tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20040777865407928922024-02-07T08:17:27.242+05:30My TraveloggingFazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-61253696757883871932015-02-22T20:08:00.000+05:302015-03-01T18:05:09.311+05:30Beaches along Shriwardhan coast<br />
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The Shriwardhan taluka of Raigad district is entirely located along the Arabian Sea coastline beginning from Dighi village in the north to Harihareshwar village in the south. Until quite recently barring Diveagar and Harihareshwar, the beaches were unknown to tourist (even those too were famous only because of historic temples). Although the beaches are still good, but they could soon become non-visit material due to port activities and tourist commercialization.<br />
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Despite a major part of the coastline being rocky or cliff filled, there are several sandy seashores. Am listing down the places I visited although there are quite a few more (Dighi, Sarve, Velas & Harihareshwar were skipped).<br />
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Adgaon Beach</h3>
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Nice, clean and virgin beach with northern half full of rocks and southern of creamy white sand. Several of the rocks are sharp due to growth of Barnacles.<br />
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Beach is quite wide enough.
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We went during evening and had the beach completely to ourselves…all 36 of us.</div>
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Water was safe enough to drench without any pulling effects.<br />
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Had huge quantities of shells of several Mollusk many of them alive.<br />
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At southern end there was a huge shoal of sea-gulls in several thousand numbers. Looked like they had formed another gull beach next to the sand beach. I really miss my camera now, stupid mobile cameras have no zoom at all.<br />
Road along the beach is driving pleasure. Actually much of these internal roads are driving pleasure.<br />
Exhausted ourselves playing football till after sunset.<br />
Just a caution: Immediately post sunset head straight out of the beach. It gets really dark quickly and you won't be able to find your stuff.<br />
Also note that the beach is really virgin with absolutely no facilities for anything, in fact no human around at all.<br />
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Diveagar Beach</h3>
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If you need a balance of civilization and a good beach, head straight here.<br />
No wonder it’s probably the most commercialized beach. However, even then the beach is clean. Expect loads of people here during weekends.</div>
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There are several facilities here: food, drink, lodging, water sports, sand sports, you name it.<br />
Beach itself is very wide, long and of light brownish-white sand. Water is usually very far away because of the huge width of the beach.<br />
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In between Bharadkol and Kate villages</h3>
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From Diveagar, take the internal sea facing road to Shrivardhan and you’ll have a beautiful drive to remember. For best experience: hire a driver.<br />
The sea is enchanting that you will certainly stare out at it for several seconds. And even though thankfully there’s next to no traffic on this road, the road are pretty curvy, hilly and narrow.</div>
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So you could end up hurting yourself. Best advice is take stops every 5 minutes and enjoy the views.<br />
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Drive between Rev-Danda and Murud-Janjira is even better than this.<br />
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Shekadi Beach</h3>
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Shekadi village has a small, narrow and white sand beach along the road. We didn't stop here so no photos. Just this one photo of an island jutting out of the sea.<br />
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Aaravi Beach</h3>
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Aaravi is another virgin clean beach with white sand. The sun had risen when we approached it from the hills, the sand glittering along with the sea.</div>
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This is best part of drive with the beach continuously on your side while driving without any obstructions. Absolutely necessary to take a stopover and it should be at some broad straight road. Avoid any stopovers along narrow or curvy parts.<br />
Aaravi and Adgaon both are the best beaches along the coast. However, the sea-shell life here was much less.<br />
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<b>Designs carpeted on the sand by small crabs:</b><br />
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Shrivardhan Beach</h3>
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Probably the lowest rated beach as per my criteria, although facility wise it should be the best being the taluka capital. Has a long boardwalk with seating which is kept clean and also lighted at night.<br />
Since we went in morning hardly anyone was present. But am sure in evening this place must be lighted up with people, vendors and sports.</div>
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Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-43587691511581754112014-10-07T12:45:00.000+05:302014-10-12T16:31:28.555+05:30Tungarli Lake / Dam in Lonavala<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Tungarli Lake</span></h3>
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Lonavala has tons of lakes and ponds; some natural ones and several ones created due to the innumerable dams built in this area. One such lake known as Tungarli lake is formed by a small dam. Calling this a lake would be geographically incorrect usage of the term "lake". At best it can be said to be a pond since it's size seems to be quite small even though the rainy season was <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">just<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> ending. I doubt the water will exist even beyond winter.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's about 4 kms from Lonavala. The approach road is a narrow one and uphill enough. It's probably tarred because some resort have opened here near the lake. While on the road you will encounter the dam wall. Its quite old and was probably built during the British era.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once near the lake there is plenty of evidence of human litter, some eatable bags and plates; plastics and all but this was still minimal. The main problem is innumerable glass shards of broken bottles all obviously alcoholic. I think going in the lake barefoot will surely leave you bruised in several places. In case you plan to spend the time here, search for a place not littered with glass for your safety. Better still clean the place for yourself. I think the other bank of the lake could be much more cleaner than this place since this is the first point of contact.<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Inspite of all this the place is still not that dirty, still visitable.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lake view from the road:<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The opposite bank has a good forest cover and is possibly devoid of much human intervention. Also towards the right are the walls of the dam.<br />
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Facing the lake on opposite site of the road should have been a once nice view with natural beauty; now its completely artificial beauty thanks to the innumerable bungalows.<br />
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We were here at midday and it was extremely hot, so no sign of anyone here other than some school children walking along the road and a couple of youngsters drinking. This ensured complete silence and peacefulness in the area. The heat did not allow us to stay here long and there weren't many trees around either, so we left in about 10 minutes.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Tiger Valley:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next we visited Tiger valley for a few photography sessions the results of which were good enough. It was sunny this time unlike <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2013/10/valleys-with-name-khandalas-tiger-and.html">last year</a> when it was rainy. Since it was quite hot, we first had sugarcane juice and then proceeded to the Tiger valley garden.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dJULuO9oT4/VDVtFnMD1uI/AAAAAAAACy4/G3SQPSLkBEQ/s800/IMG_8160.jpg" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DCycYsh_3f4/VDVtbDkF04I/AAAAAAAACz4/HuSTcGCLFZk/s800/IMG_8168.jpg" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EAmFhXH_CDI/VDVt1skUIhI/AAAAAAAAC1I/o2iQ_XWY8Sg/s800/IMG_8178.jpg" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SPoojAW1bHQ/VDpdden7DRI/AAAAAAAAC_c/BlLkG4QhssU/s800/DSC_0249.JPG" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ifrahim trying friendship:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--IWHCQ9HnUw/VDpd61qxgvI/AAAAAAAAC_0/4Jrf-ejgFDU/s800/DSC_0299.JPG" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Amrutanjan Point:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Final stop on the list was this point. Here the old highway, new expressway as well as the railway line converge at a point. Also from here the Duke' nose is seen at a distance though not so clearly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iHk8ZpbpK_E/VDVv3KxzvRI/AAAAAAAAC7A/kTuLqdJm-2I/s800/IMG_8229.jpg" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s3x3JEOH3C4/VDVwMHKRCtI/AAAAAAAAC8A/Fp-xE3gizlQ/s800/IMG_8237.jpg" width="800" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-23537138121703849382014-10-06T12:42:00.000+05:302014-10-12T16:32:01.066+05:30Karala Caves: The 350 Steps Climb<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
A few kms from Lonavala off the old Mumbai-Pune highway lie the twin caves of Karla and Bhaje. When you notice the road sign of Karala, take a turn in opposite direction since the road-sign is actually for the village and the caves lie on the other side.<br />
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There is now a road that takes you very close to the caves and the climb is reduced considerably (just 100). However, horsepower issues ensured that we climbed the whole way by parking at the foothills.<br />
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Initially the steps are large (I mean large in length) and about a metre or two. Then they start reducing gradually and towards the end become normal sized.<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nvg6f37Wh9g/VDVp4-uMa5I/AAAAAAAACqI/JT_PgNSgp2A/s800/IMG_8086.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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Initially the view is green on both sides thanks to the just ended monsoon.<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D9RObfT_0Bk/VDVp81oNXFI/AAAAAAAACqQ/VXyVMm_1UIo/s800/IMG_8087.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-waDAgKyvnNs/VDVqRjElcRI/AAAAAAAACrA/ZZlGjc5ZL1s/s800/IMG_8094.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3BYSLmNIXk0/VDVqiIveOBI/AAAAAAAACro/tGU1d9lizgE/s800/IMG_8099.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-12saBYrPr6I/VDVqkk-WrtI/AAAAAAAACrw/5-VZdQkJ9mc/s800/IMG_8100.jpg" width="800" /><br />
<br />
<img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mGkmQU9rY-8/VDVqvs8H3bI/AAAAAAAACsI/LW77j_V5BP8/s800/IMG_8105.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wtHBianfs0w/VDVsrdfh0gI/AAAAAAAACxo/WSFFBy_zO_E/s800/IMG_8150.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<b>A crab on the way:</b><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xYUukT5yGio/VDVqHwXha7I/AAAAAAAACqo/ucNIEBcm8CU/s800/IMG_8090.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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There seems to be a good enough amount of people visiting this place not just for the cave but also to visit a temple at the mount. Some are walking bare-footed too probably for some kind of vow.<br />
All this has ensured a large no. of shops of all kinds selling foodstuff, drinks and offerings. Plus a few beggars too.<br />
For the first half of the distance it is usually empty on both sides but then begins an almost continuous line of shops.<br />
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<img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKuTzTc9-8Y/VDVsntBvgoI/AAAAAAAACxg/uUFOTdmc8z4/s640/IMG_8149.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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One of the "hanging galleries" on the way; where we occasionally rested.<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sF6GJ2s1iH0/VDVqsO4zqHI/AAAAAAAACsA/7DrYsIeyBlg/s800/IMG_8104.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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First view of the caves from the steps itself:<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JkhTRixPVPo/VDVq14qlzhI/AAAAAAAACsY/eDMcZk_ENfU/s800/IMG_8107.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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The gates of entrance.: There' a plaque installed by ASI detailing in brief the history of this place.<br />
Extremely important note; the caves close around 5.30 or so; so please be early on time, else all your climbing efforts will be in vain.<br />
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<img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LnUzEE_LgYQ/VDVskjzXcEI/AAAAAAAACxY/oXs9qQme-dw/s800/IMG_8148.jpg" width="600" /><br />
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<b>Initial walls:</b><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XpL7W7W7R2Y/VDVq8dEZCFI/AAAAAAAACso/kVNqKkn3YP8/s800/IMG_8109.jpg" width="800" /><br />
<br />
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<b>First views from the front:</b><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UX4j8zbBRCA/VDVq_pcQQoI/AAAAAAAACsw/3zma5jdAw1c/s800/IMG_8110.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v8psVOlArGc/VDVrDAe_5VI/AAAAAAAACs4/4RMvlbEpmyY/s800/IMG_8111.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<b>Old versus new:</b><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VfPZ1_Uob0U/VDVrpQfQ6tI/AAAAAAAACug/P9VZ502O0Kc/s800/IMG_8125.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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The main entrance to the caves or actually the entrance to the main prayer hall which has the stupa. There are innumerable carving, some probably from the buddhist era and the ones of human figures are surely more later and non-buddhist:<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9txxgzNOM68/VDVranAlhkI/AAAAAAAACtw/DhuDcOcmjuE/s800/IMG_8118.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yY_XnUHkvWE/VDVrsaFRfJI/AAAAAAAACuo/ZrCWJsA90tw/s800/IMG_8126.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ssipWuz5ujo/VDVrvhmZHqI/AAAAAAAACuw/pX7MXK9i2_E/s800/IMG_8127.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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Oh and I forgot to mention. At the main gate outside (not this entrance), there is a small fee to be paid to enter this main stupa section. Only then you are allowed in. And also you have to take off your footwear before entering (this seems to be more of a sanctity requirement rather than a thought of cleanliness)<br />
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Once inside you're greeted with a rewarding view of the stoneworks: a huge stupa; several cylindrical pillars on either side and a semi-circular lined roof.<br />
The following one image captures it all and yes all of it seems to be just one single rock:<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iW45y7eo1C0/VDVryFoXEeI/AAAAAAAACu4/AotPcJdg2LI/s800/IMG_8128.jpg" width="800" /><br />
<img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nX7pTy-xqyc/VDVsRECRQCI/AAAAAAAACwY/aqfqCv66IEA/s800/IMG_8140.jpg" width="800" /><br />
<img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k3VTCP3Fe6U/VDVr0YiSSjI/AAAAAAAACvA/NcCDizhcamQ/s800/IMG_8129.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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Other than the main prayer section, there is some space between the pillars and the walls forming some kind of a support corridor. This inside section is pretty much cool inspite of the heat outside the cave.<br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jhu11YEtVuA/VDVr6QVdCjI/AAAAAAAACvQ/U9TNRSt_mXQ/s800/IMG_8131.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kRJer9L8Qhs/VDVsJSJDN_I/AAAAAAAACwA/owXDJTcz_3E/s800/IMG_8137.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BZeSYVzdenY/VDVsOxehbaI/AAAAAAAACwQ/-6uT3nEEoo8/s800/IMG_8139.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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After visiting the caves we set outside to get a view of the surrounding area and several photography sessions here and there with this and that.<br />
<br /><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4SDIYyxyxbA/VDVreUZulII/AAAAAAAACuA/3ZLrLXP9TvA/s800/IMG_8120.jpg" width="800" /><br />
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<br />Don't forget to see the statue of a famous baba here:<br />
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<img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFcvDUu30FI/VDVsZMs1A0I/AAAAAAAACww/S1Bt_jgjFN4/s640/IMG_8143.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<br />The climb down is mostly swift. It must have taken about an hour to reach the top but downstairs was less than half of that.<br />
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<br />
</span>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-34403539841699766852014-09-13T23:19:00.000+05:302014-09-30T19:55:48.896+05:30Koraigad - Lohagad Trek contd...<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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In the <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2014/09/koraigad-and-lohagad-forts-refreshing.html">previous post</a>, I narrated about the first part of trek namely the Koraigad fort. Here we continue on the 2nd part.<br />
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From Mumbai, there are several ways to Lohagad. If you want a more complete trek, take exit at Khalapur toll-naka and head towards Malawali station. From here you can also visit Bhaje caves. The route from here is long and it will take about an hour to just reach the base.<br />
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Since we were already in Lonavala, the shorter route was an internal road that we could drive directly till the base.<br />
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The internal road from Lonavala to Lohagad isn't that great as of now with big potholes (see map at the end of this page). Other than that the final 3 kms are a challenge for small cars with gravel littered roads giving little traction over the steep slope.<br />
At one point, after several to and fro runs to climb uphill, the one way to give the 1L WagonR support was the age-old method of S.T. drivers; use stones on the back tyres for support. Worked like a charm and the car climbed uphill easily.<br />
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So take care at this part, don't stop for snacks here just go ahead. This is the point where the road bifurcates towards <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2013/10/lonavala-pavana-dam-boating-trip.html">Pawna dam</a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ti1n7qO3Q8-INScCYugSGH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eknseoKjDy0/VBsKs-PYapI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/iO_4nKEnBP4/s800/IMG_8024.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Just before reaching the base village:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0A4lQU-iFyqVKK2F2zw5Yn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1upK-5lna8E/VBsK1hqDdiI/AAAAAAAAKSo/f7bTA3mujPA/s800/IMG_8028.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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There are several food options here serving a variety.<br />
