Tung Fort or Kathingad near Pawna Lake in Lonavala

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Tung Fort is located in Lonavala which is easily accessible from both Mumbai and Pune by rail and road. It is located very near to the Pawna Lake. The forts of Tikona, Lohgad and Visapur can be seen from atop the fort. The fort is also called Kathingad. Which means difficult. Read on to understand how difficult it is to climb this fort. 

Infomation on Tung Fort

We had planned to visit Tung Fort along with Karla Caves, Bedse Caves and Tikona Fort. But due to shortage of time we had to skip it. 

We then decided to club it along with the twin forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan at Rajmachi along with camping at the banks of Pawna Lake. But had to abandon the camping part of it and so set out to visit the twin forts of Rajmachi and Tung Fort.

Tung Fort from the foothills

As decided we (Dominic and Me) met Manohar at Ghatkopar Railway station on the east side at 8 AM. We then headed over to Lonavala to conquer the three forts.

It was a day trip and we decided to do the twin forts of Rajmachi first followed by Tung Fort.

The temple at the foothills of Tung Fort

Now there are two ways of reaching Rajmachi, one is from Karjat via the Kondana Caves which is a proper trek and the other is from Lonavala via the road leading to Della Adventures which goes to the base village at Rajmachi. 

As we were travelling by car we decided to take the road to Rajmachi via Della Adventure. 

Hanuman Temple on the way to the fort

We had taken the New Mumbai Pune Expressway then exited it at Lonavala and then took the road to Della Adventure. Sign boards are put, so follow them. The quality of the road is not very good and it worsens once you cross Della Adventure. The road then turns into a muddy patch full of small stones so driving on them is quite a task for small cars. A roller coaster ride. Now we had to decide, do we go up this way or do Tung. As the road was bad, it would consume a lot of time. 

Fortification and steep stairs to reach Tung Fort

Parking our car there and walking it up to the base was also not a option as the stretch was approximately 15 KM away so it would take around 3 hours to reach the base village at Rajmachi. Then climb up the twin forts, lunch and back to the car park.That would consume a lot of time.

Fortification

Trucks Tempos and SUV would make it to the top, but not small cars. We then abandoned the plan of visiting Rajmachi forts and headed off to Tung Fort. The time was now 11 AM on my watch.

Tung fort was approximately 30 KM away from here. 

We then headed over to Lonavala. Did shopping for fudge and chikki there and then headed over to Tung Fort. We traveled by the Lonavala Road then the Javan Tungi Road to reach the base of Tung.

View of Pawna Lake from atop the fort

The Javan Tungi Road was better than the road to Rajmachi. Though a tar road but was uneven, again we had to drive slowly so it consumed quite some time on the narrow and winding roads and finally we saw a small miniature board leading to Tung Fort. we followed that board and finally were at the base of the fort. There was a temple here, but couldn't locate any base village. Though we could hear children shouting in a distance, so we assumed that there is a village nearby. Tungi Village.

Bastion on Tung Fort

There are no shops on the Javan Tungi Road. So stock up food and water at Lonavala itself or at Tiger Point.

We had cakes near the temple. This was our first food intake on the trip. So we had plenty of them, lunch would only be served at Lonavala, that to after 3 hours.

Top most point on the fort

At 1 AM, with the hot sun shining on our heads we headed off to climb the fort.  There was a board put up there stating Kathingad. A few locals were there, I decided to ask them the grade and they told me it was difficult. Never the less we still headed off to climb the fort.

Rock cut water tank on the fort premises

As we were near the base, it was a straight vertical climb up the fort. Though it has small steps in the beginning which were later replaced by small and large rocks all the way up. We crossed a small Hanuman Temple. A ziz zag road led to the top. In a matter of 30 minutes we were around 50% up the hill. This place offered a beautiful view of Tungi village and the surrounding hill ranges along with Pawna Lake. 

We kept walking on the trail at the edge of the cliff and finally were at the entrance of the fort. It had a Darwaza and fortification. 

Dominic, Manohar and Me

Tung fort is basically conical in shape when you see it from Tikona Fort located on the other side of Pawna Lake. When we were travelling back from Tikona we were wondering as to how we would be able to conquer it, the shape was very unusual.

Tung fort comprises of three plateaus, the first one has a bastion on it, the second one has the main door to enter the fort, the Ganpati temple and water cistern, the third one houses the Balle Kille and water tanks.

That's me

We decided to skip the bastion on  the lower most plateau as we could see it from here. 

On the second plateau is located a Ganpati temple and a water cistern which is cut from the rock. The water in it is not portable. 

Another view from the top of Tung Fort

We then headed off to the third plateau from where lead the way to the top most point of the fort. Finally we were on the top. The time was now 2 PM on my watch. 

The top has a small temple dedicated to Devi Tungi apart from a couple of orange colored flags swaying in the wind. 

Another view from Tung Fort

We took a couple of selfies and landscape photos here. Though it was hot, we were not able to feel the heat as there was strong wind blowing. We didn't break a sweat either. Only problem is, there is no shade here. Suddenly Dom located a small cave, big enough to accommodate 7 people. It is right below the top most point. 

