Leisure
May 31, 2011What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheeps or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
(Leisure by William Henry Davies).
Life is greener on this side of the valley.
Nature Beckons.
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheeps or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
(Leisure by William Henry Davies).
Life is greener on this side of the valley.
Nature Beckons.
Night Trek to Visapur Fort
May 28, 2011Nature KNight Adventure to Visapur Fort..
Experience the Dark side of trekking..
Generally most treks end with watching sunrise, this one starts with watching sunset. So instead Good morning we start with looking forward to a Great Adventure Evening, looking forward to a Great Adventure Night..
To know more about Visapur Fort do check link of one of our old adventures to this place.. Old Adventure Diary of Trek to Visapur Fort .
Start Date and Time: June 11, 2011 (2pm), Mumbai.
End Time: June 12, 2011 (1:00 pm), Mumbai.
Location: Visapur Fort, Base Village "Malawli" (less than 30 minutes drive or by train from Lonavala).
Camp Fee: Rs.1000/- (And those getting their own vehicle will only have to pay Rs.500/-). 10% discount for members.
Registration and 100% payment in advance mandatory click here for registration
Nature Knights Contacts Click Here
Includes: Evening Hi-Tea (Lonavala or near Bhaja Caves), Morning Breakfast at Lonavala, Transport.
Carry your own Dinner, munching dry snacks or fruits and Water (3 liters per head).
Schedule:
June 11, 2011 (Saturday)
2:00 pm Start from Mumbai
5:00 pm Arrival at Lonavala (Hi Tea at Lonavala)
6:00 pm Trek starts at Malavli
Watch Sunset while climbing the fort
Expected to reach fort by 10:00 pm
Dinner at Fort
Explore the fort at Night / Rest
June 12, 2011 (Sunday)
Start trek back around 4:30/ 5:00 am
Expected to reach base of the fort by 8:00 am
Breakfast and freshen-up at Lonavala
Start for Mumbai 10:30am
Expected Arrival at Mumbai at 1pm
Do not carry items that are not required.
Alcohol strictly prohibited for this event.
During treks keep yourself hydrated by sipping water every 20 minutes.
Do not carry any music players.
Be responsible for yourself and others around you.
Stick to planned schedule.
Experience the Dark side of trekking..
Experiences:
Watching Sunset and Sunrise from Hill, Trekking at Night, Exploring historical fort at Night, Camp Fire, Preparing Wild Chef Jungle Chai and Barbecued Bread Toast..
Generally most treks end with watching sunrise, this one starts with watching sunset. So instead Good morning we start with looking forward to a Great Adventure Evening, looking forward to a Great Adventure Night..
To know more about Visapur Fort do check link of one of our old adventures to this place.. Old Adventure Diary of Trek to Visapur Fort .
Start Date and Time: June 11, 2011 (2pm), Mumbai.
End Time: June 12, 2011 (1:00 pm), Mumbai.
Location: Visapur Fort, Base Village "Malawli" (less than 30 minutes drive or by train from Lonavala).
Camp Fee: Rs.1000/- (And those getting their own vehicle will only have to pay Rs.500/-). 10% discount for members.
Registration and 100% payment in advance mandatory click here for registration
Nature Knights Contacts Click Here
Includes: Evening Hi-Tea (Lonavala or near Bhaja Caves), Morning Breakfast at Lonavala, Transport.
Carry your own Dinner, munching dry snacks or fruits and Water (3 liters per head).
Schedule:
June 11, 2011 (Saturday)
2:00 pm Start from Mumbai
5:00 pm Arrival at Lonavala (Hi Tea at Lonavala)
6:00 pm Trek starts at Malavli
Watch Sunset while climbing the fort
Expected to reach fort by 10:00 pm
Dinner at Fort
Explore the fort at Night / Rest
June 12, 2011 (Sunday)
Start trek back around 4:30/ 5:00 am
Expected to reach base of the fort by 8:00 am
Breakfast and freshen-up at Lonavala
Start for Mumbai 10:30am
Expected Arrival at Mumbai at 1pm
What to carry?
