Trek to Sudhagad Fort - Sept 29 and 30
September 24, 2007Trek to Sudhagad - The old fashioned way
At a height of 2200 feet, Sudhagad alias Bhorapgad has a huge platue of around 50 acres which offers a wonderful camping site. It has a punishment point called Takmak tok, an ancient Bhoraidevi temple and a grand Mahadrwaja. There is a secred chor daarwaja near the Mahadarwaja which if accessible can be used to reach the bottom of the Mahadarwaja bastions. From the Sudhagad platue you can see the ominously standing Tel baila which looks like a giant movie screen rising up from the platue opposite the Sudhagad platue. The nearest from from here is Ghangad and Sarasgad. If the skies are clear Dukes nose, Koraigad are also visible in the northeast behind Tel-baila.
The fort lies in the Raigad region. After Pen on the Mumbai Goa highway you come to Pali which is also famous for one of the Ashtavinayak temples. From here you move towards Paachapur village, about 24 km. The fort can be accessed from Thankurwadi village near Pacchapur.
History
Sudhagad fort is believed to have been in existence since 200 BC. The Bhora devi temple on top is said to have been built by Sage Bhrug Rishi. The rulers of Bhor dynasty were worshippers of Bhoraidevi. The first reference of Sudhagad is in the year 1436 when the Bahamani Sultan won over the fort. In 1657 the fort came under the control of Marathas and the name was changed from Bhorapgad to Sudhagad. Once upon a time this fort was also a contender of being the capital of Hindavi raj but lost the race because of the strategic location of Raigad
Programme Schedule:
Satuday, September 29, 2007.
06:00 hours Meet at Dadar East railway ticket counter opposite Swami Narayan temple
06:30 hours Board the S.T. to Pali/Pen (If we have waiting time at Bus Stop; introduction & induction at Bus Stop; else at base of Sudhagad village)
09:30 hours Reach Pen and have breakfast (Second Pickup poin) for members coming from other cities of Maharashtra .
09:45 hours Board a S.T./Jeep for Thakurwadi.
11:00 hours Reach Sudhagad base crossing Pali (we will not be stopping at Pali; those who want to visit Pali; can do so second day if we have time).
11:15 hours Introduction session and start of the trek
13.00 hours Lunch (Packed Lunch carried from Mumbai)
14:00 hours Reach Sudhagad asharam and relax for a while
15:30 hours Explore the fort
18:30 hours Evening tea and biscuit
20:30 hours Dinner and chill out time
20:30 hours Lights out
Sunday, September 29, 2007
06:30 hours Wake up
07:30 hours Breakfast
08:30 hours Fort exploration
12:00 hours Start for Sudhagad base
13:00 hours Lunch on the way down
15:00 hours Board a transport to Pali
16:30 hours Board a transport to Mumbai at Pen
21:00 hours Arrive in Mumbai (Depending on traffic and what time we catch the bus)
Write-ups by our members of our trek to Sudhagad last year
Contributions Rs. 900 per head (Includes; Travel; Toll; accommodation in an ashram. All meals for two days except Dinner on Sunday)
Total Capacity 25. Rs.100 Discount for members (Carry your discount coupons).
For registration courier you cheque prepared in the name of "Nature Knights ICICI Bank account number 041205000027" and drop the same in any ICICI Bank ATM Chq. Drop box
or
Directly do a electronic transfer. SMS the details "Chq. No., amount, your name and event" to one of the mobile numbers given below or email it to natureknights@ yahoo.com.
Please note- Participants doing electronic transfer have to pay an additional charge of Rs. 25/- per transaction.
For more details & registrations contact:
Asif 9821081566
Nimesh 9820169693
Dnyanesh - 9820834622
Know more about us at: www.natureknights. com
Check list for preparation.
Attire
Track Pants; Tights; or loose comfortable trousers; avoid jeans, they are not suited for trekking.
Shirt, T-Shirt, Kurta (Preferable full sleeves; this prevents sun burns and mosquitoes, other allergies).