Tikona, Lohgad and Visapur Fort were clearly visible from here. Pawna Lake nicely twisted around Tung Fort. There were other hill ranges also in a distance. Finally we located the Tung Village which is not at the base of the fort. 

Manohar and Me descending Tung Fort

History states that this fort was built by Adil Shah and later conquered by Shivaji. Though this fort is small, my understanding states that this should be a watchtower for the two massive forts of Lohgad and Visapur. 

Not much of fortification is left on the hill. except for the main entrance, but the huge rocks from a distance camouflage as  fortification. 

We then decided to descend the fort, in an hour's time we were back at the base. Though this fort is called Kathingad, there is nothing difficult about it. It took us around 2:45 hours to see the fort. 

Watch out for this signboard on the Javan Tungi Road

We then headed off the Javan Tungi road to Lonavala. 

We decided to break at Allah Rakha Hookah and Restaurant near Tiger Point for lunch. As they were the only ones serving lunch at 4:30 PM. 

Had lunch in the form of Veg Kolhapuri , Butter Chicken and Roti's and finally headed back to Mumbai.

Finally at 7:30 PM we were back at Ghatkopar Railway Station. 

Though the trip was exhaustive and tiring, thanks to the hot sun, we still managed to have a great time as always. 

Thanks Manohar and Dom :)

Mumbradevi Temple in Mumbra

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Mumbra Devi Temple is built on the Parsik Hills. The temple can be accessed via the National Highway 4 (NH4) or via the Mumbra Railway station located on the Central railway line. 

Mumbra Devi Temple atop Prasik Hills

We had visited the Shiva Temple at Ambernath and Kondana Caves in Karjat and had planned to visit Mumbra Devi Temple and Lonad Caves today. 

As decided we boarded the 7:32 AM fast train for Asangaon from Dadar railway station on the central line. We alighted at Mumbra railway station at 8:09 AM. The Mumbra Devi temple can be seen from the railway station. 

View from atop Mumbra Devi Temple

We had tea and asked for directions and then started our climb to the top.  As the temple is visited by devotees throughout the year,  steps have been made right till the top.  

I didn't count  no. of steps but it should be around 300 plus. Though there are steps the climb is difficult and will put pressure on your knee's and calves. The climb is very similar to Gilbert Hill. Though Mumbra Devi temple is on a higher altitude in comparison to Gilbert hill.  

Steps leading to the top

NH4 is located very close to the foothill.  

As we kept climbing up the stairs the sound of the trains and vehicles plying on NH4 started reducing. We could hear the chirping of the birds.  The sun was shinning softly on us.  It was a bit hazy outside,  we were hoping that it gets better as we reach the top. 

It took us 35 minutes to reach the top with plenty of intervals. There are plenty of people who come here for their morning walks. They were so fast in the ascend and descend. 

Strings (people wishes) tied to the tree

The view from up here is amazing.  It offers a beautiful view of the sunrise if you come early in the morning,  the creek surrounded by mangroves,  the central railway line and offcourse winding NH4. Apart from the residential buildings around. This place should be a watchtower as it offers a great view of the surrounding. 

As the devotees offered prayers I took photos up here. Photography of the temples is not allowed.  

Breakfast at Mumbra

It took us 15 minutes to descend the hill.  

Had breakfast in the form of omelette and scrambled eggs and Lassi for drinks.  

Kondana Caves aka Kondivade Caves in Karjat

Monday, April 20, 2015

Kondana Caves aka Kondivade Caves is located at Thakurwadi and not at Kondana or Kondivade in Karjat. They were built by the Buddhist monks.  The caves are located in the same hill range as Rajmachi. They can be accessed both from Karjat and Lonavala.

Hillrange from Kondivade Village

After visiting the Shiva Temple at Ambernath we headed over to Karjat to visit the Kondana Caves.  

The Ambernath railway station was jam packed with people. Though the trains were on time,  the less number of trains led to the crowd ever increasing this time.  

Buffaloes bathing in Ulhas river

We boarded the 10:17 AM train to Karjat.  Note that trains are every 30 minutes from Ambernath to Karjat.  It took us around 40 minutes to reach Karjat railway station.  Also another thing which I noted is that the railway stations between Ambernath and Karjat are far away from each other.  Commuting will always be a problem, while travelling between these stations. 

Kondana Caves

Once we reached Karjat, we decided to have the famous Karjat Vada Pav,  packed vada's, mixed bhajiya for lunch while trekking the Kondana Caves.  We wanted to have some Lassi,  sadly none of the milk dairy stacked Lassi,  so we has to have Gola and lemon juice.  Which was a great refresher on a hot sunny day.  

Another view of Kondana Caves

We then followed the instructions provided by the locals and walked for about 15 minutes to reach Shriram Pool,  the place from where we were to get a Tum Tum to Kondivade Village.  

