Trek to Brahmagiri & Durga Bhandar on 3rd Jan 2016

Nisarga Bhraman have arranged a Durga Bhandar and Tryambakgad Trek in Tryambakeshwar region on 3rd January 2016. 

We will be ascending from Kojuli village via Hati Met, a lesser known route and descending via a regular route of Tryambak Darwaja.

About the place - 

Tryambakeshwar, situated about 25kms from Nasik is famous for one of the Jyotirlinga. The massive hill behind the city is called Brahmagiri or Tryambakgad. This hill fort is a source of Gadavari River (Gautami Ganga). To reach Tryambakgad, there are two routes – one from the Tryambakeshwar village which is in regular use by devotees who visit the place for Godavari source and the other via Hatti Met is used by very few locals. The north most part of Tryambakgad is like a hidden treasure and is named as Durga Bhandar. To reach here, one has to descend a flight of stairs then come on the narrow ridge and again climb the flight of stairs. The entire route is carved in the rock.

Adventure Trek to Padargad on 14-15th Nov 2015

Nisarga Bhraman is arranging an adventure trek to the fort Padargad in Bhimashankar region on 14th-15th November 2015





About the Fort -

Height: 2002 Feet above MSL
Grade: Medium
Range: Bhimashankar
Time: Approx 2.5 to 3 Hrs from base village

Standing in the Bhimashankar mountain range, Padargad offers a spectacular view of Bhimashankar cliff and Nagphani. Siddhagad and Kothaligad can also be seen at a distance. The hike to the fort passes through an evergreen forest which is a home for various species of birds and India Giant Squirral which is a state animal of Maharashtra. One has to climb a couple of rock patches and pass through a 'Chimni' while on the way to the fort followed by rock cut steps. Overall it offers a very adventurous hike. On top one can see couple of water cisterns and caves.

Trek to Rohida - Raireshwar - Kenjalgad on 3rd Oct 2015

Nisarga Bhraman invites you for a trek to Rohida fort, Raireshwar & Kenjalgad on 3rd & 4th October 2015.

About the place - 

Rohida: (3660ft) -
Grade: Easy
Endurance : Easy
Base Village: Mankarwadi / Bajarwadi

Rohida also known as Binicha KIlla is located 10 km from Bhor, Pune district. Shivaji Maharaj won the fort from the hands of Bandal-Deshmukh of Rohid in a close battle. The conflict resulted in the death of Krishnaji Bandal. After the battle, many officials along with Bajiprabhu Deshpande, a chief administrator of Bandals, were inducted into Swarajya movement.
Rohida is famous for torrent wind, apart from this other points of attraction are old temple, few big water tanks, Chor darvaja, Buruj (bastion) on North East Face, Lime grinding wheel.

Raireshwar (4589 feet) -
Grade: Easy
Endurance : Easy
Base Village: Korle

Raireshwar is considered as an important place in Maratha history. It has a Shiv temple famous for its historical importance. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya in this temple. There is a large portrait of Shivaji Maharaj and his friends inside the temple. The temple is on a plateau, which is full of beautiful flowers during monsoon.

Kenjalgad (4273 feet) -

Grade: Easy

Endurance: Easy

base Village: Korle

Kenjalgad situated on the Mahadev range eleven miles north-west of Wai. It is a flat-topped hill of an irregular oval shape. The only entrance is on the north side with a set of a hundred steps running parallel. The fort is said to have been built by the Bhoj Rajas of Panhala. Its remarkable strength was noticed by Mr. Elphinstone who says it could scarcely be taken if resolutely defended.

Overnight trek to Pratapgad and Madhu Makarand Gad

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.

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.

Sandhan Valley Exploration & 30 Ft Rappelling on 1st Feb 2014

A trek that every individual should experience. Descend down huge rocks and boulders with the steep rock walls of the 2 kilometers long natural gorge towering around us, crossing a 4 feet deep water, a night stay on the rocky bed near a water pond under the open sky is a complete adventure package. The experience & the sheer magnitude of the steep walls is humbling to say the least. One of the favourite destination of trekkers and a beautiful place situated in the western ghats near Ghatghar is Sandhan Valley. One has to tappel down a 30 feet rock patch which adds adventure and thrill.

Photo By Sameer Patel

Join us Nisarga Bhraman as we head out to explore this narrow gorge that descends from Samrad village on 1st and 2nd February 2014.

Trek to Kurdugad and Mangad on 19th Jan 2014

Nisarga Bhraman is going to explore 2 forts around Indapur, Raigad on Sunday, 19th January 2014.

