Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Monday, December 4, 2017

It's been a long time, since I had been on a trek. By trek  I meant climbed a fort, as of lately I have been visiting land forts around Maharashtra, so I decided to do some easy treks between Roha and Mahad in Maharashtra.

Maha Darwaza to enter Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

I asked Manohar and Dominic, my usual partners in crime and they readily agreed to join in.

As I was the man in charge of the itinerary, we decided to visit Avchitgad Fort, Birwadi Fort, Ghosalgad Fort, Kuda Caves, Tala Fort, Mangad Fort and Surgad Fort in a three day trip.

The well enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

It had not been raining for the last couple of days, so we were hoping that it would be dry and sunny on the trip. Fingers crossed.

There are two ways of reaching Avchitad Fort. The directions to the fort are tagged on Google Maps. One can either travel via the Mumbai Pune Expressway (Toll Road) like we did, exit at Khalapur and from there crossed, Durshet, Pali, Bhise and finally Medhe the base village for Avchitgad Fort.

The other route is the Old Goa route, from Panvel, cross the Karnala Fort, Pen Nagothane , Bhise and finally Medhe the base village for Avchitgad Fort.

Map of Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We reached Medhe Village around 10:15 AM. The reason why it took us time, is because we braked for breakfast on the way. Parked the car near the temple. Inquired with the locals regarding the directions to the fort.

It was a sunny day, we decided to carry 2 liters water to quench our thirst, after all we were climbing hill forts after a very long break.

View of the land, enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

History states that Avchitgad Fort was built by the Shilahar Dynasty. It was later taken over by the Nizam of Ahmednagar, Shivaji Maharaj, the Peshwas and finally the British.

Though it was not raining that they, it might have rained before as the soil was damp.

We crossed two wells made of black stone, the water in it is not portable though. The trek to the fort leads from here.  One has to travel on loose soil, small boulders to reach the top. To top it we had thick vegetation and mosquitoes for company as we were wearing shorts.

Veergali, enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Midway up the fort, we saw a couple of stones placed near each other.  One of the stones had a garland placed around it. As stone had the word "Veergali" written on it in Marathi (local language). Maybe it is created in remembrance of soldiers who died fighting on this fort. Here, we saw another route which leads to the fort from Pingalsai Village. 

Green cover all around enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We took a couple of breaks midway, finally in about 50 minutes we were at the top of the fort. How do I know, I saw the bastion (though it was not intact, it had banyan tree growing over it).

Banyan Tree on the fort bastion at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We crossed the Maha Darwaza, there were no wooden doors, just a arc shaped entrance to visit the fort premises. Next to the Maha Darwaza we spotted this animal inscribed on the rock. Not sure which animal it is. If you know then please mention in the comments below.

Animal inscribed on the rock at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The fort offers a fantastic view of the surroundings,  blue skies, white clouds,  shades of green on the hills and valleys below, the closest railway station Nidi (Konkan Railway), cluster of houses in a distance. The view was just amazing.

That's me at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We wasted no time, we started exploring the fort, on the fort are placed three cannons at different locations, the first and the third can be easily located. I want you to visit the fort and find the second cannon.

Cannon no. 1 at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Cannon No. 2 at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Cannon No.3 at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We then saw a octagonal shaped pond, it has steps to reach the base of it, it was filled with water, the water is not portable.

Octagonal Pond at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

There is a Shiv Mandir in the fort premises, with a statue of Nandi, Ganpati and another two deities (not sure who those deities are)

There are a series of water tanks, placed near each other (water is not portable). There is also a stone carving (that of a God, not sure the name of the God)

Shiv Mandir atop Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

There is fortification within the fort premises, though the exterior walls have broken down.  There is a flag hoisted near one of the bastions of the fort. Some more water bodies on the fort premises.

It took us around an hour to see the fort premises. The wild vegetation made it a bit difficult for us to travel on the fort premises.

Water tanks atop Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The sun had now hid itself behind the dark clouds, we decided to descend the fort, before it starts raining.

Dom, Manohar and me at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

As we were descending the fort, we met a couple of trekkers who too had come to visit the fort premises.

Another Darwaza within Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Another Darwaza within Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

In about 35 minutes we were at the base (temple, where the car was parked).

View of the land from Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

View of the land from Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The car parked near the Temple at the village

There is no provision for food and water at Medhe Village, if one comes to the main road, then it is available.We refreshed ourselves and then headed to visit BirwadiFort.We did see buses playing from Roha and Pali on the main road.


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves on NH66 aka NH17 near Mahad in Maharashtra (India)

Friday, May 27, 2016

After visting the Sav Hot Water Springs we headed over the NH17 to reach the Gandharpale Caves just before Mahad. Again they are located in the Mahad Taluka of the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The caves are located on the left hand side and can be easily seen from a distance while travelling on NH17 aka NH66. The caves are around 5 KM away from Hotel Neelkamal (Jetty for Sav Hot Water Springs).

