Chanderi Trek - Photos
July 07, 2016My best trek this monsoon season so far.. Steady hill climb, a hike across lush green plaeau, climb up the gushing waterfall, steep ascend up the mountain, traversing across extremely windy exposed ridge, a super buffet lunch, a big adventure while descending through swollen waterfalls; a off road ride on flodded tracks; and finally ending with Chai and Kanda Bhajias n Vada Pavs at Karjat before we bid good bye... until next time
If you are driving down take road to Badlapur from Kalyan and then to Chinchavali from Badlapur(E). From Pune take the old-Mumbai Highway till chowk, take a left and follow the Chowk-Karjat-Neral road which further goes to Badlapur, after Vangani, take left from the turn just after Hotel Chanderi
The descend is not tough, but can be bit slippery at places during monsoon.
Chanderi is a good trek during monsoon and winter.
Beginning of the trek
Jungle trek
Flat plateau.. around 45 to 60 minutes trek from the village.
Here is where the ascend gets steeper once we cross the waterfalls
Climbing along the waterfalls..
In Chanderi Caves
Gushing storm on the exposed ridge..
Trek to Chanderi Caves (Monsoon) or till Chanderi Fort (Non Monsoon)
Base: Chinchavali Village (Region – Matheran Range), Nearest railway stations (Vangani and Badlapur).
Altitude: 800 meters (2330 feet) above mean sea level.
Category: Tough
Distance : 140 Kms approx from Pune(By Road), 80 kms from Mumbai
Route: Chinchavali is accessible from Vangani and Badlapur Railway Stations on Central line (You may hire an auto from the railway station).
One needs to cover a long distance from Vangni station (East). Exit Vangani station from back side (towards CST side). Walk the small road leading to the highway. Take an auto to reach Chinchavali. The trek route follows via Chinchavli village, which is at a distance of about 3 Km (15-20 minutes by Auto or 30 minutes walk).
If you are driving down take road to Badlapur from Kalyan and then to Chinchavali from Badlapur(E). From Pune take the old-Mumbai Highway till chowk, take a left and follow the Chowk-Karjat-Neral road which further goes to Badlapur, after Vangani, take left from the turn just after Hotel Chanderi
The trek starts with a easy walk going through farm houses, empty plots, small stream (it is almost a size of river during monsoon) and tons of slushy mud before you arrive at a small school. That is the starting point of the trek.
It is a mild walk in the beginning with gradual descent, if you are one of those adventurous exploring kind follow the markers laid out earlier by the various trekking groups solving the jigsaw puzzles sometimes going back and forth. This trek is known for trekkers losing their way. Or be smart hire professional trekking guide from an adventure company like “Offbeat Mandala” www.offbeatmandala.com . As you trek further the route becomes steeper and more challenging to climb especially during monsoon it is slippery at several places. But monsoon also brings out the best in Sahyadari range (name of Western Ghats in Maharashtra).
During the trek you will reach Y fork which showed two paths going two peaks, Chanderi on the left and Mahismaal on the right. A saddle (Cole) in the middle separates the two forts.
This place is generally considered as a first rest point by most trekkers. The real trekking adventure starts from here. The trail follows through the hillocks and shrubs, right to the Cole. Chanderi is known for its getting lost in the jungle so be ready for a Jungle Treasure Hunt. Not finding the trail is kind of expected phenomenon, so don't panic. And if u take a wrong turn, you will either find yourself amidst huge boulders or into a water stream!! Keep a look out for markers left behind by other trekkers at the same time it is wise to make your own markers so that you can trace back your route in case you are lost. Its also wise to make a mental note of prominent land marks; direction of sun with time; carry a local map if possible along with compass. Its fun to play an explorer.
After some scrambling, climbing, on occasion slipping you will finally reach the top at Chanderi Cave. During monsoon you should not go beyond this point. Take a break and replenish yourself by taking some rest, water and meal break. Soak yourself in the fresh atmosphere and enjoy view. This cave lies below a huge square massif. There is an old idol kept inside the cave. You can get a magnificent view of Peb, Matheran, Prabalgad, Irshalgad and Panvel region from here. Avoid going beyond the huge rocks n boulders as its very risky during monsoons.
