to the summit. Only 2-3 steps in the rock patch were tricky; otherwise it was an easy climb.<br /><br /> Once on the top, we just reveled in the beauty around. The whole forts of Matheran range – Haji Malang, Chanderi, Navra-navri, Peb were looking breathtaking. The whole Matheran plateau was also clearly visible with the towers on it clearly making it distinguished from other mountains. Also, on the other side, Karanala was looking very inviting with its thumb like peak and Manikgad was standing prettily with its hat like plateau. We just luxuriated in the sights of these majestic mountains.<br /><br /> As we were spending few sublime moments on summit, coterie of hikers joined us comprising of three kids aged 7, 8 and 10. These innocent looking kids were trained rock climbers and two of them already had climbed Lingana summit once under the supervision of adults. I was dumbstruck to hear this incredible piece of information.<br /><br /> There was nothing much to explore on the summit. Though Kalavantin was built as a fort, it was mainly used as a watch tower in the past. Therefore, after getting rejuvenated by the cool and fresh breeze striking our faces, immersing ourselves in the picturesque views, capturing adjoining stunning mountain ranges in the lenses of camera, it was time to descend - to transport ourselves back to the practical world.<br /><br /> Everybody climbed down using the rope one after another. Descending was easier because of all the safety precautions. Vikas, our trek leader descended only after ensuring everyone came down safely from the rock patch. We soon started coming down towards the col. One of our trek mates had very slippery shoes and he had to climb down slowly, sitting with the support of both of his hands. As we were coming down, other group had arrived at the col and they waited for us to descend. Shortly, we reached back to the col and other group started their climb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Once everyone from our group reached to COL, we started our way back to the base. Shortly, we arrived at the house where we had left all our rucksacks. We put our feet up for a while and ate a packed lunch. After thanking the villagers for their help, we set off for our further descent to Thakurwadi village around 12 in the afternoon. Sun had started to beat and along the way, we took one to two breaks in the shadow of the trees to get some respite from the heat. <br /><br /> Reaching to the base was relatively uneventful barring one incident where one of our trek-mates, an orthopedic doctor twisted his ankle while descending. I offered him the muscle-sprain spray that is always part of my rucksack to relieve him from the pain. Orthopedic doctor being offered help from an IT professional for an ankle sprain, what an irony!<br /><br /> We finally reached to our parking spot around 1 p.m.. When we reached down, we were approached by couple of mini-bus drivers who were hungry and did not get any food in the near vicinity. We offered them whatever was remaining with us and they happily accepted and expressed gratitude towards us. We refreshed ourselves, changed the clothes and started our journey back to Pune. We halted at Malavali to have tea and cold drinks and reached back safely to Pune around 5 p.m.<br /><br /> On the whole, my initiation to the world of technical rock climbing, stunning panoramic views of mountain ranges from the top and chilly night spent in the outdoors made this hike one of the treasured ones.<br /><br /> So, what are you waiting for? If you have strong legs to climb and are willing to come out of your comfort zone, hike to Kalavantin in the Panvel region will fill you with absolute joy.<br /><br /><u>Tips for the hikers:</u><br /><br />>> Hike to Kalavantin can be combined with that of Prabalgad. It requires 2 days though.<br /><br />>> Reaching Kalavantin summit requires basic rock climbing. If you are a non-climber, it is advisable to go with experts who provide safety equipment for climbing.<br /><br />>> Prabalgad has many misleading paths. So take help of guide or join a group who have done this trek earlier.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy hiking!</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>Appeal: No litter; no plastic; no wrappers; keep the Mother Nature clean!</b><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>- Prashant Kothawade </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div>
Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-52685345127579072462014-01-30T23:20:00.000-08:002014-01-30T23:35:31.797-08:00Self Accelerated Trek of Sahyadri…”Junglee Jaigad”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> If you are a slow trekker or getting
bored of trekking long distance I advice to try this trek during early monsoon.
Surely you will excel like superman while trekking. Because the moment you stop
for rest, you will be sucked by leeches. Leeches are segmented worm present in
freshwaters mostly in rainforest area. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNMjst7IREiGrV0BwNrpMZg2RkUxKEaRwQnrPLPyr_e-ar7kA7p_k_-MgT9Kn1yus4dR4_PDsVAsJsju21dYYPOv9A_G4KfMh2RapY8CX19ob07AuLck18K85bFMEknkio3hIF2l2xYs/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNMjst7IREiGrV0BwNrpMZg2RkUxKEaRwQnrPLPyr_e-ar7kA7p_k_-MgT9Kn1yus4dR4_PDsVAsJsju21dYYPOv9A_G4KfMh2RapY8CX19ob07AuLck18K85bFMEknkio3hIF2l2xYs/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Weekend treks are routine for me and
Dharam & this time we planned with TrekDi famous for its haunted, remote,
rarely visited & scenic<span style="color: red;"> </span>place selection. Before
departing from Pune, it was a sudden shock when we were asked “Hope you are carrying
saltwater & turmeric powder since its only remedy to remove leech from your
body part? “We were not prepared to face the attack but decided to move ahead. We
travelled in the bus the entire night on the route little known from Pune to Koyna
Town. To the Best of my knowledge, “Jungli Jaigad” is located in dense forest
of Koyna Wildlife sanctuary just near Koyna dam. This is also a part of Tiger
reserve sanctuary, however we couldn’t spot any tiger during our trip. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> In the morning when I woke up I understood why
this fort is famous for its beauty. All over it was covered with a green carpet
along with cold drizzling water. I took my umbrella and started hunting
suitable place for the nature’s call. Immediately we had breakfast & proceeded
for obtaining necessary permission from forest. Around 9’o clock we could start
the actual trek from Koyna village. Our bus took us till the entry point of
forest which is approx 20 km from Koyna village. We left our bus on pakka road
inside the forest & started getting prepared for trek. There was only hot
discussion about how to save ourself from leeches. Finally we tighten our shoes
& made sure that every entry point for leech is seized. </span></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXQXumVeWhRWIjjfSnU8qC0cYq0enlc9g8Nr8Fvf557vzSGVcR5tBNJy92pWITELQKEBF7hVRv4JtRbPxzEvRsUazKCix39x-36JVCVFhEpNsT7p-KZleAjr1RoAlHh8CHRYmlazh_TM/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXQXumVeWhRWIjjfSnU8qC0cYq0enlc9g8Nr8Fvf557vzSGVcR5tBNJy92pWITELQKEBF7hVRv4JtRbPxzEvRsUazKCix39x-36JVCVFhEpNsT7p-KZleAjr1RoAlHh8CHRYmlazh_TM/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> We started the trek
and after few meters of walk I could see neither brown color of soil since was
covered with wet leaves nor blue sky since was covered with dense forest. No
one daring to stop even for water during the trek since leeches have tendency
to climb on stationary human body. Due to fear of leeches we even didn’t realized
that we reached on top with super speed & that’s the reason I name this
trek as self accelerated trek. First time I could see some clouds when we
reached on top of fort and guide told that on other side of yours there is a Konkan
valley. However I couldn’t see even a valley. As like other forts of Shyadri,
most of the structures on top are ruined except never lasting feeling of heavy
rain with misty clouds & divine flow of wind was something I could never
forget. </span></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bat5QKOejQA9LZK1-30WR-3b8-ZO0Nd8t2bNtCbVC2DkvFINWugpN8uOrw9WgjZPl_qx857pCuJ7KcR05qwhm5afNy_0bwjE64Rj-YAYHHooItHRAIy9OyFnCt0f0Hng-0VMJh0SJWM/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bat5QKOejQA9LZK1-30WR-3b8-ZO0Nd8t2bNtCbVC2DkvFINWugpN8uOrw9WgjZPl_qx857pCuJ7KcR05qwhm5afNy_0bwjE64Rj-YAYHHooItHRAIy9OyFnCt0f0Hng-0VMJh0SJWM/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> No one dared to take out their camera
but Dharma’s desperation to capture these incomparable moments forced him to
take out his Sony Camera. And below are few last scene captured by his beloved
camera who accompanied us for more than 50 treks/camp we did within Sahyadri. On
the same day it died after sinking in rain water. After clicking few pictures
we had our packed lunch which was almost moist & wet but had no other
option. We started our retuned trek after lunch & with the same pace we
reached to forest internal pakka road. I opened my shoes & socks, was very
confident about entry of leech but finally found 3 leeches sucking my blood
with all the patience inside my socks. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Eventually we realized that we have to
walk for five kilometer since bus is at gate and there is no coverage due to obvious
reasons. We were tired & screamed but finally started walking towards bus.
I never knew that best part of trek is waiting ahead. Due different pace of
speed there was no one around within my eye sight except breezing wind, blood
storming rain & scary voice of forest due to friction of air, rain &
trees. I don’t know what that was but felt like someone following me, may be my
own soul, supreme power or some wild animal. Let it be whatever but I can’t
forget & compare that 5 km walk with any walk of my life. Finally it was
relaxed feeling when spotted bus standing between flowing water & blowing
wind since that was the only shelter available for us. We all managed to change
our clothes inside of bus only. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Everyone was victim of leeches & must have personally
donated 350 ml blood for welfare of leeches. Everyone wounds were blooding like
anything but feeling of completing such dangerous & wild trek was forcing
us to forget our wounds. The bloody & wet floor of bus was giving feeling
of scene after some terrorist attack or bomb blast in bus. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ap4RpfbJ8iZ1bUZASL__5z58aQ5Nauh0YCBsIulvCX-FD1SA4Fev42xkCh5YTsKfwuTK169bGlGoce9vSk-Ay3ImZWkE-Q2kzzGPXTfW3MTFt49zONDa8KP3c23wNMGii6mw909nNCU/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ap4RpfbJ8iZ1bUZASL__5z58aQ5Nauh0YCBsIulvCX-FD1SA4Fev42xkCh5YTsKfwuTK169bGlGoce9vSk-Ay3ImZWkE-Q2kzzGPXTfW3MTFt49zONDa8KP3c23wNMGii6mw909nNCU/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Our trek ended with
a short trek to huge water fall on the way of Koyna dam at botanical garden. I thank TrelDi team for arranging &
choosing such nice & adventurous trek. It refreshed my memory of trekking
in rain forest of Assam & I wasn’t aware that such trek is available within
Sahyadri. It was nice experience to trek with TrekDi team and hope for future
event with them. I must advise all enthusiastic trekkers to attempt it once
during early monsoon only and that to with full preparation, acknowledgement to
forest & guide is must for everyone, else you will surely end up with big
trouble. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">--- Birjukumar Mistri </span></b></span></span></div>
</div>
Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-47730204591722497932012-12-11T02:54:00.001-08:002012-12-11T02:55:07.396-08:00Torna – Highest Peak in Pune District<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="title" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(231, 231, 231); border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Rockwell,Georgia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 32px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 30px; orphans: 2; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px 0px 25px; position: relative; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 500px; word-spacing: 0px;">
Torna – Highest Peak in Pune District</h1>
<div style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<span class="day" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 36px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span class="month" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
<div class="entry" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia,Times,serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; outline: 0px none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 500px; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Joys of life are found in simplest of gestures. It may be a simple compliment by a stranger, an appreciation by a boss, a friend trying out a restaurant recommended by you and in this case getting people who have never trekked to trek [with me<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1129645325g" style="background-color: transparent; border: 5px solid rgb(251, 221, 223); font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px ! important; margin-right: 0px ! important; margin-top: 0px ! important; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px ! important; vertical-align: baseline;" /><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>] I know by the end, they would feel joy which is unknown unless they trek and I wait to see that in their eyes, hear them say those words, feel connected with nature and crave to do it all over again.</div>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_408" style="background-color: #f8f8f4; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(230, 230, 230); float: left; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 10px 15px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; width: 500px;">
<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5433.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-408 " height="275" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5433.jpg?w=490&h=275" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="Road leading us to Velhe" width="490" /></a><br />
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Road leading us to Velhe</div>
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So here we were, Smitha, Vishal and I heading towards Torna with TrekDi, a group that was new to us to explore yet another fort, which happens to be the tallest mountain in Pune District. Smitha is a professional photographer with varied interests. And the thought of climbing a beautiful mountain without her DSLR did not appeal to her. Hence, though it is bulky and heavy, she got along her priced possession with the passion for clicking some brilliant shots. On reaching Velhe, the base village, we freshened up, had some good breakfast and readied ourselves for the mountain in front of us. For a first time trekker, Torna is a tuf trek and Smitha realized that within the first 15 minutes but with the support of her husband Vishal and Abhishek from TrekDi, Smitha hiked, one step at a time till she reached the peak. You see, there’s one thing about trekking in groups. Once you start, there is no turning back. You can take all the time you want but you HAVE to complete the trek.</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5442.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-409 " height="275" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5442.jpg?w=490&h=275" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="The first climb of Torna" width="490" /></a><br />
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The first climb of Torna</div>
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For Torna, I think I was in the best form. I had done almost 8-9 treks back to back, my endurance level was at its best and at times from being the last one in the group, I would hike at great speed to be the first one within minutes. I loved it. Loved to see myself hiking so well. I could run at some points after a good climb. The feeling is exhilarating.</div>
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Torna is a beautiful mountain. Though the route to Torna is simple as far as directions are concerned the route is quite steep at certain parts of the route and one needs to be careful to not miss the foot trail. The Torna trek route can be divided in three parts – an initial climb up the hill, a plateau and the final rock patch to enter the Torna fort via the Bini Darwaja. The height of Torna from sea level is 1405 metres and offers spectacular views of Sahyadri Mountains. Once you reach the top there’s a lot more to discover.</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5470.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-412 " height="275" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5470.jpg?w=490&h=275" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="The fort" width="490" /></a><br />
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The fort</div>
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TORNA was the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj after he vowed for Swaraj at Raireshwar. He put the garland (Called Toran in Marathi) of his first victory on this fort and therefore the name –TORNA. TORNA is also called prachandgadh because of it vastness.</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5559.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-418" height="275" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5559.jpg?w=490&h=275" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="Perfect weather for love <3" width="490" /></a><br />