Some views from the base:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2lGMCI0woXKZ6T1k0LxFQX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYp_xM_bEYYZ2kQ_RI_s02YDfaSNBGJv0TgKvAZt9krIucCqp2e-ot6_UOIpJ1j63ZFMVvIC63JJP1WVIAXdRZSLXiPMEqhnQnosQa2AUAL59YtFOHHXZ3p_mxWeW4eQqFmw1n5F3PIGj/s800/P1030372.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gRQIpIqydM7IWE4-DqLmK3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zAC50C87uAM/VBsK6ahNgVI/AAAAAAAAKS4/W4LnToI2Huk/s800/IMG_8031.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Note that eat everything before hand at the base itself. There are many monkeys just at the initial part of the trek and eating in front of them would be a most untoward things.<br />
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Here too there are steps to climb to the fort, of course the steps are old and not recently renovated, so kind of more difficult than Koraigad. Other than that the steps are huge and slippery because of rains and moss.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kTfbCoqj2EBwEe4NMxQ4Pn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FzRJ5wzXCGg/VBsLKyKPRrI/AAAAAAAAKT4/8ymI_83Qy9o/s640/IMG_8039.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Views on the top:</b><br />
As you reach the top, there aren't many intact structures although the structure is intact/renovated while climbing the forts. The first thing that comes in is a dargah.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UK1bJtyEbVTGkXbf8WcDr3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVaPo3ogBCZ0SsmSX56irrht4F4lpArw6IbRzARadW__JY3ZyymHjbSHIFn6jsS4H6xNCUSbaiFcONRin9NMOAcpp3eR-CCTi0rJcsPVEHvElTqEKm7L5fy_nSRn2QxTiXioe5yeL3o-u/s800/IMG_8043.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iWchCFgUqhQ94cNy6jQkJX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jgQ--5zfQZw/VBsLgQ8jxlI/AAAAAAAAKVI/Rjg0hztWeXc/s800/IMG_8049.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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A thick layer of clouds soon engulfed the whole area blocking all the views:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iuhiPp56LuknDEPdEWmuSH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsknHuaB7K45smK0wDcJRGBtkayisvrJlqSFvaPHgXUgX47Azfd3KQEFiOCyMmEXyCjyApiqXF_oO7gJTyfosIoOD-Vvyro_zcn-yT-Sn0zksRCsVNrzLkMYmw49veItUeUVf7Htyi4eu/s800/IMG_8046.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GfU-NFtRrBFSAslSkg6yJX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMLdQD2mkPKNPNFW3aH_6ponQxr-kBIamoLJCgk8_rSOo1J9nP1bF4GVLac9QOYyF0tdiwcJ05LfMvwt2McpttZneRuDV7x2Fd_Tq44F9Ll8bhqFTsJMLlKsotXWrlMPHJAY684hkc4eZ/s800/IMG_8050.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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There were several college groups, school groups, hiking groups and random groups of people all along the way and at the top. Not really a relaxing trek with all the clammering around.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xoz9Ni6QLA3Bi8OXJry-G3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TgDZoebjpSY/VBsLtiRmR4I/AAAAAAAAKV4/29F5W98x1RE/s800/IMG_8055.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
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<b>Views from the top:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LnRa8o2ojPrbukktDGcxYH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcNvQwzpvSYP5DOyv6r49cS6RSkYv9JnbJjwlXRMBH-zVKO_iU5NbvBNyBNT61Hfn05BETtxV1J7o8evnjYiUr0ccnwOGHQ0OPSn5TAsSC1U-EqI8JQkak0ub4eEwAjiS4Vi0kNd8KDIP/s800/P1030375.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
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with the <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2013/10/lonavala-pavana-dam-boating-trip.html">Pawna dam waters</a> in the background:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u3n78PFiRAyA5ZHARZoYf3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uxd-43OuMdI/VBxrg3U0wZI/AAAAAAAAKe8/F3Ojcsz0u9I/s800/P1030378.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fgHemKL-HZlBVkMtz71wLn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_Fjq3RysVU/VBsLDm-tLrI/AAAAAAAAKTg/O7lz2wIZbDo/s800/IMG_8036.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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View of Tikona fort in the distance (pyramid shaped) and the actual wall of the dam on the lower left:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CDShCHoD26sbIZ_QFhovan-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y-i-IbeSqpg/VBsLzHHkXgI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/HwLTpH8iH_c/s800/IMG_8058.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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It took us nearly 1 hour to climb thanks to the crowd and slippery steps. However, we came down within 1/2 an hour.<br />
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No breaks for lunch, just had it while driving. <br />
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<a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Vashi,+Navi+Mumbai,+Maharashtra/Peth+Shahapur,+Maharashtra/Lohgad,+Lohagad+trek+Rd,+Maharashtra+410406/@18.7377133,73.4299718,508m/data=%213m1%211e3%214m20%214m19%211m5%211m1%211s0x3be7c136b519107b:0x8452b99754be0fc8%212m2%211d73.01%212d19.08%211m5%211m1%211s0x3be8034d8a56d559:0x4143ba93c2f2b3de%212m2%211d73.3833952%212d18.6295722%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc2a9e6015c05c3:0x9fc1499824758194%212m2%211d73.474482%212d18.710758%213e0">View complete route map</a>:
The area highlighted in the map is a shortcut over kutcha road directly
to express-way, this is not shown in maps route hence have zoomed it in
here. The complete map route can be seen after zooming out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-57361578151039624092014-09-13T22:37:00.000+05:302014-09-22T09:40:21.626+05:30Koraigad and Lohagad Forts: A Refreshing Monsoon Trek<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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Both these are pretty simple to do considering there are restored steps to climb them. I had already done both of them once, but <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2010/01/koraigad-korigad-fort-trek.html">Koraigad earlier was in winter</a>.</div>
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Vashi >> Lonavala >> Peth-Shahpur(near Amby Valley) >> Koraigad >> Lohagad base village >> Lohagad >> Sinhagad Institute >> Vashi</div>
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06.00: Vashi</div>
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07.30: Lion Point</div>
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08.00: Peth-Shahpur village</div>
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09.30: Koraigad Fort</div>
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10.30: Start descent</div>
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11.15: Proceed to Lohagad</div>
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12.45: Lohagad base village</div>
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13.45: Lohagad Fort</div>
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14.30: Start descent</div>
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15.00: Lohagad base village</div>
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17.00: Vashi</div>
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<h4 style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Lion's Point</h4>
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Reaching here at about 7.00, this place is continuous under cloud cover as this is the start of Sahyadris range with Konkan region below. Clouds coming from Arabian sea constantly ensure a foggy atmosphere.</div>
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Road visibility is next to nothing so not easy to drive this stretch as seen from the snaps below. Parking lights are a must:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0hucEOefhikb2fkLhjLwu3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nFUjvNF04Z4/VBsDnnAg9OI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/Oqytgdhtim4/s800/IMG_7852.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<b>Straight into the valley: </b>This is near the shivling point, no visibility to see the valley around.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hsedgTH8EAdZMRuOEWYXwX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-cRy8PZdQJODf5xpCIckN26IRIh5J77P5uqnwXGF8wyO60ZadIsZ3-MDz3jkWQIBzQmpZyXR4wISdaEtZSIMGG-pWIlxgPpbw1BZEujNO8vbzVz-_l5iiWrO1Suy5o5racgPZgBoSn-Q/s800/P1030273.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Koraigad Trek</h3>
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Once reaching the base village of Peth-Shahpur, there's a small parking area on the main road. You can start the trek from here itself. Initial part is somewhat slippery due to sticky red soil, so better have good grip footwear.</div>
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A tall telecom tower marks the start of trek; this is a helpful landmark.</div>
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<b>Start of Trek:</b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ouCklCiSW7tKeIxD2CysTn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xWxqg0c3V1E/VBsD6tY7efI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/_InKOqofph8/s800/IMG_7864.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gAESDzwj69IgjPHFd1nr9n-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="451" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M9sj1jQYkP4/VBxpDN9D7-I/AAAAAAAAKX0/WKxrJTEtRns/s800/P1030276.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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Note that there are dogs here who might follow you, best to ignore them and absolutely not feed them. Not all are friendly so you might consider driving them away.</div>
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Continuing on muddy part you will cross few stream on the way.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1nPydwl11CBVhPT5nE7Jgn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVe9q-p4sDE/VBsEbKaDNUI/AAAAAAAAKBI/C6VDeeEOP5c/s800/IMG_7879.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Once the muddy part is over, you will get a gravel part with forest around it. You can go about on the path by avoiding the forest but later you do have to come inside the forest.</div>
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We were not able to find the way due to thick vegetation and hence alternate on paths from within the forest and outside it.</div>
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<b>Path outside the forest:</b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zfqgj5Bel8QSvL5iNn6mjn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIMK8sicezLPaiQQtwGaTgYOH3W1sRiz4GnFiJTtjYeilCC1AoN2l44aUSabKN0Z3ek1dWqReFiIAEGRakH339prKzHoVp74Aac67A6tFI2nNI0Mh9ObMULNQBLzID5Dno4yvF7kMppSI/s800/IMG_7893.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XVvgqAHjQTGmVSJLRgy-kH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="451" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RGrL0RBb5ws/VBxpc9rhkjI/AAAAAAAAKZM/FAc45F0siWo/s800/P1030293.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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<b>Path inside the forest:</b> You will have to take some forest part ultimately. The vegetation is thick but the distance to be covered isn't that much, so you can proceed comfortably.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5zXKAszu2gf2-aqI6N2YIX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMnMC6CROr0/VBsJpQAaa6I/AAAAAAAAKQA/tAF8GG6JKrQ/s640/IMG_8004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Main entry point towards the stairs:</b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WTgxvY770Q0Enivpl9eP73-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezA8CPDmZed743521wHOwApPQOtvDkPkR54eUc9kLzDm6TSXoSN4nd_Tdc4LGFO1C0e8oZ26t-NNRGlv7WVh-0L8nx8JRPzK2jk4rAgnHMhPyLMzHlwx9Wbz354leIzL1y-8OwuIaMWQQ/s640/IMG_7904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Straight from your horror movie:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NltPbFinsiJE4dHerOK_Gn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8P2A7DnRYnk/VBsFLYW3E5I/AAAAAAAAKDY/7RLpQP2g7b8/s800/IMG_7898.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Haunted forest:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Sjuyjqwq1Ss-T3cUNGmqk3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CRM2Ibg1hbw/VBsEonksz_I/AAAAAAAAKBw/Tt_Gc4l5bk4/s800/IMG_7884.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Some beautiful scenes now:</div>
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Flowers:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GFage6Oyk-9gG2oflUtNsn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CANCC468dH4/VBsEh_--bJI/AAAAAAAAKBg/EjzXOly9kK4/s800/IMG_7882.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7VTPbXaq5-dnuZRGxd4ga3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK_B-UpBiuxy6xVK10atSjnEl3r-zgTPxWQsXDLl0vqFHTXvFcv5hbZyVdsl_FkvwmzHqEfwfi8HDqOybROCbWAmmB9E750YYtdgGzh_Lw4TokE44lpJSFoEiPUgELrNkzPBz5ysP2pTc/s800/IMG_8012.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Our target fort covered by clouds:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VF4UAjr54swCz6W-3S_jwn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0QGJmfRDpFE/VBsExa1g8GI/AAAAAAAAKCI/GEftk3dXjtU/s800/IMG_7887.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FkYbv6mO1EdFZT8lvPh3-H-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v31Ij57D7_k/VBsFSaQcRYI/AAAAAAAAKDo/Hkxp8zcnFfY/s800/IMG_7900.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<b>Start of stairs:</b></div>
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To really find the stairs in the thick of vegetation, search for a light tower having halogens on all sides, that's the only thing that can get you to the intended place.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PPzZvEHE3auug4K6-S7MGn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSD-pCAb5hzpDA5i7UeOl5OugH3I5K5HIKwbXsiNs_73Op5Wx5Zb9I4HXNzvTiaKROiOl8XpkAWfUwpX2YVRCmziD1P4WU2r1JeVwfjFYxdYY5uJzF9a_23n9P-kZgUHKXW1dz2p-zfvx/s800/P1030312.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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It's said there are 500+ stairs. However, the stairs here are pretty much easy as they have been newly renovated by the surrounding Amby Valley construction. Also the height of stairs is human-like unlike all other forts where the heights are much greater.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ixxE6pkScYeLhNYG_mGQ4X-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vTxuPj-mU1s/VBsGQzUubGI/AAAAAAAAKGI/ZrXshoPH0II/s800/IMG_7920.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DXCkIjaRVXhboemx8wC1S3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1iY4d8iNoWw/VBsGiPGWnjI/AAAAAAAAKGw/o0WXfcxbZVc/s800/IMG_7925.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We found several caves on the way. Out of that probably this one near a temple is still in use as incense sticks were burning.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ucDc9s4KFeIVk9QysPceE3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7Se-V_cckk/VBxqQi5UCRI/AAAAAAAAKbc/26v9eD0g4L0/s800/P1030324.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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Other caves:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8WwTh9XU4F6WFMBhLYJOMX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-igamddNCUg8/VBsGMoqW0LI/AAAAAAAAKGA/3ioTD0WLyjw/s800/IMG_7919.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Finally, the entrance is in sight:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XJsZcIdsQzNpbGHtg9wZVn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cMyYrpPtLpg/VBsGUdXH0FI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/IYBZqcv3kh0/s800/IMG_7921.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Around 3 cannons were spotted. I remember there were more <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2010/01/koraigad-korigad-fort-trek.html">earlier</a>, probably covered by vegetation:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m_I52_dc-mLFUcw-QCJwOH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0l6zxeTYTrw/VBsGlmq2GWI/AAAAAAAAKG4/BGWLtdzaUhM/s800/IMG_7926.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8fymfYzAs4TKCdN_QRGKUH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PQVSA5eJM2o/VBsIjUdMwlI/AAAAAAAAKNA/kYpsEurbfiY/s800/IMG_7978.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<b>Views of the fort.</b></div>
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Not a single structure left inside the fort. Only things are 3 temples which might be renovated. However, most of the fortification walls are intact. I highly recommend walking around the entire periphery of the fortification to get good views. Since we had to visit Lohagad too, we didn't do it. Anyways, I had done it earlier.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/esy6gnV-C5WQ5UeWrlVNTX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iEpueQoEl-U/VBsGsfyB7FI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/9JLb_GOzhz0/s800/IMG_7929.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ATQ6haHg_uPsFf9FY9fKs3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AK_zLwe8nbI/VBsGuyK7W3I/AAAAAAAAKHY/tYL6z22b8-s/s800/IMG_7930.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VlTiqly3sZY224vPCzCY9H-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xFcIODR1Jfs/VBsHJt6ykRI/AAAAAAAAKIw/AvQyE1lNhs8/s800/IMG_7942.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M4RG9cxDHiBmAgedwfCbE3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZrX4UVL6HyQ/VBsHtfRhNnI/AAAAAAAAKKo/0u5j0-_gJjI/s800/IMG_7958.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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The lone ruined structure present in the fort:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/03qbTXDmrx0VlH0AJahgzX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L31Hlsjx_A0/VBsHWNY92TI/AAAAAAAAKJY/GgCZaiNaE6k/s800/IMG_7947.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lq2tewt8Ii5bRpLvOFRf1H-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JRlBvJ8E2TUakWTOlD4MZYGFPqk3vyEETUvk8wfnnhZAplZta7mPd6sADGOaEPPBQrnwJBDrJPvgrC_OLDTf9JLY61Y5HXylzaxMXM8EJ_k7xNQ4WPp2nwwU3mNjwMsNHQLR8Hqmdo6N/s800/IMG_7988.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<b>Views of rolling hills from the fort:</b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F1EtCcXCIL0lhVy8OiofrX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oIhAJg3qPq8/VBsGDt9XtNI/AAAAAAAAKFo/ekzkYAXlB5k/s800/IMG_7916.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<b>Views inside the fort:</b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tM2oQY1Wz_5J6W5knGMyvX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hFpwq5Tqu9U/VBsHbCTOXHI/AAAAAAAAKJo/o3im5_PDcDk/s800/IMG_7950.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Bed of flowers and grass (although the grass is pretty wet and soil puddled):</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4pT1wjOMSN-1M4ZVQP1e7n-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aZOB09GtnXk/VBsHOERSICI/AAAAAAAAKJA/iDX8PGaEAQQ/s800/IMG_7944.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Path lined up with flowers on both sides:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D6tTZCO3HiB5e5SJofnFG3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PQQjaL00Xbo/VBsIyKhmK9I/AAAAAAAAKNo/DVucVYqv-EI/s800/IMG_7983.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-wVYnmbtlE5MSt_iOg7e7X-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q2_zoYy0H1c/VBsI16u-quI/AAAAAAAAKN4/z_6fei29dU0/s800/IMG_7985.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguR_46LdWZZJrFhpjgLOEWHfiessjqBU7bpadXLEE5_Kew9Sts-_XjOcIvJEs38K5vlpwmVJndnMOz_4y03zLsy5PRcPyk1ff1y4cTrX1q-dp5fWEFOs1FqWX-vhGzBOuaysIruQKXzpbH/s800/IMG_7993.jpg" width="800" /></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VRX8DYrvXyxKfBK1Niewtn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g7U_1__LCog/VBsJONxarSI/AAAAAAAAKO4/Okiyx6INo0A/s800/IMG_7995.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<b>Views of surrounding areas:</b></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FEAzNIf1VK10kniclOGjMX-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FuDWS0rnV8I/VBxqWA1PmnI/AAAAAAAAKbs/Ckh0Hr1uxD4/s800/P1030328.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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Amby valley's private airport with some expansion going on.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jbgt1x5BbsscHwXR5YFvrn-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR2YlJb7jkJ29K4RbSF8B0mvCUk5wNzRzdWjJKOwngDvw1CLmaN-LhUEiaM9GNXuBU5RQBFIv5a_V43dsWRwkq5sXIGBo_92LVV7AKa8OF0tC71Y3s5aT-SCJRmN6OmmfpgTMms0vLRZm/s800/IMG_7957.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8v_nNX0C6cM31A84LUwJfH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oWVvD3vO4T4/VBsIZxS7OlI/AAAAAAAAKMo/srM_jHAGKFU/s800/IMG_7975.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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After seeing just half the fort area we proceeded for descent. The descent took roughly 1/2 hour.</div>
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We didn't have much time as we had to visit Lohagad too.
