Bhawangad Fort

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

We took the instructions of the boys at Danda Fort  and headed off to see the Bhawangad Fort. 

Dried tree on the way to the fort

There was not a single person on the road, we walked and walked and finally we stopped as we wanted to confirm if we were on the right track. Finally from a distance we saw a biker heading towards us.We inquired with him and thank God we were on the right track. 

Entrance to Bhawani Shiv Mandir and Bhawangad Fort

Finally we reached a village a couple of meters away from the fort premises and they too confirmed that we were on the right track. They were surprised to know that we had walked it out all the way from Sitla Devi Temple till here.

A couple of hand pumps on the way helped us refresh ourselves. 

View from atop the Bhawangad Fort walls

Finally we located a signboard giving directions to Bhawangad Fort. On our way we met locals who informed us to watch out for a saffron flag atop the fort from the muddy path to the left of the tar road. They informed us about a temple at the entrance of the fort. 

Bhawangad fort is equidistant from Kelve Rd station and Safale station. ST buses ply between the two stops and the buses pass by from this route.  While we were walking we saw a ST bus going to Safale. Not sure as to what the bus timings are. 

Fortification of Bhawangad Fort

In a matter of minutes we located the muddy path and the saffron flag and started climbing the hill. In ten minutes we were at the entrance of the fort. The Bhawani Shiv Mandir is located here. The temple might be quite old but it was recently renovated. There was a family up here, who had come in a tum tum and were doing  a puja (offering prayers).

Bastion of Bhawangad Fort

A little ahead of the temple, one can see the fortification. We followed the fortification and crossed a bastion to enter the fort and reach atop of the fort. The fort offers a beautiful view of the coconut trees, hill ranges around. 

Have to admit, but the fort is very well protected with trees all around it, that it can't be seen from the road that leads to it. Nothing much to see up here, again a small fort which can be done in around 20 minutes time. Again I am guessing that it was a watchtower. 

Bhawani Shiv Mandir

Took rest here and then decided to have water at one of the houses of the locals as we had a long way back to Sitla Devi temple. The locals were very generous they offered us water to drink and even let us rest in their houses. Mike was hoping for food too. Now he was expecting a bit too much. Truly Atithi Devo Bhavah, I should say.

Bhawani Shiv Mandir

At 1:45 PM we were at Sitla Devi Temple, had veg thali at a cost of Rs. 80 per plate. The food was nice and tasty and filling. With our stomach's full we then asked around for a tum tum ride to Kelve Rd Station as there was a local to Dadar at 2:55 PM. Luckily at 2:25 PM we got a tum tum to Kelve Rd Station. The tum tum cost us Rs. 15 each and it runs houseful all the way till the station. Now I was not sure if he would drop us in time, matter of fact is he did drop us at the station at around 2:50 PM. 

The muddy road that leads to the fort

We boarded the local and off we were on our way to Mumbai. I told Mike that I have just two more forts to conquer in Palghar belt, being Kohoj and Asherigad, all the others being sea forts were conquered. 

Veg Thali

Bus Ride to Mahabaleshwar a Hillstation on the western ghats of Maharashtra

Monday, November 10, 2014

If you have been reading my previous blogs, you would have known by now that I decide on treks at the last moment. So there is hardly any time left for planning. 

Reservation Tickets to Mahabaleshwar

Just two days in advance we decided to go visit Mahableshwar a hillstation on the western ghats of Maharashtra. As it was just the two of us, we decided to head off without asking people on social networking websites. Car would not be economical and hence we decided to travel by public transport.

We had decided to visit Pratapgad and the various points of Mahabaleshwar on Day One and Panchgani on Day Two. As per my google search results. 

This ain't the sunrise but the moon

As we were planning to travel by public transport, TIME would be a major concern for us. But we decided to go with the flow.

I checked out the timings of the State Transport buses by MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport) in the night to Mahabaleshwar, they were as follows 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM departing from Mumbai Central depot. There was also a bus to Mahableshwar departing from Borivali Bus Depot at 10:30 PM. 

Mahabaleshwar Bus Depot

But for Manohar to come all the way from Chembur would be a hassle. So we settled for Dadar as the pickup point as the bus from Mumbai Central would halt there to pickup passengers. 