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Perfect weather for love</div>
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The huge waterfall on your side, a well carved out path, beautiful plateaus and gorgeous shrubs push you towards the peak. Just before you reach the pinnacle, you come across yet another beautiful waterfall and this one is the most beautiful of all. The rocks are wet by the not so ferocious waterfall and covered with pink flowers. It is gorgeous. I can do Torna again just to see this waterfall again.</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5527.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-415" height="872" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5527.jpg?w=490&h=872" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="Pictures cannot do justice to this spot! " width="490" /></a><br />
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Pictures cannot do justice to this spot!</div>
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We walked around discovering more forts, darwazas of these kilas, taking pictures, sipping on some hot tea and enjoying the rain. We reached a temple for lunch where we sat in circles, chatted and gobbled up fruits, rotis and some bread. After a round of photography we started descending. Apparently you get a really nice view of the fort from the top but we couldn’t see much as it was hidden in the clouds.</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5569.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-422" height="327" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5569.jpg?w=490&h=327" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="Outside the Temple" width="490" /></a><br />
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Outside the Temple</div>
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While trekking down we tried at least 20 times to capture some good pictures. But every time we pulled our cameras out, the clouds would immediately hide the view as if to protect it from the eyes of people who haven’t visited Torna. The game went on for a long time before we managed to get some out of this world images!</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5543.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-417" height="275" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5543.jpg?w=490&h=275" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="Gorgeous view from Torna" width="490" /></a><br />
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Gorgeous view from Torna</div>
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<a href="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5564.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-420" height="275" src="http://evrythingilove.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/img_5564.jpg?w=490&h=275" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="View made beautiful by the sun! " width="490" /></a><br />
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View made beautiful by the sun!</div>
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The leaders of TrekDi are a combination of teenagers and a few grown ups. One of the leaders, Abhishek from TrekDi is highly knowledgable about the flora and fauna in the Western Ghats and he is your man if you need to know anything about the mountains. Also he is an epitome of patience and did an amazing job of encouraging us!</div>
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All in all a MUST DO trek for everyone who is looking at exploring the Western Ghats!</div>
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Trek Details:<br />
Date: Sep 2, 2012<br />
Time: 6AM PM to 6:00 PM<br />
Place: Torna Fort, Velhe Village, Maharashtra, India<br />
Organisers: TrekDi, Abhishek: +919423213153</div>
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BLOG written by VACHANA SHETTY</div>
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With thanks copied from her personal blog: </div>
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http://evrythingilove.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/torna-highest-peak-in-pune-district/</div>
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Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-2339014070506108922012-12-11T02:45:00.002-08:002012-12-11T02:57:01.320-08:00A Feedback for which TREKDI Aims<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly."<br /><b> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> -Marcus Aurelius</b></i></span>
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Yes, its well said by marcus, it is in our mind how we guide our
self to achieve it. I would like to thank one and all for being with
this trekking event on 7th,8th and 9th of December trek to the KULANG.</div>
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Wow, its simply superb and an amaaaaaaaazing experience. walking on
the rocky mountains, stories about Shivaji maharaj by Sachin
sir, Staying in caves, cooking (obviously i haven't done this) and eating
there, chit chats, Antakshari, playing some games etc....</div>
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Absolutely this happened because of you....I enjoyed this most. I don't have any more words to describe.</div>
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I would like to give big applause to TrekDi team for their
enthusiasm to make this event successful. The way they have taken
care for us. Specially the food is marvellous.Even though we didn't
carry our own plates and cups. Four (Myself, Kunal, Omkar, <wbr></wbr>Pruthvi) of us sitting and eating in one common big plate. Its nice time yar.</div>
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Last but not in least, Special thanks to our <b>Super man</b> (Sahil) for making our team so cheerful and creating some fun.</div>
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<br clear="all" />
I hope we will meet each other and keep in touch.</div>
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<span class="HOEnZb adL">"<i>Learn
to write ur pains on sand so dat winds of forgiveness can erase it
away..carve ur joys on stone where even rain cant erase it</i>"<br /><br /><i>Thanks and Regards<br />
Naveen .T.C</i></span> </div>
</div>
Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-60610484465736126332012-05-03T03:14:00.000-07:002012-05-03T03:14:01.467-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Chikhaldara</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maharashtra state, the state which
in history constantly fought against intruders and never truly surrendered, in
true sense the state of unbroken spirit. This spirit of freedom was kept alive
by the mountain ranges which border Maharashtra from two sides. The mighty
Sahyadri from west and a mysterious Vindhya ranges from North. These mountains
are dotted by hundreds of forts and remote places where it was almost
impossible for an outsider to reach, forget fighting and winning. As a</div>
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As a part of Western Ghats,
Sahyadri ranges became famous. With the closeness of Metro cities like Pune and
Mumbai, many places in Sahyadri got established as Hill stations and
subsequently favourite tourist weekend destination. Compared to that Vindhya
mountain ranges remained unnoticed. The hill stations in this area remained
mostly low profile since it is difficult for travelling crowd from Pune and
Mumbai to reach there. “Chikhaldara” is one such hill station.</div>
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Located about 100Km north of Amravati,
Chikhaldara is the only well established hill station in Vidarbha. It is
situated on such a mountain range, beyond which Maharashtra ends and Madhya
Pradesh starts. Chikhaldara is a mountain top plateau with an average height
from mean sea level of about 1088m (3570ft). Because of the unique location,Chikhaldara
has the average rainfall of 154cm which is almost twice compared to other parts
of Vidarbha. The good rainfall and the remoteness has allowed this area to grow
an excellent forest and in true sense that is the main attraction of
Chikhaldara.</div>
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Chikhaldara is situated on the
borders of Melghat Project Tiger Area, in other words we can say that it is
surrounded on three sides by the Project Tiger. The Project tiger has an area
of about 1676 sq km. This Project tiger area is divided into several smaller
wildlife reserves from the management point of view. The Melghat wildlife
reserve which is about 780 sq. km. forms the entire southern border and partly
western border of Chikhaldara. Gugamal Nation Park which is about 320 sq km. is
the core zone of project tiger reserve which forms eastern border of
Chikhaldara and partly northeastern border.
This part being a core zone is one of the most untouched and pristine
parts of the Reserve. </div>
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Chilkhaldara and Melghat Project tiger
are two inseperable entities. Unless one knows about the natural wealth of
Tiger reserve it is very hard to understand the importance of this hill
station.</div>
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The Melghat project Tiger area
contains about 700 species of Plants belonging to 400 genera and 97 different
families. Of these 700 species, 90 are tree species which is the true wealth of
this reserve. The jungle is mainly dry deciduous having teak and bamboo as most
dominant vegetation. Other trees like Saag, Mahua, Ain are also dominant
species of forest. Because of this extensive floral diversity, there is huge
amount of faunal diversity.</div>
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The tiger reserve consist of over 70
tigers, almost same number of Leopards, about
two hundred Sloth bears, about 1800 Indian Gaurs, hundreds of herbivore animals
like Cheetal, Sambar, Barking deer, Wild boar, choushinga etc. The reserve also
has rare animals like Flying squirrel, pangolin, Mouse deer, Ratel and Honey
badger. The secretive animals like wild cats, caracal, Hyena can also be
spotted in this reserve. Mammals like Jackal, Wild dogs, porcupines, variety of
mongooses, variety of squirrels and Shrews and other rodents are also found in
abundance. More than 350 species of birds are also found in the reserve.
Hunting birds like Crested Serpent Eagle, changeable hawk eagle, Shikra, Besra,
White eyed buzzard, honey buzzard are found in abundance. The attractive birds
like Flamebacks, orioles, Pea fowls make your mind fresh with just one glimpse.
The chatter of birds like parakeets, iora, Magpie robin, Shama keep the jungle
alive during the day time and the birds like nightjars, owls keep the jungle
alive during night time.</div>
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Chikhaldara has great historical
references. It is said that “Bhima” the second eldest and strongest among
Pandava brothers in Mahabharat times, killed King Kichek in this area and threw
his body in the valley full of jungle. The valley is now recognised as
Kichekdara and the water reservoir in which Bhima washed his hands is now known
as Bhimkund. </div>
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This area is dotted by extremely
small villages of “Korku” Tribals. This area was originally rules by tribal
kings who were defeated by Bahamani dynasty. Later Bahamani dynasty died while
giving bird to 5 smaller dynasties.
Among these 5 dynasties, Imadshahi was the one which started Ruling this
area. The Gavilgad and Narnala forts were built by Imad shah. Later on Imadshahi
dynasty was exterminated by Moghuls, Nijamshah and Adilshah and rulers kept on
changing. This area was then dominated by Maratha Dynasty under the rule of
Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj.</div>
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Gavilgad and Narnala are two are
extremely huge forts with perimeter more than 15Km each. Of these two forts
Gavilgad is situated right next to Chikhaldara. Narnala on other hand situated
approximately on 3 - 4 Hrs journey time from Chikhaldara. It is very much
interesting to visit these two forts from Archaeological point of view as well
as architectural point of view. </div>
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Reaching Gavilgad is cliché if one
is staying in Chikhaldara. You reach then main entrance of the fort directly by
vehicle after travelling just 5 Km from the main Chikhaldara bus station. The
fort is situated on two adjoining hills connected to each other and protected
by fortification from all sides. You enter through the main gate on first hill
which is smaller hill of the two. After crossing three gates you land up in the
main area. This part mostly looks like designed for battle purpose alone. The area
from which approach is easy, we can see double line of fortification. When we
descend this hill and reach the connection between first and second hill, which
is the lowest part of the fort, we can see that the thickness of fortification
has gone up. Again to enter second hill ie second part of the fort, we must
cross 3 huge gates and then we enter the main fort area. This part of the fort
has ruins of palace, mosque and other luxury buildings. This part of the fort
contains several water reservoirs which would have never allowed people on this
fort die of thirst. Since this area lacks any kind of facilities, people don’t
prefer to stay here for long time. The least interference from humans, nooks
and crevices in the mountain and abundance of water has allowed this fort to
become safe place for many animals. Sloth bears, Hyenas, Leopard are
occasionally sighted on this fort if anyone dares to stay back after the
sunset.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Apart from this fort, Chikhaldara
has several spectacular points like Panchbol point, Hariken point, Mozari
point, Devi point, Sunset point, Prospects point, Monkey point etc. Panchbol
point is famous for multiple echos while Hariken point is famous for high speed
wind. Though all Chikhaldara has good population of Rhesus monkeys and Lagoors,
monkey point specifically has large number of moneys. Sunset point gives you
spectacular view of jungle with dozens of different shades of green and with
hundreds of different noises while sun goes down.</div>
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Chikhaldara has a descent rainfall
but it is situated on the top of the mountain so it is very necessary to
conserve water if one does not want to face shortage during summer. The
government through his various departments has built many water conservation
projects which has created variety of size of water reservoirs. The reservoirs
like Bir dam, Kalapani Dam, Shakkar lake are few bigger ones. These dams does
not help just human population but they help wildlife to a great extent. In the
months of summer if you linger around these water reservoirs then you are sure
to sight some mammal like barking deer, cheetal or wild boar and at least a two
dozen species of birds. There was a time when the pride of India used to walk
on the roads Chikhaldara. But with slightly increase in the population and
poaching, Tiger is not sighted around Chikhaldara habitation anymore.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Semadoh village is located about
20Km from Chikhaldara which is situated on the banks of Sipna river. Just
outside this village, on the banks of river, forest department has built an
extremely nice Campsite. Nature lovers can book this place in Amaravati forest
department office at very nominal cost and then enjoy the feel of jungle by
living right in the middle of jungle. Flying squirrel is a shy nocturnal animal
which mainly lives on trees and hence it is a very rare animal to spot. The
sighting of this animal is almost guaranteed to people who stay in Semadoh
Campsite. With permission from Forest department one can explore the tourist
zone of Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Considering that Natural wealth of
Chikhaldara , reaching Chikhaldara is not easy but again its not difficult if
you are a true nature lover. If you have 3 – 4 days in your hand, Chikhaldara
is the most ideal destination for Nature lovers, Photographers, historians,
Archaeologist and even for those who just want to have spectacular views and
want to go away from city noises. The best season to visit Chikhaldara is from
October to June. Chikhaldara is not closed during monsoon season but just it is
difficult to reach. But the way you can see and experience waterfalls, streams
and rivers in monsoon; no other season can offer you the same.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chikhaldara is situated about 100Km from
Amravati which is the nearest railway station as well as the main town. If you
want to hire any vehicle or want to take bus to reach Chikhaldara, you have to
go to Amravati first. The distance to Nagpur is approximately 230Km which is
the nearest airport. For a Pune or a Mumbai resident, the travelling distance
is about 750 Km, but the Luxury buses that run on the Mumbai – Aurangabad –
Nagpur highway make journey very easy and comfortable. The first evening you
sit in the bus and next morning you are in Amravati. Take bus or hire a vehicle
in Amravati and within 2 - 3 hrs you are in Chikhaldara.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chikhaldara has fair number of
hotels which comes in various price ranges. There are simple air cooled hotels
as well as AC hotels. The most interesting property is owned by Maharashtra
tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). They have a spacious and well wooded
property with comfortable rooms and they are very much affordable.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chikhaldara used to be a crowded
destination by tourists from Nagpur and Amravati and surrounding towns. But
with the IT boom, people have started less and less time exploring such areas.
