Rasalgad-Sumargad-Mahipatgad Dec 08

On 24th to 28th Dec, YHAIK group went to do a range at Koynanagar of three forts namely Rasalgad, Sumargad and Mahipatgad.
We, nine of us started our journey from Thane at 10pm and reached Khed at 5pm. Had breakfast at ST canteen and proceed our journey
towards Tale village by catching another ST going to Dahivali village.
From Tale we started our nature trail in fog. It was nice walk sometimes on tar road sometimes mud-path and rising sun was with us to welcome.
The entire route goes through different small villages i.e. wadi, like Bandarwadi, Gawalwadi, etc. At top we reached Nimni alias Ghera Rasalgad, which is the base of Rasalgad from Tale side. It takes an hour to reach the top of the fort from this wadi. We had small break and some snacks at this place and enjoyed watching cricket of local kids at around 1000ft.
While climbing Rasalgad at left hand side one can see Rasalwadi. The height of Rasalgad is of 1770ft and have very easy to approach as vehicle can reach upto Nimni village. We took five hours to reach from Tale village to the top of the fort. We stayed in Zolai Devi temple, which have Deepmal and tank of drinking water next to the temple.
We had our lunch and then relaxed till eve and then left for site seeing. There are lots of canons, small structures, and one storage room on the fort.
For dinner we enjoyed delicious Pulav made by Padmaja and then Masala-milk made by Vaishali.
Next day we left early morning for Sumargad & Mahipatgad with one guide from Rasalwadi. We took five hours to reach the base of Sumargad. The height of fort is 2000ft and is graded as difficult. To climb the fort one has to reach the back of the fort and then climb 30 ft rock-patch. Our guide took us to the top from easier route so we climbed the rock-patch without rope. Sumargad have very small cave and two water tanks. One can see entire range from the top. There is also one pillar water-storage at the top. While descending we put the rope for safety.
After Sumargad we proceed to Mahipatgad and reach the base of village, Wadi Beldar in three hours. Since it was 6pm we decided to had dinner and then to climb Mahipatgad. Our guide from Rasalgad was not sure to search temple in the night so he went back. At Wadi, we had tasty dinner made by Parvati Aji, we all were impressed by her hospitality, the kindness... a real village touch!
We started our night trek with the help of local guide from Wadi. The fort is of 3090ft and is easy to climb. Mahipatgad is totally surrounded by dense forest and also one can see wild animals.
We stayed in Pareshwar temple and could hear roaring sounds whole night. Next day morning, we covered most of the fort area, which includes four entrances of the fort.
By noon we descend to Wadi Beldar and had lunch again at Aji's place. By 4pm we left Wadi beldar and started our journey back to Dahivali village. From Wadi we crossed the two hills, one valley and from one Pass we came to the other side of the hill that were going down to Dahivali. Since it was getting dark we decided to halt at one villager's house, which was only shelter in that area on the way rather than going to Dahivali village. Our decision was right as there was some function in the village and also we would had to search for shelter and food.
Staying in the open, having Soup and Kanda-Bhaji, discussion about history and songs in the night...a perfect camping at the last night of our trek!
Early morning we descend to Dahivali village and caught the bus going to Khed and from Khed we immediately got the bus for Mumbai. The four days trek was entirely fun-filled with Vaishali, Padmaja, Tushar, Nitin, Amod and Paresh

Have a look...
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569443794uuRvEo

Nali Route Climb Dec 2008

Harishchandragad through Nalichi Vat [Nali Route] 5-7th Dec 08

Last weekend, we YHAI-Kandivali Unit leaders did Harishchandragad through Nali route in Malshej ghat region.
The height of Harishchandragad is 4671 ft [from sea level] and of Kokankada is 1312 ft. Kokan Kada is a huge semi-circular rock wall and gives terrific sight.
We left on Friday noon from Kalyan and stayed at Walivare [Belpada], the base village of Nali.
Next morning 6am we started our trek and after an hour at giant steps we had our breakfast. The nali route is risky as it has loose rocks. There are three rock patches and one traverse. But we all, with the help of our senior and experienced trekkers like Anil, Sanju and Kishore did this trek quite easily.
We had royal snacks starting from Apple to cashew, which we enjoyed after every rock patch. For me the traverse and last rock patch was challenging. But again all my friends were there to teach me:)
At last at 3pm we were at Mighty Kokankada. It was a feeling of achievement after doing rigorous trek. Each one of us fully enjoyed the teamwork, the boosting, the royal snacks, the teasing and off course after so many days a campfire in chilling winter.
Next day while descending we took Khireshwar route, which is quite easier and we started our journey back through Malshej Ghat.
In organizing trek for others we miss the communication with our fellow trek leaders. But in this trek we all enjoyed every moment.

Check the snaps at

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569445291tqhqwS

Hatgad August 31, 2008

On Sunday, 31st August went to Hatgad near Nashik with friends Avinash, Sumedha & Prachet [Pilu]
Check the snaps http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/566742825RYzwRP

Aurangabad August 15, 2008

Been to Ajanta Ellora, Daulatabad Fort...
At last could process RAW file images shooted at Aurangabad on Independence Day with YHAIK!
So here you go....
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/566740849QsmCyO

Raigad July 6, 2008

Last Sunday July 6, 2008 went to Raigad fort near Mahad. Raigad which is situated height of 2969 feet from the sea level is spread over a distance of 12 km from east to west and one kilometer from north to south.Fort Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire. The fort has witnessed the struggle and also glory of Shivaji's journey from warrior to King where he were also crowned himself a 'Chhatrapati'. The fort’s location splits it off from the Western Ghats and makes it inaccessible from three sides. The 350 year old architecture consists of broad gates and large monuments. Maha Darwaja, Darbar, Palace, BajarPeth, Jagdishwar Temple, Gangasagar Lake are still attractions for tourists. Most of the people who have been to Raigad in monsoon told me to go at least once in Rain to experience the magic! and yeah its is heavenly...beyond words...This time i carried my film camera F75,

check it out...

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/564045928anKiJR

Suramal Kevnale May 1, 2008

On 1st May been to Suryamal near Wada, Thane district. We also visited Kevnale village which have pipeline but no water-pumps and only one natural water source, electric poles but no electricity and school upto 4th standard. It was shocking to realise how people are living in Thane district which is so close to Mumbai and that too on a day of Our 'Maharashtra Din'.On our way back to ghoti we came across small stream which was cool break in this summer!

Check online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dipaali/

Korlai March 23, 2008

Sunday 23, 08 went to Korlai Fort near Revdanda, Alibuag. The fort height is just 275mt and there are steps way and jetty way to enter the fort. Since the steps- way was too easy so we decided to climb from village side climbing fortification. In the fort, there are remnants of Nizamshahi Palace converted into Church. Also you will find temple and Tulasi structure which depicts Chimaji Appa's victory at the end in 1739. The fort is indeed beutiful with sea from three sides and also the northern part of the fort with Santacruz showing strong Portuguese Control. In short you not only trek but goes through the history of Nizam, Porguese and Peshawa while crossing all the doors. At the base you can also visit Lighthouse. Oh yaa some of us also enjoyed swimming!