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Some last views of the fort trek:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FKW6jCOt7jp8-T2zwtrB5n-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66UCAvX7y04Z5Zhim5vb_uDqFqSranjkfuFpnXWKxaexMGikOgXtj113A5rkRKoJYZm1jjNIAdiemviNRqC5hftAjJH7v0yT78ZB4MJXtDqqh9RMIvqIVNTBFTF-92IOXcXWaH0cWFfYL/s800/IMG_8014.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P4z0kOC7juO-2arOcopDw3-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjLjkHQI4IIxlpoz3RTegvqo5UpvZGHIqhpNJWo9IWmD2NeNKm2ojTS22MnHdToUfjFDMANq9vuL5LjAEoRMwCDgxfCAPtTWCnTGxTfjD68XZKeEESEp6gBXmZukV-g-zCPwn4N58F9DU/s800/IMG_8016.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sLaLrGpcNy42sOjRN-PyTH-YLY2ujPaYp6DcCTwp4SU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T7lTdNk7p84/VBsKelaadjI/AAAAAAAAKRw/Pr-RFIa7lM4/s800/IMG_8019.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once reaching the parking area, we immediately started for the <a href="http://www.fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2014/09/koraigad-lohagad-trek-contd.html">next trekking destination of Lohagad</a>.</span></div>
Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-52615256757319980742013-12-14T16:34:00.000+05:302013-12-30T22:56:49.757+05:30Karnala Fort Trek Through Bird Sanctuary<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Karnala bird sanctuary is a small forest in Raigad district of Maharashtra.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fort lies within the bird sanctuary perimeter. Its a thickly forested hilly region. The Karnala fort pinnacle can never be missed from Mumbai-Goa highway due to it's peculiar Thumbs-Up structure. The following image would make it clear:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i73-0QMVx1-I4oI2FxOApInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lTa8RkQWnfg/Urrr3a2kYVI/AAAAAAAAI-U/KeAU_LWeRew/s800/IMG_7546.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Route:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Panvel -> Karnala Bird Sanctuary = 12 KM</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bird sanctuary entrance is hard to miss. It's just after Kamat hotel. Ticket Rates:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Entry for adult: Rs. 25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 wheeler parking: Rs. 50</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plastic deposit: Rs 200 (They count the no. of plastic bottles and bags and on return journey you will receive the deposit money back only if the count is maintained.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reached there about 8.30 and it was quite cold. Started trek at 8.40. Am dividing the trek description based on the type of trail.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I) Tar Trail</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obviously the simplest part. In between the road you will see signs to take left/right to Karnala fort, but ignore them and walk till the very end of tar road. These initial routes are completely useless (we took one!!!) and better not to use them. Example of a misguiding route in between:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GV_1pt2w7UqE44WzuyGPbonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7ZMjRnkfGcA/Ur59vi2gOeI/AAAAAAAAJVw/WVNYsqDAu7Y/s800/P1030032.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The end is near some bird cages. From there the left trail is the one we took since that is easier one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hurried since we had seen 5 buses of school children who might climb the fort. They would destroy the serenity and peace we had come to experience in the forest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_u17oMe7JftHkpDjNS8gBonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SDPuf2geR-Q/UrnEx3FwInI/AAAAAAAAI70/FrJcOszCuHs/s800/IMG_7524.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">II) Initial Climb (Tree root steps)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is quite easier part because of some natural stairs formed mostly by tree roots and some other stone steps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jggZXde96xc4JRRmG3AbZYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGrXeVLdJuQgdGiIuh_CAOxTZOHofBFRfM-C_C1Lr_CUMZRGjr-RMDSvh6ME3MFGZ8eaeM_EYp5moRuv-cEl44xbyjULJ0mI3idjvl7ZGL6WQl2tQuHZZq10NV2F00c1G1pgjEUGZpbEq/s800/IMG_7530.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LUQeagEm5zDg2P-bVbS_JYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L3NcbG5i6lA/UrrrpMfAG1I/AAAAAAAAI98/mLHQNLsw2Tc/s800/IMG_7542.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are seats at intervals for resting. We also understood as to why it was called a bird sanctuary inspite of no bird sightings (hint: lovebirds. God knows best why couples take so much trouble, maybe they have some "mannat" at the temple near the peak.).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The forest is dense which reduces the sunlight but the trail is clear. Anytime you have a multiple trails option, pick the one that goes in the direction of fort and you'll be on track.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This part ends when you see a wonderful shed. It is kind of unique to find such supporting structures during treks. On our return journey, we used it for some resting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>III) Shed #1 to Shed #2 (Rocky ascent</b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most difficult part. Completely filled with stones through which you have to ascend your way. Not that it requires rock climbing skills....just need good stamina and shoes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bnAxJJ6-UNJj_gJGWjCIEonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l5rKHsMybTs/UrrsHMz2-2I/AAAAAAAAI-0/ksPQukCqWtw/s800/IMG_7550.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y41dkOyx8Li4WCKN9Sg8uYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcep3LYThZNGmMG9EdZYCSJnfErVqPbdJgkPE03UEeD2FwW0wK5r9jlLjZNMRaJlssBifLE7GOKBf3QGycLNXF7OcZnTZIq10hD2GDqHoVtbE8eyvHCWHLWepshEXezUY45qWAQDYMBTjb/s800/IMG_7555.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The thick forest gradually start reducing in density with more amount of sunlight being penetrated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ESE7jU8BTJALMrXQx95ToInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rnY4cftpbyc/Urrso3WNRYI/AAAAAAAAI_c/M0tMdIzTkfc/s800/IMG_7556.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you come to the next shed you have achieved an important milestone. For the first time you have reached the peak and you can get good views of other side of hill with plenty of breeze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The shed is one with a view with enough shade and breeze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Further more you have only one more peak to climb other the the fort peak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WxHKHVWCc-6XCDuKEggpqInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mamq8_nMTM0/UrrswkgLVqI/AAAAAAAAI_k/exH2Z4Lei3M/s800/IMG_7558.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This shed is also the place where we had our lunch during the return journey. Nice, comfortable and breezy place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t4loYoucUaUOJXbsH946ConAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ5GlaTPhm5rEC8esl6NSsBW6FYi1fY5JIGytmRBjy9hkrPqugoHeeBG8OGV4574sHou_ZSF1OSaJ2_iAsJav4t0mIUnn6my82RyDQkd71fIduhojxCzZLyZSrjlL5QY0bW2dgDJlKbph/s640/P1030046.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IV) Shed #2 to Shed #3 (Somewhat less rocky ascent)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This part has mixture of flat dusty trails as well as rocky ascents. But this is still easier than previous part. There are some multiple trails options but most join together ahead so it should be fine whichever you take.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MFYXRLS0YH4VelxEfjk4uYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kRLXy5TPgMc/Urrs-2ebKII/AAAAAAAAI_0/KVN6aCEpIQs/s800/IMG_7560.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jueNI87Wsoeeti-lqVwub4nAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z1xniWdqDdVomfr9HikifPLWOkAoVlFL6spK3JZlYk29kVeeFBwowGKlgFM4ulRWgyEJgsd7FLtgHiWCxAE57AXJTAWXo5xltwrZ45MRiJxOEHszfmXiyhP-RMEKkB57rd-n_zPiNpws/s800/IMG_7567.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UR5oHodm9zlcDSNHZSuTfonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O_ooEvIQzQY/UrruFSnV49I/AAAAAAAAJA8/SizadiYEROk/s800/IMG_7569.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shed #3 too is a good one with views and breeze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gVkp3d5g2BUNX37rBN7JGInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZaTbsNCEueY/UrrvdzvcvOI/AAAAAAAAJDE/f1TCVpsodRM/s800/IMG_7590.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rRNrTORu6BTK0l8RJGzIyonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeiiV1UlNRSzH_PnfUtNgH28NSGAxIIAA-nj7NjxYv0nHNlByhzeLp1IQn_mnaJdLUYBlOXq3jHc96joJFdwYySGX5l4be5X58QPvBgfJmYMYWWBGHlzvXiz-ZB3SnisfHqFf8qO9f2pT/s800/IMG_7577.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RMaBnEzh8FzfvYiv-C3ABYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQ41qoo2HB_hfaud23J0l8JcKavKN03Nm4-SgqC8n5l-ueEDaDtQROYkpQmS-SNf-V-a9T6tPs8FfGC4sTgJYpzlBgsBbsXOLcTupVYl7LVp94Abp-7kbupAteMmEB6yyS8iytMbEGqlJ/s800/IMG_7589.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">V) Shed #3 to Shed #4/ Mandir/ Fort base (Flat trail)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most easy part probably easier than tar road. Simple flat trail with no forest cover. Good views of both sides of the hill. In the end you reach Shed #4 which is opposite to a mandir. The fort entrance also begins a little ahead from here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GBzCqq2KbWtjChHk3HvLQInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hk8njaPCCb4/UrsQqZ8rXxI/AAAAAAAAJEk/_2pNqmT1KhY/s800/IMG_7601.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1bQI3T_CoaNHHyaIsRcuzonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHBJ1Ln7LfIiaKjWJqVf9cC1luogWcu-w7tyf-yTnIPhzbHb07RMCz7XXDuxZvgdq1q1ZSyPyCTOU4sBLak-TLEyJWuWRvikj59074ct2sQKigbPRziFs-yPa4pg4YS8OXKdFjtFOTvW8/s800/IMG_7611.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7VuWCh-NhkkyDZTSKdDsQonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G-RNavp-ASw/UrsRes0DJVI/AAAAAAAAJF0/YF1BRsCt_TM/s800/IMG_7612.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">VI) Fort Exploration</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos and description of the inside of the fort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fort Entrance:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BZ6vs6BztAL52udWOi_zh4nAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2XjVQZu_lo0/UrsR6JvBBjI/AAAAAAAAJGc/kJCgsGDXlTI/s800/IMG_7618.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Initial safe ascent:<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PHjky3-x8Kjf1ixvqPkipInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rKStQh4Acmg/UrsSr256yKI/AAAAAAAAJHc/HzFn_EaKFwI/s800/IMG_7626.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So near, yet so far:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zwKINvIpsrNxYHxG3cTY_4nAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sUyGlxWwQz4/UrsSxpen5iI/AAAAAAAAJHk/06xOeALDdo4/s800/IMG_7627.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A huge slide-way:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2jAwfeZV747E4viOFqc644nAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dAgjPUEjIY/UrsTQ6P4YyI/AAAAAAAAJIM/wzALfMebkeY/s800/IMG_7632.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 peaks:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fcwhk3_HRdbBFImCZiu4dYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8a4blL1-6MY/UrsV1b0mIvI/AAAAAAAAJLU/7TltBrIRBRE/s800/IMG_7658.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally at the real entrance:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WRAQCB18zZn2cMGdzQ06SYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5eUx0whA7Ho/UrsUXT1ECqI/AAAAAAAAJJk/bgC4EJGZLzA/s800/IMG_7643.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ascent made safe thanks to the fencing:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p6B05Do2RqvGu2Ng_S99YInAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YycX2JP8vMQ/UrsUfH21V1I/AAAAAAAAJJs/z3D8xRf6eBQ/s800/IMG_7644.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Main door:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iczNX0qN8Vdawar5Gr1bTYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hZ5X8-ghxCk/Ur5-W8nkM5I/AAAAAAAAJYQ/F71G6guK6ek/s800/P1030091.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wooden Cobweb:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xYxFcfUyK2dIYBDxZqlOmYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eDLeeoWUyq4/UrsVuzDiOQI/AAAAAAAAJLM/rlGhH5X2en4/s800/IMG_7657.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pinnacle from inside the fort:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_q2toF5D7g7JBC1rLzFghonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ydCxEKfxPjk/UrxiN270CVI/AAAAAAAAJNE/kGLSJg-5V5s/s800/IMG_7671.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inside some ruined building:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BYgYvM7VPuIUHk_dz-ecmYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7Fy6CNbRbU0/UrxjfPMhOOI/AAAAAAAAJOk/xzlwQ36jkEc/s800/IMG_7683.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some caves filled with water that have been barricaded:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A4ODAUaiAdrPMegZ6LFthonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GSDRPjBAHAQ/UrxirLCdRLI/AAAAAAAAJNk/OrgHFcacwGA/s800/IMG_7675.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6SqAmgiPA11igxaukSBJpYnAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KAImsTZLFis/UrxkeD3KCUI/AAAAAAAAJP0/-JhbTrlzesE/s800/IMG_7693.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towards the southernmost part of fort. The fort is quite big from inside and stretches more here. However we abandoned exploring this area because of the presence of a large no. of honeybees swarming around this place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3v8CP5wmMQu3KLoy6UD-9onAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XzNkKc74cG0/UrxlOUgvNgI/AAAAAAAAJQs/M4DgpNfSRrI/s800/IMG_7700.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K0LCZz2t3qAcXNuckQtwb4nAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBvbg9C5lmY/UrxmY6fvV0I/AAAAAAAAJSM/t_f0fydG1Jk/s800/IMG_7712.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the few clicks on our return journey:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PyINMeLk5GgGd2qCxro2eonAPH7x0Np0_n9RvZddfg8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TpFqLxzhcW8/Urxoopy0wGI/AAAAAAAAJU8/JZ2hZ6fD_cc/s800/IMG_7736.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reached the fort entrance at about 10.40. Explored the fort in an hour and after having lunch/rest we were down by 2.00.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-64722425913889033202013-10-17T12:08:00.000+05:302013-11-26T22:48:42.469+05:30Lonavala: Pavana Dam Boating Trip<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pavana/ Pawana Dam is about 45 mins drive from Lonavala. Since we were already based in Lonavala it served as an ideal place to spend time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The drive as expected is entirely through hilly narrow one lane roads, so just be careful. Nevertheless the scenery is quite picturesque green especially since we were going at end of monsoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main attraction here is the boating in the lake. View from the parking lot:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yLtQup7NXCCPr3nWPVu9VyukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MvI0J6fbrKg/Ul_vZ2oS9TI/AAAAAAAAI0s/U0vusqMxyYk/s800/IMG_7463.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a garden near the boating club. It also houses a cafeteria which was a relief considering the hot sun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oB8mIYCpzPNwauWY6vqV8SukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Rnpjh2ljLfPCPA82wP6dHMy2O3N9vVbAdSd4JATv6_X03CVnMCKXQHmzVtjSMuuet5x3va7UWt9eEcalltPMB77lQXbTMqJqBMb5g4qMnwTyHruTAA5GcTHrXXmNh8LQnRtQaiaOTBI/s800/IMG_7469.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CZun6UQAYkAsSLEUaLhlwCukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbznZEJ1ttY/Ul_vzlVtsLI/AAAAAAAAI1c/YzNnIJzfnOY/s800/IMG_7470.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has some peacocks and ducks in the free. Nice to see them without cages. However beware of them. Peacocks are not domestic birds but rather wild birds. These ones were in a real attacking mode all the time (one peacock sat on the head and hit its beak in the bald scalp of one of my grandad).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v9SqRhInfBD6iP_MRzF14yukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P-0hiZF-Ps8/Ul_wMohLjbI/AAAAAAAAI2M/Den8Pno5BOU/s800/IMG_7479.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6JtwLDtdEcrKIeRXh6V4VSukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Oj5K4_CbAeg/Ul_vp9DyI_I/AAAAAAAAI1M/W4RDTWDKuQQ/s800/IMG_7468.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yx8okYauWgl4CiN2IKfM_yukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU4x0t2FkR0xGddL0P1IU0UtnDcOXra4lt1nSIvl6__RVxwvfE7keiYv8wDvDtX4Jk3wIUedr8rbtbbjfpODy8OG43qFpfIvKHJCOKTDoBHJKkR0uWplgM7TqUxfIV9GIF5xj9Jm0T88u/s640/IMG_7507.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aah and finally to the main place we made this trip for. There are no paddle/ oat boats that we wanted. Only motor-beats, speed-boats and jet skis. Motor ones being noisy ruin the calmness that could have been experienced during the voyage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6i0D_fQj4_i7ENZE_WLpLyukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7exHdWydjOA/Ul_wjshvSPI/AAAAAAAAI28/VNw-z7Pdl2w/s640/IMG_7485.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First view of our boat:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pminw8OlMf4qNSfOKXxcHCukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhm0GljCLCpR6b0ld3rBm_W9ddAcWaWn8iFXoEcAdl8fyK5FbN_jDHW_PM5n3UfLvBZ-7mOdCeWWaOULRLsysuRy3cMDDPXioMYuLRxynFGwh66g5c-2_Vp3ochCCNwZUsLGEqgxFJwKE/s800/IMG_7483.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We negotiated at Rs. 100 per head for a 18 mins ride by hiring an entire boat and fitting 11 people on it (half of them children so was fine). Life jackets being compulsory is a good thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not that anyone showed us what to do in case of emergency.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rzzh-rjiFl4mcs2edo2qHiukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XJom9sB-fNA/Ul_wysB-MBI/AAAAAAAAI3c/DycS1-ZrNCc/s640/IMG_7489.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some views from the boat:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XR9T5jphlTZOeFTaPiSojSukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5xh8aAzeFWM/Ul_w6f7X4dI/AAAAAAAAI3s/0vGvSE0Pxoo/s800/IMG_7491.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/35Rog04O7Dq-S0JRBj0k1SukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bv59DM5M3U/Ul_w9ZyibsI/AAAAAAAAI30/AWbsSK0C-54/s800/IMG_7492.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KOWEB6lz_RrWMY8OwbNk5SukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JlbzwH854Fo/Ul_xCVhmIhI/AAAAAAAAI38/pLTWMzK2evU/s800/IMG_7493.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shows the wall of Pavana dam:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RDl93NV0SXOsLYR5VKiX-SukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgR7F9f9JP0/Ul_xFRGC7qI/AAAAAAAAI4E/h7HIJnk_pCI/s640/IMG_7494.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some islands within the lake:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5ivLWAlh9ub8-GxMRodQ5iukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-clQoJeBDdbo/Ul_xgyOlZfI/AAAAAAAAI5E/q5P0xklUpwQ/s800/IMG_7502.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YOofE0EB-wXiW5QLQI-yfCukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eHmaX2wvoJw/Ul_xj9-QaUI/AAAAAAAAI5M/fIqPboIDuWc/s800/IMG_7503.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Towards the end of our voyage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YjgquusAG_uthNWFZvUJZSukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvKjjuYLAiR4y3I267RtEBlNRHfJFXrBjSvhhq7putLAcXJUroSzKtPoxtXkNDoJ7EORMjI_z5I0iBhpYnml_Um2OW72Q1EFZ2TctB3x-U-R8hIqiWxwSU4jJzLPHI6i_bPMf6DkW5Hj0/s800/IMG_7505.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you drive a little further from the boating point; you can get a view of the dam. Entry is restricted so can only be seen from the outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QF_YSEHRo9RpQhEcljL0fSukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R2uaPEhN7YY/Ul_yBLaKfRI/AAAAAAAAI6E/WZJ7LneMtlo/s800/IMG_7510.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YVCoTd5IY8uoXZEW4Dcd9CukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqFfB3ddpIgK9GoFHoBBjP13IUDtzQjtTcBBITOIZz8o4IPRZMp1o5CegM55GF3hotW41Vv44ZfRMiZJ83ikvib3NWIsx3Afow_9WPT2-S56Ck3DtZuZUbGkXEu4WXBc3K4zvU2uTTOQy/s800/IMG_7514.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-2752756905929901412013-10-16T23:50:00.000+05:302013-11-26T22:49:06.937+05:30Valley's With A Name: Khandala's Tiger and Lonavala's Lion<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tiger Valley</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Located in Khandala in the beginning as soon as you cross over the ghat; has magnificent views of the valley. Almost anyone travelling to Pune will never have missed it. Although seen several times over, never really had stopped to see it. It's best observed from Old Mumbai-</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pune highway since that is at a greater height.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of scenes from the valley:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v8RtP3TBWNxMGbWnHPAN0CukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RjxT5TGY4r4/Ul_rlrwbYNI/AAAAAAAAIr8/R_TubqE8hhE/s640/IMG_7387.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XfGIY3f5tXG86dHTLF3hBiukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CcK2oW5A-Sc/Ul_rt315CHI/AAAAAAAAIsU/NywKcEGCtDM/s640/IMG_7390.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See those rain clouds below us. Well i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t started raining soon and had to take cover in some restaurants there. Waited for sometime but the rains only increased and hence had to go back. Couldn't get more shots after that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lion Point</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one's in Lonavala further along the route of Bushi Dam. This is the valley dividing Pune and Raigad districts. I find it much more beautiful than the Tiger valley (maybe because the flowers reminds me of the "Valley of Flowers").</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clouds warning us about repeat of the previous day valley view:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JQbewvY5F_CMyd79SkcymyukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV0pE61KLHY/Ul_tYTsiAJI/AAAAAAAAIv0/cOEtVEiydmM/s640/IMG_7420.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some beautiful views of the valley:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4n6Y5tC-BbNGXFQhI1nLsCukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tc1Ub8hIshs/Ul_th6aU9WI/AAAAAAAAIwM/SwnHc8bdE4w/s800/IMG_7423.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DAsL5ZbOsBYK8rPw8XWg-yukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6Xo6v9sxn0yLm7TuLtCMoIAsq5xmB2WFxOxdZJFbBL5PGuivSDL_GfO9Ixz6aWjo5V8MBQKpWNY1FDrxafnSsJJLkl49IjQ7z18TBZCLdHOKSYkluSlE7Gxq2tbAdTJ5tCYFYoh_tQ6Y/s800/IMG_7429.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9iJ7q73BDKXbvog8I43apCukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4gc4PCXUDPQ/Ul_t5gnvz4I/AAAAAAAAIw8/iasAqxIvdVo/s800/IMG_7431.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/orSKhxxnGOQkCDZ8jxKusyukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a11ulv6-dUk/Ul_uSGeF7NI/AAAAAAAAIx8/8tBU8pAxyC8/s800/IMG_7439.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eRCMlBjDZsnGocy1bHP7oSukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nQziKjhJEl5bvptLzAMXYayEPACr87OeOO81f4nAyaFuw0Rxw3zT9CwvqWfuRtkWenHs_1zhkwbet8_DJuA2MjGgRFS44AIqAqhg_twyVp5jDONd3wmvuR7sqRmHDl_X2ZP6UTAeKvLJ/s800/IMG_7441.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7WwHlb7lc6jJikTM7rIlAyukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-estwShG30aI/Ul_udJVYzSI/AAAAAAAAIyU/N6hinlY0cPg/s800/IMG_7442.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6pVtwsaq4_jYxH72yCJR1yukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DyinIjDLcXU/Ul_um9e7ghI/AAAAAAAAIys/ruLb1L369AQ/s800/IMG_7445.