Trek to Vikatgad, Peb Fort - Matheran Hills, Heaven lies within

On 26th July 2015 me, my husband (Krupesh) along with his office colleagues went for Trekking with  Tattva adventures to Matheran hills - Vikatgad, Peb Fort.  Krupesh somehow managed to convince me to go for the medium trek to vikatgad, because i wasn't sure whether i will be able to do a medium trek after 2 years. but somehow i pull in my guts and thought to go for it. This was my first monsoon trek of 2015 and I was hoping that rain to do justice for the trek. Me and krupesh were in dilemma as to whether we should hop into train and join the group or take our own vehicle and meet our group at neral station. we finally decided to take our own vehicle as this was more convenient to us rather than getting into train. It was just a perfect weather for a drive and trek, passing through the luscious greenery towards neral station we parked our car and met our group. I had jitters in my stomach as to whether i will be able to cope up with the group, but within few minutes i was acquainted with many people in our group.

We met our Group leader Lawerence Dsilva and his team mates and 30 enthusiast trekkers, a mix of experienced and first timers. We then move ahead to a local food joint for breakfast and had a pleasant Misal Pav breakfast with Adrak waali chai. (Nothing can match this Deadly Awesome combination). Moving ahead we started out trek, A Medium grade trek, but full on thrill & Adventure and most important: Heaven for First timers. We reached our base village " Fanaswadi" and had a short round of Introduction and Instructions the true TREK starts. we started walking along a trail through overgrown bushes and shrubs. You can see the Peb fort right ahead of you, with the Panorama point of Matheran to the left and Nakhind to the right. 

Fort Peb is situated on northeast side of Panvel, on Mumbai-Pune road, at a distance of 3-4 km on west side of Neral. To avoid crowd at hill stations like Matheran, nature lovers must visit the nearby fort Peb. This is the most beautiful one-day trek. It is assumed that this fort derived its name Peb from the ‘Goddess Pebi’ at the base of the fort. Historical references clearly indicate that Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort as silos for grain storage.

We started ascending the hills mesmerizing the beautiful view alongwith singing some bollywood songs to forget our exertion while climbing we reached electric pole point. This was quite a challenge for me as i was trekking after more than 2 years. when i started climbing i felt so exerted that my thighs started paining badly but lawerence motivated me that i can easily climb this hill. Those words motivated me and since then there was no stopping after. we started climbing the hill from the bushes to grasses, from the roads to the rock patches. we reached one spot where huge boulders of rock around 10 feet were kept which we have to climb with the help of a rope attached to it. This was only possible when our Leaders helped us to cross that patch of rock to climb the mountain. After so much of endurance we reached at this spot, it was so exhilarating that one cannot stop to see the beauty of matheran. We moved ahead and in about two hour of our trekking we reached the famous caves of Peb. The cave is actually divided into two parts. One part has a samadhi and other has a statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Its said that Shivaji used this fort to store food grains. We wandered around the cave for 10 minutes exploring the beauty of the cave, clicking pictures and then moved ahead.

One of the adventurous tasks in this trek is to climb a wall of the fort. And a metal ladder is available for support. On the top we can go by climbing the wall of the fort. A ladder is firmly fixed to the walls since even a slip can lead to certain fall down the valley. We had to pass across three ladders to reach the top of the fort. There was so much of kiosks at these spots because there were many groups who had come for trekking and one person at a time can cross this ladder as these ladders were quite feeble. soon as we climb the ladder, one can see steps leading onwards and a Lord Hanuman statue on the right. There is also a cistern of water. we reached a beautiful spot and we had food. One needs to be careful of the monkeys as they loiter around to grab the food.

finally after more 30 minutes of trial we reached at the top of the hill. once we reached at the top we saw some remnants of the old Peb Fort. The main attraction here is the bastion on the topmost part. The temple had the paddukas of Goddess "Pebi". As we reached the topmost part we were just enchanted with the exotic view of clouds covering the mountains. This location faces the mountain of Matheran. Here we can clearly see the ridge connecting mountains of Matheran and Peb. Finally, it was a time to have a group click and we all went bizarre clicking pictures of the beautiful location. When we stand here we feel that truly Heaven lies within. after all the clicks and photoshoots we trailed for some 20 minutes and were on the TOY TRAIN route. We halted for all the group to come and moved towards Dasturi Naka onto the Tracks and took an cab to neral station. 

