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#