Several resorts in Chikhaldara had to close down because of not getting enough
tourists which is very much disturbing. Fantastic destination like Chikhaldara
should not go to ruins and that’s why people from other parts of Maharashtra
and mainly the huge population of Mumbai and Pune should start visiting this
off beat hill station. If you have 3-4 days in your hand remember that there is
a place on just overnight journey’s distance which can offer you a better
experience than any other well known tourist destination. Only thing one should
remember that don’t take city to Chikhaldara but go to experience Chikhaldara.
Do not expect disco, bars, Spa in Chikhaldara but go to experience the jungle,
silence and peace of mind. Go to take nothing else but photographs and wonderful
memories and remember to leave only footprints and nothing else.</div>
</div>Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-2607942733500441292011-10-17T05:37:00.000-07:002011-10-18T06:33:32.480-07:00My Top 10 Destinations for Star Gazing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> As an amateur Astronomer I am very much fond of various activities like Star Gazing, Deep sky astronomy, Meteor Watch etc. which falls under observational astronomy. Being a trekker I have visited some fantastic destinations from the perspective of astronomy. TREKDI intend to conduct observational astronomy related activities at these destinations.<br />
<br />
Following are some of the destinations from where I have seen maddening sky.<br />
<br />
1. Pangong Lake - Ladakh, J & K<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPHEPcFYh0r-YFeRZQxYl96Ygkwqokzryqaeeh7S6aPdSO9np-UMk9e5zOPi8XHOB_ulXDOwoItcssZWqEOUdYaj0LEY5FyUl23ER0gUiEdPj5SMtZWW2G9_VO-inphMAE_b21tZjRj8/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPHEPcFYh0r-YFeRZQxYl96Ygkwqokzryqaeeh7S6aPdSO9np-UMk9e5zOPi8XHOB_ulXDOwoItcssZWqEOUdYaj0LEY5FyUl23ER0gUiEdPj5SMtZWW2G9_VO-inphMAE_b21tZjRj8/s320/IMG_3052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
2. Prachitgad Fort -Maharashtra<br />
<br />
3. Eco village, Warasgaon backwaters, Pune, Maharashtra<br />
<br />
4. Kashid Beach, Raigad district, Maharashtra<br />
<br />
5. Gawilgad Fort, Chikhaldara, Maharashtra<br />
<br />
6. Bhivri village - Panchgani, Maharashtra<br />
<br />
7. Udupi - Karnataka<br />
<br />
8. The lagoon barrier - Chilka Lake, Orissa<br />
<br />
9. Naneghat - Junnar, Maharashtra<br />
<br />
10. Lonar crater - Buldhana, Maharashtra<br />
<br />
<br />
- Pinakin Karve</div>Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-42643494214829953982011-09-22T00:52:00.000-07:002011-09-22T01:01:44.939-07:00A Nap on a Punjabi Road - A page from a Biker's diary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I was sitting in a Hotel room, searching for colder water than Tap water to have bath and get relief from the heat. It was a dreadfully hot day of July'09 in Jammu with slightly cloudy weather and a hot sun. Light Breeze was moving few tree leaves whose movement could be measured by a vernier caliper. It had rained heavily last night but hadn't helped in a slightest way to comfort us. I guess there was at least 50% share of sweat in the water which was running on the road. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I had just completed the Ladakh Biking circuit starting from Ambala and ending at Jammu after covering entire Ladakh region. It is one of the most revered destinations for Motor bikers. The circuit covered 10 mountain passes from which 5 fall under top 10 highest passes of the world including Khardung La which is the highest motorable pass in the world. Previous day we had just arrived in Jammu from Sonmarg covering 405 mountain Kilometers and the weather shock was tremendous. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We decided to continue on bikes to Pune and were planning accordingly. We had covered about 2500 Km and there was some bike maintenance to do. I was ready and was eager to cover few destinations more than others. Finally six of us decided that I would start early on my bike. I will visit Bagha border and then we would meet in Amritsar. We would together then proceed to Ambala and further to Delhi. Rather than sitting sweating in the dreadful Jammu, I thought it better to be on Bike with wind easing the discomfort.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My day had began a 6am but I started riding around 11. After getting out of Jammu and riding rather under construction road with heavy traffic to Pathankot, I finally reached on Pathankot - Amritsar highway. And believe me I haven't seen more spectacular road till that day. Impeccable tar road with almost zero potholes. Extremely well marked with white paint. Light traffic with no people running here and there on the roads. Trees planted along the road on both sides and beyond that endless lush green farms. What more a rider can expect. To cut it short.. I had a wonderful ride to Amritsar and Bagha Border. Jammu to Amritsar is about 220Km and Bagha border is another 40 Km from there. By the time I reached Amritsar, I got a call from my friends that they lost lot of time in getting the bikes in shape and so they would not be coming to Amritsar but will be meeting me directly at Ludhiana/Jalandhar or Ambala as per convenience. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> So there I was. Alone on bike in the fantastic city of Amritsar. I decided not to rush for return journey. Even if I had to ride in the nighttime I would spent time in Amritsar and enjoy it completely. After enjoying the view of Golden Temple and cherishing memories of Martyrs at Jaliawala Baug, I started my return journey. It was 7.30 in the evening when I left Golden temple premises and it took about an hour just to escape from Amritsar traffic and get on the highway. I had a talk with my friends and they were taking halt at a village named Khanna which was 80km before Ambala. So it was about 160 Km before I could reach my friends and relax.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I had already ate in Amritsar a lot - Paratha, Laccha kulfi, Lassi. I had a tea stop after escaping the traffic and then headed towards Jalandhar. As a trekker, I can control feeling of hunger, sleep, cold , heat etc. But with the fantastic heavy dinner in my belly and cool wind of the night took the necessary toll. I had started my day at 6 in the morning and till that hour I had continuously traveled. It was somewhere around 10pm and I was somewhere before Jalandhar where I got bit sleepy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The key to the successful and safe night driving is that you should be constantly on alert and must be able to tackle the headlight of vehicles in opposite direction. To achieve both of these conditions you must not be sleepy. If these two conditions are not met then even if you are driving dead slow, you can get into serious trouble. In my experience it is best to take a small nap. Relax your eyes as well as brain and then start again. You can cover up more distance in alert 1.5 hrs than sleepy 2 hrs. Now this was the time to put my theory into the force. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The moment I felt that I am losing my alertness, I stopped on the road side. Parked my bike on the main stand just outside of the white line which marks main road and the roadside. I took off my backpack, using it as a pillow, within a minute I was looking at dark night sky dotted with millions of stars. I wasn't lying there to see the stars and so in another minute I was knocked out on a smooth, warm, tar road in Punjab. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> It was a lovely 30 minutes power nap. At the end of that time, I heard some movement near my head. I opened my eyes and saw a Sardarji towering over me. He asked me whether I was alright and suggested me to travel few kilometers to Jalandhar and stay in Hotel. I told him that I must ride ahead and I had my power nap. Around 10.45, I started the ride again and by 12, I was sitting with my friends in Khanna.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> It has been now several years, but I still remember the day where I slept on the road in a completely strange area. I still recall that good Sardarji who towered over me and gave a suggestion with absolute affection. That was a beginning for my True Roadies Life. I became more bolder and did more ambitious thing later on. The foundation of all that was in that one Nap on the roads of Punjab.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Pinakin Karve</span></div>Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-1813477060979323022011-06-06T03:33:00.000-07:002011-06-06T05:50:20.711-07:00Bandhavgad Tiger Reserve Junge Camp by TREKDI 19-24 Apr'11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8fz8FZ4HIPDoyGPESX1GqjjF5CcyH2Y1rjos1cifaOwQE5CDBTZvWF9wYHNXpfw7P34VYdPXTFxN1CUrvwKlN221FktIqu-JVQit0tzC8kXMON2Ok8PJoO2aBorzq5WBVLTgPi9fA2k/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8fz8FZ4HIPDoyGPESX1GqjjF5CcyH2Y1rjos1cifaOwQE5CDBTZvWF9wYHNXpfw7P34VYdPXTFxN1CUrvwKlN221FktIqu-JVQit0tzC8kXMON2Ok8PJoO2aBorzq5WBVLTgPi9fA2k/s320/IMG_1266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615076968925706818" border="0" /></a>Spreading over 448 Sq Km area in the Vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgad National Park is considered as one of the best Tiger Reserves in India from the tourist point of view. With somewhere between 65-75 Tigers, Bandhavgad has reputation of having highest concentration of Tigers per unit area.<br /><br />Bandhavgad was former hunting preserve for Maharaja of Rewa. After independence when Government of India, under the leadership of Mrs. Indira Gandhi realised that Tiger population has drastically gone down and initiated project tiger, in year 1968, Bandhavgad was declared as Tiger Reserve. It is one of the earliest Tiger Reserves in India. After more than 40 years, Bandhavgad has managed to maintain a healthy population of Tigers in the reserve despite of black years when Poachers were strongly organized and taking toll of many Tiger lives all over India.<br /><br />The forest is dominated by by central hill on which Bandhavgad fort is located. Surrounding forest is mostly composed of Deciduous forest with Saal and Crocodile bark trees are dominant. Mahua (madhuca longifolia) is also important tree of this forest. With excellent grassland among the forest allows good number of game to thrive and ultimately allows Tiger to thrive.