One Day Trek to Kalsubai on 24th June 2012

Here are details about the trek:

About Kalsubai-

Height: ~ 5400 feet
Grade:  Medium
Time: ~ Maximum 3 hrs from Base Village
Location: Bari, Igatpuri

Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra Starte. A small temple of Kalsubai is located on this topmost point. Being the highest peak, it commands a beautiful view from top. Main attraction is backwaters of Bhandardara. Being located in the highest mountain range, this place is surrounded my number of forts. To the north, forts such as Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai can be seen. Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad stands on the east while Alang, Madangad, Kulang, Ratangad stands at the west. Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen to the south.
Since Kalsubai is extremely famous, and being a pilgrim, many people visit the place, for their safety steel railings, chains and ladders are placed at places where it is difficult to climb.

Plan:

Saturday, 23rd June 2012:
Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Entrance, Borivali at 21:30 Hrs
Start the journey and pick ups in between.
People residing on Central Line / Harbour Line can join us at Sion or Thane.

Sunday, 24th June 2012:
Reach base village - Bari by 5:00 Hrs
Freshen Up, Breakfast in the Village
Start the Trek by 7:00 Hrs
Reach the summit by 10:30 Hrs and explore
Descend back and reach base village by 14:00 Hrs
Lunch at Village Bari
Travel back to Mumbai by Private vehicle
Reach Borivali by 22:00 Hrs (tentative)

The cost of the event would be Rs. 650/- for members and Rs. 700/- for others.

The above mentioned cost includes -

Transportation from Borivali to Borivali by Private vehicle

Breakfast, Tea, Veg Lunch, Evening refreshments

guide and expertise charges.

If interested, please get in touch with us at the numbers given below:

Rohit Nayak: 9167416873
Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination with our team or transfer on the account -

Name of A/c Holder: Rohit Nayak
Bank & Branch: HDFC Bank, Vashi Sector 17 Branch
A/c Number: 0540 1050 318 319
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC code: HDFC0000540

Important Note: Limited seats - available on First come First served basis

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried. So that one has ones hands free while trekking.

2. At least 1 set of spare clothes with a towel and napkin.

3. At least 2 liters of water.

4. Windcheater, extra plastic bags to keep your wet clothes.

5. Optional: Camera & something to munch on.

6. Personal medicines if any.

One Day Trek to Tandulwadi Fort on 17th June with Nisarga Bhraman

We at Nisarga Bhraman have decided a one day trek to the Tandulwadi Fort in Palghar region on Sunday, 17th June 2012.

Brief Introduction about Tandulwadi Fort:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: ~1900 ft

Grade: Medium

Location: Palghar region, Thane

Tandulwadi fort lies 5 k.m. east of Saphale Railway Station and is good for one day outing. One can get a good view of Vaitarna and Surya river. The route is very steep and goes over some rocky portions. On the top there are many water tanks, a monsoon lake and remains of settlements. The fort was mainly used as a watch tower in ancient times.

Plan:

Sunday, 17th June 2012 -

Meet at Virar Railway Station, PF 3 at 8:00am sharp

We will be traveling by a fast train from Churchgate which halts at

Churchgate 6.29 am

Mumbai central 6.39

Dadar: 6.46

Bandra: 6.52

Andheri: 7.00

Borivili: 7.15

Vasai road: 7.39

Virar: 7.51 am

.

From Virar we will take Dahanu Shuttle at 8:35am -

• Reach Saphale Railway Station by 9:00 am
• Breakfast at Saphale
• Travel to base village by Private Vehicle
• A round of Introduction and Rules & Regulations. 
• Start the trek to Tandulwadi Fort by 10:00 am
• Reach the top, explore the fort and Lunch atop
• Start descend by 2:00pm and back to base village by 4:00pm
• Travel to Saphale Railway Station by 5:00pm
• Reach Mumbai by 8pm approx.

Note: Please carry your own ticket to Saphale

The cost of the event would be Rs. 150/- for members and Rs. 180/- for others

This includes - Transport from Saphale to Saphale, Breakfast and evening tea, Guide charges.

To register for the event, call our team -

Rohit Nayak: 9167416873

Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Here is a list of things to be carried -

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas. 
2. Windcheater, Spare clothes, Towel and Napkin.
3. At least 2 liter of water (COMPULSORY).
4. Lunch for the day
5. Optional: Camera & something to munch on.
6. Personal medicines if any.