Flash Light with Spare Cells (Mandatory)
Preferred attire: Track Pants, Tights, Full Sleeves T-Shirt; lite Towel). You may carry one set of change clothes.
Sun Glasses, Sun Screen, Cap and Plenty of water (3 liters per head)
Mosquito Repellent
Personal (Velbet Anti-inflammatory cream, Anti-Fungal Cream / Powder, Moisturizer, Soap)
Bed Sheets 1 Nos and One Plastic Sheet / Mat (use full while resting)
Hand Sanitizer, Soap, Comb, Pocket Mirror and Pocket Knife.
Optional: Rain Wear (Small Raincoat or equivalent).
Do and Don'ts
Stick the with the group, kindly inform your friends in case you wise to go exploring.
Do not explore on your own far away from the group for to long.
Carry all mandatory require items from check list in a bag pack.
No litter, No destruction of Nature world or Heritage structures (follow Eco-tourism code with self discipline). Do not carry items that are not required.
Alcohol strictly prohibited for this event.
During treks keep yourself hydrated by sipping water every 20 minutes.
Do not carry any music players.
Be responsible for yourself and others around you.
Stick to planned schedule.
Ahupe Ghat
May 22, 2011Ahupe Ghat Albums... click on the pictures
Album 2 (Year 2010).
Ahupe Ghat and the Success Story of Devrai (The afforestation led by faith)..
Fabulous Landscapes, Picture perfect countryside, gushing streams, mighty hills, tranquility, and great company..
Monsoon Trek to Ahupe Ghat
Date: July 3, 2011
Altitude: 3855 feet above mean sea level
Grade: Medium
Location: Malshej Ghat / Murbad Region
About Ahupe Ghat
Ahupe Ghat is a pass leading from Khopiwali in the Konkan, to Ahupe village in theGhats . Ahupe village is at a height of about 3855 ft. The Ghat drops vertically to the Konkan all around Ahupe, and there are many narrow gorges, with breathtaking drops. the route from Khopiwali to Ahupe, near its upper reaches, is very narrow, and almost a gorge.
Ahupe village is very picturesque. It looks like a remote hamlet because on one side, is the steep drop to the Konkan, and on the remaining three sides, there is a mountain range enclosing it, cutting it off from the Deccan plateau proper.
This is a pleasant one day hike with rather dramatic views from the top.
Devrai - The Sacred Groves of Maharashtra. These Devrais are nothing but religiouly preserved forest patches. Ahupe near Bhimashankar has such Devrai - protected by faith of nearby tribal people "Mahadeo Kolis".
Ahupe Forest and its people the Mahadeo Kolis make up for a damn interesting story as most Devrai's have fallen to Axe of the greedy, Ahupe Devrai is a success story.
If fact in last 3 to 4 year they have planted several thousand trees that are growing well. The Mahadeo Kolis are also inspired by a local Vet. doctor who is very actively involved with them. They have also constructed small spring water water tanks with clean water for trekkers and pilgrims to drink. Water holes for animals.. Indeed a success story..
Route from Mumbai:
Mumbai - Thane (Eastern Express Highway) - take left turn from Kalyan / Highway Junction - Breakfast at Quick Bite - Cross Kalyan - Ulhas Nagar - take Mahshej Ghat road till you have to turn right for Murbad - after Murbad continue till - Mahasa (Mahasa has got Sunday Bazaar) - Take left from here and keep going till Khopivli - Trek starts at Khopivli Village.
Check list
 |
| Ahupe-Ghat-Trek-July-3-2011 |
Album 2 (Year 2010).
 |
| AhupeGhat |
Ahupe Ghat and the Success Story of Devrai (The afforestation led by faith)..
Fabulous Landscapes, Picture perfect countryside, gushing streams, mighty hills, tranquility, and great company..
Monsoon Trek to Ahupe Ghat
Date: July 3, 2011
Altitude: 3855 feet above mean sea level
Grade: Medium
Location: Malshej Ghat / Murbad Region
About Ahupe Ghat
Ahupe Ghat is a pass leading from Khopiwali in the Konkan, to Ahupe village in the
Ahupe village is very picturesque. It looks like a remote hamlet because on one side, is the steep drop to the Konkan, and on the remaining three sides, there is a mountain range enclosing it, cutting it off from the Deccan plateau proper.
