Bike ride to Satara on 22-23rd Sept 2012

The monsoons are on their way out & the days are a mix of Sunny & Cloudy. This kind of weather is just right for the Bloom that covers the plateau of Kaas - Maharashtra's very own 'Valley of Flowers'.

The beauty of the bloom that carpets the entire plateau for around 2-3kms is indescribable. The mix of Blues & Yellows; Purples & Pinks is a sight which is pleasing both to the eye & the lens.

To add more to the adventure & experience, We at Nisarga Bhraman have decided to Ride/Drive to Kaas on 22/23 September 2012.

Plan:

• Saturday 22nd September 2012 -

• Meet at Kalamboli under the Expressway Flyover @ 06.30hrs.

• Start ride/drive to Satara via NH-4 (Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore Highway)

• Reach Satara by Lunch and Check in to Sai Sagar Lodge which offers simple & clean accommodation.

• Lunch would be a mix of Veg/Non-Veg at Manas Hotel.

• Post Lunch we will head down for a ride to Sajjangad(Fort) - Thoseghar(Waterfall) - Chalkewadi(Wind Farm) & return back to the lodge in time for dinner.

• Retire early to bed post Dinner.

Sunday 23rd September 2012 -

• Wake up early by 05.00hrs & proceed to Kaas Plateau.

• Soak in the beauty of the carpet of flowers that covers the plateau & then head back to Satara City.

• Time Permitting, we will also try and visit Ajinkyatara Fort which offers a commanding & magnificent view of Satara City.

• We will start the return journey to Mumbai by 13.00hrs

• Reach Kalamboli by 20.30hrs

The cost of this trip would be Rs.1400/- for members & Guest Fee for others would be Rs.50/- extra
Which includes:

> 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Evening Refreshment
> Stay in Sai Sagar Lodge
> All Entry Fees, Parking Charges, & Kaas Bus charges.


Note 1: Please ensure that you are at Kalamboli under the flyover @ 06.30hrs sharp on Saturday. The group will wait for a maximum of 15 mins for any latecomers.

Note 2: We will all be riding/driving in formation, so please ensure that you follow the order allocated at Flag off.

Note 3: The group will only halt at the spots designated on the map unless there is a problem/breakdown or if someone gets left behind in the traffic.

Note 4: The accommodation at Satara is simple and clean and would be on Twin Sharing basis.

Note 5: Riders/Pillions need to wear appropriate riding gear (Jeans/Jacket/Gloves/Shoes). 3/4ths or Shorts would mean bruised/scratched legs in case of a fall.

Note 6: Helmets are compulsory for both rider as well as pillion

Note 7: Please get the Bike/Car checked & tanked up before the trip. Needless to say, carry all valid documents.


If interested, please get in touch with us soon -

Rohit Nayak - 9167 416 873
Parag Vartak - 9820 973 705

Tour to Aurangabad with Nisarga Bhraman

Nisarga Bhraman invites all enthusiastic and like minded people to explore historical places around Aurangabad on 29th September to 2nd October 2012.

About Aurangabad: 

Since the earliest times Aurangabad played a vital role in shaping the history and culture of the region. It was the centre of intense socio-political activities, the Set of learning, the seat of religious movements. During its long and undeterred course of history it has contributed in the filed of art, architecture, sculpture, paintings, dress and ornaments, food dishes and language etc. Centers like Paithan, Devgiri, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora attracted large number of saints, poets, men and literature and artisans from all over the country. Hence, it remained a meeting place of different life-styles including faiths. Therefore the district holds the visitors spellbound with its ancient and medieval charms.

We will be exploring Aurangabad City, Gates, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Anwa Temple, Ghrushneshwar Temple, Bhadra Maruti Temple, Devgiri Fort, Aurangzeb Tomb at Khuldabad, Sindakhed Raja, Lonar Crater etc.

The itinerary for the event is as below:

Friday 28th Sept 2012 - 

Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Gate, Borivali at 10:30pm

Travel from Mumbai at 11:00pm

Day 1 - Saturday 29th Sept 2012
Freshen up and Breakfast on the way
Visit Sindakhed Raja ( ~ 1 Hr)
Check in at MTDC-Lonar Dormitory at 10:30am
Freshen up and rest
Lunch at 12:30 pm
Rest till 2:00 pm
Explore the area and walk around Lake till 5:30 pm
Enjoy Sunset, dinner and retire for the day

Day 2 - Sunday 30th Sept 2012
Wake up early, freshen up
Check out of the hotel at 6:30 am
Travel towards Ajanta via Buldhana
Post breakfast, visit to Ajanta Caves at 9:30 am
Lunch at 2:00 pm
Visit to Anwa Shiva Temple at 4:30 pm
Explore the  temple (1 Hrs)
Travel towards Aurangabad and reach at 6:30 pm
Check in to the Hotel Panchavati, Shopping etc.