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9ysCbdrGhfhya3oExOcxJohbHRVBIMTpaZbBH-C_V1qYjRNJWQGHdFAjvwSw-e5fRhVA26F9iWQkkDsXiZxJJ9lD9V9k2x9oFyKG5GmEqg3B7wzapklBF0Z8xYKzSjs4v-o-31KdTXk/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9ysCbdrGhfhya3oExOcxJohbHRVBIMTpaZbBH-C_V1qYjRNJWQGHdFAjvwSw-e5fRhVA26F9iWQkkDsXiZxJJ9lD9V9k2x9oFyKG5GmEqg3B7wzapklBF0Z8xYKzSjs4v-o-31KdTXk/s320/IMG_1290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615085421948970178" border="0" /></a>Of the total 448 Sq Km area, 105 Sq. Km area is declared as core zone and no tourist can go in there. Rest of the area has been divided into various zones. Zone 1 is known as "Tala", Zone 2 is known as "Magdhi" and Zone 3 is known as Khitouli. There are other zones too but these three zones are the zones which are mostly visited by tourist.<br /><br />Bandhavgad, being an old reserve and being one of the favorite tourist destinations, has become one of the highly studied reserve. Many established tigers in this park are known by proper names. Many of them are photographed and documented. B2 Tiger which is named after the area which he dominates is one of the most photographed Tiger in the world. Many existing Tigers in Bandhavgad are descendants of B2.<br /><br />TrekDi had planned this trek in April. After reaching Katni in the noon, it was almost evening by the time we reached and already time of Animal Activity. On the way itself we were able to see few Sambar, several dozens of Spotted Deers, a wild boar. We turned in to our resort and then after breifing about the next days schedule and tips about how to behave in the forest we went to bed. The next day will soon rise and we must be in the jungle when sun pops out from the horizon.<br /><br />We had planned total 4 safaris in two days. The morning Safari starts at 6am and for that we had to reach the forest gate at 5.30am. To achieve this timing we had to start from our resort at 5.15am and to achieve this timing we had to wake up at 4.45am. So our day started at 4.45 in the morning. From 6 to 10am we explored the jungle and back to resort by 10.30am. After that we leave our resort again at 3pm and exit forest at 6.30pm. It was 7pm by the time we reach our resort and after having discussion about todays sightings and sharing photographs, we had early dinner at 8.30 and that was the end of 17 Hrs of the day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwFPFgiyF0MnVmkdPB_xeSVMO7Y1xMoJZsHWwlri0T9T6oSrHwM_lTvrLfTaZP7SFGcKAOc-Eg2M1aoOV4qiH9sUH1yLQxdneP3DvWl4YgU4wcV3kN4YE8PF_vUEfC0Qyb9mJgAcQq0A/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwFPFgiyF0MnVmkdPB_xeSVMO7Y1xMoJZsHWwlri0T9T6oSrHwM_lTvrLfTaZP7SFGcKAOc-Eg2M1aoOV4qiH9sUH1yLQxdneP3DvWl4YgU4wcV3kN4YE8PF_vUEfC0Qyb9mJgAcQq0A/s320/IMG_1601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615087356736136482" border="0" /></a>Having a tip from some wild enthusiasts we selected Magdhi and Khitouli zones for our Safari. In the Magdhi zone, there were chances to see a tigress with 4 cubs, and two male tigers. Unfortunately during the ride 1 we weren't able to spot any tiger in Magdhi zone, though we saw fresh pugmarks of Tigress and cubs. Even if we didn't saw any tiger, we were lucky to spot many birds and other mammals. Peafowls were giving amazing shots and poses. The Changeable hawk eagle, White eyed buzzard, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Yellow footed green pigeons were some interesting sightings. We got to photograph Cheetal, Sambar, Wild boars. There was one solitary sighting of Chinkara. Some of us got to see the Indian Gaurs which are recently introduced in Bandhavgad from Kanha and are only 20 in number in entire reserve.<br /><br />Ride 2 we planned in Khitouli zone which is little bit less interesting from the perspective of Deer sightings but this area has several Blue bulls (नीलगाय) which are usually not found in other parts of the reserve. But before we leave it rained cats and dogs and we were afraid that perhaps we may not able sight tiger on this ride too. But unlike many other forests, Bandhavgad has very limited sources of water, and because of rains the weather had cooled down. So it was possible that Tiger may end his noon siesta earlier than usual and hence higher chances of Tiger Sighting. It was a gamble, which always is when we go for Tiger. The rain which had stopped before started again in form of light drizzle. We were waiting at a waterhole in Khitouli zone where a Tigress with two cubs (1 male and 1 female) of age about 3 years were expected. We started getting alarm calls but Tigress didn't appeared at the waterhole. It was almost time to leave the reserve and we started return journey when suddenly two cubs were spotted just adjacent to the Road. Male cub was sitting just 10 ft from the road and female cub was sitting about 20 ft from the road. The last 10 Gypsies had excellent sighting of these two tigers which were extremely calm and gave full freedom to photographers. Unfortunately it was already sundown, the light was low, weather was cloudy and hence it was very difficult to photograph them. But sometime, even if you don't photograph Tiger, seeing it fully and storing it in the mind which will remain a precious memory forever is more important. We were back to resort by 7.30pm seeing the King of the Jungle. On the way back we spotted a Fox and a mongoose but couldn't manage to photograph it.<br /><br />Ride 3 and 4 were again in Magdha and Khitouli zone in which we had excellent birding. TREKDI promotes that, Camp to the jungle is not just for Tigers, its for all kinds of Fauna. Sometime we may overlook a bird or an insect which might be rarer than Tiger himself. So overlook nothing and document everything. Since we started with this attitude and since we already had a tiger sighting we were not at all in rush and hence were able to have excellent photographs of White eyed buzzard, Shikra, King vulture and many more birds.<br /><br />We ended this camp with sighting of 2 tigers and 70+ bird species, 15+ butterfly species in the short duration of two and a half day.<br /><br />>> I will be publishing checklist soon in this same blog.Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-8264363799101463642011-05-25T21:24:00.001-07:002011-06-02T04:00:12.504-07:00भद्रा राष्ट्रीय उद्यान : एक दुर्लक्षित व्याघ्र प्रकल्प<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKgesT8c_iUvhJPxNHThXtGWOVQ66uK_lW-gNgAybdmWZ5wpuX4BPfFMgTMshdJc0rrQnjbl4VP-nCVW66gt55kl1JTScyc323j__8QFhCFiR3ehCSCAlYBau0uGW_DNJClxbSflMygk/s1600/IMG_6953.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKgesT8c_iUvhJPxNHThXtGWOVQ66uK_lW-gNgAybdmWZ5wpuX4BPfFMgTMshdJc0rrQnjbl4VP-nCVW66gt55kl1JTScyc323j__8QFhCFiR3ehCSCAlYBau0uGW_DNJClxbSflMygk/s320/IMG_6953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613571558889054194" border="0" /></a>पश्चिम घाट, निसर्गाने भारताला दिलेले एक वरदान आहे. भारताच्या पश्चिमेला गुजरात पासून ते केरळ पर्यंत १६०० कि मी पसरलेली हि पर्वतरांग जगातील मोजक्या बायो डायव्हरसीटी हॉट स्पॉट पैकी एक आहे. पश्चिम घाटात अनेक असे प्राणी आहेत कि जे फक्त इथेच सापडतात आणि जगात इतरत्र कुठे नाही आणि या मुळेच पश्चिम घाटात असलेल्या विविध अभयारण्यांचे अतिशय महत्व आहे. भद्रा राष्ट्रीय उद्यान हे पश्चिम घाटातले असेच एक खास जंगल आहे.<br /><br />कर्नाटकातील प्रसिद्ध तुंग व भद्रा या दोन नद्यांपैकी भद्रा या नदी च्या खोर्यामध्ये भद्रा राष्ट्रीय उद्यान वसलेले आहे. मध्यभागी भद्रा नदी चे खोरे आणि आजूबाजूने मुल्लैन्गिरी, हेब्बेगिरी, गंगेगिरी व बाबाबुन्दागिरी या पर्वतरांगा यांमध्ये अंदाजे ४९५ वर्ग कि मी परिसरात भद्रा चे जंगल पसरलेले आहे. परिसराची सर्वसाधारण उंची ७५० मी ते २१०० मी अशी असून कल्लाहाथीगिरी नावाचे १६७५ मी उंचीचे शिखर व हेब्बेगिरी नावाचे अंदाजे १८७६ मी उंचीचे शिखर हे अभयारण्य परिसरातील सर्वात उंच शिखरे आहेत. भद्रा नदीच्या अंदाजे २००० वर्ग कि मी जलसंधारणाच्या क्षेत्रफळापैकी एक चतुर्थांश क्षेत्र भद्रा अभयारण्याचे आहे. कर्नाटकातील लाखो लोकांची तहान व शेती या परिसरात पडणार्या पावसावर अवलंबून आहे.<br /><br />भद्रा राष्ट्रीय उद्यानाचा १९९८ साली प्रोजेक्ट टायगर मध्ये २५ <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBhHFx673Q_1-Fhu4DnF6zWYygA14ABnObbUNZl12OIJhTEhcF7G4km37Y6n162ThS8mPnw6NK_lRPZcwzt2kce-wd5vwaoMlNgBmyzrlnokxXT0f1tafUg9o8SMShQAIWSzk9AINbLc/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBhHFx673Q_1-Fhu4DnF6zWYygA14ABnObbUNZl12OIJhTEhcF7G4km37Y6n162ThS8mPnw6NK_lRPZcwzt2kce-wd5vwaoMlNgBmyzrlnokxXT0f1tafUg9o8SMShQAIWSzk9AINbLc/s320/IMG_6969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613572246748788066" border="0" /></a>वा व्याघ्र प्रकल्प म्हणून समाविष्ट केला गेला. कमी जास्त होत होत आज अंदाजे ३० वाघ या अभयारण्यात आहेत. या जंगलाचे वैशिष्ठ्य म्हणजे हे जंगल फक्त वाघांसाठी प्रसिद्ध नसून हत्तींसाठी सुद्धा प्रसिद्ध आहे. ३० वाघांसोबत या जंगलात अंदाजे २०० हत्ती सुद्धा आढळून येतात. तसेच साधारण २० बिबटे, १८० गवे अन ५०० हून अधिक चितळ व सांबर या जंगलात <span><span><span><span>नो</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>दावले</span></span></span></span> गेले आहेत. अस्वल, मलबारी शेकरू, पिसोरी हरीण, उडती खार असे काही इतर प्राणी सुद्धा सापडतात. अभयारण्य परिसरात अंदाजे ३५० पक्षी नोंदवले गेले आहेत. त्यातील काही फक्त पश्चिम घाटात आढळणारे असे आहेत. उत्तम वर्षावन असल्यामुळे येथे सापांच्या अनेक प्रजाती सापडतात व त्यांची संख्या सुद्धा भरपूर <span><span><span><span>आहे</span></span></span></span>. तसेच त्यांना खाऊन ज<span><span><span><span>गणारा</span></span></span></span> नागराज किंवा किंग कोब्रा सुद्धा या जंगलात सापडतो. ह्या जंगलात १२० प्रकारचे वृक्ष प्रकार नोंदवले गेले आहेत त्यात प्रामुख्याने साग, किन्दल, माथी, होने, जांभूळ, आंबा या प्रकारची झाडे आहेत. या जंगलाचे अजून एक वैशिष्ठ्य म्हणजे उंचावरचा भागामध्ये थोड्या प्रमाणात शोला पद्धतीचे जंगल सुद्धा पहावयास मिळते.<br /><br /><span><span><span><span>भद्रा</span></span></span></span> <span>ला</span> <span>पोहोचण्याकरिता</span> <span>शिमोगा</span> <span>व</span> <span>चिकमंगळूर</span> <span>या</span> <span>दोन</span> <span>शहरांमधून</span> <span>जाता</span> <span>येते</span>. <span>शिमोगा</span> <span>वरून</span> <span>दक्षिण</span> <span>पश्चिमेला</span> <span>अन्द्दजे</span> <span>४०</span> <span>कि</span> <span>मी</span> <span>वर</span> <span>भद्रा</span> <span>वरील</span> <span>धरणाची</span> <span>भिंत</span> <span>लागते</span>. <span>ह्याचा</span> <span>मागील</span> <span>बाजूने</span> <span>जंगल</span> <span>परिसर</span> <span>सुरु</span> <span>होतो</span>. <span>पण</span> <span>ह्या</span> <span>परिसरात</span> <span>सपाट</span> <span>प्रदेश</span> <span>अजिबात</span> <span>नसून</span> <span>फिरणे</span> <span>खूप</span> <span>कष्टदायक</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>म्हणून</span> <span>निसर्गप्रेमी</span> <span>सहसा</span> <span>चिकमंगळूर</span> <span>वरून</span> <span>जाणे</span> <span>पसंत</span> <span>करतात</span>. <span>चिकमंगळूर</span> <span>वरून</span> <span>३८</span> <span>कि</span> <span>मी</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGINuRQK5c-ka8mjwWTJdIwXk7ZMLQh9Jt9yMvyjFoyHJoSInV6PkyjrL0kQO4xQUV4W51Bsi6__O4O_rwDRnbYIopFtljrDDxjZwi7lS7WS1LtOvJgUreMOri-xO01Z6w2NOfY1tilZk/s1600/IMG_6980.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGINuRQK5c-ka8mjwWTJdIwXk7ZMLQh9Jt9yMvyjFoyHJoSInV6PkyjrL0kQO4xQUV4W51Bsi6__O4O_rwDRnbYIopFtljrDDxjZwi7lS7WS1LtOvJgUreMOri-xO01Z6w2NOfY1tilZk/s320/IMG_6980.