The heat is increasing day by day but it would not resist the enthusiastic trekkers to visit our historic forts in the Sahyadries. We can still find a route which will be leading to some of the forts which are surrounded by evergreen thick forest. This will give us the joy of pleasant journey, scenic beauty and a tremendous view from the top.
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| Madhu - Makarand Gad |
We at Nisarga Bhraman are arranging a trek to Forts Pratapgad and Madhu - Makarandgad, surrounded by the thick forest of Javli in Mahabaleshwar Region, on 22nd and 23rd Feb 2014.
Makarandgad: The fort is also known as Madhu-Makarandgad as it is believed to be consisting of two different forts Madhu and Makarandgad respectively. The peak of the mountain known as Madhu Shikhar which is the main attraction point. It has and forms a boundary between the districts of Ratnagiri, Raigad and Satara. There are temples of Bhairoba and Mallikarjun on the top of the hill. The top provides the views of Mahabaleshwar region and Pratapgad on the North Eastern side and forts of Rasalgad, Sumargad and Mahipatgad on the eastern side. The fort is surrounded by the famous forest of Javli. The fort also provides view of backwaters of Koyna and Shivsagar dams. On the eastern side of the fort there is one water cistern in the cave.
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| Pratapgad |
Pratapgad: - Pratapgad is a fort (Height: 3556 Feet above msl) constructed by Chatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj in the forst near Mahabaleshwar after defeating More of Javli in the year 1656 AD. It is recognised as one of the gems of Swarajya. The fort has got a historical significance as the world famous battle between Shrivaji Raje and Afzal Khan took place at the base of the fort. At the Paar village, at the base of Pratapgad is an ancient temple if Shri Ram Vardayini devi.
Now a days, a fort can be reached by a tar road till the main entrance.
Itinerary -
Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park -Main Gate, Borivali at 10:30 pm sharp on Friday, 21st Feb 2014.
Meet at Sanjay Gandhi National Park -Main Gate, Borivali at 10:30 pm sharp on Friday, 21st Feb 2014.
Travel by private bus. Pick up enroute at Andheri, Bandra, Sion, Chembur, Vashi, Kharghar and Panvel
Day 1: Saturday, 22nd Feb 2014
- Reach Pratapgad base at 6:00 am
- Hike and explore Pratapgad (~3 Hrs)
- Freshen up and Breakfast on top
- Descend back to the base by 11:00 am
- Travel to Hatlot Village (~1 Hr)
- Lunch and Rest (~2 Hrs)
- Hike to the Ghonaspur Village (~2 Hrs)
- Enjoy sunset, dinner and stay in the village
Day 2: Sunday, 23rd Feb 2014
- Wake up early and freshen up
- Hike to Madhu Makarand Gad (~0.5 Hrs)
- Explore the fort and back to village by 9:00 am
- Start descending towards Hatlot village post breakfast
- Reach Hatlot by 12:00 noon
- Travel towards Mumbai
- Lunch on the way
- Back to Mumbai by 7:00 pm approx.
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| Pratapgad Machi and Makarand Gad in the background. |
Cost of the trek would be Rs. 1600/- only and Rs. 50/- discount for members.
The above cost includes -
> Transport from Mumbai to Mumbai by private vehicle
> 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 evening refreshment and 1 dinner
> Guide and expertise cost
To register for the event, contact -
Parag Vartak: +91 9167966042
Sameer Patel: +91 9619848367
Note: One has to handover or transfer full amount for registration which will be non refundable in case of cancellation.
Hand over the cash in person in co-ordination 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
Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:
- 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.
- A bottle of water (2.0 Ltrs at least)
- Bedding Material / Sleeping Bag / Chaddar
- Extra clothes, Towel / Napkin
- Camera and something to munch on
- Personal medicines required if any
- Identity Proof of an individual
Few rules that we would like people follow -
- Alcohol will strictly not be permitted on the event. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the trek.
- Smoking will only be permitted while we stop at a clearing, after consultation with the ‘Leader’ and the person will have to move away from the group to smoke.
- The ‘Leader’s’ decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
- It is of utmost importance that all participants stick together in the group, in the event of any ‘deviation’ by the participant without the consent of the ‘Trek Leader’, he/she/they will be considered as ‘Independent/s’ and will no longer be considered as a part of the group. In the event of any Mishap/Eventuality, Nisarga Bhraman And/Or its Leaders will not be held responsible.
- Nisarga Bhraman reserves the right to change/deviate/cancel the plans without prior notice. No arguments or refunds will be entertained.
- Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
- Please do not wear any jewelry or gold chains/rings.
- Please do not litter while on the trek or in the mountains and the jungle. Carry chocolate wrappers, plastic waste etc. with you. We believe in saying, "Leave only footprints and take back only memories."