One Day Trek to Kothaligad on 30th August 2015

Kothaligad is one of the famous forts in Maharashtra located near Karjat and is ideal for a day hike in Monsoon. Join s as we, at Nisarga Bhraman have arranged a one day trek to Kothaligad (Peth Fort) on Sunday, 30th August 2015. 

About the Fort - 

Height: 3100 Feet above MSL

Grade: Easy +

Region: Karjat

Kothaligad is a small Fort, situated to the east of Karjat near Ambivali village. It is one of the famous treks in the Karjat area and popular amongst travellers because of its small height and easy climbing. It is also known as the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base. There is a small temple and large cave at the base and a chimney like tunnel to the top of the fort. This pinnacle is carved from inside and a staircase is hewn out of rocks  to reach the top. That is a probable reason the fort is known as Kothligad. Caves on the top were used for storage of ammunition. Many water cisterns, Fortification wall, Craved entrance, Canon, Cave with decorated carvings on pillars and Local Daity Bhairav are situated on the fort. Padargad, Peb, Matheran, Siddhagad, Bhimashankar mountain range can be seen from the fort.

One Day Trek to Peb Fort on 5th July 2015

The fort of Peb, located conveniently close to Matheran is a wonderful weekend getaway for most Mumbaikars and Punekars; interested in trekking. The hike to the fort is of medium grade and takes around 2.5 hours if climbed from Neral or 1.5 hrs from Matheran, which allows one the experience of walking on the tracks of the Neral - Matheran Mini Train. The fort is impressive and the view from the top is mind blowing. 

Nisarga Bhraman is heading to the Fort Peb / Vikatgad near Matheran on Sunday, 5th July 2015 for a one day trek. We will be climbing it from Matheran route. Join us for this enjoyable yet adventurous hike.

One Day Trek to Mrugagad on 6th July 2014

Mrugagad being a small watch tower in the tiger valley of lonavala is surrounded by the mountain wall and pinnacles from all three sides. Numerous waterfalls over those walls in the monsoon offers a great view and makes the visit to this fort pleasant. Apart from an easy hike, this small fort also offers a lot to make it's visit a memorable and enjoyable one.

We at Nisarga Bhraman invite you for the one day trek to the fort - Mrugagad situated near Khopoli - Pali Road on Sunday, 6th July 2014.

Photo clicked by - Vaibhavi Gandhi

One day trek to Gorakhgad on 22nd December 2013

We are glad to announce a one day trek on 22nd December 2013 to Gorakhgad, which is located close to Murbad is a trek that offers a challenge to both the mind and body.

It offers a regular hike in the woods followed by beautiful rock cut steps that lead to the cave on the fort. Another vertical flight of stairs cut through the rock wall lead up to the top of the fort which houses a small temple of Gorakhnath. One can get a panoramic view from the top, not to mention the thrill of an exposed climb via the stairs.

This trek is an adrenaline rush for all who look for something different to do over a weekend!

Due to unpredictability of public transport at Kalyan - Murbad Road, we will be travelling by a private transport from Mumbai to make a comfortable journey.



Nisarga Bhraman invite you all to join us at a one day trek to Gorakhgad on Sunday, 22nd Dec 2013.

One Day Trek to Harihar Fort on 24th Nov 2013

Harihar is a hauntingly beautiful mountain that appears stubborn and intractable with its sphinx-like countenance and its straight-up flight of steps that look mesmerisingly menacing. Climbing the stone ladder is like doing a trapeze act in the sky. Nisarga Bhraman have arranged a one day thrilling trek to fort Harihar in the Trimbakeshwar Region, Nasik.

About the fort: Fort Harihar is a triangular massif with sheer vertical walls & edges. The only way up the fort is by climbing rock cut steps in a 70 degree rock edge. There are a couple of caves, a storage house, water tanks, a pond & a temple atop the fort. The top offers one a birds eye view of the entire region & also gives one the gratification of having gotten over the fear of heights.

Place: Fort Harihar

Base Village : Takeharsh Or Harshewadi and Nirgudpada

Region : Trimbakeshwar, Nasik

Grade: Easy

Height: 3676Feet 

We invite you all to join us in this thrilling trek to Harihar Fort in Trimbakeshwar Range on Sunday, 24th November 2013.

One Day Trek to Sindola Fort near Malshej on 10th November 2013

Nisarga Bhraman is heading to the Sindola Fort in Malshej region. The fort stands at the strategic location to keep watch on an ancient trade route of Malshej Ghat. The fort offers a very good hike for a day trek (sometimes its steep) and gives a commanding view from top.

About the place - 
Shindola Fort was used as a watch tower to keep watch on the ancient route of Malshej Ghat. Water cisterns, Idol of Ganesh and few remains of fortification can be seen on top. Only one of the water cisterns has a potable water. The entire route has no cover of trees and thus no shed. Its ideal to visit in and after monsoon. A magnificent view of Malshej Ghat and surrounding region can be seen from top. Forts like Harishchandragad, Nimgiri, Hadsar, Shivneri, Naneghat, Bhairavgad, Kunjargad can be seen from the top.