This is a pleasant one day hike with rather dramatic views from the top.
Devrai - The Sacred Groves of Maharashtra. These Devrais are nothing but religiouly preserved forest patches. Ahupe near Bhimashankar has such Devrai - protected by faith of nearby tribal people "Mahadeo Kolis".
Ahupe Forest and its people the Mahadeo Kolis make up for a damn interesting story as most Devrai's have fallen to Axe of the greedy, Ahupe Devrai is a success story.
If fact in last 3 to 4 year they have planted several thousand trees that are growing well. The Mahadeo Kolis are also inspired by a local Vet. doctor who is very actively involved with them. They have also constructed small spring water water tanks with clean water for trekkers and pilgrims to drink. Water holes for animals.. Indeed a success story..
Route from Mumbai:
Mumbai - Thane (Eastern Express Highway) - take left turn from Kalyan / Highway Junction - Breakfast at Quick Bite - Cross Kalyan - Ulhas Nagar - take Mahshej Ghat road till you have to turn right for Murbad - after Murbad continue till - Mahasa (Mahasa has got Sunday Bazaar) - Take left from here and keep going till Khopivli - Trek starts at Khopivli Village.
Check list
Attire:
Track pants or tights or any comfortable clothes (avoid heavy jeans)
Full sleeves T-shirt, (you may carry spare t-shirt)
Carry Spare Swimming trunks, light towel
Rain wear (Poncho, or Short light Raincoat), Rain Cap or Hat
Regular Sun Cap or Hat
Hand Towel
Other mandatory items
Flash light with spare batteries
Water (2 liters per head)
Packed Lunch
Pack all items in plastic bags before packing it in your backpack or ruck sack
Pack everything in your backpack properly. Light items on top and bottom side of bag, heavy item towards center and towards your shoulder and body. Use compression straps to tighten the bag from all sides so that items inside the bag do not keep shifting.
Optional items
Comb and pocket mirror
personal medical kit
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Eco-Adventure Code
We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, and follow the principle leave only footprints and take only memories.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
May 20, 2011On June 19, Puri in Orissa will witness the annual rath yatra at the world-famous Jagannath Temple. Puri was once Paloura, a famous port that carried on a flourishing maritime trade with East Asia.
Today Puri is a seaside resort with the longest beach in the state. It is one of the four holiest places of pilgrimage in India for Hindus (the other three are Badri-Kedarnath, Rameswaram and Dwaraka).
The majestic temple of Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, stands on an elevated platform in the heart of Puri. It was built in the 12th century A.D. by King Chodaganga to commemorate the shifting of his capital from south to central Orissa. Lord Jagannath is worshipped here as Lord Krishna along with his sister, Subhadra and elder brother, Balabhadra.
According to legend, the idols were made by the divine architect Vishwakarma on the orders of Vishnu himself. Vishwakarma agreed on condition that no one would disturb him. When an impatient Vishnu broke into the room, the idols were still incomplete and remained thus.
Another story relates that a voice from the heavens told the King Indradyumna that he would find the lord’s idol in the form of a log. Soon such a log appeared floating on the sea. The king had it brought ashore. The lord then appeared before the king as an old carpenter and offered to chisel an image in 21 days, provided nobody watched him at work. The king promised, but driven by curiosity, he peeped into the room before the stipulated period was over. All that the king saw in the room were three wooden idols without arms. The old carpenter was never seen again.
The statues are replaced with new ones every 12 years.
The wood for making the idols is cut only from the trunks of those neem trees seen by certain daitas or worshippers in their dreams. A mysterious object (which many scholars claim to be the sacred tooth of the Buddha) is taken out of the old idol and placed in the new one by a blindfolded priest, whose hands are wrapped in cloth so that he cannot examine the contours of the object. This takes place at the Nau Kalebara festival just before the Rath Yatra.
The Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival commemorates the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. Two weeks before the Yatra, the three idols are given a ceremonial bath. Since they become discoloured, only the chief priest can see them till they are re-painted! Before they are taken out in three enormous, wooden chariots to Gundicha Bari or the Garden House of Jagannath, the King of Puri arrives to sweep the chariots with a golden broom. Nandighosa, or Chakradhwaja, the 16-wheeled chariot of Jagannath, is the largest of the chariots. It is 14 m high and 11 m wide. 832 pieces of wood go into its making. Balabhadra’s chariot is called Taladhwaja and Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalana.
Although the jouney is just a mile long, it takes the procession an entire day’s travelling on the Bada-Danda or grand road, to reach Gundicha Bari. Thousands of people come to watch the spectacular event and even participate in pulling the chariot. There is a frenzy to touch the idol of Jagannath for it is believed that a single touch on this particular day can free one from the cycle of birth and death.
The images of the gods are ceremoniously brought back to the main temple after 7 days. The procession is called Bahuda Yatra.
Jagannath stops for a while at the Mausi Ma mandir or the temple of his aunt. He is offered his favourite food here, a rice cake called poda pitha. The chariot then stops near the palace of the King of Puri, the Adisevaka or foremost servant of the Lord. Here the Goddess Lakshmi steals a glimpse of her Lord from a distance and is offered a garland, before she retires to her own shrine. After reaching the temple, the deities remain in the chariots for a day. The next day, Ekadashi, they are dressed in golden costumes and re-enter the temple, in a ceremony called Niladri Vijay, the grand finale of the Rath Yatra.
A Day out in Jungle with Nature Knights
May 20, 2011A Day out in Jungle with Nature Knights
Click here to Register
For Customer Support and Registration Click Here
Click here to See Photo Albums of Sanjay Gandhi National Park Jungle Trails
Exploring Nature Trail, Swing Like Tarzan, Rope Ladder Climbing, Tree Climbing, Bird Watching, Lear few knots, Brunch with Butter flies..
Who is invited: Children, Adults, Families..
Nature Beckons
Date:
Location: Jungle Trail in Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Camp Fee: .
Click here to Register
For Customer Support and Registration Click Here
Click here to See Photo Albums of Sanjay Gandhi National Park Jungle Trails
A program for Kids and Families..
Activities recommended:
Nature Trail, Jungle Trek, Environment Orientation, Toy Train, Tiger and Lion Safari, Kanheri Caves, Rock Climbing, Breakfast with butterflies .. etc.
Nature Trail, Jungle Trek, Environment Orientation, Toy Train, Tiger and Lion Safari, Kanheri Caves, Rock Climbing, Breakfast with butterflies .. etc.
What to carry/ wear?
Wear loose and comfortable cotton clothes.
Carry a hand towel
Sun Glasses, Hat or Cap, Sun Screen
Wear Sports Shoes
Carry minimum two liters water per head.
Small Munchies (Chocolates, Fruits etc can be useful during Jungle Walks)
Sanjay Gandhi National Park-Albums
May 19, 2011Few Experiences of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Photo Albums of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
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| Monsoon-Majic-SJNP-june2010 - click here |
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| Sylonda-Jungle-trek - click here |
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| Census-in-SJNP - click here |
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| BNP-Jungle-Trek-Monsoon-2008 - click here |
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| Macros - click here |
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| SGNP-July19-2011 - click here |
Rajmachi Night Trek
May 19, 2011
Night Trek to Rajmachi Trek and Over 100 feet Rappelling
Date: May 28 and 29, 2011
Starting Time: May 28 (2pm), From Andheri East, Opp to Regancy Restaurent, Road connecting to Western Express Highway, Diagonally Opposite to Bilsery.
Return Time: May 29 (7:30pm)
Trek Duration: Three and Half Hour One Way.. (Moderate)
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| Representative Picture of Rappelling not of Rajmachi |
Activities:
Night Trek, Day Trek, Fort Exploring, Dip in Pond, Village Food, Stay in Tents, Over 100 feet Rappelling from Fort, One night in Nature ..