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613573029987651378" border="0" /></a> <span>उत्तर</span> <span>पश्चिमेला</span> <span>जंगल</span> <span>सुरु</span> <span>होते</span>. <span>तेथूनच</span> <span>पुढे</span> <span>मुथोडी</span> <span>नावाच्या</span> <span>जागी</span> <span>कर्नाटक</span> <span>वनविभागाने</span> <span>रहाण्याची</span> <span>सोय</span> <span>केली</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>कर्नाटक</span> <span>वनविभागाशी</span> <span>संपर्क</span> <span>साधून</span> , <span>पूर्व</span> <span>परवानगी</span> <span>घेऊन</span> <span>येथे</span> <span>रहाण्याची</span> <span>सोय</span> <span>होऊ</span> <span>शकते</span>. <span>जंगलामध्ये</span> <span>फिरण्याकरिता</span> <span>वनविभागाने</span> <span>जंगलाच्या</span> <span>विविध</span> <span>भागांमध्ये</span> <span>कच्चे</span> <span>रस्ते</span> <span>केले</span> <span>आहेत</span>. <span>आपली</span> <span>गाडी</span> <span>घेऊन</span> <span>जंगलातून</span> <span>फिरता</span> <span>येते</span>. <span>पण</span> <span>त्या</span> <span>करीन</span> <span>सोबत</span> <span>वनविभागाचा</span> <span>गार्ड</span> <span>असणे</span> <span>गरजेचे</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>हे</span> <span>जंगल</span> <span>व्याघ्र</span> <span>प्रकल्प</span> <span>असल्यामुळे</span> <span>ह्या</span> <span>जंगलात</span> <span>पायी</span> <span>फिरण्यास</span> <span>परवानगी</span> <span>नाही</span>. <span>तसेच</span> <span>जंगलात</span> <span>हत्ती</span> <span>असल्यामुळे</span> <span>ते</span> <span>सुरक्षितही</span> <span>नाही</span>.<br /><br /> हे जंगल मार्च ते मे या काळात बंद असते. जून ते सप्टेंबर या काळात भरपूर पाउस असतो. या काळात तुम्ही जंगलात जाऊ शकता पण ते कष्टदायक असते. खालून जळवा व वरून बेदम पाउस अशी स्थिती असते. या काळात सरीसृप व उभयचर प्राण्यांच्या अभ्यासासाठी जावे. नाहीतर या जंगलाचा सर्वोत्तम काल ऑक्टोबर ते फेब्रुवारी असा आहे. जंगलात फिरताना पटापट काही दिसेल अशी अपेक्षा ठेऊन जाऊ नये. सदाहरित व घनदाट जंगल असल्यामुळे प्राणी, अगदी हत्ती सुद्धा सहजतेने लपून जातो. पण जे जे समोर येईल ते बघत राहावे. नीट बघायला सुरु केल्यास मुंगी पासून हत्ती पर्यंत सर्वच गोष्टी थरारक वाटतील.<br /><br />शाळेत असताना आपण सर्वजण एक प्रतिज्ञा म्हणतो "भारत माझा देश आहे" त्यातील एक ओळ आहे ती थोडीशी बदलून म्हणावसं वाटतं " भारतातील विविधतेने नटलेल्या जंगल संपदेचा मला अभिमान आहे , या समृद्धतेच्या वारसाची पाईक होण्याची पात्रता माझ्या अंगी यावी म्हणून मी सदैव प्रयत्न करीन"<br /><br />- Pinakin Karve<br /><br />Published in Ma Ta,<br />Friday 27th 2011Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-91321043577290755182011-05-10T22:38:00.001-07:002011-05-16T02:13:13.848-07:00बोंडला अभयारण्य<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JTO-YNchFyy8UM-ZDtvVEwyYuRxhAvfbZC5TA7LMUZdt00ebIMMtlhsplAnbxZaaovHIUDDqxbO8UySpldis3hKOBgkRdq-X2aJ9UMSD1f2mztUK1LF5Gvu-Os5r5ol3to-bZxyivC8/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JTO-YNchFyy8UM-ZDtvVEwyYuRxhAvfbZC5TA7LMUZdt00ebIMMtlhsplAnbxZaaovHIUDDqxbO8UySpldis3hKOBgkRdq-X2aJ9UMSD1f2mztUK1LF5Gvu-Os5r5ol3to-bZxyivC8/s320/IMG_1222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607233525474054450" border="0" /></a>एक काळ असा होता कि भारत देश हा वाघ आणि गारुड्यांचा (snake charmers) देश म्हणून ओळखला जायचा. खूप मोठ्या प्रमाणात आणि विविध प्रकारची जंगले यामुळे भारतात प्रचंड प्रमाणात जैववैविध्य वसत होते. गेल्या शंभर - दोनशे वर्षांचा विचार केल्यास ह्याचा प्रचंड प्रमाणात ह्रास झाला आहे. तरीपण आज देशाचा विविध भागांमध्ये उत्तम प्रतीचे जंगला टिकून आहे आणि त्यात जुन्या जंगल संपदेचा अंदाज येईल इतपत अजून शिल्लक आहे. अशाच काही खास जागांमध्ये गोव्यातील बोंडला अभयारण्य येते.<br /><br /><span><span>अनेकांना</span></span> गोवा म्हणजे फक्त समुद्रकिनारे असा वाटते पण त्या पलीकडे जाऊन गोवा राज्यामध्ये प्रचंड प्रमाणात जैववैविध्य आढळून येते. जवळ जवळ १००० प्रकारच्या वनस्पती, ४०० प्रकारचे पक्षी, २०० हून अधिक फुलपाखरांचा प्रजाती, ४० हून अधिक सस्तन प्राण्यांच्या प्रजाती, साधारण तेवढ्याच प्रकारचे सरीसृप आणि असंख्य प्रकारचे इतर जीव. एवढे प्रचंड वैभव छोट्याशा गोवा राज्यात सामावले आहे. अर्थात समृद्ध जंगले असल्याशिवाय हे शक्य नाही. बोंडला अभयारण्य अशाच खास जंगलांमध्ये येते.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDqV0-Y7Lnb-2SFnoCii49waidFP8cPkxR4CQN7TRaFLxeUNfmlHy6eYmTTdX8RB0a1edPdZgCbj3LI8ep_FKHVsf22td8sEJl2yLKKQHWEtX7Nf69uL23vcKT-H1T3vgTvcogA2iYi0/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDqV0-Y7Lnb-2SFnoCii49waidFP8cPkxR4CQN7TRaFLxeUNfmlHy6eYmTTdX8RB0a1edPdZgCbj3LI8ep_FKHVsf22td8sEJl2yLKKQHWEtX7Nf69uL23vcKT-H1T3vgTvcogA2iYi0/s200/IMG_1415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607235692759569442" border="0" /></a><span><span>फक्त</span></span> ८ वर्ग किमी. मध्ये वसलेल्या ह्या अभयारण्याकडे पणजी बेळगाव रस्त्यावरील <span><span>पोंडा</span></span> ह्या गावातून रस्ता जातो. पणजी पासून अंदाजे ४० किमी तर पोंडा गावापासून <span><span>अंदाजे</span></span> १० किमी वर ह्या अभयारण्याचे मुख्य ऑफिस आहे. पणजी पासून पोंडाला येण्याकरिता स्थानिक बसेस मिळतात. तसेच पोंडा पासून बोंडला ला पोहोचण्याकरिता खासगी गाड्या भाड्याने मिळू शकतात. बोंडला मध्ये गोवा वन विभागाचे रेस्ट हाउस आहे. सर्व व्यवस्था मिळून अंदाजे ४० ते ५० लोक राहू शकतील अशी व्यवस्था आहे. त्याची पूर्व परवानगी योग्य ते शुल्क भरून गोवा वनविभागाकडून घ्यावी लागते. रेस्ट हाउस पासून थोड्या अंतरावर एक उत्तम प्राणी संग्रहालय आहे. गोव्यात आढळून येणारे काही निवडक प्राणी व विविध प्रकारचे सरीसृप या प्राणी संग्रहालयामध्ये बघायला मिळतात.<br /><br />बोंडला अभयारण्य हे सदाहरित वन ह्या प्रकारातील असून त्यामध्ये काही वैशिष्ठ्यपूर्ण प्राणी सापडतात. मलबार जायंट स्क्वीरल किंवा मराठीत ज्याला मलबारी शेकरू म्हणतात ते ह्या जंगलामध्ये सहजपणे आढळून येतात. रेस्ट हाउस चा पाठीमागे असलेल्या उंच वृक्षांच्या फांद्यांवर लक्ष ठेवल्यास पटकन दिसून जातो. आजू बाजूला चालत फिरताना चितळ, सांबर, भेकर सारखे प्राणी सहज दिसून जातात. ह्या जंगलामध्ये बिबट्याचा वावर आहे पण घनदाट जंगल असल्यामुळे त्याचे दर्शन अत्यंत दुर्मिळ आहे. एकदा प्राणी संग्रहालयातील मादी बिबट्याच्या वासाने एक नर बिबटा प्राणी संग्रहालयात घुसला होता व ते सांभाळताना वनविभागाची गडबड उडाली होती. ह्या जंगलामध्ये अशा गमती जमती होत असतात. तुम्ही जर रेस्ट हाउस मध्ये मुक्काम केलात तर जेवणाच्या जागेच्या आसपास पहाटे किंवा संध्याकाळी काही रानडुक्करे तुम्हाला घोटाळताना सापडतील. आजकाल जंगलातून दुर्मिळ झालेले पिसोरी हरीण म्हणजेच माउस डियर सुद्धा बोंडला मध्ये सापडते. फक्त ते अत्यंत लाजाळू असल्याकारणाने व फक्त रात्री बाहेर पडत असल्यामुळे बघायला मिळणे अवघड आहे. ओर्नेट फ्लाइंग स्नेक किवा उडता सर्प हा वैशिष्ठ्यपूर्ण व दुर्मिळ असा बिनविषारी साप ह्या जंगलात सापडतो. अंग चपटे करून एका झाडाच्या शेंड्यावरून दुसऱ्या झाडावर ग्लाईड करत जाणे हे ह्या सापाचे वैशिष्ठ्य. एका झेपेत जवळ जवळ ३० ते ५० मीटर अंतर हा साप कापू शकतो. ह्या शिवाय कित्येक प्रकारचे पक्षी व फुलपाखरे ह्यांचे हे अभयारण्य वसतीस्थान आहे.<br /><br />तुम्ही खरे निसर्गप्रेमी असाल तर हे जंगल तुम्हाला कधीच निराश करणार नाही. कुठलाही ऋतू असो हे जंगल तुम्हाला सतत काहीतरी दाखवत राहील. दुर्बीण, कॅमेरा अशा वस्तू व प्राण्यांची माहिती देणारी विविध फिल्ड गाईड्स घेऊन <span id="6_TRN_kx">जर</span> तयारीने तुम्ही ह्या जंगलात शिरलात तर तुम्ही ह्या जंगलाचा अधिक चांगल्या प्रकाराने आनंद घेऊ शकता. गोव्याला जाऊन समुद्रकिनारे प्रत्येकजण बघून येतो. काहीतरी वेगळे करण्याची संधी हे जंगल तुम्हाला देते. तसेच निसर्ग वाचवा नुसते न बोलता जंगलाशी प्रत्यक्ष नाळ जोडल्यास काहीतरी कृती केल्यासारखे होईल.<br /><br />पिनाकिन कर्वे<br /><br />Published in MaTa on Friday 11th May 2011Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-1430530358250141942011-05-09T23:28:00.000-07:002011-05-10T13:10:36.943-07:00बिन भिंतीची उघडी शाळा<span style="font-size:100%;"><span>आजकाल</span> <span>पेपरात</span> <span>अनेकदा</span> <span>विविध</span> <span>किल्ल्यांवर</span> <span>हरवलेल्या</span> <span>लोकांच्या</span> <span>बातम्या</span> <span>वाचतो</span>. <span>अनेकांना</span> <span>हे</span> <span>काहीतरी</span> <span>भयंकर</span> <span>घडले</span> <span>असे</span> <span>वाटते</span>. <span>पण</span> <span>प्रत्यक्षात</span> <span>तुम्ही</span> <span>कुठल्याही</span> <span>मुरलेल्या</span> <span>ट्रेकर</span> <span>ला</span> <span>विचाराल</span> <span>तर</span> <span>तो</span> <span>एकदाही</span> <span>हरवलेला</span> <span>नाही</span> <span>असे</span> <span>कधीच</span> <span>होत</span> <span>नाही</span>. <span>त्याने</span> <span>कधीच</span> <span>कोणाला</span> <span>फोन</span> <span>करून</span> <span>वाचवायला</span> <span>बोलावलेले</span> <span>नसते</span>. <span>ह्यामध्ये</span> <span>त्याचा</span> <span>वाट</span> <span>पाठ</span> <span>असतात</span> <span>असे</span> <span>नव्हे</span> <span>पण</span> <span>महत्वाचे</span> <span>असते</span> <span>ते</span> <span>म्हणजे</span> <span>परिस्थितीचे</span> <span>आकलन</span> <span>करून</span> <span>व</span> <span>डोकं</span> <span>शांत</span> <span>ठेऊन</span> <span>बरोबर</span> <span>वाट</span> <span>शोधून</span> <span>काढण्याची</span> <span>कला</span> <span>येणे</span>. <span>ही</span> <span>काही</span> <span>वर्गात</span> <span>शिकवून</span> <span>येणारी</span> <span>किंवा</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>एका</span> <span>दिवसात</span> <span>कळणारी</span> <span>गोष्ट</span> <span>नव्हे</span>. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>त्याकरता</span> <span>सातत्याने</span> <span>विविध</span> <span>ठिकाणी</span> <span>भटकंती</span> <span>करून</span> <span>अनुभवांची</span> <span>शिदोरी</span> <span>गोळा</span> <span>करणे</span> <span>गरजेचे</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>आपल्यापेक्षा</span> <span>मोठ्या</span> <span>लोकांचे</span> <span>अनुभव</span> <span>ऐकून</span> <span>त्यातुक</span> <span>शिकणे</span> <span>गरजेचे</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>आज</span> <span>आमच्या</span> <span>सारखी</span> <span>जी</span> <span>लोक</span> <span>व्यवसाय</span> <span>म्हणून</span> <span>साहसी</span> <span>भटकंती</span> <span>या</span> <span>क्षेत्रात</span> <span>काम</span> <span>करतो</span> <span>ते</span> <span>सर्व</span> <span>विविध</span> <span>अनुभवातून</span> <span>शिकूनच</span> <span>शहाणे</span> <span>झालेले</span> <span>असतात</span>. <span>माझ्या</span> <span>जडणघडणीत</span> <span>ज्या</span> <span>एका</span> <span>ट्रेक</span> <span>ने</span> <span>महत्वाची</span> <span>भर</span> <span>घातली</span> <span>त्याचा</span> <span>हा</span> <span>अनुभव</span>.<br /><br /><span>अनेकदा</span> <span>एखाद्या</span> <span>गडाचे</span> <span>नाव</span> <span>ऐकून</span> <span>तेथे</span> <span>जावेसे</span> <span>वाटते</span> <span>आणि</span> <span>केवळ</span> <span>ऐकीव</span> <span>माहितीवर</span> <span>जायला</span> <span>सुरुवात</span> <span>करतो</span>. <span>अशा</span> <span>वेळी</span> <span>पुढील</span> <span>घटनांची</span> <span>आपणांस</span> <span>कल्पना</span> <span>नसते</span> <span>आणि</span> <span>पर्वाही</span> <span>नसते</span>. <span>आम्ही</span> <span>मोठ्या</span> <span>उत्साहात</span> <span>जीवधन</span>-<span>नाणेघाट</span>-<span>भैरवगड</span> <span>अशा</span> <span>तीन</span> <span>दिवसाच्या</span> <span>ट्रेकसाठी</span> <span>निघालो</span> <span>होतो</span>. <span>थेट</span> <span>बस</span> <span>ची</span> <span>वेळ</span> <span>नी</span><span>ट माहिती नसल्यामुळे </span> <span>प्रवासाची</span> <span>सुरुवातच</span> <span>बस</span> <span>चुकण्याने</span> <span>झाली</span>. <span>तरीपण</span> <span>न</span> <span>डगमगता</span> <span>शिवाजीनगर</span>-<span>नारायणगाव</span>-<span>जुन्नर</span>-<span>घा</span><wbr><span>टघर</span> <span>अशा</span> <span>तीन</span> <span>एस</span>.