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves high up on the hills

A series of steps leads to the caves. There is a tiny hut near the start of the steps, that serves cold drinks and packed snacks. These steps are newly built. But not that new either. I recollect, 2 decades ago, when I was schooling,  I used to travel to Goa by bus for summer vacation, I used to see these caves then, but was not sure as to what their names were.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

The caves structure are similar in nature to the ones I have seen at Kanheri Caves. A narrow stone staircase similar to the one at Bedse Caves leads to the caves at large. There should be around 24 caves here.

Stairs leading to Gandharpale Buddhist Caves and NH17

The cave premises are neat and tidy, I am sure they are looked after. The caves are not in very good condition though and they have graffiti on some of the cave walls. A stupa and certain carvings are still visible on certain caves. All the caves are carved on a single hill, similar to Ajanta and Aurangabad Caves near Aurangabad.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

We visited all the caves and then rested in one of them. The caves offer a wonderful view of the the NH17 and the tiny villages, farms and hills in a distance.

Stu[pa and Carvings at Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

We then headed to Khed Caves near the Khed ST Bus Stand. 

Sav Hot Water Springs across Savitri River on NH66 aka NH17 near Mahad in Maharashtra (India)

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Sav Hot Water Springs are located at Sav village in Mahad Taluka of Raigad District in Maharashtra. They can be accessed by the Mumbai Goa Highway NH17. There are located across Savitri River. Gandharpale Buddhist Caves are closest to them and the nearest town is Mahad.

View of River Savitri

After visiting Unhere Hot Water Springs we headed off on the Mumbai Goa Highway NH17 to visit the Sav Hot water Springs which are around 70 KM away. Again we referred to Google Maps for directions and they were accurate.

On the right hand side is located Hotel Neelkamal, next to it is the jetty. Yes you heard it right, one had to cross the Savitri River to reach the Sav Hot Water Springs. Mohammad Bhai (Boat Wale) can be contacted on 9552552961.He will take you across at a cost of Rs.20 for return journey.

The jetty near River Savtri

I called Mohammad Bhai and he said  that he would be there with the boat in 5 minutes. 15 minutes passed and there was no sign of him. I called him again and he said that he is about to reach. On the other side of the river we saw a young man park a yellow colored Pulsar. We were nor sure if he is was the boatman, he was the boatman.

That's me rowing the boat

The view of Savitri River is amazing.

The boatman and his boat

In 10 minutes the boatman arrived with his boat. The boat is really small and can accommodate a maximum of 5 to 6 people. The boatman rode a pulsar to reach the jetty and rowed his boat to reach us.

We sat on the boat and headed on the other side. I too helped him row the boat. The boat ride was similar to the one I had at Arnala. The boatman informed us that the river is around 65 feet deep.

Sav Hot Water Spring

We then walked towards the hot water springs located near Sav Village. In 10 minutes we were there. It was around 11;30 AM on my watch now.

There are three hot water springs. The water appeared grayish in color from a distance, but when we took it in our palms it was transparent. Maybe grey is the base color of the pool.

Sav Hot Water Spring

We took a dip here. The temperature of the water was around 40 to 50 degrees, roughly. The heat of the sun added to the fury. We then headed over to the jetty to board a ferry to NH17.

Sav Hot Water Spring

Our next stop was the Gandharpale Buddhist Caves located on NH17 before Mahad.

Unhere Hot Water Springs near Sarasgad Fort near Pali in Maharashtra (India)

Monday, May 23, 2016

Unhere Hot Water Springs aka Unhere Garam Pani aka Unhere Kund are located very close to Pali Ganpati Temple in Raigad District of Maharashtra. The Sarasgad fort overlooks the springs from a distance.

It had been a long time since we, i.e (Manohar and me) had been on a roadtrip, so we decided to do a small roadtrip to Malvan. On the way we decided to visit Unhere Hot Water Springs.

Signboard new the Unhere Hot Water Springs

As decided we left from Ghatkopar Railway station at 5:15 AM to Unhere Hot Water Springs. The springs are located around 105 KM away. The directions to the springs are tagged on Google Maps and we referred to the same.

Entry to the Unhere Hot Water Springs

We were at Unhere Hot Water Springs at around 8:30 AM. The springs premises are located near a temple and are enclosed with walls around them and a roof atop. There are two hot water pools here, one for the men and other for the women.

Unhere Hot Water Springs

I had been to Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs in the past. We decided to take a dip in the water. The water was hot. Manohar confirmed, that the temperature should be around 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. I felt really nice and relaxed in the water after the car ride.

Unhere Hot Water Springs

It is recommended to have a dip in the water, but bathing (with a soap) is not allowed, as it, is a pool similar to a swimming pool but the water is not changed. After feeling refreshed here, we headed over to Sav Hot Water Springs located near to Gandharpale Caves near Mahad.  

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.