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MQDhwCfkPplDdEjpWQYDfCukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8rFpP1klFEQ/Ul_uwu5OX8I/AAAAAAAAIzE/ouS2P2dObRE/s800/IMG_7448.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Shivaji/Shivsagar lake can be seen in the distance. This is where the naval base of INS Shivaji is located.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Valvan Dam</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a dam we see from the Expressway after crossing Lonavala towards the right side. We tried to go in there but there was no permission to enter it. Maybe we took the wrong route and this wasn't the entrance or maybe the dam isn't open for public. Anyways there is a hill near Waksai village which you can trek to get fascinating views of the dam and surrounding areas. This hill was very close to where we were staying. However, our trek never materialized.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cy-1yZsvwsLTP_4JZKrMpiukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Il68Ls2O-_0/Ul_rHhLhpFI/AAAAAAAAIq8/FiTgYsa5sqQ/s800/IMG_7377.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Reywood Park</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not really a trip to mention since we went there post sunset. Obvious that no one was around and it was also drizzling a bit. The only things I could click were some flowers and this weird tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ScafFUsNwt5OhfDl8Dcz1CukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pn0xPWfgd8g/Ul_uyuraOQI/AAAAAAAAIzM/lTAWl-sRRHI/s800/IMG_7449.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wn8mw2OGA6YS7AK1MTJ1MSukZN9e9EVZGK6_ebCNBig?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GVMo5PbEfVY/Ul_vIeRTDgI/AAAAAAAAI0M/Y7pQ8erejDg/s800/IMG_7459.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-71667909634092601772012-06-09T21:43:00.000+05:302013-12-28T23:47:50.279+05:30Unexplored Murud: Khoda Beach & Jetty<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Khoda is a small village between Murud-Janjira and Rajpur. To reach proceed on the way to Janjira fort, and just as you cross the bridge you will come to a village. Take a left or ask someone for directions to the jetty and you'll reach there. The beach/jetty overlooks the Janjira fort too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B7klqrbO_0qjgNr-LJmZJ0s1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5GTGA7zH5Fg/UPpr5iFgTjI/AAAAAAAAB0g/JAM2sCtRNSE/s800/IMG_5856.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ePUKnkbKpG8GckY2InI4Us1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rgdErLFISmQ/UPpr78iUQwI/AAAAAAAAB0s/6MbRQWHrdEU/s800/IMG_5858.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Jetty</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The village has a small virgin beach (which possibly might get nearly sunk during high tide) and a jetty. This jetty now in ruins used to be frequently used earlier by ships sailing in from Mumbai and other places to Murud. It might have been even used to go to-and-fro to the fort before the Rajpur village came into existence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now it's only used by fishermen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The jetty area:</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AY4EQ6-qmBVxtr3TI7xUuks1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FeOM_aeJFuU/UPpsFd9dJ1I/AAAAAAAAB1c/I4hFyUtuKp8/s800/IMG_5864.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Boats that were used half a century ago. My aunt said these were the very boats in which she travelled during her childhood.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KTqSLrXoHzKlOaTtevUgHks1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lkoaRp5j-Ec/UPpsIUQSA4I/AAAAAAAAB1s/pV0GljRHwmw/s800/IMG_5866.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jetty jetting out:</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/261EjCueoRIXOG9_AypE4Es1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JTyF9chhW1g/UPpsK0eajmI/AAAAAAAAB18/k7UJ95oKps0/s800/IMG_5868.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ad5ddl5UZ2zvlysb98xFwks1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8UmVAsNK8o/UPpsZEIcZdI/AAAAAAAAB3E/7DuYaCypGF4/s800/IMG_5877.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Zoomed view of Janjira from jetty:</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jj-r41Wzd-vSwGHr-nqkJEs1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q5F2MmPww18/UPpsMRSpZBI/AAAAAAAAB2E/G8mkzZnkenM/s800/IMG_5869.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Barnacles all around the rocky part of sea-shore. Note these are very sharp so better not go into the rocky part:</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v29uz7Kt7fHnnl1T8hwOcks1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE8o4Ob_mjk/UPpsQXTft9I/AAAAAAAAB2U/K1QAF58aQ9g/s800/IMG_5871.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hill behind the jetty:</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/98Co10jVrHtRlgHJXqyekUs1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kxvRA1rzoJw/UPpsSF9p5MI/AAAAAAAAB2c/zt1QM9ThPFw/s800/IMG_5872.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The beach of Khoda</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nice, small and clean. That's no garbage in the pic, just shells.</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YxdtijSe0-jQonKUTdOshEs1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N0TklrDaqXg/UPpssiTt5eI/AAAAAAAAB4M/nRqDTGdZv7s/s800/IMG_5886.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1QtauMQVO0EGTeR3EqGIO0s1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XO86a7NcmHs/UPpstyg3mDI/AAAAAAAAB4U/vmrc7peeSfk/s800/IMG_5887.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fine beautiful brownish-white sand</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kHY07-haLbi9WdH4xwz4F0s1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWPfK4O4bGs/UPpsuk16WMI/AAAAAAAAB4c/-gaJN_q8-FU/s800/IMG_5888.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XfgIQDlvCxTiDRBcF0QwEks1DpmglOC-U9_-fhudKek?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lEEjHtrIbZo/UPps0cv55ZI/AAAAAAAAB4w/93TbuIp45Nk/s800/IMG_5891.jpg" width="800" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had gone just at sunrise time and I think it was a perfect time to come at this place.</span><br />
<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-56802694594183355782011-12-27T21:49:00.000+05:302012-01-02T23:37:11.534+05:30Anjanvel - Fish, Fort, Sea and Lighthouse<br />
Anjanvel village is under 20 kms from <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/guhagar-beach-ratnagiri.html">Guhagar</a>. It's also near from Dabhol village; infact midway between the two.<br />
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Anjanvel is a sleepy village but it does have some great beauty. There are no options to live or dine here; so you can explore this place while using Guhagar as a base. Reasons to visit this place:<br />
1. Gopalgad Fort<br />
2. Spectacular views of the sea (with lots of fishes jumping around).<br />
3. Tolkeshwar Lighthouse.<br />
4. Dabhol Power Plant (formerly Enron).<br />
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<b>Dabhol Power Plant</b><br />
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From Guhagar, head towards Dabhol and mid-way there will be a diversion towards Anjanvel village in the west (near power plant).<br />
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Strange thing is that the power plant is very near to Anjanvel rather than Dabhol and it should have been named after this village.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pyd0pArkRj0PYW_RGXYVUPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LmpyXROmtuM/TvyQ4PlqC_I/AAAAAAAAA3w/99Zq_G9C47k/s640/IMG_5071.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n9bTDWIFIq2357tIJ8Y5APysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h3hjJ7iSxv4/TvyQ6NLlcmI/AAAAAAAAA34/gnE-HWUBkVs/s400/IMG_5072.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<b>Anjanvel village</b><br />
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There is no real sandy beach near the village. It's actually just red soil all around. It clean though with lots of broken and shapeless shells as seen below.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GQVTnH82Uez2CTMqQOKQGfysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rjwtyt84seo/TvyQ83qx5nI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/-s9Ju7hpaNg/s640/IMG_5074.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WxiRXxKfC8iVYcTT6wo4QPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3gjk0tbOkEk/TvyRBbtLDdI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Z-91d8i_lyo/s640/IMG_5079.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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View of Gopalgad fort from the village:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i9wlongh8fXjUTQ2rMJsLPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1cBNGNnyc7c/TvyQ_KgwdQI/AAAAAAAAA4k/LX9VC5yWArg/s640/IMG_5076.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Gopalgad fort</b><br />
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This fort was originally built by Adilshah of Bijapur and later changed hands many times. It is situated on a hill that offers commanding views of the sea around it including Dabhol creek. Much of the fortification of the fort remains strong even now; but there is hardly anything left inside the fort.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LaWKjNq1PGh7JT_Kw9EEt_ysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3UE3aEL6tI/TvyRHHmqZPI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/CluPHyiNe7I/s640/IMG_5083.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q8cSHMK9wlNnQcQp99kga_ysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MwBFwQJADko/TvyQ7nThDQI/AAAAAAAAA4E/QqyJcDanlrA/s640/IMG_5085.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There are trenches all around the fort about 2 metres in depth.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hCwxjdcEHnCDYR4Ru-suaPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-15Al029j8dw/TvyRcUdBPJI/AAAAAAAAA50/wv--z9XJT-w/s640/IMG_5087.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Some views inside the fort:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5aIPGRl4URjWZ6d338sDaPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m6rIXXF8knE/TvyRpx-HUHI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/RoEFskEyyKA/s640/IMG_5096.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hEqMYizL4hOU479wMi32LPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RL-qbzgGEHw/TvyRo_V9QSI/AAAAAAAAA7E/v1AxANb2Ckk/s640/IMG_5093.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ZU2Z-gB5Ko3DRoX1M4WKfysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ffhnSWmNzLk/TvySI-_sj0I/AAAAAAAAA-E/GaUF7FlRsvU/s640/IMG_5124.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MtYEuHx77qw3eUYMugAYHfysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X_FUXkQFeRo/TvyR0cVXp1I/AAAAAAAAA8E/vw6WwWHEnXg/s800/IMG_5111.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Another entrance form the hill-side:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yt8-K7cmIaBQsyTvuXQdQfysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Y059ELfQw4/TvySA_dYiKI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/B70Oeyrt9T0/s800/IMG_5120.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uPzdxIk4hjutV6l6H6I3APysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P--eHkIFVA8/TvySIHzPKuI/AAAAAAAAA98/Cis9nJR8T_s/s800/IMG_5127.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>Sea-views from the fort</b><br />
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Head southwards from the fort entrance and you get a million-dollar view of the sea. It's ways to beautiful that the pictures fail to present the true beauty. Also you can see fishes jumping around including Dolphins.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qtXzqW-2iwp9ZcsITmIvOfysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jbQygydewJ0/TvySTPtEiHI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/bH3K7mceiac/s800/IMG_5137.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fm03E6A1eOTUsswNdrn9NPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ChHxkUIUBC8/TvySUnSnFRI/AAAAAAAAA_k/l8paYdojga4/s800/IMG_5143.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IISbXjq3TR4TYZtRct1_8vysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dAJijyOt6Xk/TvySR6HzIoI/AAAAAAAAA_I/mcuqqDNvQ9c/s800/IMG_5133.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Views of the Fort:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B7yNLvjl8sn0CGMCUyeK8vysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4SKLZVpaA8c/TvySNSAP4GI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Nkq4KrQMQEY/s640/IMG_5132.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yTJ4DPPvK_bNmWQqk-xdgPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PrK8-zPifkM/TvySYdZozFI/AAAAAAAAA_8/m2VB3Chsd88/s800/IMG_5146.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>Tolkeshwar Lighthouse</b><br />
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Lighthouse is on a red-soil road that connects with the road leading to Gopalgad fort. It is normally open between 15 - 16.30 hours only. Charges are Rs. 10 per head. The manager gives you an overview of the purpose and machinery used.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dJYcIK_XbgOWsC-fb56TT_ysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zRCpKSnaKGU/TvySiVsTVKI/AAAAAAAABBA/qHM0kJ25ZhY/s640/IMG_5162.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Views from the cliff near Lighthouse<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6E9ipqYAFqGbuBq2uNd1c_ysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3jfZ5Qdmkzk/TvySlBMHL1I/AAAAAAAABBU/5AYuyu7w3Gw/s800/IMG_5163.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IeVy_cPSZttR6SxI6CrofvysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-57arek6OE-U/TvySokXnkEI/AAAAAAAABBo/x-qcQK61EcQ/s800/IMG_5166.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sjPDSo5ZFzSGiGvay3tI5PysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5EFje4SIDNg/TvySk9JuNcI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Ae8T2P54Hvo/s800/IMG_5164.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Cy92u5OjAxZiN2k5WTxAfysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rZK5UYsp_Vg/TvySsL47J4I/AAAAAAAABCE/LYOVwob1gQs/s800/IMG_5171.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O1WRkENsHUonXhdSliiPuPysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q0c_enhClGM/TvySvl_dqCI/AAAAAAAABCY/IBNz-X3CctQ/s800/IMG_5173.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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View from the top of the Lighthouse with the breakwater wall in the sea:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ltvvGJG6qwDoxlTuzscoSvysUSHckZr0dhrqpk_tZIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_q7a_HeKrW8/TvyTF3XApZI/AAAAAAAABFI/5xO7R2yMGiQ/s800/IMG_5230.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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After completing this trip, we headed to Pune through Chiplun using Koyna road.<br />
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<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-8685352489802220632011-12-26T19:18:00.000+05:302011-12-31T23:00:19.314+05:30Guhagar Beach, Ratnagiri<br />
After our stay in <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/around-dapoli-murud-ladghar-beaches.html">Dapoli</a>, we moved towards Guhagar using the ferry service at <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/dabhol-shahi-masjid-and-ferry-to.html">Dabhol</a>. This ferry saves you almost 50 km road and since it carries vehicles too, there can be nothing better than that.<br />
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Guahagar is a beach facing small town, very little commercialized and even in this peak season had only a few tourists.<br />
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We reached the place in afternoon and had no bookings done for stay; praying that we get some place to stay.<br />
Maybe because it was a Monday, we got two dormitories in an managed MTDC house named Kinara. The cost is a pretty decent one of Rs 200 per head for stay. Good that we could explore our options for food on our own.<br />
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<b>Fields behind our Hotel:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0_C8-um7Jhsx-jNLFOtC7iw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wvuskr2ZvBM/Tvyauz_de-I/AAAAAAAABYA/Xkbvk6mbD08/s800/IMG_4776.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>A Kingfisher sitting on the tree nearby:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ni-Yblx4M17LR6DiSClCgyw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rOlKCpQ-emM/Tvyaoz2KwmI/AAAAAAAABXg/zz0ZKWSwcjA/s640/IMG_4773.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We had our lunch at some famous hotel named Annapurna. For whatever reason it is famous as serving good fish, it no way comes near even serving fresh fish. Food was fine but fish wasn't good. So if you're looking for some sea-food, I would recommend you give this hotel a miss.<br />
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In the evening we went to the beach. It wasn't much crowded at all. Beach is pretty much clean with little activities around.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5TiUPxnNQ9gPlUzMihNSVSw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-evhMfwZ89RY/TvyayB-htkI/AAAAAAAABYU/bKmUmXPLKys/s800/IMG_4778.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6lCf4USNGdJWefMLpbzzxiw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AfMSAGpGmUs/Tvyax9ZsYDI/AAAAAAAABYQ/YOjRuuL7lAM/s800/IMG_4781.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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As usual we made a run for the water; here again the water is safe with light waves. It doesn't slope much so you can go in to quite a depth.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Oijg3mwtZI_luyU5KyZ-yw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8XVqPIn9alc/TvybRqQxOAI/AAAAAAAABbo/uns1534FsPQ/s640/IMG_4810.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XerrtjL6Bh7C_ssn-jbcOyw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hVCByqIj63Y/TvybwpORpSI/AAAAAAAABec/m20HiPLqYN8/s640/IMG_4838.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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After sunset, we returned back. We had coconut water on the beach which costs a mind-blowing Rs 20; more than what I get in Vashi. But since he was the monopoly and there wasn't any other option, we took it.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RZ6TLptKW3FMmoMpjpo0Wiw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_iwnsJ_UzUI/Tvyc4TmdFYI/AAAAAAAABmU/LuE2AXkC9fI/s800/IMG_4961.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>At night, we had a barbecued dinner of chickens.</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IPVoZjatruIWJ9igF2vReCw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z2PpVUkiTUo/TvydE9VyhDI/AAAAAAAABns/QU_MKwqsloM/s640/IMG_4979.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Early next morning we want for a stroll of the beach before sunrise. It looked even more cleaner and obviously calmer now.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/onZk3aZCR7C0JTUFzWQNviw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XbQWUjgZ3Z4/TvydeFmkjCI/AAAAAAAABrQ/_bSazeKdq6Y/s800/IMG_5012.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a3B2225VGauf3j5DJKU6Hiw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gwz4tySJUrU/TvydlGhXXiI/AAAAAAAABsI/MM-DxBTb-WU/s800/IMG_5019.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KqWDum4zQdANJi1u3EY8eCw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7FrYItZq-Y/Tvyd5uqsf2I/AAAAAAAABug/LiNsA7jwErE/s640/IMG_5042.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We returned back post sunrise and had our breakfast at some dhaba in front of Hotel Rajgad. Breakfast options are limited but it was good enough.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u-CRcUbVjMIsFcPnuOpUYSw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pBVaDgq_cxs/Tvyd9_gtS8I/AAAAAAAABu4/PchS9oCraCs/s800/IMG_5044.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rddvh-tF8lZaAmiljPagMyw7u_c_Zhr8Sa_WeOAgY60?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WTkNuLlWjq8/TvyeAU13LFI/AAAAAAAABvQ/oNEKhT9F4_0/s800/IMG_5047.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We checked out at 10.30 and headed to <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/anjanvel-fish-fort-sea-and-lighthouse.html">Anjanvel</a>.<br />
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<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-66308437973938340832011-12-26T10:00:00.000+05:302011-12-31T23:11:32.170+05:30Dabhol - Shahi Masjid and Ferry to Guhagar<br />
From <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/around-dapoli-murud-ladghar-beaches.html">Dapoli</a>, we started towards <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/guhagar-beach-ratnagiri.html">Guhagar</a>. The road distance is about 100 km. However, there is a ferry service connecting Dabhol and Dhopve villages over the Dabhol creek which cuts the distance by half.<br />
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The ferry service is not just for carrying people but it carries vehicles too. The charges are Rs. 10 per head and Rs. 50 per car/ SUV.<br />
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Although it did not save much time as we had a 45 minutes waiting time for the ferry, I think it gives a good break from the road driving and breaks the monotonousness.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xLzVFyia10P-ofSPzcWraBPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r0biFHDI9C0/TvyW1zqezkI/AAAAAAAABKM/j_FhJWRRHCc/s640/IMG_4696.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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During the waiting time, I wandered around the village and stumbled upon this historical masjid.<br />
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<b>Shahi Masjid</b><br />
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Nicknamed Anda Masjid because of it's oval shaped white dome; this masjid was built by a wife of Adilshah.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Is3xOYaiPIexq8Sq5qpcahPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eX-y3jSeObE/TvyWNiygkrI/AAAAAAAABGY/fb8JSa6lO8c/s800/IMG_4662.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BGKvaHcSRcBx70auDXz_OxPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqpGENAisZM/TvyWQuwYkfI/AAAAAAAABGw/lPVkD5jiXAA/s800/IMG_4664.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8sB6rQQFaHeMcW1wwKcYdxPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWCKl877Kac/TvyXJe1BeMI/AAAAAAAABMo/HOVzV1t-8Jw/s640/IMG_4712.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OCDjsF6bjRG2JtwXPIe7wxPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ztoFL8DuItc/TvyYM2gDywI/AAAAAAAABS0/WWdwCWWuwrY/s400/IMG_4672.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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The structure is badly damaged and in need of repairs but it is still standing completely. There has been some encroachment by shopkeepers over the graveyard area as seen below.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/awjJSwxvAs1S6DYMekOy8hPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NdoFQJtP7c4/TvyWPlWuwEI/AAAAAAAABGk/khXZFP8SS3U/s640/IMG_4661.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Close up views:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WO2eAts6j1H0MdnI7EBAHRPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xq7oOttcDIw/TvyWbowb2BI/AAAAAAAABH0/-6sgkQd0FRY/s640/IMG_4675.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FkO_6qYvUczNPuUWIiABPRPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vzjBwXfzczc/TvyWhrofynI/AAAAAAAABIc/db27d6Ni6ek/s640/IMG_4679.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The masjid appears to be in use and since we had time, we prayed over there.<br />
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Inside views:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gu5UutTrRlsmAzjiVCRt-RPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Eu3x60FlYrA/TvyXMwwiboI/AAAAAAAABM8/w7ujMLmgoaE/s640/IMG_4713.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lJiKrK3jr1rYBBOyMkpYoxPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uwx16Kfx2f0/TvyXLtWlkjI/AAAAAAAABM4/gSf-8wM2lG0/s640/IMG_4715.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The boundary wall that caught my attention and leading to this discovery:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/es_SZpO5hk9uV1Dukd9tZxPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S7Df61U5SpM/TvyWKq1WcYI/AAAAAAAABGI/zxkjetLhqPk/s640/IMG_4660.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Ferry Trip</b><br />