Here is a link of photo album - 

https://picasaweb.google.com/112424448078863794767/ShindolaFort

We invite you to join us for this one day trek to Sindola Fort in Malshej region on 10th November 2013.

One Day Trek to Kaldurga Fort on 15th August 2013

We at Nisarga Bhraman have decided to head out to Kaldurg fort near Palghar on the Independence Day, 15th August 2013.

Here is some info about the Fort:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 1600 Feet above MSL (~Approx)
Grade: Easy

Kaldurga, one of the less explored trek in Palghar region, can be reached by a local train on the Western Railway Line of Mumbai. Looking at the strategic location of the fort, it stands on the route from coast of Palghar to the city of Javhar. One can say that it was built to keep watch on this ancient trade route and the surrounding region. Top of the fort has a big rectangular rock which help identifying the place from a long distance. Unfortunately a water cistern carved in the rocks does not holds water so one has to carry sufficient water with them. Forts like Tandulwadi, Asheri, Asawa, Kohoj etc. and a coastal region can be seen from top.

One Day Trek to Fort Tikona and Bedse Caves on 4th Aug 2013

Nisarga Bhraman have decided to head down to the Lonavala region to cover the fort - Tikona and Buddhist caves of Bedse. It is considered as an ideal outing over the weekend for all age groups. Travel and explore with us on an easy and enjoyable one day trek.

Here is some info About Tikona:

Type: Hill Fort
Height: 3580 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Easy
District: Pune
Region: Lonavala

Bastions near Entrance of Tikona. Photo By: Sameer

Base Village: Tikonapeth
 
Tikona Fort:  The fort of Tikona is named so because of its peculiar shape, it looks like a Triangle or a 'Trikon' as a triangle is called in Marathi. The forts of Lohagad - Visapur - Tung - Tikona formed a quadrangle and helped keep a Hawk Eye on the entire Lonavala region. The fort of Tikona offers one a magnificent view of the Pawana Dam and the surrounding region and is easy to ascend.

Bedse Caves: Situated in the Maval region of Pune Taluka, Bedse caves are carved in the 1st Century BC. Until around 1861, Bedse caves were regularly maintained - even they were painted. There are couple of caves with Chaitya with beautiful stupa, Vihara, and some water cisterns carved in the rocks.

One Day Trek to Aja Parvat & Seetecha Palna on 20th Jan 2013

Aja Parvat or Ajoba known as grandfather of all other peaks in the range is an ideal one day trek from Mumbai. The Valmiki Rishi Ashram is situated on the platue of Ajoba hill where godess Seeta was said to be staying after seperation from Lord Rama. Seetecha Palna offers a very picturesque view of the adjoining mountain range. Forts like Kulang, Madan, Alang, Ratangad and peaks like Khutta, Kalsubai can be seen from here.

Join us at Nisarga Bhraman for this one day trek to Aja Parvat and Seetecha Palna on 20th January 2013

Details about the Trek - 

Place: Aja Parvat or Ajoba Hill
Grade: Easy +
Height: 4511 Feet above msl
Region: Shahapur

Itenerary -

Sunday, 20th January 2013 -
Meet Dadar Station - Central Railway (Platform 1) at 5:20 am sharp.
Carry your own return ticket till Asangaon
We will be taking a slow train to Asangaon which arrives
Dadar at 5:32 am, Kurla at 5:43 am, Ghatkopar at 5:49 am
Thane at 6:10 am, Dombivali at 6:32 am, Kalyan at  6:41 am
and reaches Asangaon at 7:20 am

Note: Board in the 2nd coach towards Mumbai CST.

Plan -

> Travel to Dehane by private Jeep
> Post breakfast, start the trek at 10:00 am
> Reach Valmiki Ashram at 11:30 am
> Have rest and explore the area
> Trek to Seetecha Palna at 12:00 pm
> Lunch in the col at 1:00 pm
> Descend back at 2:00 pm
> Reach Dehane at 4:30 pm
> Travel to Asangaon by private Jeep
> Reach Mumbai at 9:00 pm approx.

Cost of the trek would be Rs 300/- for members and Rs. 30/- extra for non members.

The above mentioned cost includes -
> Travel from Asangaon to Dehane and back by public transport
> Breakfast and Evening Tea
> Guide charges

To register for this event, get in touch with our team - 
Hemant Naik: 9819786136
Sameer Patel: 9820972043

Here is a list of the things to be carried - 

1. Haversack to put in everything to be carried for the trek
2. Water at least 2 Ltrs
3. Lunch for the day
4. Camera and something to munch on
5. Personal medicines required of any
6. Identity Card

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”