Dinner and retire for the day

Day 3 - Monday 1st Oct 2012 

Wake up early, freshen up
Breakfast at 7am
Travel towards Ellora Village ( 35 Kms) and reach at 8am
Visit to Ghrushneshwar Temple
Visit to Bhadra Maruti Temple

Visit to Ellora Caves at 9:00am
Lunch at Ellora at 12:30pm
Travel to Khuldabad Fort at 1:30pm
Visit Aurangzeb Tomb
Visit to Devgiri Fort at 2:15pm
Start return journey to Aurangabad at 6:30pm
Reach Aurangabad, Shopping etc
Dinner and retire for the day

Day 4 - Tuesday 2nd OCt 2012
Wake up early, Freshen Up
Breakfast at 7:00am
Visit to Aurangabad City, Gates, Panchakki, Biwi ka Maqbara etc.
Start Journey towards Mumbai by 11:30 am

Lunch on the way to Mumbai
Reach Mumbai by 10:30 pm approx.

Cost of the event would be Rs 6100/- and the above cost includes - 

> Travel from Mumbai to Mumbai by Private Vehicle

> Stay in a Dormitory at Lonar (Non A/C)

> Stay in Hotel Panchavati on Tripple sharing basis (Non A/C)

> 4 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 3 Dinner

> All entry fees and guide charges

The above cost excludes - Cold drink and mineral water charges, Camera charges, anything other than mentioned in the cost includes.

Note: The use of tripod and flash photography is not allowed in Ajanta Caves.

Website of Hotel Panchavati: http://hotelpanchavati.com/new

To register, Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination with our team or transfer the amount to the account - 

Name of A/c Holder: Sameer M. Patel
Bank & Branch: Central Bank of India, TIFR, Churchgate Branch
A/c Number: 1451108345
RTGS/IFSC code: CBIN0283996

For more information please get in touch with us at the earliest - 

Sameer Patel:9820972043

Parag Vartak: 9820973705 

Rules and regulation:

• Possession and/or consumption of Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the event & would lead to expulsion from the event without any refund.
• The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
• Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
• Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “Wherever you go, leave only your footprints and take back only memories."

One day trek to Peb on 16th Sept 2012

We, at Nisarga Bhraman, have decided to have a One Day Trek to the Fort Peb on Sunday, the 16th of September 2012.

Peb Fort                                                                                                                   Photo By: Rohan Koli

Here is some Info about Peb: 

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 2100 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Medium (3.0 hrs)
District: Raigad
Region: Karjat
Base Village: Neral 

Fort Peb: Located in the same mountain range as Matheran, Peb fort is a enjoyable trek for a days outing.

The fort derives it name from the Goddess 'Pebi'; Peb is also called 'Vikatgad' for its supposed shape of the Elephant Headed God, 'Ganesh'.
The trek to the top involves surmounting a small rock patch and a ladder.
The fort is famous for its caves which are maintained by disciples of Swammi Samartha and the meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain.
To get inside the meditation chamber, one has to crawl through a narrow passage in the rock and then climb down into the meditation chamber. The chamber is very well maintained with tiles on the floor for ppl to sit and meditate.
The fort also has a temple dedicated to Swammi Samartha on the top and has the footwear or 'Padukas' worn by the great saint kept on the top.
The view of the entire Neral and Karjat region from the top is worth the climb.
Another attraction of the trek is the only standing Bastion or Buruj facing the Panorama point of Matheran, the view from here is just too beautiful to describe.

Plan: 

 

Rendezvous: 06.45hrs (Sharp) on Sunday, 16th September 2012 at Dadar Station (Central) P.F no.4 twds to Extreme Thane (North) end with your own Return Ticket till Karjat. The train is a Karjat Fast leaving Dadar at 07.03 hrs, halting at Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan, and all stations there after. 