Destination.... Andaman and Nicobar Island

This was the most stimulating part of our wedding deciding as to where to go for Honeymoon since the time we got engaged. We wanted to go to honeymoon which is scenic, has lovely beaches, to go Out of India and last but not the least to do adventures. We came up with many ideas like Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Bora Bora etc.. and we finally settled to go to Malaysia Singapore.. We booked the tickets and we finalized the itinerary as well but last minute there was so much kiosks that Krupesh’s passport got expired and last minute we could not get it renewed hence we have to terminate our honeymoon plan to Malaysia as Krupesh didn’t get Visa. 

Last minute we changed our plan to Andaman and we didn’t even imagine that we will be able to choose such exotic place in India. As soon as we reached Andaman Islands we were zapped to see the paragon of beauty and present the landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravagance.  These islands shimmer like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal. 

We were on the five day trip to this beautiful place. We booked one of the very good hotels in Andaman called as Hotel Sea Shell. 

Day one we did the city tour of port blair followed by Sound and light show at Cellular Jail. Cellular jail was one the jail where we went to the flashback how freedom fighters fought for India to be free with the British raj. 

Day Two we had a trip to three islands Ross Island, Viper Island and North Bay Island. Here the white beaches on the edge of a meandering coastline have palm trees that sway to the rhythm of the sea. Technicolor fish steer their way through crystal clear water. Ross island once upon a time was a self reliant township of Britishers. At that time it had everything from water distillation plant (Bisleri was incepted), printing press, church to bakery. Viper Island was an old gallow, this was used before the construction of cellular jail. At the same place Sher Ali was hanged to death. North Bay Island is the place which is famous for corals. It can be seen using two ways, one by snorkelling and other by glass boat. The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers, aquatic life and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere. 

Day Three we went to Radha Nagar Beach is one of the two popular beaches located at Havelock Island in Andaman. The serene beach which is far away from the polluted cities and towns has a majestic spell that attracts tourists to its beauty. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna and flora for one to explore.

Elephant Beach

Day Four we went to Elephant beach, it is amongst the most exquisite beaches of Havelock Island in Andaman.  You can enjoy watching elephants being trained but we didn’t get to see them as they are no more used in that beach. So we wandered around the beach for sometime, played in the sun kissed sights and soothing touch of emerald waters of Bay of Bengal. We enjoyed going in the speed boat and did snorkelling and catch sight of everything whether it is eels or sea horses or beautiful fishes. 

Day Five we went to see Jarawas. The Jarawas are said to be the darkest people (sociologically and scientifically speaking and not from a derogatory point of view) in the world. are one of the adivasi indigenous peoples of the Andaman Islands. And from there we went to see Limestone caves which is a treat to watch. The journey on to these cave is equally mesmerising which covers all the way through Tribal reserves. It is a cave with interesting limestone structures and stalactite and stalagmites. These natural caves are a splendid sight.

Day Six we bid farewell to the one of the mesmerizing and exotic destination. At the end, I must say that it’s a must visit place for the Honeymooners and family. And the best time to visit this place December to February not chilly and ideal for sight-seeing.

Unreasonable Secretary at Pinewood Co-Operative Housing Society, Vasant Garden, Mulund (West)

Mumbai, 29^th January 2012: As we enter in the holy matrimonial stage of our life, we were gearing up to move into our home. With few days to our marriage, we went hunting for a new home and thought we were fortunate to find this lovely home after a few days of search. We already dreamt about living in this beautiful one bedroom home and all our hopes come smashing down with unreasonable bother.  

We were quite happy with our find as it was in a great Mulund neighbourhood with decent space and amenities such as swimming pool, club house, gymnasium etc. This was a move for my fiancé from Goregaon to this new house in Pinewood Co-operative Housing Society, Vasant Garden Mulund W. However to our surprise, we land in this house ready with our luggage with a set of keys provided by the Broker and ready to sign the move-in papers.  Within few minutes we are in communication with the Secretary Mr. Nanik Gopalani who insists that my fiancé Sunil (name changed to protect identity) cannot move in as he is a bachelor. We tried convincing him that we are getting married in a couple of months and tried to show him all kind of engagement proof’s but it was impossible to move him, we also told broker that we would like to meet him personally but all in vain, even the broker tried to explain and tried all possible angles to convince him.  We were quite harrowed at the end of it after a 4 hours grilling session in the middle of the bright hot day.  For a moment we found ourselves standing in the middle of the road with all our precious belongings with the movers and packers and no where to go. 