<span>टी</span>. <span>मधून</span> <span>प्रवास</span> <span>करून</span> <span>एकदाचे</span> <span>जीवधन</span> <span>गडाच्या</span> <span>पायथ्याशी</span> <span>पोहोचलो</span>.<br /><br /><span>वाटाड्यांना</span> <span>वाटेस</span> <span>लाऊन</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>आत्मविश्वासाने</span> <span>चढाई</span> <span>सुरु</span> <span>केली</span>. <span>गडाची</span> <span>वाट</span> <span>ओढ्यातून</span> <span>जाते</span> <span>हे</span> <span>माहित</span> <span>असल्याने</span> <span>प्रथम</span> <span>ओढ्याचा</span> <span>शोध</span> <span>सुरु</span> <span>केला</span>.<span>येथून</span> <span>आमच्या</span> <span>अडचणींना</span> <span>सुरुवात</span> <span>झाली</span>. <span>बऱ्याच</span> <span>वेळाने</span> <span>गर्द</span> <span>झाडीतील</span> <span>एक</span> <span>ओढा</span> <span>निश्चित</span> <span>करून</span> <span>गड</span> <span>चढू</span> <span>लागलो</span>.<span>काही</span> <span>वेळाने</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>अशा</span> <span>ठिकाणी</span> <span>आलो</span> <span>जिथे</span> <span>गर्द</span> <span>झाडीने</span> <span>आमचा</span> <span>रस्ता</span> <span>रोखला</span>. <span>नंतर</span> <span>शोधाशोध</span> <span>करून</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>एका</span> <span>खड्या</span> <span>चढापाशी</span> <span>आलो</span>. <span>तो</span> <span>चढून</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>अशा</span> <span>चढापाशी</span> <span>आलो</span> <span>जेथून</span> <span>परतणे</span> <span>शक्य</span> <span>नव्हते</span> <span>आणि</span> <span>पुढचा</span> <span>मार्गही</span> <span>सापडत</span> <span>नव्हता</span>. <span>खाली</span> <span>बघितले</span> <span>तर</span> <span>पायथ्याशी</span> <span>गावातील</span> <span>टारगट</span> <span>पोरं</span> <span>जमली</span> <span>होती</span>. <span>आम्ही</span> <span>त्यांना</span> <span>वाट</span> <span>विचारली</span> <span>असता</span> "<span>वाघरू</span> <span>आले</span>.. <span>वाघरू</span> <span>आले</span>" <span>म्हणून</span> <span>घाबरवायला</span> <span>सुरुवात</span> <span>केली</span>. <span>तोपर्यंत</span> <span>प्रकाश</span> <span>कमी</span> <span>होण्यास</span> <span>सुरुवात</span> <span>झाली</span> <span>होती</span>. <span>शेवटी</span> <span>गडाचे</span> <span>नी</span><span>ट निरीक्षण करून </span><span>एक</span> <span>मळलेली</span> <span>पाऊलवाट</span> <span>शोधून</span> <span>काढली</span> <span>व</span> <span>अंधार</span> <span>पडण्याच्या</span> <span>आत</span> <span>पोहोचायचे</span> <span>उद्दिष्ट</span> <span>ठेऊन</span> <span>वाटेतले</span> <span>अवघड</span> <span>रॉकपैच</span> <span>पार</span> <span>करून</span> <span>एकदाचे</span> <span>दुर्गावर</span> <span>पोहोचलो</span>.<br /><br /><span>जीवधन</span> <span>हा</span> <span>जुन्नर</span> <span>विभागातील</span> <span>एक</span> <span>दुय्यम</span> <span>किल्ला</span> <span>असून</span> <span>हा</span> <span>कोकणच्या</span> <span>तोंडावर</span> <span>उभा</span> <span>असल्याने</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>टेहळणीसाठी</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span>याचा</span> <span>वापर</span> <span>होत</span> <span>असे</span>. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span>नाणेघाट</span> <span>हा</span> <span>व्यापारी</span> <span>दृष्ट्या</span> <span>महत्वाचा</span> <span>असल्यामुळे</span> <span>त्याचा</span> <span>रक्षणासाठी</span> <span>असलेल्या</span> <span>जीवधन</span> <span>ला</span> <span>सुद्धा</span> <span>महत्व</span> <span>आले</span>. <span>शहाजी</span> <span>महाराजांनी</span> <span>एक</span> <span>काळ</span> <span>मुर्तजा</span> <span>या</span> <span>बालवयीन</span> <span>निजामशहाला</span> <span>हाताशी</span> <span>धरून</span> <span>जीवधन</span> <span>किल्ल्याच्या</span> <span>मदतीने</span> <span>आदिलशहाच्या</span> <span>सेनेशी</span> <span>लढा</span> <span>दिला</span> <span>होता</span>. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>गडाला</span> <span>केवळ</span> <span>दोनच</span> <span>वाटा</span> <span>आहेत</span>.<span>बाजूचा</span> <span>वानरलिंगी</span> <span>सुळका</span> <span>प्रस्तरारोहणासाठी</span> <span>प्रसिद्ध</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>पश्चिमेकडे</span> <span>नाणेघाट</span> <span>व</span> <span>नानाचा</span> <span>अंगठा</span>, <span>पूर्वेस</span> <span>जुन्नरपेठ</span>, <span>उत्तरेस</span> <span>भोरांड्याची</span> <span>नळी</span> <span>व</span> <span>दक्षिणेस</span> <span>उभा</span> <span>कडा</span> <span>आहे</span>.<br /><br /><span>दुसऱ्या</span> <span>दिवशी</span> <span>सकाळचे</span> <span>दोन</span> <span>तास</span> <span>स्वहस्ते</span> <span>चुलीवर</span> <span>न्याहारी</span> <span>करण्यात</span> <span>दवडले</span>. <span>पुढचा</span> <span>मोठा</span> <span>पल्ला</span> <span>गाठायचा</span> <span>असल्याने</span> <span>आवराआवर</span> <span>करून</span> <span>निघालो</span>. <span>येथून</span> <span>आमच्या</span> <span>पायपिटीला</span> <span>सुरुवात</span> <span>झाली</span>. <span>पूर्वेच्या</span> <span>वाटेने</span> <span>चढल्यामुळे</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>उतरायला</span> <span>पश्चिमेची</span> <span>चोर</span> <span>दरवाज्याची</span> <span>वाट</span> <span>घेतली</span>. <span>निम्मा</span> <span>गड</span> <span>उतरल्यावर</span> <span>आमची</span> <span>पुढची</span> <span>वाट</span> <span>खुंटली</span>. <span>चरफडतच</span> <span>पुन्हा</span> <span>चढून</span> <span>गडावर</span> <span>आलो</span>. <span>पुन्हा</span> <span>चढलेल्याच</span> <span>वाटेने</span> <span>उतरलो</span>.<br /><br /><span>नाणेघाटात</span> <span>पोहोचण्यासाठी</span> <span>आता</span> <span>निम्म्या</span> <span>गडाला</span> <span>वळसा</span> <span>घालून</span> <span>जावे</span> <span>लागणार</span> <span>होते</span>. <span>टळटळीत</span> <span>उन्हातून</span> <span>तेथे</span> <span>पोहोचण्यास</span> <span>तास</span>-<span>दीड</span> <span>तास</span> <span>लागला</span>. <span>नाणेघाटात</span> <span>कोरलेले</span> <span>प्राचीन</span> <span>शिलालेख</span> (<span>ब्राह्मी</span> <span>लिपी</span>) <span>बघितले</span>. <span>नाणेघाट</span> <span>हा</span> <span>कोकणात</span> <span>उतरण्यासाठी</span> <span>पूर्वीपासून</span> <span>वापरात</span> <span>असलेला</span> <span>रस्ता</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>याची</span> <span>निर्मिती</span> <span>सातवाहन</span> <span>राजकुळाने</span> <span>इ</span>.<span>स</span>.<span>पू</span>. <span>१००</span> - <span>इ</span>.<span>स</span>. <span>३००</span> <span>दरम्यान</span> <span>केली</span>.<br /><br /><span>नाणेघाटाच्या</span> <span>वरील</span> <span>अंगाचा</span> <span>नानाचा</span> <span>अंगठा</span> <span>चढून</span> <span>कोकण</span> <span>कड्याचे</span> <span>दर्शन</span> <span>घेऊन</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>भोरांड्याच्या</span> <span>नळीच्या</span> <span>मार्गाला</span> <span>लागलो</span>. <span>उन्हातून</span> <span>चालताना</span> <span>पाण्याचे</span> <span>दुर्भिक्ष्य</span> <span>जाणवू</span> <span>लागले</span>. <span>वाटेत</span> <span>कुठेही</span> <span>पाणी</span> <span>नसल्यामुळे</span> <span>व</span> <span>जवळचे</span> <span>पाणी</span> <span>काळजीपूर्वक</span> <span>वापरायचे</span> <span>असल्यामुळे</span> <span>तहान</span> <span>भागवण्यासाठी</span> <span>वाटेतील</span> <span>करवंदाच्या</span> <span>जाळ्यातील</span> <span>कच्ची</span> <span>करवंद</span> <span>व</span> <span>फुलं</span> <span>ओरबाडून</span> <span>खाऊ</span> <span>लागलो</span>. <span>बघता</span> <span>बघता</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>भोरांड्याच्या</span> <span>नळीत</span> <span>शिरलो</span>. <span>अत्यंत</span> <span>अरुंद</span> <span>व</span> <span>न</span> <span>मळलेली</span> <span>वाट</span>, <span>पुरुषभर</span> <span>उंचीचे</span> <span>दगड</span> <span>ज्यावरून</span> <span>सतत</span> <span>उड्या</span> <span>मारत</span> <span>खाली</span> <span>उतरावे</span> <span>लागले</span>. <span>दोन</span> <span>अडीच</span> <span>तास</span> <span>उतरल्यानंतर</span> <span>सुद्धा</span> <span>सपाट</span> <span>प्रदेश</span> <span>लागत</span> <span>नव्हता</span>. <span>तोपर्यंत</span> <span>अंधार</span> <span>पडला</span>. <span>जरा</span> <span>वेळ</span> <span>शोधाशोध</span> <span>केल्यावर</span> <span>गाडी</span> <span>रस्ता</span> <span>सापडला</span>. <span>तो</span> <span>सापडल्यानंतर</span> <span>श्रमाने</span> <span>सर्वजण</span> <span>रस्त्यावरच</span> <span>आडवे</span> <span>पडले</span>.<span>सर्वांजवळचे</span> <span>पाणी</span> <span>संपले</span> <span>होते</span>. <span>पाण्याला</span> <span>अमृत</span> <span>का</span> <span>म्हणतात</span>? <span>हे</span> <span>आम्हाला</span> <span>तेव्हा</span> <span>कळले</span>. <span>कष्टाने</span> <span>तसेच</span> <span>उठून</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>मोरोशी</span> <span>या</span> <span>गावात</span> <span>पोहोचलो</span>. <span>गावाबाहेर</span> <span>नदीच्या</span> <span>पात्रात</span> <span>पाणी</span> <span>मिळाल्यावर</span> <span>जीव</span> <span>भांड्यात</span> <span>पडला</span>. <span>रात्री</span> <span>शाळा</span> <span>व</span> <span>मंदिर</span> <span>न</span> <span>सापडल्याने</span> <span>एका</span> <span>चावडीबाहेर</span> <span>मुक्काम</span> <span>केला</span>. <span>जेवणासाठी</span> <span>खिचडी</span> <span>तयार</span> <span>केली</span> <span>व</span> <span>जाऊन</span> <span>लवंडलो</span>.<br /><br /><span>तिसऱ्या</span> <span>दिवशी</span> <span>चहा</span>/<span>न्याहारी</span> <span>करून</span> <span>भैरवगडाला</span> <span>भिडलो</span>. <span>कठीण</span> <span>चढणीचा</span> <span>हा</span> <span>भैरवगड</span> <span>आदल्या</span> <span>दोन</span> <span>दिवसांच्या</span> <span>श्रमामुळे</span> <span>अजूनच</span> <span>अवघड</span> <span>वाटू</span> <span>लागला</span>. <span>भैरवगड</span> <span>हा</span> <span>टेहळणी</span> <span>करण्यासाठी</span> <span>वापरला</span> <span>जाणारा</span> <span>गड</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>याचे</span> <span>वैशिष्ट्य</span> <span>म्हणजे</span> <span>त्यावरील</span> <span>नैसर्गिक</span> <span>डाईक</span> <span>अश्मरचनेवरील</span> <span>उभारणी</span> <span>आणि</span> <span>गडावर</span> <span>असणारं</span> <span>बारमाही</span> <span>पाण्याचे</span> <span>टाके</span>. <span>भैरवगडावरील</span> <span>ही</span> <span>नैसर्गिक</span> <span>रचना</span> <span>प्रस्तरारोहकांसाठी</span> <span>आव्हानात्मक</span> <span>असूनही</span> <span>दुर्लक्षित</span> <span>राहिली</span> <span>आहे</span>. <span>असा</span> <span>हा</span> <span>भैरवगड</span> <span>उतरून</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>मोरोशीस</span> <span>परतलो</span>. <span>तेथून</span> <span>खचाखच</span> <span>भरलेल्या</span> <span>एस</span>.<span>टी</span>.<span>तून</span> <span>कल्याणला</span> <span>आलो</span> <span>मग</span> <span>बदलापूरला</span> <span>लोकलने</span>, <span>तेथून</span> <span>दुसऱ्या</span> <span>लोकलने</span> <span>कर्जत</span> <span>आणि</span> <span>रात्रीच्या</span> <span>महालक्ष्मी</span> <span>एक्स्प्रेसने</span> <span>निघाल्याच्या</span> <span>चौथ्या</span> <span>दिवशी</span> <span>सकाळी</span> <span>दोन</span> <span>वाजता</span> <span>पुण्यात</span> <span>पोहोचलो</span>.