Aundh-Patta 8-10 Jan 2010

Aundh-Patta Windy Trek

This time no seniors and we heard of Aundh rock patch climb but then thought we have start somewhere on our own and then we decided even three of us me, Sumit and Nitin Bhosle will manage the trek. Later of three more joined us and we left for Aundh-Patta from Dadar TT by 11pm bus to Egatpuri.
Since next day morning the Bhagur ST bus for Ninavi village was at 6:30am we decided to stay at my Uncle’s place at Egatpuri. We reached Egatpuri highway at 3:30am and then stayed at my Uncle’s house. We hardly relaxed and again left house at 6am for our next bus. When we reached the depot we came to know that bus for Bhagur is cancelled so we decided to move further to Ghoti by available ST. We reached Ghoti by 6:45am and our next bus was at 8am for Ninavi. We had misalpav and tea and sweets at for breakfast and was waiting for ST. Later on ST Depot told us that there was some accident on the way so our Bus couldn’t come on time. It was 9am and was getting late so we hired one jeep till Ninavi village.
The route from Kadwa dam is beautiful but it is closed now so one has to take next right for going to Ninavi village. By 10am we were at the base of Aundh.
Since the route going straight through ‘nali’ was risky villagers advised us to go through cattle route. We took one and half hour to reach first plateau. There was one house on the plateau and for a safer side we asked villager, Yashwant as a guide. We relaxed a bit and had some carrot and cucumber, thanks to Sumit.
We moved up to second plateau and reached there by 12:45pm. It was getting very hot and I was already exhausted. So we had Glucon-D and again relaxed
for some time. By 1:30pm we reached the base of Aundh-climb. We had quick lunch and moved ahead for climbing, it was 2pm.
For Aundh climb, initially there are large steps and then there is a rock-patch. Villagers have fixed wire so one has to hold that and climb up. Here villager helped us in climbing the both rock patches. Second rock patch has overhang but with the help of wire one can climb up easily.
On the top there is local deity, one underground water tank and also a cave which has local story as one dace has stored all stolen ornaments on the fort.
While descending we met a group from Natick who fixed a rope line to climb up so we descend on the same rope. We came down by 3:45pm and had some snacks. By 5pm we moved further for Patti fort. You can see the entire route from Aundh to Patta as there are so many windmills on the way. While going towards Patta fort we got lift from local Engineer and they dropped us till the road goes up. As per villager’s direction we followed the cattle route which we found immediately after climbing bit up but later on we found that this is not a correct route. Since it was getting dark, Sumit and Arvind went to check the rockpatch but even that wasn’t the route. We heard stories of wild animals on the Patta route so we decide to come back to village in between Aundh and Patta.
Since the Tirade village was even far at one hour distance we decided to stay at Guard’s office, which was Container! We asked the permission to Chief Engineer to stay at Container. I never thought while trekking I ever stayed in Container. Arvind and Nitin Bhosle prepared Khichadi. I was bit uncomfortable with all those ten security guards around so I asked Sumit to be with me. Later on since the space was less and we were six extra people, to accommodate us comfortably few of Guards went to one temple nearby. Really helpful nature but initially I was doubtful about them. The fear of wild animal was strong but still we were making fun of that. After having Khichadi we immediately went to sleep. In the night, the door of container opened quite a few times. Nitin Bhosle, Sumit and I were on the front of the door so fear of animal and also cold wind made us awake all the time.
Security Guard suggested us to get up when there will be sunrise and in the light to do all our morning work.
We had tea and biscuits and asked Guard to show us the path going to Patta fort as wanted to check, which path we took yesterday and where is the actual route.
When we reached the road going to base of Patta rock patch from Aundh side.
We were wondering where the Guard is going up but that was the actual route going towards Patta. One has to climb up till you come close to rock and very thing route parallel to rock goes to Patta. The route which we took yesterday goes gown to village. Clever Nitin Bhosle very sweetly and politely asked Guard to enjoy his Sunday with us roaming Patta fort, the Guard later on came till Pattawadi!
We reached the entrance of Patta by 9:30am. Reaching top of the Patta fort was somehow different feeling…may be because I was bit unwell, none of the senior were there and still we tackled the climbing of Aundh, at the right time decided to move back to container…and finally reached the top!
Patta fort is really huge and like Aundh even Patta is very windy. There are caves and water tanks. At Patta side there is Palace where Shivaji Maharaj stayed is still in good condition. I loved that structure as it was very comfortable with enough light and air. You don’t get suffocated as you usually get in other old structures.
We took two hours on the Patta fort and then descend towards Patta Wadi. On the way to Patta Wadi side one can see Ashtabhuja Goddess temple and also two caves on lower side. Here we had some snacks and descend further to Pattawadi. By the time we reached wadi it was 1:15pm. From wadi we headed towards Ekdara phata for 2:30 Kasara ST. But again it was very lengthy route and hot we all were hoping to get lift. And since all wished for vehicle to drop us after ten minutes we saw one sumo coming and smart Arvind requested owner such a way that he accommodate all of us plus when he got down in between he asked his driver to drop us till Ekdara Phata.
We were waiting for ST so Sumit started his “Wild Photography” from Bull to cowdung
At 3:15pm we got the ST for Kasara and reached the Kasara station by 5:15pm
Since the next train was at 6:14pm, we had Tea and snacks. Our adventure was still on as station was crowded so we all were ready to get the seats together.
Finally we all got into the train and got to seat together.
Aundh-Patta trek will be more memorable because of coming back in dark to Guard’s office which was container and staying in that container!!!
Check the snaps at
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576664800bPnjGw