We searched online for Mr. Nanik Gopalani – Secretary of Pinewood Co-operative Society and we came to know that he is the member of “All India Human Rights Association”. How in this world can people be so unreasonable and inconsiderate adding to stress and frustration and unwilling to understand the situation? With several rounds of not able to convince, begging and pleading didn’t work either with the AIHRA. 

I just want to inform people that “Jaago India Jaago”. How can society secretaries be empowered to make their own decisions instead of consulting the society? How can they be unreasonable and not willing to help a genuine to-be couple?

Exquisite waterfall rappelling at Vihigaon – Kasara

The one the kind experience that I had so far… for a moment I felt that as if I am no more in this world, but the experience was worth exploring and here I am giving you the details about my first experience of waterfall rappelling which I traversed….

My adventure group “Natureknights” had catalogued Waterfall rappelling at Vihigaon, Kasara. Keen Venturers and Trekkers call forth all the venturers for an exceedingly incredible experience at one of the most the astonishing topographic point near Mumbai, the Vihigaon waterfall. Vihigaon is a Village in Shahapur Taluk, Thane District, and Maharashtra State. Vihigaon is 77.34 km distance from its District Main City Thane and 91 km distance from its State Main City Mumbai.

The journey began at 6.00 am from Malad, me and my friend were picked by our group leader Asif from Amar Mahal near chembur and others were later picked up from other locations we later formed a group of 18-20 people for this trip. Once we hit the NH3, had a terrible experience of some bad roads and bit of traffic till Bhiwandi-Kalyan Phata. The 4-lane work on NH3 has definitely improved the traffic, although, there are still some roadblocks where the work is incomplete or in early stages. We halted for breakfast at Shree Dutt Guru Restaurant and there we got introduced with the other adventurous people, we introduced ourselves in two words and then emanated our journey. As we crossed shahpur, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery which was spread across only because of the beautiful monsoons and started capturing them for my memories.

The bus halted and we got down near the school where we parked our bus and started with the small trek to reach our destination. The humongous waterfall is a site to watch over and admire the beauty of nature. Rappelling in such a riotous flow is an adventure everyone should experience.  Since this was the first time that I was doing rappelling I was filled with apprehension as well as stimulated. Asif gave us the training as to how we should do rappelling. As soon as the session got over some started with the rappelling and some went near the waterfall. We first thought to unwind ourselves in the waterfall. Then we went at the site where our group members were doing rappelling, as I saw them rappelling with the heavy flow of water gushing down I started getting Goosebumps. I didn’t imagine that I can ever do such activity, but then I was determined that I will do this act and overcome my fear from water. I saw many of them were not able to do this activity and after looking at them I was aghast whether I will be able to do it. I was second last in the group, and then finally my number came and I was all rope equipped. I was so agitated, as I entered the waterfall I was just recollecting as to what asif told us. But all in vain as soon as i saw the waterfall coming towards me, it was a killer. I started taking baby steps and started in the descending order. First few steps was ok but once I was few feet’s down I fell, and  guider Shivaji helped to stand up and I was on my toes rappelling. After some more few feet down once again I tumbled and got up.

The last cleave was a disaster with only few feet’s left of the rappelling, I lost control and huge water plunged on my face and I was left swinging in the middle of the waterfall.  I tried to balance my body and was trying to descend my rope but since the water flow was so strong all went to vain. I started panting and was breathless; I tried to be calm and after sometime when I was not responding, people who were supporting me through rope pulled me down. The moment I was down, the guy who was holding the rope from down hold and asked me “I am sure you must have love the whole adventure” I was gasping hard and told him that “yes I loved it” and also told him that I want to reach the other corner of the waterfall but he told me to be patient and try to control my breath. He took me to the other side where I sat there for some time and tried to walked barefooted all the way to the place where all my other group members were there. 

Finally, at 4.30 P.M we started our journey for home, all were so exhausted but still everybody was so excited that we all the way chit chatted and reached Home sweet Home…….

I just want to conclude by saying that it’s the best exercise to overcome the fear of height. Just feel the thrill of suspension at the height of about 100 feet’s. Come experience the incredible feeling of success and accomplishment when you touch the ground. 