Bus to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai

As it was a six hour journey we were advised to do a reservation of our tickets. Else we would have to travel standing in case the bus was packed. in case unreserved then seats are on first come first serve basis in the bus. Being the last bus we didn't want to take any chances. Manohar got the booking done for the two of us at Chembur ST bus depot. 

Map

We met as decided at Dadar near the bridge as all buses that ply out of the city stop here for passengers. At 10:45 AM the bus arrived. This was not the typical Lal Dabba (Red bus). We sat on our seats and the bus took off.. After collecting the balance of the passengers at Vashi and Panvel the bus final headed to Mahabaleshwar. It was dark outside so we were not sure as to what route it would take. 

Bus Time table, but the bus frequency is as per season as confirmed by Inquiry Desk

The seats of the bus are not very comfortable but if you want to save on time and money then this is your best bet.

The ST bus drivers race on bumpy pothole tar roads as if they are racing on a Formula One circuit. The roller coaster ride is fun in the start but gets painful later as you are continuously swaying in the bus.All that I could hear was the sound of the engine and all that I could feel was the chilling wind that still managed to get to us even though the windows were shut. In spite of all this I still manged to get some sleep in the bus. Manohar was wide awake all the time.

White board showcasing information on the tour packages offered by the State Transport in Mahabaleshwar 

Most of the passengers were covered in woollen and wrapped in shawls. 

The bus does a couple of stops on the way. I woke up when we reached the Mahad depot at 3 AM. I looked out and I noticed the moon light that had lit up the land around. Finally the bus raced on the curvy roads of the ghats, for a change there was no over taking. It was a wonderful sight to see. The hills and valleys were lit up and the sight was extremely beautiful, Sadly the light was not enough to capture on my camera nor on my phone.

Tickets for Pratapgad Darshan and Mahabaleshwar Darhan

After we crossed the ghats, Mahabaleshwar had finally arrived. By the time we reached the depot, the time was 5:15 AM on my watch. 

It was so cold, I was literally shivering in my jumper. Rubbing my palms against each other was not helping me keep myself warm. There was no bonfire either so I had to do light exercises to generate some sweat, which helped me keep warm. 

Manohar and Me

There are private buses plying to Mahabaleshwar also. But a mere six hour journey would take us nine hours to reach, had we taken that option. As these buses spent around three hours in Mumbai collecting prospective passengers. Such a waste of time. 

The next way of travelling here is off course by personal vehicle.

A couple of sign boards at the bus depot helped us plan our day. Else we would have to rely on taxis here. Taxis are a expensive affair too. 

Wada Pav for breakfast at ST canteen in the Depot premises

There was a ST bus plying to Pratapgad at 9:30 AM only to return back at 1:30 PM. The same bus then doubles up as the Mahabaleshwar Darshan bus at 2:30 PM showing tourists around the various points in Mahabaleshwar. 

Remember the bookings for both the buses start at 8:00 AM sharp. So do book your tickets. As not standees are allowed in the bus

Now how do we kill time. As we had nothing to do for the next four hours. We decided to head out out of the depot and all that we saw were closed shops and hotel agents asking us if we want a place to stay or freshen up. 

Misal for breakfast at ST canteen in the Depot premises

We headed back to the Mahabaleshwar ST Depot. There is a ST Canteen in the Depot premises, which serves Wada Pav and Misal. Both of the dishes were wonderful. The canteen serves south indian snacks and scrambled eggs too. The timings being 7 AM on wards.

The Mahabaleshwar ST bus depot also houses bathrooms and restrooms (indian style). Manohar tried them, clean and decent. Just a headsup incase the need be.

Awaiting the bus to Pratapgad.

Goa - Train to Goa

Thursday, August 21, 2014

I decided just a week in advance that I wanted to visit Goa in the rains.

Now as you all know that I don't travel alone, so I decided to ask my friends as to who can join me on such a short notice.

Finally Namrata who had accompanied me to Aurangabad, managed to get herself leaves to join me.

We booked the tickets six days in advance, though we were confident that we won't get tickets. 

We had two budget travel options, Konkan Railway and Bus.