Peb Fort                                                  Photo By: Rohan Koli

The itinerary for the Trek is as given below:

Sunday

Ø Meet at 06.45hrs Sharp @Dadar Ø Train journey to Neral (~1.5hrs) 

Ø Round of Introductions and Briefing on Rules and Regulations(~0.25hrs)

Ø Travel to Dasturi Naka, Mathran by Jeep (~0.5hrs)

Ø Trek to the fort (~1.5 Hours)

Ø Have Lunch and explore the fort (~ 2.5 Hours)

Ø Start of the descend by 2:30 PM and reach Neral. (~2.5 Hour)

Ø We should be back at Neral about 6:00 PM

The cost of this event would be Rs.200/- for members and Rs. 30/- extra for others. The above cost includes:

> Travel from Neral to Matheran

> Breakfast and Tea 
> All expertise and guide charges

Note: Take your own return ticket till Neral

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

Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Those interested in having a look at the aerial view of the region can click on this link:

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=19.029868&lon=73.278122&z=15&l=0&m=a&v=2

List of things 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. A bottle of water(2.0 Ltrs)
3. Lunch for the day
4. Wind/Rain cheaters

5. Camera and something to munch on (Optional)
6. Plastic bags to wrap cellphones/clothes to keep them dry

Few rules that we would like people 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 when we stop at the clearing and after consultation with the Leader. The person will have to move away from the group to smoke.
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”

Overnight trek to Ratangad on 15th Sept 2012

We at Nisarga Bhraman are pleased to announce the most awaited event of the year, “Ratangad –The Jewel of Forts.” Ratangad is famous for the carpet of wild yellow flowers i.e. Sonki that line the entire region during the period post monsoon. The bloom lasts for only few weeks once the monsoons recede and is one of the most beautiful sights.

 

Here is some info About Ratangad:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4255 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Easy
Endurance: Medium

District: Ahmednagar
Region: Bhandardara
Base Village: Ratanwadi

About the fort: Ratangad, also known as the “Jewel of Forts” is located in the Bhandardara region. The view of Katra cliffs and backwaters of the Wilson dam from atop the fort is breathtaking. The trek up to the fort is enjoyable as the route passes through the fields, one has to cross a Pravara River, couple of streams along the way. One has to climb a ladder to Ganesh Darwaja as the rock cut steps were destroyed by Britishers. Trimbak Darwaja is a marvelous piece of architecture. Khutta pinnacle, Kalsubai peak, forts like Alang, Madan , Kulang, Pabargad and Ajoba mountain etc can be seen from top. Ratangad is a source of river Pravara.

Plan:

Rendezvous: Travel by private vehicle till the base village. The bus will leave from Borivali at 10:30 PM on Friday 14th Sept. 2012 and will travel via Andheri (10:50 PM) – Sion (11:10 PM) – Thane (12:40 am) route. You can get in the bus at location convenient to you.

The Itinerary for the trek is as as given below:  

Friday, 14th September 2012:

Ø Travel from Borivali to Ratanwadi (~6 hrs)

Saturday, 15th September 2012:

Ø  Breakfast (~0.5hrs)

Ø Introductions & Instructions (~0.5hrs)

Ø Visit to ancient Amruteshwar Shiva Temple at Ratanwadi 

Ø  Trek to Ratangad (~2.5hrs)

Ø  Reach the top, prepare & have lunch

Ø  A small siesta and then we will go out for sightseeing

Ø  Back to the cave and prepare the dinner

Ø  After the dinner have a nice sleep

Sunday, 16th September 2012:

Ø  Wake up call would be sounded at 6.00AM

Ø  Finish your daily chores and have tea and breakfast

Ø  A small session of sightseeing & Photography

Ø  We will start descending the fort by 9:30 AM

Ø  Reach the base village and if time permits, enjoy in the waters below

Ø  Experience a special village food at Ratanwadi and start return Journey. 

Ø  We will be back in Mumbai by 9:00PM (tentative)

The cost of this trek would be Rs 1200/- for members and Rs. 1250/- for Non Members. The above mentioned cost includes -

> Travel from Borivali to Borivali by Private Vehicle

> 2 Breakfast, 2 Veg Lunch, 1 evening refeshments & 1 Veg Dinner

> All expertise and guide charges

If interested, please get in touch with our team for registration -

Hemant Naik: 9819786136

Rohit Nayak: 9167416873

Parag Vartak: 9820973705

Please Note: Seats are limited & will only be confirmed on payment of the entire amount in advance.

To register, Hand over the cash in Person in co-ordination with our team or transfer the amount to 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
 
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 2 liters of water (Compulsory)

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

4. Spoon, Plate and Mug (Compulsory)

5. A sleeping bag/Foam Mat/Blanket to sleep on (Compulsary)

6. A good torch with a 2 spare set of batteries (Compulsory)

7. Camera & something to munch on (Optional)

8. Soap, mosquito repellent, personal medicines and other accompaniments

9. Wear proper shoes.  

10. Plastic bags to wrap up everything and to protect from rains.

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 when we stop at the clearing and after consultation with the Leader. The person will have to move away from the group to smoke.