If you hiring a private tum tum,  it will cost you around 200 bucks,  else shared seat will cost you Rs. 30 only. As it was just the two of us,  we decided to take Rs. 30 option. The tum tum terminates at Kondivade Village.  The private tum tum terminates at Thakurwadi village. 

Main hall at Kondana Caves

 We alighted at Kondivade village and followed the instructions of the locals and started walking on the tar road. Kondivade village -  Kondana village - Thakurwadi village.  The caves are located near Thakurwadi village.    It took us around an hours time to reach Thakurwadi village.  The roads are not very good here.  So if you getting your car along,  see to it,  that it has a high ground clearance.

Carvings

The one hour walk in the hot sun was exhaustive. But it offered a beautiful view of the hill ranges around,  Rajmachi fort and Ulhas river which flows next to the road. Saw a couple of women washing clothes in the river.  The river was not very deep in certain portions and hence saw a couple of buffaloes bathing in it too. I guess it was the heat. This place would look wonderful in the rains, greenery all around.

Apart from Kondivade Village, Kondana village, has a small shop that offers refreshments,  no refreshments at Thakurwadi village.  Each of these villages are small consisting of around houses ranging from 10 to 20.

Another view of Kondana Caves

A muddy path, the first left after you cross Thakurwadi village leads to the Kondana Caves.  again there are no sign boards placed here.  So my advise is to follow the most traveled path,  you will also see wafer and chocolate wrappers along the way.  Means that you are not the right path.  The path is like a rollercoaster ride,  on the edge of the cliff and on flat plateau. It is made of loose soil. So be careful while trekking uphill and downhill. 

Mike and Me

As the sun was right over our head,  we were feeling the heat,  our water resource was also depleting. After a couple of breaks and having kandha bhajiya as food we started to explore the caves.  

In a matter of 30 minutes we could locate the caves.  Sign of relief.  We finally made it. 

Resting rooms in the Caves

Just 4 to 5 caves here. out of which the second cave was beautifully carved. It had a Stupa in it, which is currently broken down along with pillars around. There are two wooden arches too. 

Next to it is another cave, which can be reached by climbing the steps, it had many rooms in it. Each of the rooms had a flat bed like structure made of stone. I believe this was the resting place for the Buddhist monks who carved these caves. There is water seepage in the caves, as the floor of the caves was still moist. 

Water cistern in the Caves

There are two other caves, but nothing much to see in them. The last cave was a water cistern. Water was currently filled in it. not sure if it was fit for consumption.

Its fun to come here in the rains, reason being , you can enjoy the waterfall that happens over the caves. But due to this waterfall the carvings are getting eroded. The Govt should work on the up keeping of these caves.  

Scenic view of Rajmachi

After having our lunch in the form of vada's and kandha bhajiya we rested in the cool shade of trees. The birds chirping and the sound of the leaves swaying in the winds was music to my ears. 

We then decided to head back to Mumbai. From Kondana Caves, there is a trail that leads to Rajmachi Fort. Now it would take around 3 to 4 hours to reach the top from here. 

Waterbodies

We reached Thakurwadi village in 20 minutes, walked for an hour's time to reach Kondivade Village to board the shared tum tum to Karjat.

Tum Tum

Though we were tired, trekking in the hot sun, this journey was fun.

Looking forward to Mumbra Devi Temple tomorrow.

Shiv Mandir at Ambernath

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Prachin Shiv Mandir or Ambreshwar Shiv Temple, I located a a distance of 2 KM away from the Ambernath railway station (east) on the central railway line. History states that the Shilahara king Chhittaraja had constructed it in 1060 AD,  which was later rebuilt by Mummini (son of Chhittaraja) 

Shiv Mandir or Ambreshwar Shiv Temple at Ambernath

Mike and I had planned to do Shiv Mandir in Ambernath and Kondana Caves in Karjat today and Mumbra Devi Temple in Mumbra and Lonad Caves in Kalyan tomorrow. Remember him, he had accompanied me to Elephanta Caves. :)

As decided Mike and I met at Dadar railway station on the central railway line to board the 7:38 AM,  fast train to Badlapur to alight at Ambernath.  The train was late and we alighted at Ambernath at 8:44 AM.  There was a mad rush on the platforms here. So I understood that the trains were late and hence the crowd is ever increasing on the platforms.  

We exited the Ambernath railway station on the eastern side, followed the instructions provided on the roads to walk to the Shiva Temple. In around 20 minutes we were at the entrance of the temple.  

Shiv Mandir or Ambreshwar Shiv Temple at Ambernath

The stone carved temple looked amazing.  The detailing of the carvings was just too good. It might have taken them years to built this temple.  There are two entrances and a exit to the temple.  There are steps in the temple which lead you down,  where the main shivling is located.  Due to low light and large crowd,  got blurry photos here.  When taking photos in  temple premises be ready to be greeted with raised eyebrows. lol. 

One of the devotee informed me that during Mahashivratri,  the temple is over crowded with people.  There is also a fair which is held then.  It continues for 3 to 4 days.  

Sculpture on the walls

It was a Monday.  There was crowd within the temple premises.  

We then headed off to see,  Kondana Caves in Karjat.