We invite you to join us to explore these beautiful and less explored forts.

About the fort:

Kurdugad -

Photo by Hemant Naik

Near the base of the Kurdugad is a temple of goddess ‘Kurdai’. On the way up, there are remnants of a gateway. Entering by this gateway a Hanuman idol, about 1m in height grabs our attention. Behind this idol we find a natural ghal (groove). This groove can easily accommodate around 100-150 people. Fort has 2 large pinnacles, of which one comprises the Fort top. One can traverse the path around the pinnacle, but it is damaged completely at certain places in between. There are one or two water tanks on the fort. Fort top offers excellent view of entire nearby region. Location of the Kurdugad attaches to it real significance, strategically. A pass called Tamhani ghat, can be easily controlled from here. Besides, it has Raigad and Kokandiva forts on its backside. Half an hour is enough to explore the fort top.

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.

Trek to Raigad on 19-20 October 2013

Nisarga Bhraman has arranged an overnight trek to the Capital Fort of Swarajya - Raigad on 19th and 20th October 2013

About the place - 

Fort Raigad which served as a capital of Maratha empire, initially known as Rairi and then rebuilt by Chatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj, a Hindu Maratha warrior in 16th century. It took 4 years (1670-1674) to build up the fort. Height of the fort is 2830 feet from the sea level and the base village is Raigadwadi or Nijampur situated 22 kms away from Mahad. Palace of Shivaji raje, Residence of their ministry, Nagarkhana, Baajarpeth, Jagadishwar Mandir, Vaadeshwar Mandir, Gangasagar lake, Hatti Talav, Kushavarta Lake, 12 take, Bhavani Tok, Takmak Tok, Hirkani cha Buruj, Maargiri cha Buruj, Khubladha Buruj, Daaru kothar, Shibandi chi Gharti, Maha Darwaja, Wagh Darwaja, Shiv Samadhi are certain places to see on the fort. One can see Forts like Lingana, Konkandiva, Torna, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Madhumakarandgad and Pachad cha Kot from the top of Raigad.

Photographs of Fort Raigad -

https://picasaweb.google.com/102958030538791716235/FortRaigad#

We invite you all to join us for this overnight trek to Raigad Fort on 19th and 20th October 2013.

One Day Trek to Ahupe Ghat

Ahupe Ghat is a pass connecting to Khopivali Village in the konkan and Ahupe village on the Ghats. Trekking through this ghat is not labourious. The trek passes through thick forest and is ideal for one day hike especially in the monsoon, with picturesque views from the top. The edges of the ghat drop vertically to the konkan and there are many narrow gorges, with breathtaking drops. In the monsoon, it hosts waterfalls all around and gushing streams in the gorges. Ahupe village is very picturesque. It looks like a remote hamlet because on one side is the steep narrow drop to konkan and on the other three, there is a mountain range enclosing it, cutting it off from the Deccan plateau. From top one can see Damdamia, Bhimashankar, Durga Killa, Dhakoba, Gorakhgad etc. 

Height: 3855 feet above sea level

Grade: Medium

Join us at Nisarga Bhraman on this monsoon trek to Ahupe Ghat in Murbad region on 21st July 2013

Overnight Trek to Fort Vasota on 3rd Nov 2012

The Unseasonal rains across the Sahyadris have rejuvenated the Earth yet again! The lush green that makes a soothing sight is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Now picture yourself walking through the lush green forest where even when the sun is at its peak; not a single ray of sunlight dares to enter. The various sounds that emanate from the jungle tingle your senses, the beautiful vistas that unfolds in front of your eyes leaves you mesmerized!

Join us at Nisarga Bhraman as we head out into the dense green of the Koyna Sanctuary to the Jungle Fort of Vasota on 3rd November 2012.

