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Free Spirit... Experience the Unknown
Forts and more.....
Free Spirit is off to a flying start! Both our hikes had a good turnout - a result of rain Gods who smiled on us in July.
Next month is going to be very interesting - it's going to be a story of four forts, each distinct in itself. An essential feature and pride of Maratha history are its forts. Some, nay - most of the forts are in a derelict state - but their sheer grandeur and beauty - their timeless grace a testimony to battles galore and acts of bravery will transport you back in time. The black stones which have withstood so much, whisper a story of their own. To round off July, we head to Manikgad.
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 Manikgad; 1876 ft.; Chowk; VadgaonThis is a dome shaped hill fort to the south of Chowk, near Karjat across the old Mumbai - Pune highway. We return to this very popular hike after 3-4 years. Initially we cross some streams and climb steadily to hit a huge plateau. This is one long traverse and we cross a sea of green and approach the base of the final climb. Here the gradient become steep and pushing up the final steep slope we find the remnants of a fort wall and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view.
Date: Sun 29th July '07
Rate: Rs.850/-
Grade: Moderate
Last date of Registration: 27th July '07
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Raigad - Shivtharghal; 2829 ft.; Mahad
Raigad is steeped in history. Shivtharghal which is abt 30 kms from Mahad, is serenely beautiful. The Shivtharghal cave is sanctified by the saint - poet Ramdas who composed the famous scripture "Dasbodh. In the monsoon a huge waterfall cascades down! After soaking our skin in the waterfall, we proceed to Pachad for our overnight stay to trek up to Raigad the next morning.
Raigad was the capital of Shivaji & his coronation was held here. Its thus very high in the list of must do's as far as forts go. While the walk in itself is not much, its the fort that is what makes this visit worth the effort. The double wall structure of the fort, its market place, various other important buildings and yes the courtyard where Shivaji was crowned. The whole place has an ambience and immediacy that is worth an experience.
Date: Sat 11th, 12th Aug '07
Rate: Rs. 1950/-
Grade: Easy
Last date of Registration: 9th Aug '07
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 Takmak Fort; 2616 ft.; Vasai
A history of different sort.. A trail goes up a hill through a jungle into a col. a short walk from the col gets us into the fort. A lesser known fort, but never the less an ideal monsoon hike!
Date: Wed 15th Aug '07
Rate: Rs. 850/-
Grade: Easy
Last date of registration: 13th Aug '07 |
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Visapur; 3567 ft.; Lonavla
Another fort which deserves a special mention for having a lot of intact fortification is at Lonavala. The added attraction is that Visapur has the famous Bhaja caves carved into them! Do join us on this mystical magical journey to the past!
Date: Sun 26th Aug '07
Rate: Rs. 850/-
Grade: Easy
Last date of Registration: 24th Aug '07
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Assembly: 6:00 am Shivsena Bhavan - Dadar (west)
Departure: 6:15 am Sharp
Arrival: 8.30 pm Dadar T T
Cost: Includes transport, breakfast, packed lunch, high tea (Stay for overnight trek)
Kitlist: Shoes during the trek are compulsory, Water bottle - 1 liter compulsory, Extra set of
clothing, Windcheater, A pair of floaters, Sunglasses and cap, Back-pack to carry
all the above
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Countryside Outdoor Programmes Pvt. Ltd.
35, Vawda Bldg., 252, L. J. Road, Opp. Shivsena Bhavan, Dadar, Mumbai - 400 028 India.
Website: www.countrysideindia.com
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