Trip to Majestic place - Bhandardhara

Finally the sweat and the scorching heat of Mumbai were relieved with the romantic season’s arrival in Maharashtra - The Monsoon. Since this is a perfect season to start our travel journey, we three traveler friends were ferreting as to which location to go to have a weekend plan within Maharashtra. We were perplexed that out of three places Bhandardhara, Saputara and Mahabaleshwar which location do we have to streamline with, finally after heated discussion we summed up to go to a beautiful and majestic location Nestled among the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandardhara.

                                                वीएव ऑफ़ भंदार्धरा 

We did our backpack and started our journey by road from Vashi at 9am which is about 150kms drive, you need to turn right just a few kilometers after Igatpuri and enter Ghoti. Just few kilometers away from Igatpuri, the city called as ‘Fog City’ was truly breathtaking. As soon as we entered the location, the entire 2 kms of the belt was surrounded by Fog. The road was covered by the scenic view of fog and cars have put on their Parking lights. We got down for having the perfect view of that city with the mountains covered with fog and greenery. This small town leads to a long narrow road, which cuts across the lofty mountains and ascends to the marvelous retreat. Although it is just about an hour’s journey, the sights are spectacular. Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land. When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking! 

                                                       फोग सिटी 

                                             

Bhandardhara sits by the Pravara River, and is a blend of natural beauty, waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, invigorating air and pristine ambiance. The Bhandardhara Lake and the Randha falls are major tourist attractions. We reached Bhandardhara at 1 pm and started ferreting as to which hotel we have to stay, after hunting at many places we freeze in to stay at “Yash resort”, the resort served veg and non veg food and had a big recreation centre which includes table tennis, cycling, carom, basketball centre and swimming pool. We then dumped our bags in our room and started our retreat. We first went to Bhandardhara dam, where many tourists flocked and stay there for a long time to hang out in the dam unlike like other falls and dams, just a little ahead there was Wilson dam built way back in 1910 on the Pravara-River and standing 150 mts high, Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India. At the base of Wilson Dam there is a garden endowed with thick greenery, streams and gigantic trees- the latter. During the monsoon, when the level of the lake rises, the dam opens its gates to release a torrent of water that finds its way down to the plains below. You could stand at the edge of the garden embankment and enjoy the cool spray, or visit the picturesque Umbrella Falls, which are another major attraction during the monsoon. As we further drove to about 4 km away from Shendi Village was the Randhaa Waterfalls - Randha Falls is the third largest falls in India. The roaring River Pravara descends down from a height of 170 ft into a beautiful gorge. Apart from these major attractions we also visited some small and small spots of waterfalls which had no name but they were truly mesmerizing. We got drenched whole day visiting all the majestic spots but still it was like why the day is setting down? On our way back to the hotel, we halted at a very beautiful location which was the backside of the Bhandardhara Dam and we didn’t want to miss the exotic view, as soon as we got off from the car the windy monsoon was hitting us and we starting shivering badly, we sat there for few minutes and it was like we are in Seven Heaven. As I was strolling in that spot I saw one location where nobody was going and the location was the Dam’s liver area which was extremely huge, greasy and slippery. I went further down taking the staircase and whoa….. In front it was an exotic view of Pravara River which I can’t take my eye off….

                                                                 विल्सन दम 

                                                             भंदार्धरा दम 

                                                    रंधा फाल्स 

Day two of our trip started with visting Amriteshwar temple, this temple was 20 kms ahead from Bhandardhara. As we were driving to reach out to this location, there were beautiful panoramic views of Sahyadris, small waterfalls coming down from mountains and Bhandardara. As we reached atop of the Bari village we saw this temple, an ancient and old. The temple was made in around the 1100 AD. The style of architecture used in this temple is hemadpanti. The exquisitely crafted temple still stands tall. This temple has a shivling wherein from below the shivling River Pravara flows, and since in rainy season you cannot see the shivling because the river water gets assembled there. There are very few options for eating out in Bhandardara. The local staple of varan bhat (dal-rice) is easily available but can be spicy. Some tandoori and non-veg food is available but should be ordered in advance or you can expect a long wait while it is prepared for you. The Maharashtrian regular fare of usal pao, misal pao and vada pao are all easily available. The area is famous for a rather sweet peda that you will find being sold everywhere. It is even used to sweeten the tea you drink at the local chai stall. 