<br /><br /><span>पुण्यात</span> <span>पोहोचल्यानंतर</span> <span>सुटका</span> <span>झाल्याची</span> <span>भावना</span> <span>नव्हती</span> <span>तर</span> <span>ट्रेक</span> <span>व्यवस्थित</span> <span>पूर्ण</span> <span>केल्याचा</span> <span>आनंद</span> <span>होता</span>. <span>गेल्या</span> <span>७०</span> <span>तासात</span> <span>रणरणत्या</span> <span>उन्हातून</span> <span>तहानेने</span> <span>व्याकूळ</span> <span>झालेलो</span> <span>असताना</span> <span>अनेकदा</span> <span>मनात</span> <span>विचार</span> <span>आला</span>, <span>की</span> <span>घरी</span> <span>बसलो</span> <span>असतो</span> <span>तर</span> <span>ही</span> <span>कटकट</span> <span>झाली</span> <span>नसती</span>, <span>पण</span> <span>कष्टाचा</span> <span>अनुभव</span> <span>घेतल्याशिवाय</span> <span>अडचणीतून</span> <span>गेल्याशिवाय</span> <span>सुख</span> ( <span>समाधान</span> ) <span>लाभत</span> <span>नाही</span>. <span>ह्या</span> <span>ट्रेकमध्ये</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>ते</span> <span>पूर्णपणे</span> <span>अनुभवले</span> <span>व</span> <span>एक</span> <span>अवर्णनीय</span> <span>आनंद</span> <span>मिळाला</span>. <span>आज</span> <span>ट्रेकडी</span> <span>या</span> <span>साहसी</span> <span>पर्यटनाच्या</span> <span>संस्थेचे</span> <span>कामकाज</span> <span>बघताना</span> <span>त्या</span> <span>अनुभवांचा</span> <span>खूप</span> <span>फायदा</span> <span>होतो</span>. <span>शाळेत</span> <span>असताना</span> <span>एक</span> <span>कविता</span> <span>पाठ</span> <span>करायचो</span> "<span>बिनभिंतीची</span> <span>उघडी</span> <span>शाळा</span>" <span>ह्या</span> <span>नावाची</span>. <span>ती</span> <span>कविता</span> <span>आम्ही</span> <span>स्वतः</span> <span>जगलो</span>.<br /><br /><span>पिनाकिन</span><span>् कर्वे<br />९८२२४४४९६३<br /><a href="http://www.trekdi.com/" target="_blank">www.trekdi.com</a><br /><br />Published in Sakal Lifestyle<br />Date: April 16 2011<br /></span></span>Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-26526571486571908632011-05-05T19:07:00.000-07:002011-05-10T12:28:54.127-07:00Tadoba Jungle Camp by TrekDi 26th Apr to 1st May 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNHq_VED-2DNQJd3dB5PAXz9g0eOY-lwR1oaCmPd2_xLX2nGapR_AHmtuk-jDJwwhXLx9MpRKvyP6GoRQU9k4GJ7eGLifCMWE7_aAiOmJnxWIv3zy7GSZ7-CWvp6IqtVb7IytR6jPhG8/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNHq_VED-2DNQJd3dB5PAXz9g0eOY-lwR1oaCmPd2_xLX2nGapR_AHmtuk-jDJwwhXLx9MpRKvyP6GoRQU9k4GJ7eGLifCMWE7_aAiOmJnxWIv3zy7GSZ7-CWvp6IqtVb7IytR6jPhG8/s400/IMG_1723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604711035076534690" border="0" /></a><br />Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is a Second largest Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra after Melghat Tiger Reserve with a spread over approx 650 Sq. Km area. The last Tiger Sensus estimates it to have about 42 Tigers and 22 Leopards in the reserve. Along with these rulers of jungle, this reserve is teemed with Sloth Bears, Wild dogs, Hyenas, Jackals, Indian Gaurs, Porcupines, Ratels, mongoose, Wild boars, Sambar, Spooted Deers, Munjack (Barking deeps), Four horned antelope (Chowshinga) and many more birds and other Fauna.<br /><br />This jungle is divided in mainly three parts. Tadoba range, Moharli Range and Kolsa Range. Moharli and Tadoba are more popular ranges amongst three. All three area have a beautiful lakes at the center of the zone which acts as lifeline of the jungle. Along with these lakes, there are several streams, artificial and Natural water holes which are manged by Forest Department. These all parameters combine together to create rich forest eco system and provides excellent sighting and photographing opportunities of various animals and most of all tiger.<br /><br />TrekDi being specialized in Wildlife and Adventure Tourism, has a soft corner towards Tadoba WLS. It has rarely happened that we have taken wildlife enthusiasts to the sanctuary and jungle hasn't satisfied them. This year we conducted camp between 26th April to 1st of May 2011. There had been some rapid pre-monsoon rains, a week prior to the Camp dates but by the time we reach Tadoba, the sky was already spotless and the area was hot for atleast 2-3 days. This was good indication. For animal watch, hot temperatures always help. Its easy to find animals who come out of jungle to drink water on various water holes and Lakes. Otherwise its impossible to locate them.<br /><br />We were traveling in Open Gypsies which are excellent for animal watch as well as birding activity. In the closed vehicle, though you are sheltered from sun and dust, your view angle is limited and hence it is hard to locate birds or follow their direction. Also it become very tough for photographers. We had 3 gypsies and 6 people in each vehicle. The timing to enter forest are 6 to 10.30 in the morning and 2.30 to 6.30 in the evening. Though all vehicles enter in the forest at the same time, routes taken by each vehicle is different. So depending on your luck and observation skills you can spot/photograph wildlife without any disturbance.<br /><br />We had four consecutive rides in the Jungle of which 3 were conducted in Tadoba and Moharli zone and 1 was conducted in Moharli and Kolsa zone. The various destination we visited during these rides are as follows<br /><br />1. Katezari<br />2. Jamunzari<br />3. Telia Dam<br />4. Vasant Bandhara<br />5. Tadoba Lake<br />6. Pandharpowni water hole<br />7. Water hole no 97<br />8. Kala Amba<br />9. Kolsa Lake<br />10. Vanarchuva<br />11. Ramsing Amba<br /><br />We had tiger sightings at following location<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Pandhar powni to waterhole 97 road : Adult male(Gender noted from secondary information, it wasn't noted on the field)</span><br />a Glimpse of tiger for just 11 seconds, not everyone from vehicle could get a chance to see the tiger. Only 3 people among 6 spotted it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Jamunzari water hole: Adult Male</span><br />After crossing Vasant Bandhara and a small hill <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FXpXji6w9kMLkK4B9mUvWKMRXBFtUVcyrOJMX4qafvPc-uYucPzo9D0vu_9nW-r5tnRdLOAnJ2k5EZGfwopFpXQRU7FcFHPK9bzgfIkAmAnsfHBdnJLdQQl-S0I6jAT-Qrb-ntXhHa0/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FXpXji6w9kMLkK4B9mUvWKMRXBFtUVcyrOJMX4qafvPc-uYucPzo9D0vu_9nW-r5tnRdLOAnJ2k5EZGfwopFpXQRU7FcFHPK9bzgfIkAmAnsfHBdnJLdQQl-S0I6jAT-Qrb-ntXhHa0/s320/IMG_1877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604672083026698418" border="0" /></a>complex we descend down to the water hole of Jamun zari where a small stream bund under a huge Jamun tree has created a cool place, ideal for tiger resting. When we reached there around 4pm it was sitting under the tree and we could spot his belly, ears from the binoculars. After we waited for almost 1.30Hrs, around 5pm it moved from that resting point and came to the waterhole adjacent to that resting place. It walked majestically and sat in open in the waters of small stream outlet from the water hole. Since we had to catch the Gate timings we could enjoy it for just 10 minutes and then we had to leave. There were almost 6-7 gypsies which enjoyed the view of this tiger.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Pandharpowni water hole: 3 cubs about 4 months old</span><br />We knew that there are 4 cubs and a female <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-OfpwkoeKx3PIrmxY2t80rOtr7efQsbW5Qm_bZMHbKuDTlMdAOlkRc7SedDixu5mgvZV0TdZHNhesYBdx4XNJ9Fzj2Y0E-p04nCWPSHGeg74LlL_f6eEwRLBSTRhSt3fcZL4zoVyvCs/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-OfpwkoeKx3PIrmxY2t80rOtr7efQsbW5Qm_bZMHbKuDTlMdAOlkRc7SedDixu5mgvZV0TdZHNhesYBdx4XNJ9Fzj2Y0E-p04nCWPSHGeg74LlL_f6eEwRLBSTRhSt3fcZL4zoVyvCs/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604676487795579474" border="0" /></a>tigress in the area and they come out regularly in the morning for last several days to a water hole in pandhar powni area where the tigress had a kill of Sambar. We after visiting several other areas reached for the waterhole at their timing. They made us wait for almost 75 minutes and then 3 cubs came out. Tigress and last cub didn't came out but we had excellent sighting of 3 cubs. Though we had a distance of about 70-80 m to the waterhole from where our vehicles stood, the light was good and hence no trouble in spotting the cubs. After having water and little fun in the water all three cubs one by one got out of the water and disappeared in the bamboo thicket.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Telia Dam Tiger: (Adult Male)</span><br />This was our last ride of the trip and we had scheduled our visit to Kolsa region. After having some excellent birding spots and visiting the empty Kolsa lake we were returning to Moharli Gate. Just about a Km before we reach gates we spotted this tiger sitting under a bamboo thicket. We could see this tiger from just 15 ft distance. After 2-3 minutes, tiger started walking and got disappeared in the bush. It emerged again on the Telia dam road and gave some excellent photographs while doing salt licking and territory marking.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4bBk12AxDqM?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4bBk12AxDqM?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Chandrapur - Moharli Road : (Gender unknown)</span><br />For little errands we went to Chandrapur and coming back to Moharli campsite around 9.30 in the night and suddenly we saw a car which its upper light ON. We got confused and stopped near that car to ask whether they have any problem. That car shifted a bit and in its light we could spot an Adult tiger just 10-15 ft from us. The tiger seemed very shy and immediately got irritated by the headlight and escaped in the jungle within minute.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Leopard on Moharli - Tadoba Road</span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sAkPZXLWbMk?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sAkPZXLWbMk?