Here is a link of photographs: https://picasaweb.google.com/112424448078863794767/Tandulwadi

Trek to Rajmachi on 9th - 10th June 2012

The cool monsoon winds have started blowing in from the sea’s to quell the summer heat, the looming black clouds have started to make their presence felt. Soon the rains will arrive in their full glory to quench the thirst of the parched earth.

The small window in time just before the rains arrive gives us the opportunity to witness a beautiful spectacle of dazzling fireflies. It’s the mating season for these fireflies & as a result thousands of them light up around trees and shrubs making it a rare and beautiful sight.

We, at Nisarga Bhraman, would be heading for a Trek through the forest of Rajmachi to try and capture this scene in our eyes and camera if possible.

Special Note: This trip can also be considered as a Gastronomic Delight as we have included Non-veg in the menu for dinner.

Here is some info About Rajmachi:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 2710 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Easy

Endurance: High (3.5hrs Trek)
District: Pune
Region: Karjat/Lonavla
Base Village: Kondivade/ Tungarli
 

Plan:

Rendezvous: Meet at 06:30AM (Sharp) on Saturday, 9th June 2012 at Dadar station on Platform number 4 at the extreme Karjat end of the platform, for the uninitiated: The Motorman’s end of the platform!.
We will be taking the 07:03AM fast local for Karjat. The train halts at Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, Dombivali, & Kalyan, onwards on all stations. Those staying enroute can get in at these stations.

NOTE 1: Please ensure that you Purchase return tickets till Karjat.
NOTE 2: Late comers will have to board Deccan Express leaving Dadar @ 07.20AM from PF.5. The Local tickets are not valid on the express which will halt only at Thane, Kalyan, & Karjat.

The Itinerary for the trek is as as given below:

Saturday 9th June 2012 -

• Train from Dadar to Karjat (~2.0hrs)
• Rules and Regulations (~0.25hrs) > Snacks (~0.20hrs)
• Walk to Sri Ram Pul (~0.25hrs)
• Rickshaw to Kondivade (~0.5hrs)
• Trek from Kondivade to Tamarind Tree (~0.25hrs)
• Break (0.15hrs)
• Trek from Tamarind Tree to First Plateau (~0.25hrs)
• Trek from First Plateau to Mezzanine Plateau (~0.25hrs)
• Break (0.15hrs)
• Trek from Mezzanine Plateau to Second Plateau (~0.25hrs)
• Break (0.15hrs)
• Trek from Second Plateau to Overhang Rock (~0.5hrs)
• Trek from Overhang Rock to Third Plateau (~0.5hrs)
• Break (0.15hrs)
• Trek from Third Plateau to Fence (~0.5hrs)
• Break (0.15hrs)
• Walk to Rajmachi/Udhewadi village (~0.15hrs)

On getting to the village, a sumptuous unlimited veg meal awaits us.
Relax & Proceed for sightseeing in the early evening.
After dusk, we will proceed towards the forest to see the fireflies.
Dinner would have an option of Veg/NVeg.

Sunday 10th June 2012 -

• Morning bells would be sounded at 6.00AM Sharp. 
• After morning ablutions, we would head for sightseeing to the twin forts of Manoranjan & Srivardhan. 
• After summiting both forts, we would head back to the village for Breakfast and we get ready to descend back to Kondivade.

We would be reaching Karjat by 3.00PM on Sunday & take the local for Mumbai CST.

The cost of this trek for registered Members of Nisarga Bhraman would be Rs. 550/-for Veg food, Rs. 600/- for Nonveg food.

Guest Fees: Rs.50/-

> Travel from Karjat to Kondivade & Back by Private Transport
> 2 Breakfast & Tea
> 1 Unlimited Veg Lunch & Veg/NonVeg Dinner.

> Homestay in a village house @ Rajmachi

If interested, please contact on the nos. below for registration.

Rohit Nayak: 9167416873
Sameer Patel: 9820972043
Parag Vartak: 9820973705

Last date of Registration: Friday 8th June

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:

1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried....so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas. 
2. At least 1 set of spare clothes with a towel and napkin.
3. Soap and other accompaniments.
4. Optional: Camera & something to munch on. 
5. At least 2 liter of water (COMPULSORY).
6. Windcheater
7. A good torch with a 2 spare set of batteries (COMPULSORY).
8. Sleeping Bag/Mat to sleep on, Blanket or Chaddar to pull over in the night. 
9. Personal medicines if any.