Cap, waist pouch, rainwear like ponchos / wind cheaters
Shoes trekking shoes or touch sports shoes. Avoid shoes with high heals.
Carry Spare floaters, slippers, or light canvas shoes.
Socks carry two pairs of spare socks and other under garments
Please note: Rainware (ponchos) & backpacks are available for sale & hire (only if informed in advance.) Kindly contact us for details.
Other mandatory items check list for your survival kit
1) 2 meter x 2 meter plastic sheet - to spread on the ground because of dampness of the monsoons.
2) Hand Sanitizer Water will not be abundant enough for washing hands every time
3) Torch,
4) Pocket Knife
5) Light Towel
6) Small Plate & a mug Utensils are not available at the asharam
7) Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height strong and light) helps reduce stress while walking or if you wish to invest in more expensive one buy folding cane made of fiber.
8) 3 liters of water Availability of potable water is not ascertained; we will have to process and boil the water we drink for the next day.
9) Snacks for the route Dry Fruits; Fruits; Salad Items; chocolates; biscuits etc.
10) Basic Magnetic compass Always good to know your orientation
11) Carry a not pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.
12) Sleeping bag & Sleeping mat or two bed sheets- Accommodation is in an ashram so be well prepared to sleep on the floor.
13) Personal Medical Kit (check list given below).
Backpack or Rucksack
Carry all your belongings in a backpack or rucksack with light items at the bottom and heavy stuff loaded around your shoulders level. If you have, compression straps in your bag use them to compress your luggage to make it well balanced.
Important note:
Pack all your items in double plastic pouches sealed with rubber bands before keeping them in your backpack or rucksach.
Keep provision for some space in your bag to carry one kg ration that will be given to you by Nature Knights.
Do not carry unnecessary items
Carry a very small nap sack or handy bag.
Place of Stay: We will be staying in either temple complex or Ashram.
Goodies (nice to have)
You may also carry goodies like camera; small - binoculars, magnifying glasses and pocket field guide to make most of the trip.
Eco-Tourism Etiquettes to be followed in All Nature Knights Events.
Camps organized by "Nature Knights" are in the eco / culturally -sensitive area like Sanctuaries, Jungles, and places of Historical importance.
We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, leave only foot prints and take only memories.
How to prepare your self for any treks?
Basic Fitness is important so that you enjoy the trek to the maximum rather than just surviving and enduring it.
- Start walks 3 to 4 times per week; go for 45 minutes to 60 minutes brisk walk. If you can go for walks with your backpack or a smaller one nothing like it.
- Do stretching exercise (stiff body can break down easily).
- Built strength training (weights or GYM or at least do Surya Namaskar; Pushups; Squats and Stomach Crunches). 20 minutes 3 to 4 times per week is OK.
- Eat good food (have 3 to 4 servings of vegetable or fruit salads per day).
- Pranayam Breathing exercise for developing stronger lungs.
If you have purchased a new shoe for trek, start wearing it at least 10 to 15 days in advance to get used to the new shoe.
Looking forward to meet you for another exciting Nature Trek and Fort Exploration Event.
Personal medical Kit and Toiletries (Check list)
1) Velbet Skin cream for ticks or insect bytes
2) Bettnovet C "Anti Fungal Skin cream"
3) Bandages - Band aid, Crape Bandage, Gauze
4) Anti-septic cream Soframycine and Burnol
5) Paracitimol Crocin
6) Anti-Dyheration - Glucose D/C and Electrol
7) Anti Vomit / loose motions, Anti Allergies (optional),
8) Mosquito / Insect repellent
9) Pain killers and / or any other personal medication recommended by your family doctor.
10) Detol soap
11) Small shampoo soap
12) Tiny pouch of coconut oil
13) Toothpaste, tooth brush and shaving kit
14) Comb
15) Small Hand mirror
16) Carry all Personal medical kit and personal toiletries in a separate pouch.
Your medical Kit should contain your blood group and emergency phone number.