Our first choice was the Mumbai CST Mangalore Junction Super Fast Express (12133) which departs from CST at 22:10 PM to arrive at Madgaon at 7:10 AM the next morning. We got Wait List tickets 67 and 68. We were confident that these tickets wouldn't get confirmed so we had to look for options. 

Our next choice was Dadar Madgaon Jan Shatabdi (12051). To our surprise tickets were available for this train. We wasted no time in booking the tickets. We booked the tickets on the IRCTC website. We booked a window and a middle seat at the train had chair car seats. The train departs at 5:25 AM from Dadar on the Central Line to reach Madgaon at 14:10 PM.

I boarded the train at Dadar. We had confirmed tickets in coach D7 seats 48 and 49. We didn't get the window seat but we got middle and aisle seats. First thoughts on this coach is, that the seats don't move backwards like in the buses going to Goa, and to top it the seats are very uncomfortable. I couldn't sit on them for for then 2 hours at a stretch. But this train reaches Goa in the shortest possible time. Namrata was to board the train at Thane. 

Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padta hai. :( 

As it as the peak season the train was packed with passengers who had Wait List tickets too. These people accommodated themselves near the Entry points of the train and outside the Loos. Making life difficult for the commuters to commute between the compartments.   

The view around was truly awesome. Sadly we couldn't click any photos due to our seats. 

But we still managed to get beautiful glimpses all around. The Konkan Railway passes through the Konkan belt of Maharashtra, which is truly beautiful. It had rained here so it was green all around. 

The skies were blue, the rivers green, the hills a combo of green and brown. coconut and mango trees all around and tiny houses among st them. I don't mind living here. Totally disconnected from the city life.

Not sure if the train has a good pantry. But they serve cold drinks and eatables. Cost being above MRP. But hurry, as stocks don't last long. But good quality vada pav is served at Chiplun and Ratnagiri at Rs. 10 each. Do pack food articles to eat on the way along with water supplies.

I like the life in the village, a hard life though, which I find difficult to live. Get up early in the morning around 5 AM which the rooster as the alarm, to do homely chores and then go to the farm. Eat simple but nutritious products of their farm, then come home in the evening. But 8 PM call it a day and head to bed.  

I don't mind having a house near the riverbed. Fishing for food daily, nice na. Hope to do something like it when I retire from work.

This train journey has loads of bridges and tunnels on the way. One of the tunnel took us around 25 minutes to cross. Not sure as to what speed the train was running on. 

The train was delayed b 20 minutes and at 2:30 PM we were at Madgaon station.

The journey was tiring but as I said above Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padta hai.

Next, we had to look out for a accommodation near Madgaon and I know of a place here, as I had stayed there when I had come for the Carnival in 2012 which happens somewhere in the months of February and March. 

Mahuli

Sunday, March 23, 2014

After my last failed attempt in conquering Mahuli Fort, I took a vow that I would be back to conquer it again and so here I am. In my blog about unconquered Mahuli Fort I listed the reason that led to my downfall and so decided not to repeat the same on this trip.

Mahuli fort is around 2815 ft above sea level. It is located at Asangaon, around 91 km from Mumbai on the Central Railway Line on the Kasara side. This is the highest point in the Thane District. The forest around Mahuli Fort is a Sanctuary.  Alternatively by road, it is on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Manas Mandir is located very close to Mahuli Base Village.

Kintan came up with this plan to conquer Mahuli as he too was eyeing it for the last three years. And as always we spread the word amongst our friends and finally it was just the two of us who originally agreed on it, who ventured out to conquer Mahuli.

We chose the monsoon as the rains has just set in Mumbai and that it would be cooler in Mahuli and that we would not have a problem and heat.

As decided on Whatsapp, I boarded the last local at 0:33 hours local to Kasara from Dadar and Kintan joined me at Mulund Station.

On my way to Mahuli on a foggy morning

Though this was the last train plying on the Kasara line it was comparatively empty in comparison to the last local to Karjat, which is jam packed.

As we crossed Kalyan the weather was quite cool. Though there was no sign of rain and we were enjoying the ride in the train. It was just the two of us in the compartment. All of a sudden Kintan got up from his seat and started turning off the fan switches, when asked he said, “Lets save the Railways some money on the electricity bills” I was impressed. Infact we should all switch off fans when not in use. Now you will ask me why not the lights. We can’t do that as the switch of the lights is located in the motorman’s cabin.