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

1. Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the trek. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the trek.
2. Smoking will only be permitted after consultation with the Leader and the person will have to move away from the group to smoke. Smoking will only be permitted while we stop at a clearing and not otherwise. 
3. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
4. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
5. Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings. 
6. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “When you go to the mountain leave only your footprints and bring back only memories”

Here are some photographs of the earlier trek when we visited this fort couple of years back.
http://picasaweb.google.com/rohitvnayak/NBTrekToRajmachiOn28thOct2006#
http://picasaweb.google.com/hemant.treks/Rajmachi26Jul09#

Camping at Phansad WLS on 2nd-3rd June 2012

The rains will be soon approaching, putting an end to the sweltering heat of summer. The large black cumulonimbus clouds are already making their presence felt along the coast.

What better way to soak in the pre-monsoon experience than to ride into the sunset along the coast!

Join Nisarga Bhraman as we head out on a carefree & itinerary free ride/drive to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary near Murud on 2nd & 3rd June 2012.

Phansad is a semi-evergreen / mixed deciduous forest that is located approximately 145 Kms from Mumbai (Sion) and about 42 kms from the town of Alibaug. The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing revelation. Primarily a bird sanctuary, it is also home to a whole array of insects, amphibians and mammals. Spread across 52.71 sq. km., Phansad is located in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad District in Maharashtra.

Note: Those who do not have a Bike/Car & are interested can get in touch with us, we will set you up with someone for the travel.

Ride/Drive Plan:

Saturday 2^nd June 2012 -

Meet up @ Shree Datta Snacks, Panvel (Junction of Mumbai-Pune-Goa Road) at 06.30hrs sharp.

Post breakfast, we will ride down towards Murud. Along the way, as per convenience we will try & cover Korlai or any of the other sea forts.

Lunch would be a grand affair with sea food platters, the last of the lot before the monsoons approach & sea food becomes rare and expensive as boats don’t venture out into the sea.

Stay will be in Tents inside the Phansad Forest & the dinner would be simple vegetarian fare.

Sunday 3^rd June 2012 -

Early morning we will proceed for the ride/walk inside the forest of Phansad, spot different birds, reptiles and insects and try your hands on camera.

Post sightseeing & breakfast, we would leave for Mumbai & should be back by 18.00hrs @ Panvel.

The cost of this entire trip would be equally shared between all the participants. Nisarga Bhraman would be charging Rs.100 per person towards Convenience & Facilitation Charges.

If interested, please get in touch with us at the earliest:

Rohit Nayak – 9167416873

Sameer Patel - 9820972043

Bike Expedition to Lahaul and Spiti Valley - 2nd June

Care for some romance on the road?

If last year’s Manali-Leh bike ride has added brag value to your Facebook profiles, this year’s ride along the Old Hindustan-Tibet Road with its mesmerizing bouquet of ridges, bridges and melt-water streams will drive you crazy with wonderment.

Far more adventurous and even more dangerous than the Manali-Leh Road, very few people have heard about the gravity-defying Old Hindustan-Tibet Road, and even fewer people have seen it. Some of them who have gone through the modern NH22, which is a poor cousin of the Old H-T Road in terms of adventurous thrills, are still raving about it. What to say about the original?

The Old Hindustan-Tibet Road is like a spooky fairytale. Twisting and turning in the mountains, the edge-of-the-precipice road runs through the rocky shelters with the River Sutlej plunging thousands of feet below.

Immortalised by Rudyard Kipling in his masterpiece, Kim, the romantic road witnesses a transition in climate, vegetation, terrain, people, culture and religion. The landscape transforms from magical green valleys to the barren cold desert; Hinduism morphs into local cults and finally to Tibetan Buddhism; rudimentary temples make way for box-like monasteries; and paranthas are superceded by tukpas and momos.

The transition becomes complete once we enter Spiti valley leaving you wondering whether you are in India or in Tibet!

For More Details, Contact Rohit Nayak at 9167416873

A tryst with Tigers at Ranthambor

Ranthambore :

Ranathambore, the Erstwhile Hunting Grounds of the Maharaja’s is today one of the Finest Tiger Reserves in India. The Maharaja’s and the young Prince’s proved their Manhood or so called Might by hunting these magnificent beasts; in stark contrast though, today we all jostle to capture these Felines with our Cameras in their Natural Habitat. 