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Waiting in queue for ferry.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZaSAdYVGhrlFkCr4NLdxTxPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S-bYBpez8-M/TvyW9vcSHqI/AAAAAAAABLU/1dGNxinzZZo/s800/IMG_4704.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IcDsP_nnZJHukpCwHQ2PMBPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-83t9mVbUO1U/TvyXC0v2vQI/AAAAAAAABLw/Dnw7xLi5NWM/s640/IMG_4705.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-eOq4nDRAfNdWE3s1g-uTBPU6A4SLt25A1tHoxWnSMs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fZBThoCrQtU/TvyXiEN-arI/AAAAAAAABQU/JFlybF2ZziM/s800/IMG_4741.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We landed at Dhopave and continued the road travel to <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/guhagar-beach-ratnagiri.html">Guhagar</a>.<br />
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</b>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-36048127489022916742011-12-25T21:35:00.000+05:302011-12-31T23:02:45.833+05:30Around Dapoli – Murud & Ladghar beaches<b><br />
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<b>The Travel</b><br />
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Dapoli is a town in Ratnagiri district. It is somewhat of a hill station as it is some height above sea-level. It is not exactly at the sea but very close to a number of beaches within 10-15 kms.<br />
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Following is the route undertaken from Vashi. Significant towns are mentioned:<br />
Vashi -> Mangaon -> Lonere Fata -> Goregaon -> Ambet -> Mandangad -> Kherdi -> Dapoli<br />
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The drive after Lonere Fata is great. The views are scenic, there are hardly any other vehicles around and the only points of congestion are through some large villages. Much of the path is through twists and turns of hills, but the roads are good and you are usually the only person driving around.<br />
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<b>Stay at Aryawarta</b><br />
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As far as location and connectivity is concerned this is a great place to live. It is nearby to the Dapoli S.T. Depot.<br />
Situated on a hill, you get to have your own spacious bungalows with huge gardens around it.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xhdJHReM6ubs896JIe2XDKfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xkq68bzohEg/TvyQChfB6sI/AAAAAAAAA2s/1lt1AojUZjI/s800/IMG_4571.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wshaFoDCKTPSy-4YMFP9Jafr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ol8KK1kSTnE/TvyReWOLk5I/AAAAAAAAA6E/a1IHzGyHlyI/s640/IMG_4599.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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However, the stay is bundled with food and the food here is pathetic. Not just me, but everyone else found it the same. Since there is no option to drop food, the per head cost of Rs. 1100 is on the higher side. Better to have a place for staying only and keep your dining options open.<br />
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We had to book it since it was peak season and we were not sure if we would get a place anywhere else. This one was available to be booked online and hence went with the option.<br />
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<b>Murud Beach</b><br />
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This is Murud in Ratnagiri district which is frequently confused with Murud-Janjira in Raigad district. Murud is a vast and clean beach and possibly the most popular one in this area.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PlNQqksDE-uRHe5YvNv_3Kfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m0ZbrcM5GuE/TvyMsRCy6OI/AAAAAAAAAys/4CAURT4uzOo/s800/IMG_4490.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rrn060c6NoZgPE48oA6azqfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VWIJ7XbKaO0/TvyLuywdJbI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OYYqjdxNxec/s800/IMG_4475.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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The beach is very flat and safe one with the waves having little force. Many sports activities like boating, banana ride, water-scooter, parasailing etc. are available on the beach.<br />
There are many options of staying near the sea too.<br />
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We spent sometime in the water till sunset. You can go in to quite a distance as the ground is nearly flat and doesn't steepen.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SrqpfQ_xxGZ5jGzys8fttqfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sAn_VKCPDKw/TvyOZH7TApI/AAAAAAAAA0s/Ocs8obXoFKU/s800/IMG_4522.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vXE5Mr5Hius_ZlWJQaWECKfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K_sq0SvfTWw/TvyPlxRGbRI/AAAAAAAAA2E/G49bXxGMLys/s800/IMG_4561.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Murud along with Karde represents some commercialized beaches near Dapoli and there are good no. of options to stay and dine.<br />
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<b>Ladghar Beach</b><br />
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We went to Ladghar beach early in the morning. This beach along with the Borondi beach is extremely clean and not commercialized.<br />
Too bad we never had enough time to swim in this beach.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Y4YpgtU1ycCkyZbcu0lTKfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xogJGkVGwZo/TvyZRHmfhYI/AAAAAAAABTk/pcMPv5PIqcg/s800/IMG_4635.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bCJMtV3bqO-IGN6rb_ASDKfr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UHckHoB_TBI/TvyW74MRs1I/AAAAAAAABLA/_eL6E9dBNd8/s800/IMG_4614.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VGwGzacxa6tBy-TDGTmiD6fr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nZlYPLAIMFI/TvyXAVRVfkI/AAAAAAAABLg/iJXJuYcCrLY/s800/IMG_4615.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lvOA5UGi_HZbcJk1Hl-JAafr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hQU_ClUg508/TvyX35BOW6I/AAAAAAAABSc/vOwj6gIwLJc/s640/IMG_4628.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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They say that the sea appears red here; atleast no hint in the morning of any such weird colours.<br />
Spotting Dolphins is one of the things available here as well as in Murud & Karde. The cost is Rs. 100 per head.<br />
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What I really missed in this trip is visit to Harnai/ Harne and the 4 forts present there especially Suvarnadurg.<br />
Suvarnadurg can be seen from as far away from Murud beach:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UXV3UlA9pDWpfcmk-iYM06fr9O-CHw0Xg813QkCJo2E?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-vkyQHDQ0M/TvyNE4JzmnI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/iwezaPYt0KA/s640/IMG_4502.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We checked out at 10.30 from Aryawarta and headed to <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/guhagar-beach-ratnagiri.html">Guhagar </a>via <a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2011/12/dabhol-shahi-masjid-and-ferry-to.html">Dabhol</a>.<br />
<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-14641848275370166672011-09-04T17:12:00.000+05:302011-09-12T22:13:35.757+05:30The Lone Fort in Navi Mumbai: Belapur Fort/ Shehbaz Killa<br />
Finally, after planning for months of visiting this place; in-spite of being the closest fort to my home; the visit materialized one rainy September weekend.<br />
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The major reason for wanting to go to this place was because it was built by the Siddi's, some distant relative. So I set out with my cousin on a drive to the fort.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vKyukdYVJBnfsaXmCkIDAiosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s1bv_k06r_w/TmycxW5EjoI/AAAAAAAAAuM/vSwoOpTiN7M/s640/03092011%252528006%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The fort lies at Palm Beach Marg, at Ulwe junction.<br />
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I could only find the watch tower of the fort. The fort actually lies somewhere on the hill-lock behind it. The watch tower itself was covered in such dense vegetation; the only reason I could find it because I had seen it several times from the road. Anyways, atleast we could explore the watch tower.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Eygr-j9NgIbg1a6hJrWnUCosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="763" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6QKhiIDZnaU/TmymSBxDQ5I/AAAAAAAAAxA/EYXK1CNQHoA/s800/Map.JPG" width="744" /></a><br />
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The main fort that lies on the hill-lock was next to impossible to search. Thanks to CIDCO/ NMMC, the hill-lock where the fort is situated is majorly covered with housing projects; I doubt if the fort exists now and even if does there is no idea of the condition. The huge amount of construction work coupled with dense vegetation made it sure that I couldn't find the remains of the fort and had to be contended with just the watch tower.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DSXTCOL3OTDWWcYafbloIyosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J5Y_R5NoVUA/TmydUw2IqII/AAAAAAAAAu4/D0YuqWLMuVk/s640/03092011%252528026%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The watch tower looks safe as of now from the construction around since it has been attached to a public garden maintained by the NMMC. It was camouflaged with dense vegetation thanks to the monsoon season.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lFzR4-fjaJfi2egIHu3ytSosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5dDHsOH8zdw/TmydSSxud6I/AAAAAAAAAu0/6zOOn6TTJ1o/s800/03092011%252528023%252529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Moving closer to it, we could see some steps. Although it was covered in vegetation still the curiosity to explore led me into going there.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2yC6tFsnwGCi1Bot0ZW5Jiosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9SDDp6OyRk8/TmyeABIwobI/AAAAAAAAAvY/aBx3Or4UI8o/s800/03092011%252528039%252529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4417k6MtJ0vlG8a1Gfah6Sosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-osxWEJN9q-E/TmyePDpuEYI/AAAAAAAAAvg/IlfuyKtmqf4/s800/03092011%252528041%252529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>Entrance of the watch tower:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZXXzkxecOKiqGak_vGko3yosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ucRZ6WiuB8k/Tmyeejo3NPI/AAAAAAAAAvs/Ipnu1JBXiVY/s640/03092011%252528045%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Some random clicks around the tower</b>:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0ldNbiYdRa06yOt4e-5cqCosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PIRBInOAjUQ/Tmyeo1RNKgI/AAAAAAAAAvw/hjovucT18Bk/s640/03092011%252528046%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LUP8BmWiaqNiwDYmQCOi6Cosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gGnXIx1wkRY/TmyeutcTMMI/AAAAAAAAAv4/eBVLOfoSNjE/s640/03092011%252528048%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1BGfgvqHfmddYxmSmzaK1Cosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YmqJ_9wq1Bg/Tmye1ednDFI/AAAAAAAAAwA/d3xPxmIxG88/s640/03092011%252528050%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z3AWH7jk9XPHLIu389ivuiosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T60CTTcnvVw/TmyfQEWuePI/AAAAAAAAAwY/WST_ITukCv8/s640/03092011%252528058%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nj4FnVsIOxcz7wGJIfT2GSosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SEXrndGZntg/Tmyf2RfKo1I/AAAAAAAAAww/-pAKTyU1MDw/s640/03092011%252528064%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Since, we did not have a proper camera and only a cellphone one, the inside of the tower could not be captured. Inside there is a 2-3 storeys structure but we couldn't find any steps to go upstairs, probably must have collapsed.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ti6v77o1CorynLzVktfy6iosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Du3mVkbL6-w/TmyfOlOez5I/AAAAAAAAAwU/-AWXz3DF0_o/s800/03092011%252528057%252529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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That was pretty much it of the Belapur Fort Watch Tower. Probably need to search for the fort in some other season when there isn't so much vegetation.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/twwVbmX-6pdhw6uaTAEEUSosnl47pdcw6OQ5Vkt50Jk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DeoPMhchMEA/TmygN6iUk8I/AAAAAAAAAw8/AYhyuHdB2UE/s640/03092011%252528068%252529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2NRI Rd, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India19.008912184243691 73.02871942520141619.007035684243689 73.026251925201421 19.010788684243693 73.031186925201411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-27966643312970242522011-04-23T09:53:00.060+05:302014-04-05T12:52:20.949+05:30Unexplored Murud: The Khokri Tombs<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About 6 kms. from Murud-Janjira (and 1.5 kms. from Rajpuri) lies the Khokri (a.k.a Khokari) Tombs. They are just a km ahead from Rajpuri jetty where people board boats going to Janjira fort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will need to have your own vehicle to reach that place. Although you may get some local transport; you could struggle for the return journey since that place is secluded with no settlements nearby. Expect this to change after the construction of the Dighi-Agardanda port.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tombs are of the earliest Siddis (probably the black African descendants). There are 3 major tombs - One large and two smaller ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7oV4RVHmH33gV96eypKlp_mndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbZH2YArPxI/AAAAAAAAAtI/pLXKu0qYJn0/s800/IMG_3284.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cXg7XBOXZBAIFNQNV5fxVgrv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-khxfVgK_m98/UPps8uS3-QI/AAAAAAAAB5c/uuf2GY8wrjM/s800/IMG_5900.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U-V8rG_aO4o-qZxKyl7ivvmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbZH-CC2GnI/AAAAAAAAAtc/aA1Z6E5sV9s/s800/IMG_3290.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>There is also an unused Masjid next to the tombs:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l3-KNmaKqQ9_CQs5ZAs58Arv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ClDnWwGSsbE/UPptBRKTD7I/AAAAAAAAB50/3enDBmZef80/s800/IMG_5903.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ZT2gsT2ACj1CgaX9WtCQArv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fLv8iqEXOAg/UPptNYDBVjI/AAAAAAAAB7w/Ac1z0JqRZEk/s800/IMG_5910.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gUtwp007xaumnFZn3yDOzArv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4roYMIg2ZcU/UPptO7xZ2KI/AAAAAAAAB60/Ijgt2sfIIl4/s800/IMG_5911.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Closeup of the tombs:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7WpxW0DT6xjhENVrWQwAawrv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bncVLAiw1_o/UPptTnhkPXI/AAAAAAAAB7E/_lA44CAhog4/s800/IMG_5914.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xB7GSavgseqFuV5UWkbPDwrv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LB2zs2TfCzw/UPptih6A4JI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/-8DZFPN3Nis/s800/IMG_5924.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tomb mentioning the date as 1018 A.H. (1608 C.E.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7WpxW0DT6xjhENVrWQwAawrv8GmwDXfXNyy8XrfCuh4?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bncVLAiw1_o/UPptTnhkPXI/AAAAAAAAB7E/_lA44CAhog4/s800/IMG_5914.jpg" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Visit this place only if you are an archaeological/ historical/ architectural buff; else you may be disappointed.</span><br />
<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-75455127059151614422011-04-23T07:19:00.105+05:302011-05-01T18:25:58.013+05:30Unexplored Murud: Northern Part of Murud Beach<br />
It's close to impossible that anyone who has been to Murud has missed it's beach. The Beach is about 2-3 kms in length flanked by cliffs with the Nawab's Palace to the north and the Ekdaria river to the south.<br />
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However, most of the people visit the southern and central part of the beach; while ignoring th north. The main reason is because most places of stay and eateries are located there.<br />
Good for me, I usually find this stretch to be empty even if its some holiday weekend.<br />
I went to this beach just about at sunrise time. Sunrise is delayed thanks to the presence of a couple of hills in the east.<br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3118.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3118.jpg" /></a><br />
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The best part of northern beach is that it has:<br />
<ol>
<li>A completely sandy part.</li>
<li>A completely rocky part </li>
<li>A combination of part sandy-part rocky </li>
<li>Cliffs.</li>
</ol>
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<b>Sandy, Rocky and Cliffy part crested by the Siddi Nawab's Palace:</b><br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2966.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_2966.jpg" /></a></div>
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The sand here is more whiter than other parts. Am glad it's turning white again. The sand at Murud had become black due to an oil spill about a decade ago.<br />
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If you look at the opposite side of the sea, you can see this Masjid like structure at the top of the hill. It is the Eidgah (place were Eid prayers are held). Hence used only twice a year.<br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2957.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_2957.jpg" /></a>
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<b>And right in front towards the sea lies the Kasa Fort:</b><br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2960.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_2960.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Some images of the beach:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2981.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_2981.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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Since the tide was receding there were many pools of water formed at the sandy-rocky part.<br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3007.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3007.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3010.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3010.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3017.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3017.jpg" /></a><br />
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Some sea gulls hunting for fishes in these pools. They probably found something; my luck was bad couldn't find anything in the water to click.<br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3021.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3021.jpg" /></a><br />
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Be careful of the rocks though. Some of these rocks have Barnacles growing on them. The shells that they create on the rocks are extremely sharp and would cut your skin like a blade.<br />
<b>Some barnacles on the rocks:</b><br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3038.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3038.jpg" /></a><br />
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Near the rocky-sandy part, towards the land you will find some old ruins. These are part of the Nawab's Palace area (or rather used to be part of). Some are obviously houses (probably for servants) while many other structures are not so clear. They should be at least be a couple of hundred years old.<br />
The following one could possibly be a stable.<br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3048.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3048.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3025.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3025.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Some more images of life near the sea:</b><br />
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<b>A crab with its claws broken:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3094.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3094.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3095.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3095.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3100.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3100.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_3114.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_3114.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2996.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/fazeelkazi/Murud%20Beach%202011/IMG_2996.jpg" /></a></b><br />
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A word of caution: A major area of the rocky part gets submerged during high tide. So if you plan to go there be sure to know the time of tides (or if you can guess by looking at the sea). Visit it when the tide is receding else you could be fatally trapped between the cliffs and the sea.<br />
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<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-17385187720361157812011-04-22T13:42:00.151+05:302011-04-30T19:58:29.603+05:30Unexplored Murud: The Nawab Siddi's Palace<br />
On Friday I got an opportunity to explore the restricted palace from somewhat close distance thanks to the fact that the Nawab is some long-distance relative and Friday prayers are held in the Masjid inside.<br />
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I didn't explore the palace from inside and I think I made a big mistake of not seeking permission from the Nawab and losing this golden opportunity.<br />
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Anyways whatever I have explored is as follows:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Masjid</span><br />
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The Masjid was earlier not used, but now the Nawab has opened it up for public. Many people come here for Friday prayers now.<br />
There is one large tomb, next to the Masjid with some more graves behind. Probably this was the private graveyard of the Siddis.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EEqmls7-q-crXH3mwhB0s_mndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU3V6NlU_I/AAAAAAAAAok/TeQTS1PQkQc/s800/IMG_2895.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>The place for performing Wadhu:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sBgBv_vKdptkZnnjQF0nyvmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU3USPWfzI/AAAAAAAAAog/IVSVoAaCBoQ/s800/IMG_2894.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>View from the top of Masjid:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CwncGOn6uuiRjy0qILqosvmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU4CaL6WHI/AAAAAAAAApw/E7CWAHgX0rA/s800/IMG_2915.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Also present is some Dargah behind it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ruined Buildings</span><br />
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There are many dilapidated buildings in the area thanks to lack of maintainence.<br />
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<b>Some buildings are totally ruined like this one:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tCU1trDPvwZwkyyqEg0rhfmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU30ZmPA3I/AAAAAAAAApQ/P-mCgTUb42k/s800/IMG_2908.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<b>Others are still standing:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/plRqz3Fa1PlsSsMFUXH7S_mndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU4KJ80URI/AAAAAAAAAqA/PAPd-1XBFbo/s800/IMG_2919.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sVPA5fGTjnwKqUWKWe-rrvmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU41P_vagI/AAAAAAAAArc/ruuY7WtLbcs/s640/IMG_2944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>There is even a ruined fountain:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3vyqdF46YSlFVDwAClb8CvmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU4XEMU2tI/AAAAAAAAAqY/WHAlw6pmJIw/s800/IMG_2925.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Palace</span><br />
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This is one structure in the palace compound that is still standing properly and is well maintained obviously because the Nawab stays there.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ibujlE-5I1s" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>