At 2:17 am the train was finally at Asangaon Railway Station. We had planned that we would start trekking in the morning and so we decided to take a short nap on the platform.

There was another group of 3 more trekkers who too came with the intention of conquering Mahuli.

We then roamed on the platform hunting for a place to lay down our sheets for our nap. Most of the best places were already occupied.

Mahuli range in a distance

Finally we got a place. Kintan opened his bag and too my surprise he pulled out a foldable mat and an air blown pillow. I was stunned to see it. As trekkers usually come with sleeping mat and sleeping bags. He at least had that; I didn’t have either but a few sheets of Economic Times.

Wow the big bag accommodates all this, wondering what more surprises come out of it. Reminds me of the magician’s hat.

Now we had 2.5 hours to take a short nap and then head out of the station. As I was about to fall asleep suddenly I heard a noise and it was growing closer and suddenly it honked and in a fraction of a second an outstation train zoomed ahead waking me up.

Never mind that was just one and the last one and I tried to sleep again, when I was attacked by mosquitoes. They were quite irritating so I decided to switch on the Anti Mosquito application on my android phone. To an extent they stopped hovering around me and the effects of the application were short lived and mosquitoes surrounded me again and to top it more and more outstation trains zoomed on either side of the platform making it difficult to sleep. So here I was a nocturnal animal all awake on the station.

Soon Kintan too joined me as he too was not able to sleep. We then decided to walk out of the station to the rickshaw stand. As it was now 4:30 am the crowd was gathering for the first local to arrive at 4:51 for CST. Kintan then inquired with a few locals regarding the rickshaw availability and the cost for the same. We got mixed reactions from the crowd about the rickshaw.

We had tea at an outlet outside the station at the cost of Rs.5 each.

Finally the ladder that takes one atop Mahuli

We finally exited and striked a deal with the rickshaw driver standing there. Rs .250 to take us to Mahuli Temple. The last resort before the Fort. We turned around to see the other group but they had already exited out of the station. So it was just the two of us.

The reason why the cost is so high is because the driver would charge us for the return journey too as he would have to come back empty. We still exercised our option and boarded the rick.

It took us around 30 minutes to reach the Temple. The road was good till Manas Mandir later the condition of the road worsened. It was a bumpy rollercoaster ride. At certain places there was water filled in the road. Kintan had to then check the water level by throwing stones in it and then we moved ahead. The rickshaw driver predicted that it would rain heavily that day. And we were hoping that his predictions turnout to be true.

As we reached the temple we were greeted by the Pujari (Head of the Temple) who asked us if we would like to have some tea. How nice of him to ask us for the same. But as we had, had our tea we started on our journey at 5:55 am.

Mahuli Village is located at a distance of 2 km from the Mahuli Temple.

Kintan and Me atop Mahuli

The temple was full of trekkers who had come the night before and were sleeping in its premises. Good we had not come here earlier or else we wouldn’t get to sleep at all as it was totally congested inside.

There are proper arrows marked on stones so that one doesn’t get lost on the way to Mahuli and religiously followed the arrow marking. A group named Raaje Pratisthan has redone the arrow marking on the trek.

The atmosphere was superb. All cloudy and the peaks covered with dew all over, an amazing site to see.

On the way we were greeted by mosquitoes and other insects that refused to let us go and kept biting us all the way up to the fort. Firstly there was no rain so it was getting hotter; we were sweating and now the insects to add to our agony.

No wind or breeze till we reached half way up. Finally we were greeted by breeze. That was the best feeling so far. We sat down to enjoy the breeze when suddenly the dew started clearing and we could see the pinnacles standing in front of us. Awesome, Truly Awesome.

The climb as steep in certain places full of rocks, loose soil, slippery soil but that didn’t stop us from reaching our summit.

Aeoo Aeoo is the code used by trekkers to communicate with each other as it travels faster the Help and can be easily heard from a distance as per Kintan.

Remnants on the fort

We kept motivating ourselves and took our time to climb up the fort; we crossed three small hill ranges to reach Mahuli. Finally at 8:55 hours after three hours of climbing we were at the ladder that lets us climb up the walls of the fort.