Sawai Madhopur (Ranathambore), located in Rajasthan offers one a lifetime opportunity to see these captivating animals & return home with lifetime memories. 

Detailed Plan:

16^th May : The Journey Begins

Depart Mumbai @18.50hrs from Mumbai Central by Jaipur Superfast.

17^th May: Tryst with the Tiger

Arrive in Sawai Madhopur @ 10.30hrs & check in to Ranathambore Safari Lodge. Post Breakfast & Lunch, head for the First Safari of the trip. The evening will be made informative by a slide show on Tiger Habitat &Behaviour.

18^th May: Explore Ranthambore

This would be the most exciting day of the trip with 2 safaris planned to maximize the chances of a good sighting. Post Sundown, enjoy a glimpse of Rajasthani culture & tradition in a performance by local artisans.

19^th May: Resolve to return again

The last day of the trip would be laid back & relaxed with a visit to the Magnificent Ranathambore fort. Post Lunch & shopping we will depart for Mumbai @ 16.00hrs

20^th May: Home Sweet Home

Arrive back at mumbai @08:00 hrs with tales & memories of the jungle.

Resort: Ranathambore Safari Lodge (http://campsofindia.com/)

Tour Cost: Rs.8,500 + Rail/Air Fare (Twin Sharing)

                 Rs.8,000 + Rail/Air Fare (Triple Sharing)

The Tour cost includes:

• 2N/3D stay in Luxurious Air conditioned rooms
• Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner at Ranathambore Safari Lodge
• Informative Slide Show & Cultural Program
• 3 Open Canter Safaris
• Guided trip to Ranathambore Fort
• All entry fees & guide charges
• Hotel Transfers in Private Vehicle

Cost does not include:

• Video Camera usage fee
• Anything other than that mentioned in cost includes

For More Information & Registrations, Please get in touch with us at the earliest on:

Rohit Nayak  :   +919167416873

Parag Vartak :   +919820973705

Night Trek to Kothaligad

Night trek to Fort Peth (Kothaligad) near Karjat on 12th May 2012.

About the fort:

Name: Kothaligad / Peth

Height: 1541 Feet above MSL

Grade: Easy

Region: Karjat

Kothaligad aka Peth, is situated in Shahapur Taluka, approximately 21Km North East of Karjat. This fort stands tall in the company of various other forts like Rajmachi, Dhak, Siddhagad and Bhimashankar, a witness to our illustrious history. Kothaligad is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base. This fort though small in stature has a vast historical background. Mughal chronicles provide us a lot of information on this fort. This fort was more of a 'defense station' than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage. Peth gained importance during Sambhaji's era.

Photo Link: https://picasaweb.google.com/112424448078863794767/PethKothaligad

Itinerary for the event is as below:

Saturday, 12th May 2012:

• Meet at Dadar Station Central on platform 1 at 3:15pm sharp.
• We will be taking a slow train to Kopoli boarding at 3:31 pm
• Reach Karjat by 5:15 Pm
• Travel to base village Ambivali by Auto / Jeep (~1Hrs)
• Round of Introduction, Rules and Regulations. (~15 Mins)
  
• Start the trek by 7:00 pm
• Reach the top of the fort by 9:00 pm
• Stay and Dinner in the cave atop fort.

Sunday, 13th May 2012:

• Wake up early, freshen up, Breakfast
• Explore the fort
• Start descend by 9:00 am
• Visit Buddhist Caves at Ambivali village by 10:40 am
• Travel back to Karjat by 12:30 pm (Tentative)

Note: One has to take their own return ticket to Karjat.

The cost of the event would be Rs. 300/- for Members and Rs. 350/- for others.

The above cost includes - Travel from Karjat to Karjat, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast, Evening Refreshments, Guide charges.

If interested, please get in touch with us at the earliest on:

Rohit Nayak: 9167416873
Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Here is a list of things to be carried -

1. Haversack to put all your things to be carried.
2. Sleeping / Bedding Material, Spare clothes, Napkin
3. Water - 3 Ltrs at least (Compulsory)
4. Plate, Spoon, Mug (Compulsory)
5. Torch with extra set of batteries (Compulsory)
6. Something to Munch On, Camera (Optional)
7. Personal Medicines if any.