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<b>The Nawab (on left) with my uncle:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z2dk4QxDfdTS_yI8_kRNpfmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU4fgMWk_I/AAAAAAAAAqw/N1A0J6h3nLY/s640/IMG_2930.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>A small canon in front of the palace:</b><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/phZvJR_5RgFghQJ9JIjRPfmndkqONy4sCTiigCGeCUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TbU4S32o0HI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/QVOg1HIQ-ss/s640/IMG_2923.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next time InshaAllah I will surely seek permission to explore the inside of the palace.<br />
<br />Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-4534014595679143312010-10-24T22:25:00.004+05:302010-10-26T13:00:56.304+05:30Castella de Aguada/ Bandra Fort<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the many forts in Mumbai, this one is located at the mouth of the Mithi river. Bandra fort along with the Mahim fort at the other side of river, once stood as strategic positions for the Portuguese.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exact location is next to Taj Land's End.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I set out one Sunday morning just after sunrise with my cousin Nazeef to have a look. Photos are not that clear since they are from a cellphone.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fort area is divided into 2 parts - the fort ruins and a garden.</span><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I. Fort Area:</span></u></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much of the fort remains. There is hardly any structure remaining; just an entrance, some walls and staircase.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entire view of fort with the sea link in the background:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bioDb1pOpOC1sc1TrDGqho2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_0O4-0BI/AAAAAAAAAiI/TPB_ONh-BC0/s800/DSC04145.JPG" width="800" /></a></span> <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some information at the site:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pcUImPF1kqM1yYG-qH6iWY2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_3Iikb_I/AAAAAAAAAic/QsTISGY962M/s800/DSC04150.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entrance of fort which bears marks of recent restoration work. Although restoration is good to strengthen it; it looks like it has been done in a crude way without any expert involved. If you observe the left portion of entrance; the brown part is the original fort and the greyish part is some concrete patchwork done.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3k5-IORiMLXm8pLogh8dpo2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_6E1sxgI/AAAAAAAAAiw/_9eVANNvhQw/s800/DSC04159.JPG" width="600" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-PvIHhFmgJmlbrtRIDPhso2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="558" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAdK6mjbI/AAAAAAAAAmc/5Ng67xt8NcI/s800/DSC04154a.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entry into the fort was blocked by a security guard. When asked the reason for the same, he said because many film shootings happen here they have permanently blocked that part.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nj5vy3vhDhsxevu0BqGFGI2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_5DEO1HI/AAAAAAAAAio/hrP6euc08KE/s800/DSC04155.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyways, there was an alternative way to climb up the fort through these stairs:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k4CUJCFhu-R8QTyT0jcNso2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAEGkG1uI/AAAAAAAAAj4/zrEKp-dUbco/s800/DSC04177.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sea link view from the top of fort:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NP6t_mbzRsDFHOf2bfbs-42aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_8JfI4qI/AAAAAAAAAjA/i_CYZD9iJ_k/s800/DSC04163.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c3PAoSHzuzM3cojoQRzRQI2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRACG2M-GI/AAAAAAAAAjw/ZyYWd-7VO1E/s800/DSC04174.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another flight of restored stairs:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MoQFRWwwcTFUiABTeyumlY2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ__Qkn3bI/AAAAAAAAAjc/3XIOu0136y4/s800/DSC04170.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taj Land's End from the fort:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KVvO2zXlwA8XPD-8oL4ZUY2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_9x8cxaI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/CBLM4iSx8nA/s400/DSC04167.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The adjoining garden:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TsCy_-7RhoNHWVWlYQ5d1o2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_-awSluI/AAAAAAAAAjU/FkWAcGU5Tuc/s800/DSC04168.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">End of bandstand with it's infamous rocks:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7ddCUiWvqoBvVX_3osxLXI2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMQ_-yE-brI/AAAAAAAAAjY/XlHhg83EiWs/s800/DSC04169.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">II. Garden Area:</span></u></b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although this part looks like it is an independent garden, it bears marks that this was also part of the fort. Like this wall at it's entrance:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gn2AwP5AZk4610Eaocctao2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAEuc-Z6I/AAAAAAAAAj8/84MevrCLOJQ/s800/DSC04178.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garden views:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D-IiQNZpB8K8RN6CV4IOSo2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAJFdY6uI/AAAAAAAAAkU/cepVEth1av0/s800/DSC04185.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sn7BmwRZ_uZ6o-Z4ERAw142aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAMJL9gmI/AAAAAAAAAko/Vdqjcn4qrZk/s800/DSC04190.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SimRPcIKjBRZ_Q7PxcWFI42aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRANLYlqDI/AAAAAAAAAk0/F8nunxQYN5s/s800/DSC04192.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NLJF1TbTJd7BZSKo0bSci42aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAUIMfSUI/AAAAAAAAAlg/eJnnXSTUznk/s800/DSC04203.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_SDjiIXfMgA8ce01IxUj-Y2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAXTKYYkI/AAAAAAAAAl0/unBE45xCE8E/s800/DSC04211.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another sign of some old wall. Now used for attaching an electric board:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wTvy8o2hW8D-BU9-XQN3_42aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRATOyu6OI/AAAAAAAAAlc/z4j29e2f1Ec/s800/DSC04202.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a small amphitheater inside the garden; I think it is still in use:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DOn4gGmPuakWmL-loWtEY42aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAYjztjBI/AAAAAAAAAl8/J_-ukvVVRFw/s800/DSC04213.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0-3bgyjWaUK3jCBXrAyKjY2aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAZEa1atI/AAAAAAAAAmE/MtZrbg5Ry6A/s800/DSC04214.JPG" width="800" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's it; nothing else left to explore here:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gwf7xpHcBKQu5EUKPIYC142aoh5niz-n2k7_DFvOlds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/TMRAaUyM-eI/AAAAAAAAAmM/ZmBZ2oOxjE4/s400/DSC04218.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way to the Bandra fort is through a road between Taj Land's End and the now demolished Hotel Sea Rock. Since the Sea Rock area has been purchased by Taj, it is possible that they might purchase the road as well because it would act as a divider to the Taj. So access to this fort might become restricted.</span>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-42290672262284291772010-08-07T17:23:00.249+05:302010-08-09T17:51:28.512+05:30Kothligad Fort Trek<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also known as Kothaligad/ Peth fort. First a brief description.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Base Town:</b> Karjat (well conected by rail/ road)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Base Village:</b> Ambivali (150 metres)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Height: </b>620 metres</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Difficulty level:</b> Moderate (but somewhat dangerous in monsoon)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Time:</b> 1 day trek (Although we took 3.5 hours for ascent and 3 hours for descent for various reason; I think it can be accomplished totally in 5 hours)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Food: </b>At Ambivali you can get food at Sawant's house (the first house when you take turn to get into the village). At Peth, Sawant's brother does the food arrangement. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Accommodation:</b> There is accomdoation available in Peth village.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Route:</b> Vashi --> Panvel --> Karjat --> Ambivali --> Peth --> Kothaligad</span><br />
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<ol style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><li>Vashi --> Karjat was covered by State Transport bus. (about 2 hours)</li>
<li>Karjat --> Ambivali village, we hired a 6 seater (or TumTum as i colloquially used). Note that it is important to hire for entire day......as there is no means of transport available from Ambivali. He took Rs. 900 for dropping us at Ambivali and then taking us back to Karjat. (Time: 1 hour)</li>
<li>Ambivali --> Peth village is a hilly ascent; although long but is made easy bcoz of the stony path that has been laid for the villagers. (2 hours)</li>
<li>From Peth, the steep ascent begins to the mount of Kothaligad. (1.5 hours)</li>
</ol><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTzSj_0QgxMvUyVNqHl9s-N7wK9qQLWJK2tTomJ5sD-omtNPPzVfl6IjPbiTlS6Jt7z67M0G5694bp5OcPSvRQI6g-4M_bGvSs7oFWD9ZYO7h2Ms2vvUkfqbxZ1E2F8b2dIfCnlENmZtg/s800/Kothaligad.JPG" /><br />
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Now for the detailed description.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you ask my body, how was this trek; it would complain about a 1000 things. As am writing this post, most of the body is aching. Of course the mind has exactly opposite views.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Home to Ambivali village:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally 11 of us had planned for this trek and reach Karjat by public transport. But on the trek day; we got split into groups of 7 and 5. </div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The G7 of which I was a part met at Karjat at about 09.30. Tanmay, Jiten and I came by S.T. while Dileena, Gayatri, Tejasree and Suyog by train.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there Suyog, our guide, bargained with a 6 seater driver and settled for Rs. 900 (for drop and pickup to Ambivali village). It took nearly an hour to reach the base village. There we had tea at Sawan'ts house and then started with the trek at 11.00</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The G5 were coming in a car and lost their way to come till Karjat. They reached Ambivali by about 12.00.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>First view of the destination:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-wXIejoLI/AAAAAAAAHL0/Y3TjoWkgHP0/s400/IMG_6214.JPG" /></div><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ambivali village to Small Plateau:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although this is a long climb, it was made easy by the stony path that has been laid down as a connecting road between the two villages.<br />
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<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-wlziKXvI/AAAAAAAAHMo/fHBHMG59KQw/s800/IMG_6265.JPG" /><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The road is not that steep because it is winding one much like the roads while climbing a ghat.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was somewhat hot because it hardly rained during this part.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikg1DeupQTrgkQvvkAsLml6QMuVcgkls-kx5yMHQAr48eGasYL-Z2aNARJbdjGdWoARVpOLt4arUQzx4sFAbfKbPAUPkrfkFSmViXh5oldoqaFju8YVZ6F9Pr_Gk3Hx4qAv9C8FujfnDqG/s800/IMG_2421.jpg" /><br />
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Much of the path is lined with the mountain on one side and dense monsoon vegetation on the other. Wherever there is a clearing of vegetation you can get good views of the surrounding greenery. The higher you climb, the better the views.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGJYUGLTH6EL7SYm9dlQJYrCTTSUijWMmzF5WedClh_8qStGCpFA8k13OJUx62XLCiUd_yCmgXJdbB3UzmbOmqWlayI_jhPX_QQzKHLxSjZQCz74Vul1-ni5XH13omYkufbYczsMJcCW4/s800/IMG_2435.jpg" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Some waterfall on the way......to bad it was not accessible:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-wosVUU8I/AAAAAAAAHMw/skhHirA6Ggg/s400/IMG_6279.JPG" /></b></div><br />
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<b>Some flora and fauna:</b><br />
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<b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-F5LfCcUmjbFy906HETY7Wad9h-YfWSK5GKDDnCvaty9daEeUNMdnsfd_HMR_BxhwFXfKniPqchI3gNOobXK5uQ-XwtwS3vV7q_Bn59DZtdp-TmDgnXE4ABeVqMoy5EV3lFdF8kRws6t/s320/IMG_2459.jpg" width="320" /></b><b><img height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-2CgOSG2I/AAAAAAAAHVQ/Qk1wRvzeNDo/s320/IMG_2460.jpg" width="320" /></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E4w8i15zZBNFgTq9dl5zOaVk1ROvvXa55Nc4XY03w3X5vKXakP2q5_gd3tB7mgesbU59s1EBQNloJoc6AipO3Os2O0-v7sfjcjNsmr2tFMiOKlJl104yEirEDE79l2BZJ1WH66qxPeIZ/s320/IMG_2466.jpg" width="320" /> <img height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-7d24oGwI/AAAAAAAAHYc/JS84JthFU7U/s320/100_0350.jpg" width="320" /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-7vsECzTI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Ot7Gma3HKjs/s400/100_0370.jpg" width="300" /> <img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYAoVyo3YQxSAuNnkLCjIct2HF_Un0qHxcNGJ4oMon1y1TFyjwSuGLf3eHbxyEIStY60VYRjxye2UDUxEE3JTXCgDjxTCaXFkwZX7WdrnwLQ9IU1AGvPWMsSNlAcxJ7-n49uexH5TC3sV/s320/100_0460.jpg" width="320" /></b></div><br />
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<b><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Small Plateau to Peth village:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This place offers one of the spectacular views in the entire trek. This is the first time you will get to see the mount.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The mount is almost continuously engulfed by cloud cover.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Only if you are lucky will you get to see any views; because there is continuous cloud movement at this point.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqE95VvktbBilq2eL355QAXBMKBwtf7enkctsNZZbKeT8tzxeBZi6zPUJ0JTxPYej7Y8C6rCT_968yeatxvqV4bgwB7yPPwrZ5SYixiW1qdZD1SjXAyTtmg_BBE7_BtzeuazpZrP_5z_U/s800/IMG_2494.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmh_EZSov4tJRod7OTPz1KJ6QDKRgj1c2dswpCBQ0jkDv_rjG8q2oan9OxDEhWAFC6HdP996wRF-hXAyN9La6dJZHLujScutVmEacQ5MpOcj2SZtHyMlwHRRvw2htbysp4woy2iYKc3zN/s800/100_0343.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-w1eCQ2QI/AAAAAAAAHNY/7UicZ8gtBvs/s800/IMG_6302.JPG" /></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This is nearly the last point where we clicked photos. It had started raining heavily and most of us had to keep our cams packed. Very few photos were clicked later on.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-w6xXPY5I/AAAAAAAAHN0/LrnoGjfInTg/s400/IMG_6315.JPG" /></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This part of the trek was also most enjoyable. It is mostly a flat walk with very little ascent.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We were continuously engulfed by rain and cloud cover reducing visibility to a few meters.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The wind was blowing like hell and howling like that of a horror night.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Later part of the walk towards the village was an entirely flat walk. There were many rain-filled ponds and paddy fields on the way; the greenery pleasing your eyes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-w9dgKEVI/AAAAAAAAHN8/8yh588bfaEc/s800/IMG_6323.JPG" /></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Peth village to Kothaligad fort:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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Cactus with such dense leaves.....seen for the first time:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlAACc34WlXOuNMo772yFNA2SYBtBtkyEzPEKTS7je9oOmgbh9Ui5v480Ptzfv337p9DSlg183bc0ACQe8pn_BfnzzbVYGQgtuhDlO5NOuy1se1Caq7b1lTEuE0RwM23vJ-kjW_X76K1S/s800/IMG_6340.JPG" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">After arriving at Peth, we first ordered for food be prepared by the time we returned from the fort.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Then we started with the final ascent. I saw the first next door view of the mount and mentioned to Dileena that the height from here looks like that of Koraigad fort even after we have trekked for so long.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Anyways, we started the steeper path of the ascent through dense forest vegetation.</span><br />
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<div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-9xe7RYtI/AAAAAAAAHcw/PtzoC4dAKbs/s320/100_0459.jpg" width="240" /></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-xMd1yjBI/AAAAAAAAHOo/e6vak_uPqao/s320/IMG_6343.JPG" width="320" /></span></div></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-0M7rrOTc8tnlAmGNm08sfXamu4k2GoUWlxagpD22d2569ORpwjuh5dy3j327f0v0U2rftiqIajY9BsKkjzTSyJR21D44qiX1dG-o8t87Lx_-hsq6QBPLqgC7Lyd1YY_mhAFOxR22MHM/s800/IMG_6358.JPG" /></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">After climbing for some time; you will arrive at an extended part of the Peth village. A little higher from here offers a splendid heavenly view of a green plateau.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The light green is grass while the dark green are paddy fields.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Much of the trail after this is slippery; watery, windy, mossy, muddy and a walk in the clouds.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Thankfully, we did not get lost at all because of Suyog.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Hardly any photos in this part except that from Tanmay's cam. For some reason, he didn't care much about his cam.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This was the part in which my legs gave up; cramps had occurred (shows how little stamina I have). Somehow started along by applying Relispray thanks to Jiten.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Also, I had broken the record of most slippages from Dileena by a huge overwhelming margin. Even Tejashree, for whom this was the first trek, did not have any problems.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The first signs of fort will be the nearly worn out walls and one gate.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">One advise: Please don't feed the dogs at this point however tempting some may find it. They cause a big nuisance by blocking the already narrow and dangerous path.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Somewhat before the final lap, on the right side there is a sole cannon left of this fort.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-9rC-wIMI/AAAAAAAAHcU/5BWt2wjd7pw/s400/100_0446.jpg" /></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">And a little ahead towards the left are caves from very ancient times having carving on pillar.</span><br />
Carvings inside the cave:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-8M7fiqgI/AAAAAAAAHaU/ws5dPqNvrl8/s800/100_0399.jpg" /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The final lap is through a hole in the mount.</span><br />
Dileena looking through the entrance:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsw8n9G3HY4ZVrCPZx-eVoqChWm9DvlcgD2vqrU5WCer958MbnUYHbkOMtmkDXIyhjwq9L3mcv8qvqu2rRZmF9IUNXplhLQ5K3sngotIl0_S5uI7DnI_Qpa8KFjQjQX2HJRk5ECBjyUgD/s800/IMG_6367.JPG" /></span><br />
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Emerging inside the entrance:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The mount:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">On the top, we got views for a very short duration. It was mostly raining heavily with extreme cloud cover and chilly wind blowing.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Jiten in samadhi......come rain or wind.....his penance cannot be disturbed:<br />
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As usual, thinking of jumping:<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Descent:</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We started our descent after spending about 15 minutes on the top.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Applied a lot of Relispray that Dileena had bought. Thankfully, no issues occurred after that.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-9kq6TqLI/AAAAAAAAHcE/BV4uTJgPsv4/s800/100_0441.jpg" /></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-9xe7RYtI/AAAAAAAAHcw/PtzoC4dAKbs/s800/100_0459.jpg" /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I just casually mentioned to Dileena we might bump into Ashish while descending. After a while we met the G5, with Ashish overjoyed and shouting. This was the only point in the trek where we met.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxqvI_lt90M9D7uTq2YvCxKhnwpQVIiXi8yiF0uigW_ntAg8HTk0EZOcL3mj445j3-ePFkHz47Wwa4a0ZodCR-NiCIxdjNnaa9D2kdxZq_ZafdBMJ7Db0rfUdrYVpnqOxZASKLhvsKHvZ/s800/100_0455.jpg" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The descent was fairly easier than the ascent though we thought it would be much worse than ascent.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We continued the descent, with me slipping all the time at just about any place. Even Tejasree who had worn sandals for trek, did not slip.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We reached Peth village in about an hour. Had lunch at Sawant's home. Food here is good enough and if I could eat it probably most people can eat it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/TF-95Etu9RI/AAAAAAAAHdE/4De-BlobN-0/s800/100_0472.jpg" /></span></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">After lunch, we started back to Ambivali at about 16.45. Although there wasn't much rain during descent, didn't have much time to click since we were quite late </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">and hence had to haste</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJzVtfpEet21hZ3ToHIw-L-Q_leRgBEKAvOPFET9-Qoq_VqzXwrGk_a_xIpsh4dNs5TqBRye6LMDJF0HKOhOCpwN4ElLfgqXUTHO4vWIfPUfz8suwQ-D4Vz0xHR2PzMRjjE06pIFZ38-u/s800/100_0475.jpg" /></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We reached Ambivali back at about 18.00.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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</div></b></div>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-65228062354933598272010-02-28T14:14:00.018+05:302010-04-21T15:00:52.569+05:30Panchgani Trek - Day 2<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Packing up</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
I woke up at around 07.00 am. Sunrise had happened but the sun had not risen thanks to the surrounding mountains.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/3woVc-ZGOMM7vhlV0kw2xQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ystOJlWpI/AAAAAAAAAcc/XcznPVjasTY/s800/IMG_2175.jpg" /></a><br />
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Since the water wasn't so cleaned and had large amount of silts; none had ventured into it. But in the morning Ismail couldn't resist and took a holy dip in the river Krishna.<br />
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The fire that we had lighted was kept going on; so added some fuel for breakfast. Breakfast consisted of just 1 boiled egg per person and tea. Thank goodness, we had taken eggs from the villagers yesterday.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/5TEo5eWhBiaSpao3CT4b6w?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ysp-hxsqI/AAAAAAAAAcM/xBhDM9zG-QU/s800/IMG_2172.jpg" /></a><br />