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Checklists<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A] Checklist of the Birds we spotted during the trip</span><br />1. Black Shouldered Kite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXjVuA-B1QWBMLIfB6sPokKvwkf_jh0Cv7bkr9rh3OmBxopTZvTzC-y8Sluk_3UbTqsmyE0H-DsvlQS87HSsJQ6VGFAiPUqKape9JNHmMarfIzv0q4yzS8BQ7kmZeh58N-9lrSdDLBnM/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXjVuA-B1QWBMLIfB6sPokKvwkf_jh0Cv7bkr9rh3OmBxopTZvTzC-y8Sluk_3UbTqsmyE0H-DsvlQS87HSsJQ6VGFAiPUqKape9JNHmMarfIzv0q4yzS8BQ7kmZeh58N-9lrSdDLBnM/s200/IMG_1918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604680572859837970" border="0" /></a><br />2. Montagu's Harrier<br />3. Crested Serpent Eagle<br />4. Crested Hawk Eagle<br />5. Grey Headed Fishing Eagle<br />6. White Eyed Buzzards<br />7. Oriental Honey Buzzard<br />8. Osprey<br />9. Shikra<br />10. Spotted Owlet<br />11. Common Myna<br />12. Brahmny Stirling<br />13. Pied Stirling<br />14. Rufous Treepie<br />15. Greater Racket Tailed Drongo<br />16. Black Drongo<br />17. White bellied drongo<br />18. Koel<br />19. Eurasian Hawk Cuckoo<br />20. Indian Pitta<br />21. Brown Headed barbet<br />22. Coppersmit Barbet<br />23. Golden Oriole<br />24. Black Hooded oriole<br />25. Sirkeer Malkoha<br />26. Spotted Dove<br />27. Eurasian collard Dove<br />28. Laughing Dove<br />29. Oriental Turtle Dove<br />30.Yellow Footed green pigeon<br />31. Jungle Babbler<br />32. Malabar Whistling Thrush<br />33. Orange Bellied Ground Thrush<br />34. White Browed Fantail Flycatcher<br />35. Paradise Flycatcher<br />36. Black Naped Monarch<br />37. Black Naped Flameback woodpecker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboK45AxpgUAYtDDuaDIOv1DMRPMQBqLHshZk9mZdgRNpWwq2PbY4WhVvUaS1OHqA2DTX2bcHn-hh6EhTNEh_cJ6iW8KnOUfuOVpznqp_3DU6w96tXxtnwXOxeGdeKaf311r5eeGRZNz8/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboK45AxpgUAYtDDuaDIOv1DMRPMQBqLHshZk9mZdgRNpWwq2PbY4WhVvUaS1OHqA2DTX2bcHn-hh6EhTNEh_cJ6iW8KnOUfuOVpznqp_3DU6w96tXxtnwXOxeGdeKaf311r5eeGRZNz8/s200/IMG_2014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604714239354665954" border="0" /></a><br />38. Green Bee eater<br />39. Red Vented Bulbul<br />40. Red Whiskered Bulbul<br />41. Rose ringed Parakeet<br />42. Plum headed parakeet<br />43. Purple sunbird<br />44. Yellow Throated Sparrow<br />45. House Sparrow<br />46. Junge crow<br />47. Common Crow<br />48. Grey Jungle Fowl<br />49. Indian Peafowl (Peacock)<br />50. Jungle Bush Quail<br />51. Mapie Robin<br />52. Indian Robin<br />53. Yellow Wagtail<br />54. Ashy Prinia<br />55. Ashy crowned Fish Lark<br />56. Common Crested Lark<br />57. Small blue Kingfisher<br />58. White throated Kingfisher<br />59. Pied Kingfisher<br />60. Indian Roller<br />61. Bronzed Winged Jacana<br />62. River Tern<br />62. Lesser Whistling ducks<br />63. Cotton Pygmy goose<br />64. Black ibis<br />65. White Ibis (Black headed ibis)<br />66. Open billed Stork<br />67. Pond Heron<br />68. Purple Heron<br />69. Cattle Egret<br />70. Little Egret<br />71. Greater Egret<br />72. Purple moorhen<br />73. Coot<br />74. Indian cormorant<br />75. Red wattled Lapwing<br />76. Greater Coucal<br />77. Pied Bushchat<br />78. Savanna Nightjar<br /><br />B] Butterfly Checklist<br />1. Spot Swordtail<br />2. Crimson Rose<br />3. Common rose<br />4. Common mormon<br />5. Baronet<br />6. Tawny Coster<br />7. Common Baron<br />8. Common Leopard<br />9. Plain tiger<br />10. Stripped Tiger<br />11. Blue Tiger<br />12. Lemon Pansy<br />13. Blue Pansy<br />14. Peacock Pansy<br />15. Grey Pansy<br />16. Dark Grass Blue<br />17. Gram Blue<br />18. plain Cupid<br />19. Common grass Yellow<br />20. Common Emmigrant<br />21. Common Lime<br />22. Common Gull<br />23. Psyche<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">C] Check list of Mammals</span><br />1. Indian tiger<br />2. Indian Leopard<br />3. Spotted Deer<br />4. Sambar<br />5. Munjack (Barking Deer)<br />6. Blue bull<br />7. Wild boar<br />8. Wild dogs<br />9. Sloth bear<br />10. Common Mongoose<br />11. Black Naped Hare<br />12. Five stripped Squirrel<br />13. Tree Shrew<br />14. Field Rats<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other</span><br />1. Monitor Lizard<br />2. Indian Marsh Crocodile<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DPQ3YV4sPk8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />- Written by Pinakin KarvePinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-60143388202639154142010-09-06T00:55:00.000-07:002010-09-06T03:59:46.983-07:00माझा हरिश्चंद्र गड नाईट ट्रेक<span style="line-height: 29px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:medium;" ><div> <span style="font-size:large;">मी डॉ सचिन आणि २५ मित्र यांनी पुण्यातील ट्रेकडी या गिर्यारोहण करणाऱ्या संस्थेत नाव नोंदवले होते. ट्रेकडी हि एक हौश्या नवश्या आणि तयार अशा गीरीप्रेमिंसाठी दुर्गभ्रमण करवणारी अतिशय उत्तम संस्था आहे. यांचे ऑफिस कर्वेनगर पुणे येथे आहे. <a href="http://www.trekdi.com/" target="_blank">www.trekdi.com</a> ही त्यांची वेबसाईट आहे।याद्वारे ते लोक आपले नाव नोंदवतात आणि आपल्याला गिरीभ्रमंतीला नेतात. ही अतिशय उत्तम अशी संस्था आहे. सर्वांनी जरूर यांच्याबरोबर जावे असे मी सुचवीन.<br /><br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;">दिनांक २७ मार्च रोजी मी व ट्रेकडी चे ३ शिलेदार पुण्याहून २.३० वाजता पुण्याहून हरिश्चंद्र गड सर करायला निघालो. आमचा मार्ग पुणे-आळेफाटा-बोटा-राजूर-कोतूळ-<wbr>पचनी असा होता. या गडावर जाण्यासाठी ही सर्वात सोपी वाट आहे असे अनुभवी लोक सांगतात. ही वाट बघितल्यावर आमच्या तोंडचे पाणी पळाले ही गोष्ट निराळी. याव्यतिरिक्त अजून ७ वाटा आहेत असे पिनाकिन कर्वे नावाचा चतुर गिर्यारोहक आम्हाला म्हणाला .तो पुढे असेही म्हणाला कि खिरेश्वर गावातून जाणारी वाट ही अतिशय अवघड आहे. नळीची वाट म्हणून जी काही आहे त्याची कल्पनाच केलेली बरी असेही त्याने नमूद केले. मजल दरमजल करीत आम्ही २५ जणांचा गटाने गडाच्या पायथ्याशी सामान आपटले. आणि मग हॉटेल च्या पायर्यांवर बसून रात्री ९ वाजता गडाकडे पाहायला सरुवात केली. तोंडाला कोरड पडली आणि पोटात खड्डा पडला म्हणून आयोजकांनी गडावर गेल्यावर खायला जे जेवणाचे पाकेट दिले होते ते फस्त केले . आमचे अवसान यामुळे पूर्ण गाळले आणि काही मंडळी पुढे सरसावून म्हणाली कि इथेच टाका तंबू . रात्री झोपू आणि सकाळी पायथ्याशी फेरफटका मारू आणि घरी जावू. या मंडळींमध्ये मी सुद्धा होतो. गडाची उंचीच खूप आहे त्यामुळे आमच्यासारख्यांचे अवसान ग़ळाले नाही तरच नवल.</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />होय नाही म्हणता रात्री ९.३० वाजता पिनाकिन ने सगळ्यांना अवसान गोळा करायला लावून चढाई कशी करायची आणि काय करायचे नाही ते नेमके सांगितले.ते ऐकून आमची भंबेरी उडाली. काय वाढून ठेवले आहे ते दिसायला लागले. चतुर असा पिनाकिन म्हणाला कि जंगलात बिबट्या , कोल्हे असतात. हे आम्ही ऐकले न ऐकल्यासारखे केले . करणार तरी काय हो?</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />मग चंद्रप्रकाशात टोर्च घेऊन सगळे चढू लागलो. छान शांत शीतल वातावरणात ट्रेक करायला खूप मजा आली. मधेच कोल्हेकुई ऐकू येत होती . चांगल्या २-४ लिटरच्या बिसलेरी रिचवून आणि गोळ्यांची पाकिटे फस्त करत आणि तारेवरची कसरत करत , धापा टाकत आम्ही २ तासांनी गडावरच्या हरीश्चान्द्राच्या देवळात पोचलो. तिथे गेल्यावर आम्हाला आमची लाज वाटली. शिवाजी महाराजांच्या काळात ही मराठे मंडळी गडावर चढून लढाई कशी करत असतील ? असा आम्हाला प्रश्न पडला आणि अचंबा वाटला. मग हा विचार करत आम्ही सगळे कोंडले करून बसलो आणि शिदोर्या उघडल्या व पोटभर चापून खाल्ले . पोटावरून हात फिरवत असे ट्रेक आपण नेहमी केले तर वजन नक्की कमी होईल असा एक छोटा परिसंवाद घेतला.</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />गडावरील शंकराचे दर्शन घेऊन मग आम्ही थकल्या पायांनी उजवीकडे असलेल्या गणेश गुहेत सामान गेलो. ही एक अतिशय पावन , शांत , निर्मल, शीतल अशी जागा आहे. येथे झोपण्याची सोय आहे . शेजारीच शुद्ध गोड्या पाण्याची नैसर्गिक सोय आहे. मग आम्ही पथारी पसरली तेव्हा रात्रीचे १२ वाजले होते. स्वच्छ चंद्रप्रकाशात गड अतिशय मनमोहक दिसत होता. थकल्या मनाला आणि शरीराला तिथल्या आल्हाददायक हवेमुळे तरतरी आली. </span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />श्री अभिजित येवले हे दुसरे तरुण तडफदार शिलेदार पुढे सरसावले. त्यांनी सगळ्यांना सांगितले कि आता ( रात्रीचे १२.३० वा.) आपल्याला कोंकण कडा रात्रीच्या उजेडात पाहायला जायचे आहे. खरा सांगू का मला या उत्साही वातावरणात यामुळे खरच खूप उत्साह आला आणि मी ताजातवाना होऊन त्या ग्रुपबरोबर हातात टोर्च घेऊन बाहेर पडलो . साधारण अर्धा तास दगडातून वाट काढत आम्ही तेथे पोहोचलो. हा कोंकण कडा म्हणजे डोळ्याचे पारणे फेडतो हो. इंग्रजी सी आकाराचा हा दगडी कातळ कोरून काढल्यासारखा दिसतो . साधारण १४०० फूट याची उंची आहे. अतिशय मनोरम असे हे दृश्य होते. हवाही शीतल आणि छान पडली होती त्यामुळे तेथे बसायला खरच छान वाटत होते. मग पिनाकिन ने आम्हाला या काड्याची माहिती सांगितली . ती ऐकता ऐकता कधी रात्रीचे १.३० वाजले ते कळलेच नाही.ते सुंदर दृश्य आमच्या मनात ठेवून आम्ही परत गणेश गुहेत परतलो.</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />सकाळी छान पक्ष्यांच्या किलबिलाटाने ६ वाजता जग आली.नाहीतर रोज आम्ही मोबाईल च्या गजराने उठणारी माणसे. खूप छान वाटले. मग फ्रेश झाल्यावर मस्तपैकी गावठी चहा आणि पोहे खाऊन आम्ही तारामती शिखर बघायला निघालो . हि एक अतिशय सुंदर चढण आहे. या मध्ये एक दगडी चढाव असून तो अभिजित मुळेच मी चढू शकलो..वर गेल्यावरचे दृश्य अतिशय सुंदर होते. सर्व बाजून सह्याद्रीचे कडे आणि त्यातून जाणारा माळशेज घाट आणि नाणेघाट . हडसर वगैरे किल्ले आम्ही वरून दुरून बघितले. बराच वेळ तेथे घालवून आम्ही खाली देवळापाशी उतरलो. बरेच थकलो होतो पण मंदिरातील थंड पाण्याने मन प्रसन्न झाले. हे करताना १ वाजला मग आम्ही खाली उतरायची तयारी करून उतरू लागलो. खाली उतरताना आमचा कस लागला , पाय मी म्हणू लागले.<br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />२ तासांनी आम्ही खाली उतरलो तेव्हा मात्र पूर्ण शक्तिपात झाल्यासारखे वाटले. पायथ्याशी असलेल्या हॉटेल मध्ये विहिरीच्या थंड पाण्यानी फ्रेश झाल्यावर जीवात जीव आला. लगेच ऑर्डर दिली आणि मग भाकरी पिठल्याचे जेवण आले. असगाल्यांनी ताव मारला आणि परतीच्या प्रवासाठी बसमध्ये बसलो. रात्री १० वाजतो घरी पोचलो ते पुढचा ट्रेक लवकर करायचा या निश्चयाने !</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />एक मात्र झाले मला खूप वेगवेगळय क्षेत्रातले दोस्त मिळाले. माझा वेळ सत्कारणी लागले असे वाटले. माझी शारीरिक क्षमता यामुळे वाढली आणि भविष्यात वाढेल असे वाटते.</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:large;"><br />ट्रेकडी च्या पिनाकिन , अभिजित, निनाद यांचे मनापासून आभार त्यांच्या मुळे हे ट्रेकिंग चे धाडस मी करू शकलो.<br /><br />- डॉ सचिन <span>कुबेर<br /></span>हरिश्चान्द्रागड नाईट ट्रेक<br />२७ - २८ मार्च २०१०<br /></span></div></span>Pinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489791420724689705.post-291293890392404092010-04-08T04:56:00.000-07:002010-04-08T06:46:03.483-07:00तक्रार निवारणकाय म्हणालात ?<br />प्रवास खूप लांबचा आहे ?<br />अहो असणारच<br />स्वर्ग जर जवळ असता<br />तर आळस किती चढला असता<br />मग काय ? स्वर्गाची भेट घडली ना ?<br />दूर गेल्यावर स्वर्ग भेटतो हे<br />आता तरी पटल ना ?<br /><br /><span>काय</span> <span>म्हणालात</span> <span>उकड</span>तय <span></span>?<br />अहो उकडणारच <br />जो पर्यंत आपण आहोत पृथ्वीवर<br />आणि सूर्य आकाशात<br />तो पर्यंत आपल्याला घाम येणारच<br />झाडाच्या सावलीत कस वाटत हे कळाव<br />म्हणून आम्ही तुम्हाला उन्हात नेणारच<br /><br />काय म्हणालात ?<br />पाय दुखत आहेत ?<br />अहो दुखणारच<br />कित्येक मैल चालत गेल्यावर<br />डोंगरमाथ्याला भिड़ल्यावर <br />विसाव्याची गोडी कशी असते<br />हे तुम्हाला कळाव म्हणून<br />आम्ही तुम्हाला चालवणारच<br /><br />काय म्हणालात ?<br />संडासच नव्हता ?<br />अहो नसणारच<br />पण आहो एक मात्र बर झाल<br />आपण वस्तूंचे गुलाम असतो<br />हे आपल्याला एकदा तरी पटल<br />तरीही संडास नव्हता<br />म्हणून कुणाचे काही नाही अडले<br /><br /><br />काय म्हणालात<br />वाघ दिसला नाही ?<br />अहो कसा दिसेल ?<br />अपन त्याला पाहण्या पूर्वी<br />त्यानेच आपल्याला पाहिले असेल<br /><br />ठीक आहे<br />एव्हड्या दूर जावून फुलपाखरू तर दिसले ना ?<br />आता पुढची पायरी वाघाची<br />बात करा की थोड्या धिराची<br /><br />- मूळ कविता किरण पुरंदरे लिखितPinakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042267206338216169noreply@blogger.com1