Though the weather was dewy there was not a drop of rain, but the soil was still moist.

We had a few foto sessions and then headed off atop a cliff to have our breakfast in the form of chakklis and biscuits. From atop there we could not see any other hill range nor the valley below because the dew was so strong. It looked like we were walking in the clouds.

The dew droplets accumulated on the green grass was lovely and very refreshing to our eyes. I am guessing that it might have hardly rained and the fort and its surrounding were green all over. In my unconquered trip the grass had turned to hay, golden hay all around. What a shift. Amazing.

Now we had decided that we could descend the fort at 1:00 pm and we had three hours to see the fort in entirety.

Without wasting any time we finished our breakfast and started on our mission. There is very little fortification on the fort. Only near the ladder entrance can we see the fortification.

There are many paths here which can be walked upon to see the fort.

Remnants

We were the first atop the fort that day. There was a water body there filled with water. It had two XX marks near it. Kintan then educated me that, it means that the water is not portable. It is denoted by either a XX sign or a skull and two bones. Danger sign.

We then followed the path and it went straight down and let us to a tree which had a shiv ling places next to it. It had a few caves there and led us to the entrance of the fort via the Kalyan Darwaza.

Kalyan Darwaza had steps all the way up to the fort from the base but it was bombarded by the British and so this way is not access able. But there are a few professional trekkers who come up via this route.

There are a few inscriptions carved on huge stone blocks lying there.

As the Kalyan Darwaza is not access able by all hence alternative route via the ladder was designed to enter the fort. No idea as to who built the metal ladder there. A big thank you to him for the same.

After viewing the ruins and we headed off on the path not knowing where it leads too. We kept walking on it for around 30 minutes. The path was leading somewhere, none of us knew where. The place was a jungle and a good location for shooting spooky films. As we were not heading anywhere we decided to return back. On the way we met some locals there. Around four of them. They were equipped with Catapults’ the moment they saw us approaching the started hiding it. I guess they are up to something I told Kintan. Maybe hunting for birds there. This place is full of exotic birds, flowers and insects. After inquiring with them they told us that this way led to Palasgad. One of the three forts atop here.

They told us that no trekker visits this place as there is nothing to see there, neither fortification nor any ruins.

Steep climb on the way to Palasgad.

But we could view it from where we were standing and decided to head back to the Kalyan Darwaza.

Now we were not alone on the hill. Instead of the rain pouring in people were pouring in. Kintan told me that atleast three trekking groups are planning a trip to Mahuli today so he estimated around 60 other people on the hilltop.

After a few inquiries with the other trekkers we followed another path that would lead us to Bandargad. They told us that if would take us around 45 minutes to reach the end of this hill and from there is a ladder to climb the other hill.

I guess this path is not used much by trekkers as we were the only ones on this path. We saw a few broken structures on the way. Huge stone blocks that had arrows other inscriptions on them. We walked on the path and finally reached the end of Mahuli and saw another hill there. Both the hills were joined by a piece of land and had valleys adjoining them.

A thin path lead to the other cliff. A small rickety staircase and then some rock climbing skills would take you up the fort. As both of us were bad at rock climbing we decided to sit and view it.

A little latter some locals came there equipped with catapults’ hunting for birds. We inquired with them and they told us that, it is the only way to go up the fort. Plus there is another way from the valley up to both the forts but that is used by the villagers as the climb is too difficult.

The villagers told us that atop Bandargad is located another Kalyan Darwaza and some broken monuments. God alone knows how much of it is true.

As we were about to leave we saw three locals atop Bandargad with huge sacks on their head. We were wondering how they would get down with that weight on their head. So we waited, after noticing no movement from there we headed off to the ladder at the entrance to have our lunch as we had to descend at 1:00 pm.

We had lunch in the form of dhokala with chutney and ketchup as add-ons along with chakklis and water to digest it all down.

We had ample water supply with us today, as both of us had carried two litres each, we were left with 2 litres to go.

Now Mahuli was getting packed with trekkers. There were around 100+ trekkers atop the fort. One of the trekking groups had come with 60 trekkers. Out of which some were atop and some far below. Wondering when the guys below would reach the top.