Place to Start and End Trek: Lonavala (from Tungarli Lake)
Ideal number of Days: 2 Days and 1 Night
Camp Fee:
Rs.2950/- per head.. Rs.200/- Discount for Members.
Registration by 100% advance payment..
Includes:
Transport (Non-AC Mini-Bus) Andheri-Bandra-Sion-Vashi-Belapur-Panvel-Lonavala-Tungarli-and Return.
Food: May 28, Evening Hi-Tea with One Snack, May 29 - Breakfast, Lunch, and Hi-Tea
(kindly carry packed dinner for May 28, this is not included in budget)
Rappelling: Safety Gear, Technical Support by experts
Stay: Accommodation in Tents (Multi-Sharing), Separate accommodation for male and females.
Schedule:
2:00 pm (Start from Andheri, Mumbai)
2:15 pm (Pickup at Bandra, Kalanagar Juncation, below the Sky Walk Exit)
2:20 pm (Sion Station, outside station or near Sion Lunch Home)
2:45 pm (Chembur - Opp. Akbar Allis Departmental Stores)
2:55 pm (Vashi - Junction of Station Road and Highway)
3:05 pm (Belapur)
3:15 pm (Panvel, at Entrance of Express Highway and near McDonald's)
4:15 pm (Lonavala expected arrival)
4:50 pm (Depart for Tungarli Dam)
5:15 pm (Start trek at Tungarli Dam for Rajmachi)..
Evening Trek, Enjoy Sunset on the way
Dinner below the starry night on the way
Arrival at camp site by 10pm
Chit Chat
Hit the sack
May 29, 2011
7:00 am Wakeup call (Optional Dip in Pond)
8:00 am to 8:45 am (breakfast)
09:30 am to 12:15pm (Rappelling and Fort Exploration)
Lunch at base village
Start trek to Lonavala at 1:50pm
Expected Arrival at Tungarli Dam (5:30 pm)
Hi-Tea at Express Mall or Lonavala
What to carry?
Flash Light with Spare Cells
Change Clothes (Preferred attire: Track Pants, Tights, Three Forth, Full Sleeves T-Shirt; Hand Towel, Big Towel)
Sun Glasses, Sun Screen, Cap and Plenty of water (3 liters per head)
Mosquito Repellent
Personal (Velbet Anti-inflammatory cream, Anti-Fungal Cream / Powder, Moisturizer, Soap)
Bed Sheets 2 Nos (Or) One Bedsheet and One Mat (Or) Sleeping Bag light material
More about Rajmachi
Rajmachi is the name given to the twin hill forts located around 18 kilometers from Lonavala, the twin forts are called 'Shrivardhan' and 'Manaranjan'.
Rajmachi can be accessed either from Lonavala or Karjat (Base Village Kondivita). The approach from Lonavala is longer but easier; from Karjat side it a little steep. Best way to do a Rajmachi trek is start from Lonavala (Near Tungarli Dam) very early in the morning. An easy trek would take you till base village around Lunch time, stay over at the base village near the twin peaks 'Shrivardhan' and 'Manranjan', few simple village dormatory/ lodges available for stay would be happy to provide you with simple village food for a fee.
Evening take a Dip in a Pond located at walkable distance from Village, the trail to pond leads to a cool patch of greenery.
You can cover to twin forts near base village next day early morning. Afterlearly Lunch you can start your trek towards Karjat. You can get Rickshaws/ ST Bus from some distance at Kondivita Village.
More about Rajmachi
Shrivardhan and Manaranjan can also be considered as two separate forts. There is one small platue in between them. A temple of 'Bhairoba' is very beautiful. Shrivardhan is 'Bale killa' of Rajmachi. It is almost 3000 feet high. But it was mainly built to keep watch on Konkan area. The other - Manaranjan is 2700 feet high. Manaranjan consists of strong walls, 3 doors and many water tanks. One can see Ulhas river, Dukes Nose (Nagphani), Karnala ,Matheran, Mahuli and Bhimashankar etc. The old caves of 'Kondhavi' on Rajmachi fort are worth to see. The way to fort is long but truly with a good view. One can enjoy a nice forest, Tungarli lake and many waterfalls as well.
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