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”

Those interested in having a look at the aerial view of the region can click on this link:

Ratangad as seen from Wikimapia:http://wikimapia.org/#lat=19.500779&lon=73.70086&z=15&l=0&m=b&search=Ratangad

Here are some photographs of the earlier trek for your reference

Pics of Ratangad by Sameer Patel:http://picasaweb.google.com/wildsmp/Ratangad

Join us on Facebook: Nisarga Bhraman

White Water Rafting in Kundalika with Nisarga Bhraman

Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers.

We at Nisarga Bhraman have arranged an adventure trip of River Rafting in Kundalika River at Kolad. 

Batch 1: 15th August 2012
Batch 2: 26th August 2012
Batch 3: 15th September 2012

Trip details : White Water Rafting in River Kundalika 
River Stretch : 10 Km 
International Grading : IV + Category

Plan:

Meet outside Borivali Railway Station - East at 4:45Hrs 

Start the journey by Private vehicle and pick ups in between 

People residing on Central / Harbour line can join us at Sion, Vashi or Panvel

Travel to the base station of Rafting near Kolad

Information and instructions

White Water Rafting in river Kundalika begins at 9:00 Hrs

Lunch at Puja Farm House at 13:30 Hrs

Travel back to Mumbai by Private Vehicle

Reach Borivali by 19:00 Hrs

NOTE:  

Orientation & Training : Clear and comprehensive training will be given to all participants

Participants Requirements :

Must be 15 years and above
Reasonable fitness level
Non Swimmers welcome
No Pregnant Ladies
Nobody over 120 kilos

The cost of the event would be Rs. 1850/- for members and Rs. 1950/- for others. 
The above cost includes - Transport by private vehicle, Breakfast, Tea, Lunch, Evening Refreshments, Rafting and guide charges.

To register for the event, contact our team - 

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: Sameer M. Patel
Bank & Branch: Central Bank of India, TIFR, Churchgate Branch
A/c Number: 1451108345
RTGS/IFSC code: CBIN0283996

Here is a list of things to be carried for the event - 

1. Sack to put in all the stuffs to be carried
2. Water - 2 Leters at least (Compulsary)
3. Extra Pair of clothes, towel / Napkin, Windcheater
4. Personal Medicines if any
5. Camera and something to munch on (Optional)
6. Wear good footwear
7. Wrap everything in a plastic bag

Bike Ride to Diveagar on 8th-9th Sept 2012

After exploring the beautiful barren landscape of Ladakh, it is now time to soothe the eyes with the Greens that the Sahyadris & especially the Konkan has to offer. The rains bring out the best of the Sahyadris & needless to say that the Indescribably beautiful Konkan coastline cannot be left far behind!

Join us at Nisarga Bhraman as we head out on a Ride/Drive to the virgin & untouched sands of Diveagar.

Plan:
Saturday 8th September 2012 -

Meet at Kalamboli under the Expressway Flyover @ 06.30hrs.

Start ride/drive to Diveagar via NH-17 (Mumbai-Goa Road)

Reach Diveagar by Lunch and Check in to Saket Guesthouse which is a beautiful old bungalow with typical Konkan Architecture.

Lunch would be at the famous Patil Khanawal in Diveagar.

Post Lunch, laze around in the Bungalow & then proceed to the beach for some fun & masti before retiring for the night.

Sunday 9th September 2012 -

Wake up early & check-out by 06.30hrs & proceed to Bankot. The interesting part about this ride is the Ferry Journey along with the bike/car across the Savitri river which cuts down the distance by almost 50kms saving both time as well as fuel.

Explore Bankot fort & then proceed to explore the untouched virgin beaches of Kelshi & Anjarle.

We will start the return journey to Mumbai by 13.00hrs

Reach Kalamboli by 18.30hrs


The approximate estimated expenditure for this trip would be Rs.1300/-
Which includes:

> 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Evening Refreshment
> Stay in Saket Guesthouse

Route Map: For everyone's convenience, the entire route map for the trip has been posted below with all their Designated Halts.

Mumbai - Diveagar leg of the Journey:Mumbai to Diveagar

Local Sightseeing: Local Sightseeing Route

Return Journey: Anjarle to Mumbai 

Note 1: Please ensure that you are at Kalamboli under the flyover @ 06.30hrs sharp on Saturday. The group will wait for a maximum of 30 mins for any latecomers.

Note 2: We will all be riding/driving in formation, so please ensure that you follow the order.

Note 3: The group will only halt at the spots designated on the map unless there is a problem/breakdown or if someone gets left behind in the traffic.

Note 4: Each room in Saket Guesthouse can accommodate 6 People with a provision for 2 out of 6 to close the middle partition & have a separate room for themselves. This will be available to couples of First Come First Served basis.

If interested, please get in touch with us soon -

Rohit Nayak - 9167 416 873
Parag Vartak - 9820 973 705