The return journey made me a little bit uneasy as the valleys were scaring me to the core making it difficult for me to trek down, Kintan was there to guide me down the hill and in two hours time we were down at the base.

We refreshed ourselves by bathing in a small stream and then headed off to have a chilled bottle of cold drink to quench our thirst followed by Poha.

We had walked for 9 hours in a row and our knees had suffered from the beating.

There is a refreshment store near the temple; we finally shared a mini man to get a ride to Asangaon station at 100 bucks on our heads.

Finally in 30 minutes time we were at Asangaon station for the 4:00 pm train only to find the train arrive at 4:15 pm. We got window seats.

We finally managed to conquer Mahuli and its neighbouring forts being Bandargad and Palasgad. Three for the price of one. Eeeeeehaaaaa.

We had a great time in Rs.275 per head.

Damages in the form of leg pains I will know tomorrow

What Next?

Unconquered Kohoj

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Palghar is known for many forts, mainly sea forts and hill forts.

My last trek was to Kaldurg Fort, it was my second attempt and I was successful. So I planned to do Kohoj which was nearby to Kaldurg.

I gathered information online about the whereabouts of the fort. The fort can be identified by a human like rock formation atop the fort. Reminded me of the movie “Behind Enemy Lines featuring Owen Wilson, which had a statue of an Angel up the hill and how the enemies destroy the statue with gun firing.” This fort is located in Wada. Now the question you have in your head is how do I get to Wada?

Wada is near Manor which can be accessed from Palghar either via a ST bus or rickshaw. But the bus is faster. The distance is approx 32 km from Palghar Railway Station to Vaghote Village which is on the Wada Road, where the fort stands.

Kohoj fort in a distance

Now this was a short notice trek meaning Nelson spoke to me a day before and within 16 hours we decided to go to Kohoj Fort. As it is the month of May, the hottest month of the year I advised Nelson to carry atleast 3 litres of water. After all trekking Kohoj we were nearing the sun.

Nelson who stays in Mulund had boarded the 407 hours train to Dadar and from there switched to Western Railway and boarded the 504 hours Virar fast which arrived at Andheri at 519 hours. I got my tickets at Rs.15 one way.

It was nice to meet Nelson after a long time and we chatted on women who were a part of our lives. Haha.

At 610 hours the train reached Virar and so we hurried to board the 615 hours shuttle to Palghar.

Finally in the train and a place to sit, we started off. We were lucky that there was no fish being transported unlike last time to Kaldurg when the entire train smelled fishy.

In the train Nelson told me that he didn’t have a ticket to Palghar as the train booking counter was closed. I was surprised to hear that as the train counters open 15 minutes before the first train starts. I had my ticket with me. Only problem is Ticket Checker. If we caught then we would have to pay a fine. But it is strange that no tickets were sold at Mulund.

My worst fears came alive. A ticket checker was there inspecting tickets. We were lucky enough to sneak out of the station without getting caught. It is always advisable to travel with valid tickets else pay a fine.

We had breakfast at a Hotel Lokmaya near the station. Our Breakfast comprised of two plates of Medu Wada and two tea's costing us Rs.70. Though the food is not big shake but having a breakfast is always good. We didn’t know when lunch would be served.

We then boarded the 730 hours bus to Manor. Manor is around 24 km from Palghar. In 30 minutes we were there at a cost of Rs. 14 each. The view from the bus was scenic. The hill ranges that stretched across the backdrop were amazing. One hill range followed by another, like a chain of them. But no sign of Kohoj.

The dried fields in a distance stretching till the hill ranges with a few houses and trees to make it a beautiful scene.

We alighted at Manor at 800 hours and later found out from one of the shopkeepers that we should not have alighted from the bus as it was going via Wada and we had to alight at Vaghote Village.

Manor was a small town flooded with shops on either side of the narrow road leading to Palghar at one end and Wada on the other. There was chaos.  There are shops selling everything here. This is also a major bus stop junction.

So we had to wait there for another bus, finally at 850 hours we boarded another bus at a cost of Rs.14 per head and we reached Vaghote Village at 915 hours. While travelling we could see Kohoj and it appeared to grow bigger and bigger as we were nearing it. The road does a traverse to reach Vaghote Village. There is a human shaped rock formation atop, and it appears as if a human is standing there.