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Packing up begins with everyone collecting things. Created two large bags for gathering all wastes. Only some bio-degradable wastes were left behind; rest all was carried back.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/FToplb3S6ixjPATH4B_vbQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yrQVUSuEI/AAAAAAAAAb4/flKncesUZwM/s800/IMG_2165.jpg" /></a><br />
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We gave away kerosene and coal to the villagers who had helped us since it would not make nay sense to carry all that back.<br />
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<b>Morning glory at one of the village houses:</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/sQMoSbA3PYSbcAoniXf8AA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ysydynnRI/AAAAAAAAAc0/0Jm2ldGRPfI/s800/IMG_2186.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Dung cakes being left out to dry</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/8kob8Q0_ftQ11vqmxFU4gA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ysxZwBFuI/AAAAAAAAAcw/-f92YQnic24/s800/IMG_2185.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Also filled all our bottles with water in preparation for the ascent.<br />
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Remember, the Dhom road yesterday, Munazzir uncle had pains in his knee-joints and hence this served a boon for him. He took a lift to Wai from here.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/i4Qv5hUlM0BsNdYfm6rfpA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ys6vwVEnI/AAAAAAAAAdI/jmmgzmRUrVc/s800/IMG_2192.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Ascent</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
The ascent begin with the most tough part of climbing the first large hill. Initially we had planned to start off by sunrise. But here we were beginning at 10.00 with the sun bright again.<br />
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Climbing the first hill was quite tough. Very regular breaks kept happening. I don't know about others but I was breathing very heavily for this part. In fact, not many clicks happened during the ascent.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/c_Mvk0Fajha5E1CorKIsCg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ytXaY9uJI/AAAAAAAAAeI/TZ2ZUWGfhsk/s800/IMG_2214.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The sugarcane guys somehow managed to be free from exhaustion. Probably the sugar did give them energy.<br />
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Faraz, Taha and I lost our way for the 3rd hill and hence had to pass through this dense grassy vegetation to come on the right track while the rest had nearly reached.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Y11AC2X014tA1XDJKdq0Cg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ytq7rWO0I/AAAAAAAAAfA/NCNB1wgG3Cw/s800/IMG_2248.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">On the top</span></b><br />
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We reached the base point at around 13.00. Munazzir uncle was already there. He had taken lift till Wai and from there, S.T. bus to Panchgani.<br />
<br />
<b>At the top, everyone is cheerful and me exhausted:</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/6dvzOZ7ZxFAIWTYtazKBbw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yt6xIo3pI/AAAAAAAAAf0/YvJy5NrHVuE/s800/IMG_2272.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Para-gliding was going on in full swing. However the steep cost upward of Rs. 1K, kept us away from trying it.<br />
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Originally we had planned to visit Mahabaleshwar too. But the exhaustion coupled with huge inflow of tourists prompted us to leave immediately. Hogged like anything at a restaurant ahead of Wai.<br />
<br />
Reached Pune at 15.00. I set out from Pune at 16.00 and reached Vashi by 19.00.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
<br />
This trek taught me a lot of things:<br />
<ol><li>Overnight trek's are tougher than one day ones.</li>
<li>Himalayas is still way beyond reach. I think I should probably enroll in some mountaineering school before even thinking of it. ( No, was not planning some snow-clad peaks; just Valley of Flowers)</li>
<li>I enjoyed trekking part the most. But at night time it gets somewhat boring since there isn't anything you can do at such a place.</li>
<li>Plan about bedding properly; this was summer so it wasn't so bad.</li>
<li>Have a guide.</li>
</ol><br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Characters in this trek</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<b>Trek Initiator & Guide: Faraz</b><br />
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<b>Coolie # 1: Ismail </b>(for carrying 8 chickens)<br />
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<b>Most spirited man: Luqman</b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><b>Superman & Coolie # 2: Taha (</b>helped in almost every task and was carrying coal)<br />
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<b>Front-runner: Ifraheem </b>(for leading for most part of the trek)<br />
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<b>Nano Schumacher: Munazzir</b> (cruising his Nano along the ghat)<br />
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<b>Photographers: Israel & Me </b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Link to the photo album: <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/fazzzeeel/Panchgani?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE#">Panchgani Trek Photos</a></b></span><br />
<br />
</div>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-51233426816612013182010-02-27T13:18:00.006+05:302010-04-21T14:58:24.648+05:30Panchgani Trek - Day 1Luqman uncle planned for this trek alongwith Faraz and Taha.<br />
Started from Mumbai on Friday night to goto Pune to join my relatives for trek.<br />
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<b>Mumbai --> Pune --> Wai --> Panchgani Ravine Hotel --> Paragliding spot --> Electricity substation --> Dhom Road</b><br />
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We trekked from Panchgani electricity substation to some village near Dhom along the banks of river Krishna.<br />
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We were 8 people. So using 2 cars, started at 8.00 am from Pune. Reached Panchgani at about 11.00 am.<br />
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<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Celebrity Nano</span></b><br />
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My uncle (Munazzir) had newly purchased a Nano. Since that car is still a novelty, I decided to travel in that.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/r_SIkqqjMZEaTG77-YaJiA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yuCMf1Z4I/AAAAAAAAAgI/ELHXF6U7Zks/s800/IMG_2279.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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That car deserves the heck of a praise.<br />
Feels very light.......cruising along smoothly on the highway........easily climbed the two ghats on the way..........and gave a mileage of about 19 km per litre.<br />
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I did see that the Nano made heads turn even on the way, but what we witnesses in Panchgani was nothing short of a celebrity experience (Celebrity Experience for the car, not us).<br />
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The Nano just didn't make heads turn around........people staring at it.........taking pictures and videos.........commenting as to how it climbed up..........posing with the car..........some even coming near the car.........and "searching" inside it.<br />
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Since this was a 2 day trek and we needed to park this car........parking turned out to be a big security problem for Nano. As Faraz rightly mentioned, "Even if there's a Benz next to Nano, the latter requires much greater security." Fortunately, there was the car cover inside to hide it safely.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Panchgani</span></b><br />
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Since we were scheduled to begin trekking at 14.00, there was some time to kill. Visited a table-land and an adjoining cave.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/p9WVTPu-_yfZlEy0h87lwA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymKizTGrI/AAAAAAAAAUM/KyeHxLVikME/s400/IMG_1999.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Never seen monkeys bonded this way:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/nlWQyPnztMpl01lnbOmm3w?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymIT8XDcI/AAAAAAAAAUA/MUC_CY_aJxY/s400/IMG_1995.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Had lunch, performed prayers and set off to the base point. The base point is about 2 km before Panchgani police station (the right turn near Ravine Hotel). It is an electricity sub-station, a little ahead of the para-gliding spot.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/wPk-DCeDLKJmighJsfcArw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymQ0hah5I/AAAAAAAAAUw/FsxSlVPTUA4/s800/IMG_2011.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Descent</span></b><br />
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Started at about 14.00. Initially a flat trail which later descended sharply.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/gSBCg-s5rC2dXBJlqcOovg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymVKNYJ5I/AAAAAAAAAVM/DVIAOGfvLcg/s800/IMG_2018.jpg" /></a><br />
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Since it was nearly summer, the thick grassy vegetation had dried out. Navigating through it was fun although a lot of the dried stuff clanged to your clothes.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/LaE3pzNAlckq7L7xRx8VIw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymc5Q2UZI/AAAAAAAAAVk/Sjl2DXo23Ek/s800/IMG_2026.jpg" /></a><br />
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Some like me kept falling and slipping along the way.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/XIgwLlnuDAS1LV--TG-NJA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymiRYfYcI/AAAAAAAAAWI/i_9qo1msBcs/s800/IMG_2038.jpg" /></a><br />
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We had to scale and descend through three hills before reaching the bottom. Also with the sun shining on our heads, a lot of breaks kept happening.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/meP93oX15FDS4958IPK5Bg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymggUWK7I/AAAAAAAAAV8/whc-7-VpH40/s800/IMG_2035.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/slE_qoWIUzu8i0TmNm6gGQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymwCaBPQI/AAAAAAAAAXc/tWg36wnXrkA/s400/IMG_2065.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<b>It's time that I give some introduction of people </b>(left to right)<b>: </b><br />
Kerosene Ifraheem<br />
Navigator Faraz<br />
Cowboy Luqman<br />
Coolie # 1 Ismail<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/RU9KvjmxIkM7uIifXicBmw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymk-hiI3I/AAAAAAAAAWU/1NAvG_kbmAI/s800/IMG_2044.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Sheikh Munazzir gazing at his territory:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/7rvB6e0m5zX5VuXFETSuZQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymnx2w3lI/AAAAAAAAAWk/xCBqq-ADMAY/s400/IMG_2049.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Views from the hills:</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/pCCcKzox6VjdjlL5n_LZwg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymd73pjAI/AAAAAAAAAVs/SZ13vs_wpxo/s800/IMG_2030.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/_jhtn-R8t38A__lEOe7DMw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymx_mBuBI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Gze7CzsLWUQ/s800/IMG_2069.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Nearly at the foothills:</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/zYsUUftEsNIL_lt1p39rwQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ymrzKmkwI/AAAAAAAAAXA/xEuOZ1wlREM/s800/IMG_2057.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>The most hardworking Taha:</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/nAZ9yPprTTAtITAGR30Iqw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ym05Mq_vI/AAAAAAAAAX0/elS_CpWzhSw/s800/IMG_2075.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Sallu bhai Israel:</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/INo_iywK5mb42AC09kPUwA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4ym1jQjQPI/AAAAAAAAAX4/RMx_L1hNl54/s800/IMG_2076.jpg" /></a><br />
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Reached the bottom at about 16.30 passing through dried bajra fields.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/mqqaQtP8Abk5zGsLCYIMLw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yp1vdjfVI/AAAAAAAAAYI/3_pExQtoRAM/s800/IMG_2081.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Village</span></b><br />
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Passing through the fields, halted at the first house we came across. We were in dire need of water since all of it had got exhausted. The family was very helpful and provided us with water as well as tea.<br />
Later we even got wood and dung cakes from them.<br />
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<b>We started nearly from that tower:</b><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/knmDUEBxLucYsRXgDQJ2qQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yqDhHF_2I/AAAAAAAAAYc/BQdcVKdDcfY/s800/IMG_2086.jpg" /></a><br />
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A tar road ran thought this village, so it was well connected with Wai (This was going to be useful tomorrow).<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Setting the campsite</span></b><br />
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It was 17.30 when we reached the campsite which was just next to the river. The river no longer flowed because this part had become the catchment area of the Dhom dam ahead.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/HnJV6jZSrwEeT2UlAAV08g?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yqNHNwnfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/IX6HK-dOwgo/s800/IMG_2092.jpg" /></a><br />
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We choose a flat clearing along the bank as the site where there was no grass and the soil soft due to silt deposits.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/F-ndIF4T1zVHRw1pAeM4Nw?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yqXg_nqzI/AAAAAAAAAZg/FWdDflmUir0/s800/IMG_2102.jpg" /></a><br />
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Since sunset would happen early bcoz of the mountains around, we immediately started preparing for lighting a fire. The fire would be used for light, heat, protection, cooking.<br />
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Faraz, Ismail and me went back to the village to get logs, bamboos. Ifraheem, Israel and Taha went around to collect twigs.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/9GlDe2XXPqw8s3h1l-9B6A?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yqgaYUvjI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/UKkR3vvEYCo/s800/IMG_2109.jpg" /></a><br />
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Started the fire initially with twigs, cowdung cakes and kersosene. Then added some wood and finally coal.<br />
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<b>Taha with cowdung cakes (just posing for the camera, Faraz really carried it all the way.):</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/fQHVrx8wzDdWLlRCmCMngQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yqzfP919I/AAAAAAAAAaY/1S_YSGt7_oQ/s800/IMG_2121.jpg" /></a><br />
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Briefly, we did try to setup a tent but gave up the idea bcoz of lack of time and energy. Also since the weather was just perfect so we didn't feel any need to do so.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/bc6nOxY0Q06V8n5pZnfaBA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yqw9WIvFI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/C7_U0VX2cc4/s800/IMG_2118.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Night time</span></b><br />
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We had bought marinated chicken to be roasted. Israel just wrapped the same in aluminium foil and added to fire with Taha continuously fanning it. Roasted chicken tasted so much tastier after a hard day's work.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/MArCpEMyLcLxVBpiwg8TUg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yq_XIYliI/AAAAAAAAAa8/_kj6XKM3zl0/s800/IMG_2136.jpg" /></a><br />
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We played dumb charades for quite sometime (complete with the accusations and falsification between the 2 brothers).<br />
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Water was exhausted again and the Krishna river's water was not flowing hence not so palatable.<br />
So at 22.30, Faraz and I headed back to the village to get some water. It was nearly a full moon night, but still dark enough.<br />
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<b>The immemorable photograph:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/7Z9qSMGx49i_yt0Y-djF1Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCOij0sjG0tDiygE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/S4yrElgb0dI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/PzFdkONkGPU/s800/IMG_2152.jpg" /></a><br />
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Since we were sleeping in the open, decided that we would need to employ watchmen's for the night. Starting 00.00 to 06.00, there were 2 hours shifts in pairs. Israel and I took the first shift, ensuring that the fire stayed burning enough and driving away and animals coming close.<br />
<br />
But by the time our shifts ended, almost everyone had woken up. It had started becoming very cold now and hence everyone except Ifraheem and Faraz woke up. Even I couldn't sleep for long bcoz of the cold.<br />
<br />
Based on my assumption, that the cold was penetrating from the ground much more than from the air; and all we had used as bedding was one bedsheet; I added newspapers below. Thus I was one of the few who slept comfortably.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://fazeelkazi.blogspot.com/2010/02/panchgani-trek-day-2.html">Panchgani Trek - Day 2</a></span></b></div><b><br />
</b>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-73961297918529502292010-01-02T17:43:00.017+05:302010-04-21T15:00:24.027+05:30Koraigad/ Korigad Fort Trek<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
Beginning the new year with a trek, how good is that !!!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>How to get there?</b></span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mumbai --> Lonavala --> Bushi Dam --> INS Shivaji --> Peth Shahpur village(2-4 kms before Amby Valley).<br />
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Once you are in Lonavala ask for the direction of Amby Valley since that village is very small and not famous. It is around 25 kms from Lonavala.</span><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The total trek distance is quite small and you can cover it in an hour.<br />
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</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Best time to visit is winter. In summer, the heat will become unbearable since you have nearly a 2.5 km trail to cover on the top of fort without a single tree or any other shade. In rains, I think you will not be able to see anything at all from the top.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Caution: Depths in the photograph are greater than what they appear.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
I still don't understand why hardly any of the photographs from the 4 digicams, reflect the true depths as we saw. Almost 90% of the pix have misleading depths.<br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Village Trail</b></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The trail begins near a school in the village. This part is stony and dusty and without much forest cover.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R_MMu77pIUwVu5mEG35T2g?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K9H6cTdZI/AAAAAAAAGxw/cvwAft5CtYI/s800/IMG_4535.JPG" /></a><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Forest Trail</span></b><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is a very small part, where you have to go through a forest. I think one of the trails near the village goes right into the forest, but we had avoided it. Now there was no option but to go in.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ztJqVILgpFaPIzBDsj862g?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XuE7el2PI__ShkAZDu_qgxGgwDdrWwwM68By4EGQa0LXWr_f2n_Z3GHGPkGd1NourqvkXk40AtKtP9ebtX3t1-td79T0ZXFm18nd2_19J3wkklIn1MBTJTfW3osnk2prUZFbK5Z0QwJ0/s800/Picture%20125.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Steps Trail</span></b><br />
<br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After the forest trail, you will come to a clearing from where you can see the broken steps. As Dileena said, "We need a ladder to get to the steps". There is a pathway to the right of the steps that will take you above the broken part.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ba8Ml42KAeGITf3eMhGwPg?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K4womgvlI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/ml5RSBRwC40/s800/Picture%20129.jpg" /></a><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ashish-Dileena point</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> - So named bcoz both were trying to push each other. Note that the depth is deceptive.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GZ3giVBCjw5zfRg6XGF7Vw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K5ELzmq4I/AAAAAAAAGuw/iEuzTewdC3o/s800/IMG_1672.jpg" /></a><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dynamite point </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- At this point we heard a loud explosion which shook Swati. I had said that this sounded like a dynamite explosion done for quarrying purpose (Later we did see that happening.)<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BH9lqJWiBFZO00txiBqmFA?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K4H45ga2I/AAAAAAAAGso/s4AR6ZZk2DA/s800/IMG_4612.JPG" /></a></span></div><br />
<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One of the many caves along the way<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OpA-ajt-eMrylsYIJ_wK1Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZDY0tuEsaDsV-zyF_PKccHlrsPECG8V56iHJgV2CwHFvSNfSpg49ANYwW9M68d9qvSdKYJ3YMIWrkPOJ6gZB5hUG9MBxIrfh3j-V1FxfxlX4jOLWZoMM6cXxzo-7yO34_J7xtTra7TfV/s800/IMG_1675.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Grand Entrance</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2VS4YcGEJrpFUL8H5PG0yg?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K4L41FQYI/AAAAAAAAGsw/Vkgs4_KRc2w/s800/IMG_4623.JPG" /></a><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Overall I feel, the steps here are remarkably well-preserved and usable.</span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Fort Trail</span></b><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There are quite a good views of the surrounding area. In a radius of about 10-15 km, this is probably the tallest solitary hill . No doubt a perfect place for a fort.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, nothing remains of the original fort other than the perimeter wall which is almost completely intact.<br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-GhN_6UlayOBVoAEIHLJ8Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K_9_1QiEI/AAAAAAAAGx4/ddHdNnXPhx4/s800/IMG_4659.JPG" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cannons<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vEeKKAKXqS5nvRYImF6k0g?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K5cdsyr2I/AAAAAAAAGvU/TOXRhSGw_8U/s800/IMG_1729.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/plvJ7NTn3p0Pm6M75OhTZA?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K-77gm3bI/AAAAAAAAGx0/wh-aJsz2-e8/s800/IMG_4722.JPG" /></a><br />
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<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Gayatri's Great Wall of China</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e5SLV3XIEYQIKtyU764naQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K50GYuFXI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/kNBgv5OUvG4/s800/IMG_1759.jpg" /></a><br />