The 300 ft. pinnacle is one of the favorite rock climbing spot for many budding climbers. Top of the fort can be reached from the back. Don’t attempt to climb the pinnacle during monsoon or without proper assistance of mountaineer team and equipment’s.
The 300 ft. pinnacle is one of the favorite rock climbing spot for many budding climbers. Top of the fort can be reached from the back. Don’t attempt to climb the pinnacle during monsoon or without proper assistance of mountaineer team and equipment’s.
The descend is not tough, but can be bit slippery at places during monsoon.
Chanderi is a good trek during monsoon and winter.
Plan your own trek to Chanderi - Click here.
You are welcome to join our adventure club; We go trekking, camping, road trips, cycling, easy leisure trips, trekking expedition, wild life trip etc. - click here to know planned scheduled of few of our events.
You are welcome to join our adventure club; We go trekking, camping, road trips, cycling, easy leisure trips, trekking expedition, wild life trip etc. - click here to know planned scheduled of few of our events.
Also check the following links:
UpComing Adventures - Click hereFew camping options in Maharashtra - Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra - Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here
Team Building Program - Click here
Some of our credentials - click here
Adventure Hobbies - Know more click here
Join our Adventure Club Family and Trips - Click here
Why us - Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra - Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here
Team Building Program - Click here
Some of our credentials - click here
Adventure Hobbies - Know more click here
Join our Adventure Club Family and Trips - Click here
Why us - Click here
Monsoon Events
June 29, 2016Camping, Night Treks, Summer Camps, Himalayan Safari, Monsoon Treks, Backpacking Treks, Home Stays, Cottages and Villas, Waterfall Rappelling, Adventure Sports, Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, Chadar Trek, leisure Cycling Trips; Backpacking with Cycles; White Water Rafting, Safaris, Mountaineering, Rural Tours, Sailing, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Fishing Trips, kite flying, Bhutan Safari, Ladakh Safari, Himalayan Safari’s in the Seven Sisters of North East, Trips to Beaches and Jungles of India etc.
Travel Calendar 2016 and 2017
Scheduled Offbeat Travel Experiences, Treks, Waterfall Rappelling, Camping, Cycling trips and Easy to Moderate Adventures..
All links to be added soon..
All links to be added soon..
Monsoon Adventure Treks (MAHARASHTRA) | ||
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE EVENTS WATERFALL RAPPELLING; ROAD TRIPS; CAMPING ETC. DO KEEP CHECKING FOR UPDATES EVERY WEEK.
Jul 10th Jul 23rd, Jul 24th, Aug 7th | Jul Custom dates Aug 28th | |
Ulhas Valley Waterfall Rappelling and Trek | Dudhiware Waterfall Rappelling and Trek | |
Jul 17th Aug 14th Aug 15th | Hidden Kassgaun Plateau Waterfall (with Overnight Monsoon Camping possible) Custom Event for Groups (minimum group size 15) | Kune Waterfalls (Lonavla Region) |
Other Easy to Moderate Adventures, Monsoon Road Trips etc to be listed soon..
Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):
Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA
Account No.: 50200006370273
Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019
Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD.,
JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,
WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA
Also check the following links:
Few camping options in Maharashtra Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here
Team Building Program - Click here
Some of our credentials - click here
Adventure Hobbies - Know more click here
Join our Adventure Club Family and Trips - Click here
Why us - Click here
Few camping options in Maharashtra Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here
Team Building Program - Click here
Some of our credentials - click here
Adventure Hobbies - Know more click here
Join our Adventure Club Family and Trips - Click here
Why us - Click here
Plateau of flowers
June 29, 2016Monsoon Camping Holiday on Plateau of flowers at 4000 feet above mean sea level away from the maddening crowd.
only limited seats; book well in advance due to long weekend rush.
Location:
10 km from Panchgani, Kaswand Plateau
Planned Program:
Day 1
02:00 pm Arrival at Campsite
03:00 pm Exploring around the campsite, neighboring farms and the lesser know plateau (Non-tourist plateau - one hour one way hike from the campsite).
06:45 pm Back at campsite
Tea/Coffee Snack
07:00 pm Chilling out with Campfire
08:30 pm to 10:00 pm Dinner
Day 2
Early Breakfast
Road trip to Exploring trek to Kaas Plateau of flowers from the other end of the ridge.
at KAAS Plateau.. (Our Window 10:00 am to 01:00 pm).