                                                                   अमृतेश्वर मंदिर 

Though we wanted to visit some more places like a peaceful Agasti Rishi Ashram, a historical Ratangadh Fort, there was shortage of time and Mumbai’s hustle bustle was calling us. Like all scenic spots, the magic of Bhandardara has to experience to be appreciated; if you are nature lover, this spot should definitely appear on the top of your holiday destination list.

King of the Forts – Raigad Forts

Since it was a long weekend 22 – 24^th April 2001 we friends as usual planned for the trip to Dapoli which is near ratnagiri district, 4 -5 hours drive from my place, since it was a long weekend everybody from Mumbai wanted to venture out traveling with their family and friends. I didn’t imagine that I will see so many cars flocking on the road, creating heavy traffic and congestion. We started our journey from my place at 8am hoping that we will reach dapoli by 12 – 1PM, but all thanks to heavy traffic and 2 break downs, one was car at Pen and the other was a truck break down at Nagothale where we got stuck in traffic for nearly an hour, but I guess we njoyed traffic time cos we discussed all sort of topics killing one hour of traffic time. After clearing all those traffic congestion we took a halt for lunch at 2PM at Hotel Neelkamal near Raigad, though it was scorching heat but the place was so picturesque with the beautiful lake that we didn’t feel the heat, though the food was not that appealing to eat so we somehow manage to fill our tummy.  Since we were too late now to reach Dapoli and we were on the one day trip it was useless to go to Dapoli, so we dropped Dapoli trip and planned to go to Raigad Fort.

I was of the opinion that this will be another one of the customary forts which I have visited earlier, but my opinion was altered as soon as we reached Raigad fort. This Fort Raigad was the capital of the most illustrious Maratha sovereign, nurtured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is a monument of his prophetic vision of Hindavi Swarajya. Built over 350 years ago, this main entrance to the Fort stands majestically. The Raigad Fort is perched in the widely spread Sahyadri Ranges at an altitude of 2,700ft above the sea level. A steep climb of nearly 1450 steps and three and a half hours of extreme demands on your physical stamina, leaves you too exhausted. The magic mantra - Raigad Ropeway - has opened a new chapter of sightseeing - the Fort Raigad. It whisks you to the top, through the clouds and whistling winds, in just 4 minutes. Now you have all the energy and time to enjoy the sightseeing! Well-trained and courteous guides are at hand to give you a conducted tour of the Fort. You will find structures galore on the fort worth seeing. The main among them include Queen’s Quarters, Watch Towers, Gateways, market place and the Public Durbar.

There are six spacious chambers in all in the Queen’s Quarters. This structure was specially built for the queen and her attendants. The construction of the main palace was a wooden work. Most of the parts of this construction are now in ruins. Only the bases of pillars can be seen now. You cannot imagine how strong these forts have been made in those days. Right in front of the palace ground, you find three watch towers. These are strategically constructed in such a way that the enemies trying to invade the fort could be seen and the attack could be stemmed. The beautiful Ganga Sagar Lake next to the main fort offers a soothing relief to your eyes. The ruins of the market on the fort take you back to the good olden days. You start imagining the lifestyle of the people living in those days here on the fort.

A replica of the original royal throne has been kept in the public Durbar of the king. The main doorway of the palace is known as Nagarkhana Darwaaza. This place amazes the people due to its perfect acoustic design. Whatever one says at the doorway can be heard at the throne. Apart from that Maha Darwaaza and Palkhi Darwaaza are solid constructions and evergreen attractions on the fort.

A big statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in front of the market area here is yet another attraction. You do bow down before this great king; it doesn’t matter you know the biography or otherwise. Slightly ahead of it is the Jagdishwar Temple. The cenotaph of King Shivaji and that of his loved dog Waghya are the places of immense historic importance.

As we were coming out from the Cenotaph of King shivaji we saw Balwant Moreshwar Purandare (Born July 29, 1922) popularly known as Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare is a historian, writer and theatre personality from Maharashtra. His works are mostly based on the events related to the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He is mostly known for his popular play on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jaanta Raja was a hit not only in Maharashtra but also in Andra Pradesh. Babasaheb Purandare has also very closely studied history of Peshwa's of Pune. He was been taken in Palki at the Cenotaph with almost 50 people accompanying him including the Police staff and journalist.

My visit to raigad was truly one of the kind I experienced during my recent travel.