Information about Vasota:  
Type: Hill Fort / Jungle Fort
Height:  4267 Feet above MSL
Range: Mahabaleshwar
Difficulty: Medium 
Endurance: Medium (More than 8hrs of hiking involved)

Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahara Raja Bhoja II (1178–1193) of Panhala. Vasota always remained with Marathas, Shirkes & Mores in 16th century & then incorporated in Swarajya by Shivaji Maharaj in 1655 during the conquest of Javli. Shivaji Maharaj named the fort "Vyaghragad" (Vyaghra – means tiger), owing to its difficult natural defense. After Shivaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha Bajirao Peshwa carried on the Swarajya mission of ousting the Mughal invaders from our country. In 1818 however, British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery thereby destroying many buildings on Vasota (Chandika mandir, Daru-kothar, etc.) & looted property worth 5 lakhs. Today the fort stands in a dilapidated condition in a thick jungle with remnants of Shree Mahadev mandir, the plinth of a huge "sadar" (discussion place), the fallen ramparts & spectacular view of Nageshwar peak & Shivsagar lake (Koyna backwaters). It is located about 350 km from Mumbai, it is a protected natural reserve and a national treasure nest. The blue-green expanse of Koyna backwaters, the evergreen forests of Koyna wildlife sanctuary, hike to Vasota fort hidden in thick jungle, the spectacular view from top of the fort along with the beauty and serenity of the place leaves one spell bound.

Plan:

Day 1: Friday, 2nd November 2012

Meet @ Mumbai Central ST Depot at 22.00hrs Sharp
We will take the 22.30hrs Semi Deluxe Asiad (ST) out of Mumbai.
Note: Participants from Pune can directly join us at Satara on Saturday morning @ 04.30hrs sharp

Day 2: Saturday, 3rd November2012

Arrive in Satara by 05.00hrs

Board Ordinary ST Bus for Bamnoli @ 06.00hrs

Reach Bamnoli by 07.30hrs

Post Breakfast & Forest Entry formalities, head for the boat for a long beautiful ride in the Shivsagar Lake (Koyna Backwaters)

Reach Met Indavali by 10.00hrs & start Trek for Vasota Fort

Reach Vasota Fort @ 12.00hrs

Quick exploration of the fort followed by packed lunch & we will descend down to Nageshwar
Reach Nageshwar by 14.30hrs & take in the vast expanse of the Konkan

Start the Long Descent to Choravane village by 16.30hrs latest

Reach Choravane by 20.00hrs & halt for the night

Day 3: Sunday, 4th November 2012

Wake up early by 06.00hrs & finish freshening up & breakfast.
Board the Ordinary Mumbai (Parel) ST @ 07.15hrs
Reach Mumbai by 16.00hrs (Subjective)

The cost of this trek would be Rs.1650/- for Members & Rs.50/- additional for others & would include:
> 2 simple breakfast, 1 Veg Lunch, 1 Veg Dinner
> Stay in a mud/thatched village house (separate rooms & toilet facilities unavailable)
> All travel from Mumbai to Mumbai
> All Forest Entry charges & Boat entry charges

The cost does not include:
> Camera Charges
> Dinner/Snacks on Friday Night
> Mineral water/Soft Drinks
> Anything else apart from that mentioned in "Cost Includes"

To register, please get in touch with our team by calling:
Sameer Patel: 09820 972 043
Parag Vartak: 09820 973 705

 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

Essentials on the Trek:

> Minimum 3 Liters of water * (Compulsory as water is only available on Vasota fort & Nageshwar Temple and nowhere else along the route)
> Torch with extra set of batteries * (Compulsory as descend from Nageshwar would be a night trek)
> Sleeping bag/Mat/2 Blankets * (Compulsory as no bedding will be provided & it will get cold during the night)
> Appropriate footwear & Clothes - Shoes + Full Trouser/Tracks + Full sleeved Shirt/Tshirt (All essential as its a jungle trek & there is always a possibility of a snake/insect bite)
> Comfortable sack to put in all the things *
> Extra set of Clothes/Socks/Towel
> Personal Medication if any
> Dry snacks or munchies

Please Note:

1. It is essential that you hydrate yourself by drinking atleast 4 liters of water everyday atleast a week before the trek - It prevents your body from getting dehydrated soon on the trek
2. Avoid wearing New shoes without running them in as it increases chances of a shoe bite
3. A Hat or a cap always comes in handy to keep the sun off the face
4. Carry Mosquito repellent to keep the mozzies and other insects at Bay
5. If allergic to insect bites, please carry medication for the same like 'Avil'
6. Limit the stuff that you carry in the sack to Essentials, it helps reduce the load on your back and increase your speed
7. Medicines like Avomine help keep motion sickness at bay only if consumed 2-3 hours before the actual journey
8. Cigarette smoking will strictly not be permitted inside the forest as per Forest Rules.
9. No Network coverage at all inside the forest, strictly stick with the group and do not deviate under any circumstances
10. Also it is essential to stay in a group due to presence of wild animals
11. In case of denial of permission to descend to Choravane, we would return back to Bamnoli for a night halt.