Vaghote Village consists of around 25 houses but no shops there. So if you need to collect food or water Manor is the place. The trek starts from here keeping the fort on your right hand side. We inquired with a few locals and they showed us the way to reach the lake from where the trail leads to Kohoj.

The lake was beautiful. Saw women cleaning clothes in the water and a few children playing next to eat. I noticed that shell fish is available in plenty in the lake. I make this statement based on the no of shells I located near the lake premises. I saw some boys enjoying a swim in the water to chill in the hot sun.

It was just 930 hours and the heat was unbearable. Nelson said if this is the condition now what will happen when we reach the top. Hot Hotter Hottest and to top it the no winds. So sweat like pigs in the hot sun.

The villagers are very friendly in giving directions and so we took it and followed the trail. There are stones marked with arrows on the way so that we are on the right part. But they disappear as we start climbing up the hill.

Don’t know if they vanished in the rains or if they were never marked so we had to find our way up the hill. But as per the villagers the way up is from the backside so we started to climb in that manner. There are many trails on the hills so had to follow them to some extend just to find if we were on the right track.

Finally the worst happened. We were lost and we decided to climb up there via the waterfall route. Though now there was no waterfall just huge rocks’ standing there with thorny bushes for company.  The way up was bad luckily I didn’t slip thanks to my new Action High Ankle Trekking Shoes. But the thorny bushes made the climb very difficult. Both of us were bruised on our legs and hands. We had cuts and blood flowing through it.

My rucksack strap broke. Shit climbing was a pain and now this. It was nice of Nelson to carry the bag up via the rocky and thorny patches. We were just 20 feet away from the top and the climb was getting steeper and steeper with thorns for company.

I checked my phone for signals got none. So I told Nelson that it is better to get down. As there was no way we could communicate with anyone and we didn’t know if we were on the right track. That is the problem with waterfalls.

The climb down was going to be difficult and we had to do it in order to get down.

With ample breaks midway we decided to head back from the hills at 1230 hours. We prayed all the way down till we crossed the thorny bushes and till we reached down the hill.

Finally at 1430 hours we were back at the lake. We jumped into the water to cool ourselves from the hectic climb we had up the hill. The water was refreshing and it cooled us out completely and we felt fresh to head home. All our tiredness disappeared in a jiffy.

After having a Jacuzzi for around an hour we headed off to the Wada Road from where we were to board a bus to Palghar.

Rickshaws are available to take you to Manor and Palghar but the journey is more perilous. As they fit as many people as possible in the rickshaw and it is difficult to sit in one position for more than 15 minutes without stretching.

So we boarded a bus to Palghar after waiting for it for about 45 minutes. Finally got our tickets at a cost of Rs.28 per head. It took us around an hour to reach Palghar.

As we were hungry we headed straight to Hotel Lokmanya to have Puri Bhajji’s and Masala Dosa and gulped it down with cold drink. After having our full we decided to board a train to Virar with a valid ticket. 

After we knew the train would be crowded and we had no other option than to adjust.

We boarded the 1855 hours Valsad Bandra Passenger. It went slow till Virar and from then did Borivali and then Andheri. Finally I reached home at 2045 hours and Nelson at 2200 hours.

The trek was difficult primarily because we climbed in the summer and to top it we got lost in the hills and had to climb up via the waterfall route filled with thorny bushes that bruised us. But the trek was a learning experience for us and thank God I didn’t get dehydrated on the hills like I did in Mahuli.

But I will come again to conquer this fort. A promise I made to myself.

Dadar Kabooter Khana

Thursday, February 2, 2012

The Dadar Kabooter Khana is located near Dadar station. Pigeons flock here as people feed them grains.

Many people feel that feeding Kabooter (Pigeons) is a good deed and so they buy grain from grain vendors especially to feed them. Maybe it brings them good luck is their activities. 

Dadar Kabooter Khana

The Kabooter Khana is a circular enclosure where pigeons flock to be fed. It has a small fountain in the middle where water can be poured, but it is not in working condition. 

Dadar Kabooter Khana

I guess someone has filled it with water so that the birds can drink out of it.

There are many such Kabooter Khana’s all over Mumbai.