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</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dileena sharing a solitary moment with . . . . .<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OhdpADAGq-yi6hZBAepGMg?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB65B5b9CXDeX8CrA6tL8NGhw_TZqwbWOz8G2gnoVIaZDWyOhJXIVXefUf2Lpb5O6A2ZJGZOFT0WgdMrK5xBw3ptE9mRghQiv0CuPKBZBBqnnZnm0JxugQSuwuo6caqZ6_vgXUtgaJbfE/s800/IMG_1779.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
. . . . . Toads<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2at59Xyvx6OIZzRJcLMIMw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K58aVfcjI/AAAAAAAAGw0/JJQrfs42bts/s800/IMG_1781.jpg" /></a><br />
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</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4 Idiots<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U1NngbxP7qbFhNovH-vJJw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K4XLWv1AI/AAAAAAAAGtM/JSiqz1QYB_E/s800/IMG_4742.JPG" /></a><br />
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Highest point of fort</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9jWMnX4FVf7IXbErij-qmQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWv-hfDrNGF9e3cMEA7F0vrR-EngJf9YM2Y-teJC4nJSK4TBXsQOPXHS-v9QcYVV3RbZYxzB9lALdshgc9JkAcagBp_vMNKZDxSLUCyL4DIZhbdGXa9f3J0TGF4-MLlclazSc5hh3E4EY/s800/IMG_4751.JPG" /></a><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Amby Valley has a lot of security, but all that goes for a toss from here. Much of that place is easily accessible by this route. I feel that the fort might be blocked in future. Already there are lights illuminating the slopes of this hill fort to track movements at night.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Some views of Amby Valley:<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kbKAdNvllE-5rzF_76Jm9w?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K5lJ0337I/AAAAAAAAGvo/PwEnAnzaiUI/s800/Picture%20207.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eq-LooESOD2cwdbh7Hc5EQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K5mqsPblI/AAAAAAAAGvs/CdDue3HFJyA/s800/Picture%20208.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UXBcgCL5-zmX00zRW-bN4Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKdx8qE8d7PTg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/S0K5o_mvQUI/AAAAAAAAGv0/QuZXu2tnfQY/s800/IMG_1751.jpg" /></a><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-15498713320021944072009-11-21T10:21:00.012+05:302010-04-21T15:01:21.824+05:30Hogenakkal FallsHogenakkal falls lie on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is a big gorge created by the river Cauveri.<br />
Best time to visit is in summer; then the boat can pass from under the falls. In winter, you won't be able to go under. In rains, boating is closed.<br />
Pravin and I started from Bangalore using public transport. Took a long time, around 4.5 hours. I would surely recommend that you hire a vehicle. That would save you around 1.5 hours and would cost you nearly the same. We want as follows showing changes of bus for entire route:<br />
Bangalore -> Krishnagiri -> Hogenakkal -> Dharmapuri -> Bangalore <br />
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<b>Fort in Krishnagiri</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZDpQt95OL2_968WMW2r5eg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7iJcVHZPhXRdL2iV4P_lxr1ObHASwwbMz-jdeZuus62-fJBDDzIo74gyNOKO3cLowXqhsk917SQtLGYU_lx8OSyiSKZdvm_urfI9aPS9auqSSrFXPkb_BGq9usSHHrAgre0CFMj8G2Dx/s800/IMG_1367.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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On reaching Hogenakkal, we had local village lunch there. Food was fine, but the fish was too good. You will find fried fish at many places near the falls too. <span style="color: #6600cc;"><i>Under any circumstances do not miss the fish here.</i></span><br />
To see the falls you need to hire a boat known as coracle. It is a rounded boat made from cane and water sealed by plastic and tar coating. Looking at it didn't feel like it can carry so many people (6 people average). <br />
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<b>Our boat & </b><b>boatman:</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fsvpUKcKp8qp8Ek46k93SQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoWjcCDkVI/AAAAAAAAGLw/WeHvdKLPt3g/s800/IMG_1398.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PQOCb2Apsu9Nvz0G0Otnog?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/Sw9SFGSRQfI/AAAAAAAAGj4/YJg-zPpNENY/s800/DSC05319.JPG" /></a><br />
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As soon as you reach there, many boatmen will ask you about boating at exorbitant rates. The government board mentions Rs. 50; but you will never get one. You need some bargaining to bring the price down. Rs. 200 per head is a good deal enough; if you can bring that even down, you're a great bargainer.<br />
The boating trip alternates between boating and walking many times.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">1st Boating</span></b><br />
Downstream from Hogenakkal village till an island near Kannada falls.<br />
<b>Kannada Falls:</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Av5LPN3TZBD7lpvMMBA6Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoW6pdrrBI/AAAAAAAAGMc/E7l8vP2zGBc/s800/IMG_1409.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lIdyeq45WuWrzxaxVWXQQg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoXFPDhYtI/AAAAAAAAGMs/bvG3UlzdBRo/s800/IMG_1413.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">1st Walking</span></b><br />
Walking downstream on island near Kannada falls.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wb0DPWvJ5mX4BxYcDtNk3w?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4njuW9jilx0qOq-k5Ty-ytVcKDV5gk4v4TAad3KEE_kxXL0sYEiHjBVOyUaHfDU3pZGF37Jigup54BGY3LLAvYkhmpMz63EEPka6LoyaDQrC86dkIaxh9uVdi6Lh3OUMvt3YRhLm13NX/s800/IMG_1416.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">2nd Boating</span></b><br />
Downstream from island near Kannada falls to mainland Karnataka.<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mouwiF9jw6wPN9ykB2CbNg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoYDTFgGyI/AAAAAAAAGOo/_AJ-CMPhvO8/s800/IMG_1443.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dS7gbIWrW3FUWQ0anOqWmA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoYZjv-ubI/AAAAAAAAGPM/I6yTx0q44Kg/s800/IMG_1451.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">2nd Walking</span></b><br />
Walking upstream on mainland Karnataka.<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XOxSLGCJdMWriOzMzJU98Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcVHK-pfleSk-pJe-duEvLXk93hE0zrLXDAMzKeLVzNSHBfecczSy5uhyphenhyphenZZrkmT75z9K09GDrgNBkLLSq1s0CWDn60XUQr8VijwvOjAcEbrCN8w-LK3WHiiaKJoGEiHgxA1FUxFXCkdbk/s800/IMG_1461.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">3rd Boating</span></b><br />
Upstream from mainland Karnataka till an island cliff next to Tamil falls.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">3rd Walking</span></b><br />
On island cliff next to Tamil falls.<br />
<b>On the edge of cliff:</b><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p9WthGUt1JQfhcbXJ-xsuA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoZae5D-7I/AAAAAAAAGRU/koBPUmNy6Qs/s800/IMG_1485.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Fak2QMZU31GgfCMV5it7g?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoaGNqXPFI/AAAAAAAAGSs/P_CU4agReCg/s800/IMG_1506.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Just before committing suicide:</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 400; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KzpwteRzVELYJCH2JaTjYQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0QMFusbFSRbrUy1FF8228i_8fPjExjKbqyJ7KR0dBCAnzKzQrIOrTnHFiNUqJWstNknkUHmmLltkvsoH_EJpMNQOjout5Qr8U31GD2XadfRCXWieHlwSGeKchqFSZnPD24dRr1UPOb1J/s800/IMG_1501.jpg" /></a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">4th Boating</span></b><br />
Upstream from island cliff to Hogenakkal village.<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UqmOenUB39Ok3vbMn9_IQg?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyIpKHdgMPBqgE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SwoaOxfDIKI/AAAAAAAAGS8/fkaefcCj2H0/s800/IMG_1510.jpg" /></a><br />
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Overall, this place is recommended for anyone who is attracted to waterfalls, but try to go in summer so that you can go under the falls.Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-91358015986444312652009-10-19T18:14:00.007+05:302012-01-02T12:46:59.774+05:30Alibaug Beach & Kolaba Fort<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A wedding in Alibaug led to this planning. Although, I had planned to visit 3-4 beaches in that area, things always go wrong (Surprisingly in US, planning was damn accurate to a few minutes).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">First, driver came late (9.30 am instead of planned 7 am).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Secondly, not everyone was so interested (after all it was a wedding).</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Alibaug beach</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Somewhat weird beach. The continental shelf is extremely flat, no noticeable slope. I think even if you go 4-5 kms from the coast, the depth won't be more than a metre.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When we reached, it was high tide and the water was nearly till the coast. We decided we'll go in water after playing for sometime.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JmqK0BLhAz68uJ8bvT-Pjg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/Stxe85wuzSI/AAAAAAAAAKE/lEfi9mJGT70/s800/IMG_1119.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But within half an hour, it receded about 1 km.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p_FEeY3zgDThRWUGEIRT3A?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/StxfMqsISFI/AAAAAAAAALs/LAiKeFFuj70/s800/IMG_1159.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By the time, we decided to go in, it had gone back around 3 km (in just 1 hour).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oyJF7naie35_9ugqowx_JA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/StxfT1BB3rI/AAAAAAAAAMc/gPBYXKHPNNg/s800/IMG_1179.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The beach looked more like a marsh land now, than a sandy one. Thus couldn't enjoy in the water :(</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Some jellyfish like thing:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KzJvZWceUUwbSNmGBtqo6Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/StxfYTaEhqI/AAAAAAAAAM0/_C2Fnyv6iGo/s800/IMG_1185.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MnCDOBoCyUQ94KnjtyGwMg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/StxfZgTmPQI/AAAAAAAAAM8/5mj5qoauz1c/s800/IMG_1187.jpg" /></span></a></span></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Alibuag/ Kolaba Fort</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This fort "appears" as if it's in the middle of the sea. Looking at this photo will convince you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-anc3R7xwAbT3eJ6Nbuzlw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/Stxe8fZFaDI/AAAAAAAAAKA/37zuZmtWdIU/s800/IMG_1118.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But in reality it is hardly anything. You can walk to the fort and won't sink in more than 2 feet in water.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MUoZPwdB0OWVsGvBOft1Yw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaeupTLrviO4QE&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_njS2OkXq65Q/StxfTRWvYeI/AAAAAAAAAMY/1ns7Ul5nXrM/s800/IMG_1178.jpg" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I made the mistake of not going in when the water was present. Only later did we go in (as I mentioned the water receded incredibly during low tide). The above photo shows the same scene in low tide.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Although you could take a horse cart for Rs. 50 per head, we walked the stretch (it's only about 1.5 km). There is a Rs. 5 entrance inside, but since we left all our belongings at the beach, didn't go in through the legal route.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not much to see inside the fort. It's completely ruined. The only two cannons inside the fort appear completely out-of-sync with the surroundings. (Also, they are British made and considering the fort was never in hands of British).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Overall, neither Alibaug Beach nor Kolaba fort are worth - visiting.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004077786540792892.post-76733078093997019722009-07-26T21:58:00.016+05:302010-04-21T15:02:18.028+05:30Six Flags America<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3366ff;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3366ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(There are many videos on this page. To view them, play them and then pause immediatley. Then allow the video to load completely and then play. If there are pauses in between, you will not like it.</span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3366ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Obvious I haven't taken these video excpt for a couple of them; I don't have the guts to hold the digicam in the ride.)</i></span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>Six Flags America in Maryland is one of the light weight theme parks in USA. We (Sushant and I) went to this one bcoz this was the only one nearby and accessible by public transport. </div><div>But after experiencing it, I can conclude that there is nothing close to it in India. Wonder how much good the others will be.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The various rides can be grouped under:</div><div>1. Roller Coasters</div><div>2. Rotating ones</div><div>3. Water rides</div><div>4. Hurricane Harbour (like Water Kingdom) - rides in pool.</div><div>5. Looney Tunes (Children's rides).</div><div><br />
</div><div>My main aim for coming here was for Roller Costers. So we had a rather thrilling start.</div><div>I hardly clicked any photos; since you come here for thrills which can only be felt. So describing them in words.</div><div><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Joker's Jinx (</b>Roller Coaster)</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>This was probably the worst ride in the park (Worst doesn't mean bad here; it means the most deadly one). The name is aptly given, Jinx - an evil spell. We were the first people on it and so got the front seat. And we had no clue about the ride; since didn't see anyone riding it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The worst part of the ride was the initial propel. Normally coasters first take you to a great height and then use gravitation for kinetics. But the Jinx is an induction coaster - the initial propel is through electro-magnets. It is like a train running along a straight line except that it was propelled from 0 to 100 kmph in 2 seconds flat. The g-forces acting on you were terrible. There were tons of drops, rises, inverted loops at incredibly high speeds. And No, the Cyclone @ Essel World does not come anywhere close to it.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6xFEhKQQSa_FU_S1gGrw0A?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixKEUCL4O5CelIh9QqhuSLnbj4dLDnD3yzKN6J5Jf0uCfqzRmChyOokWfF2goAun9eVxlVNzRDCa3H_v-nOu8aTv0-WW4e0WeU66eL7qUI1mqL1IODEm7rSJLjteV7SA_dUrwxhs_UTlw/s800/img_1334.jpg" /></a></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>For the entire duration of the ride I was reciting some verse or the other from the Quran. Not a second passed in any of the Coasters in which I did not pray anything.</div><div><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Superman <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>(</b>Roller Coaster)</span></b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>It is so called because of it extremely steep drops and rises. The initial drop is a near vertical 80 degrees ones from a height of about 70 metres. In this drop, it felt as if someone was crushing your head inside your stomach. The pressure was the most than any other ride.</div><div>After coming out of this ride, I couldn't even walk properly; had to take rest for some time. Not that I became sickly, just my head was spinning.</div><div>Sushant skipped this rides bcoz he was still recovering from Joker's Jinx.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>The drop of Superman:</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HdLHzOkkVnuesKBi7CsBtw?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPfTuGQGEag9jiaLQKGaLWNutyOBW8podgMnXAVMEt780XJpI1yj98_1Du9tJ0Sbvlq44rLJ3Rj-kEgSpK8sEn2nOk5wyIJ78AFKcYR6OOhkdHhdMEe3PLkNk2c7ZrSahPSiSvhdxL33h/s800/IMG_0899.JPG" /></a></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Arial", sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aEvNEu3xlxk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aEvNEu3xlxk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bat Wing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Roller Coaster<b>)</b></span></span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>I think we took rest after Superman at the wrong place. We went near this ride to take rest. And what we saw left us in awe. Sushant had already decided this was a No-No. Even I started having second thoughts of sitting in this one.</div><div>If you had a look at it, you would say this one was the most dangerous. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The reason for this was you don't sit on the coaster. Rather you lay down on your back as if planning to sleep. Have a look:</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yq8vQd4C7c3_CAcoQASg5w?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC67z3jtR2EzEQo0982_SYilOghiEzCv6eZvX7dMkljtHZPR1FaU-oFI8FfY3QaqKO6o4hvn4kWQczK7HaGE43jqK7yrhIvMDtuf60jC9ZY_clsJgSEpQ4W3FUomklX5OSKeLgNsbvkUeG/s800/batwing_p1040804_524.jpg" /></a></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>And when you reach the top it suddenly turns around. As a result you feel you are flying. Hence the name is aptly given.</div><div>Imagine it like this: You are sleeping on your bed. And then when you wake up, you find your bed attached to the ceiling upside down with you facing the floor. Except in this case the height was about 40 metres and you were travelling at 150kmph.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Arial", sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-ZOr_dPAnC8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-ZOr_dPAnC8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>But in the end, it was the best ride - I enjoyed it the most. I like rides which make you upside down and this one was like that.</div><div><br />
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</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sonora Speedway (</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Go Karting)</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>My first go karting experience was not so good. I was on 2nd position comfortably for a long time when for some reason my car stalled. How can you expect this to happen here; this is not a race. As a result, I still remained 2nd but from behind.</div><div><br />
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</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shipwreck Falls ( <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Small </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Coaster + Water </span>)</span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>It was a sunny day and yes you could feel the heat today. This ride was the answer to that problem. </div><div>One of the most enjoyable rides; we have a similar one in Essel World. But the one at Essel World has a much greater height. As a result the water splashes out and you don't get so wet. Here I got completely drenched, down to even every inch of my pants.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This was one video I clicked:</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Arial", sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lu40Rxtgp38&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lu40Rxtgp38&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cars</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (Dashing car)</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>For some reason whenever I have gone to a theme park, I have alwayz sat in this. There is some kind of immense pleasure in it. The good thing of dashing cars here was that they give you plenty of time to fool around - about 7-8 minutes.</div><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Renegade Rapids</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (Somewhat Rafting like)</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>They tried to give an experience of rafting; but it was far away from it. Just a little bit of tossing around in a boat in rough waters.</div><div>We had the company of 6 girlz who were screaming at the top of the voices at every small bump or when the water splashed inside the boat. I have no clue what was so fearing in that; it was much more fun to have the water splashing on you. Wonder what would have happened if they sat in Superman.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OYhxnzrmh87u3esvJHPKPQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02VkIq2Y_zcmkzMX2_sMugBqy92hKzknZZfCLFlkYN4eKa9TtUI2DRoUO4-Q9Laq472Qd32gsb1RrqRuJx9T852Zd1qH3GiQWbd5fWmyWrLno-AE0aHfraz7znpedXKUdhNxOyk4UR4EJ/s800/IMG_0918.JPG" /></a></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ROAR & The Wild One</span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>These are wooden coasters. The difference between steel and wooden ones are that these don't run at very high speed and neither have extreme drops or curves. So where does the thrill come from? It comes from the wood. When the rail moves on the track at such heights, the supporting wood doesn't stay firm, instead it vibrates to give you the thrill.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>The mesh of wooden roller coaster:</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lUNJReLA-gSSlfUhYt1YtA?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsPbm52ByZy_EsBVQp41eg22uaOA2wJsY0kB_2FnAJIyQ8e4Haf512B6RavDG2CeMnGm26n9Mz05IT6M6ZV8z84AugL5drBzluE83NbqVXwqkittwyI8eWVsVaMaZ4AmQsb-1Lwh3LB5f/s800/IMG_0903.JPG" /></a></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>See the video to know what I mean:</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Arial", sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FeZg1lph3Eo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FeZg1lph3Eo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tower of Doom</span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>A simple ride (simple in turns of working). You take your seat, it takes you to the top of a tower about 60 metres high and then drops you off under free flow of gravity. You do feel weightless for that fraction of a second. Not much of a ride since the height was very less.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Arial", sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="525" width="660"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-4ynAftu6-I&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-4ynAftu6-I&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="525"></embed></object></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mind Eraser</span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>This was the only roller coaster I missed.</div><div>It is a suspended one in which you are hanging from it like a pendulum; so the sways while moving are intense.</div><div>I stood in the line for 45 minutes and was thinking that how these machines work for the entire day. Isn't there any heating and wear-n-tear. The next minute the coaster broke down and I had to return dejected. Am wondering why, why, why did I think about this.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zSl_uJsQ3NYMi4j46x5YnQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SmyIhoqQsaI/AAAAAAAAF7I/oeUvYPZ5IXQ/s800/IMG_0922.JPG" /></a></span></div><div><br />
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</div><div>The park has the "Water Kingdom" in house. No separate fees required. But neither Sushant nor me were interested in it. Especially the nudity in that part.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Rotating ones like these were all skipped since they gave more of a headache than thrill.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial"; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xJ3avGZMAHIjBSczZmVQJw?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3A_cnm19PDtAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UhB7OGgMY48/SmyIQGoJaTI/AAAAAAAAF5c/u1WEC5VEo2s/s800/IMG_0905.JPG" /></a></span></div><div><br />
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</div></div>Fazeel Kazihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670931138703541530noreply@blogger.com0