02:00 to 03:30 pm Lunch
03:30 pm to 06:00 pm High Rope Adventures
06:00 pm Tea/Coffee Snack
07:00 pm Chilling out at campfire / open agenda
Day 3
7:00 am to 8:00 am try our hand at Obstacle Course (Optional)
8:30 am to 9:30 am Breakfast
09:30 am to 12:00 am Last excursion with the Plateau of flowers (Non Tourist plateau) - short and waterfall trail.
01:00 pm Lunch
Visit to Chocolate and Cheese Factory.
Note: (Day 1 Lunch is not part of the package) You can either have Lunch on the way back at Panchgani or drop in a Cheese Factory and try out few items made from cheese e.g. Pizza etc or at Jam Factory and try Grill Sandwich or try local Maharashtran menu at Wai. You may also order your lunch at campsite for an extra cost..
Limited edition camping experience by Nature Knights - Offbeat Mandala.
Experiences include: Camping; Treks; High Rope Adventures; Excursion to Plateau of flowers; Excursion to Cheese and Chocolate Factory; Farms etc.
Optional Experiences (at extra cost): Water Fall Rappelling and Caving.
Date: September 10th to 12th, 2016 (Custom date booking also possible)
Check in: Sep 10th at 02:00 pm
Check out: Sept 12th, at 01:30 pm
Camp cost:
2 Nights and 3 Days: Rs.4650/- on Quad Sharing Basis.
for twin sharing basis add Rs.350/- per head as premium charges.
Click here for contacts and bookings
Click here for contacts and bookings
only limited seats; book well in advance due to long weekend rush.
Location:
10 km from Panchgani, Kaswand Plateau
Includes:
Stay (Quad sharing) in Tents with attached washrooms.
Meals (Buffet - Breakfast (2); Lunch (2); Hi-Tea (2); and Dinner(2)). - Veg and Non Veg.
Trek and Excursions
Exclusions and Optional Extras:
Any custom meal menu ordered.
Any kind of road tolls, parking charges, entry fee.
Any custom services.
Any kind of road tolls, parking charges, entry fee.
Any custom services.
Barbecue
Waterfall Rappelling - Rs.550/- pp
Caving - Rs.300/- pp
Entry Fee to KAAS - Rs.100/- pp (on day 2 morning).
Transport
Entry Fee to KAAS - Rs.100/- pp (on day 2 morning).
Transport
Tent for stay
Sit out - outside cafeteria
Dorms / Rooms from Inside
Obstacle course.. at campsite
Cycles available at campsite..
High rope adventures at campsite..
Machan at campsite..
Planned Program:
Day 1
02:00 pm Arrival at Campsite
03:00 pm Exploring around the campsite, neighboring farms and the lesser know plateau (Non-tourist plateau - one hour one way hike from the campsite).
06:45 pm Back at campsite
Tea/Coffee Snack
07:00 pm Chilling out with Campfire
08:30 pm to 10:00 pm Dinner
Day 2
Early Breakfast
Road trip to Exploring trek to Kaas Plateau of flowers from the other end of the ridge.
at KAAS Plateau.. (Our Window 10:00 am to 01:00 pm).
02:00 to 03:30 pm Lunch
03:30 pm to 06:00 pm High Rope Adventures
06:00 pm Tea/Coffee Snack
07:00 pm Chilling out at campfire / open agenda
Day 3
7:00 am to 8:00 am try our hand at Obstacle Course (Optional)
8:30 am to 9:30 am Breakfast
09:30 am to 12:00 am Last excursion with the Plateau of flowers (Non Tourist plateau) - short and waterfall trail.
01:00 pm Lunch
Visit to Chocolate and Cheese Factory.
Note: (Day 1 Lunch is not part of the package) You can either have Lunch on the way back at Panchgani or drop in a Cheese Factory and try out few items made from cheese e.g. Pizza etc or at Jam Factory and try Grill Sandwich or try local Maharashtran menu at Wai. You may also order your lunch at campsite for an extra cost..
Checklist for travel:
Change clothes (Carry loose comfortable clothes)
Trekking shoe or tough canvas shoe
Spare floaters / slippers
Cap or Hat
Sun Glasses
Rain Wear
Personal Toiletries and Medical Kit (Doctor on call available)
Trekking shoe or tough canvas shoe
spare slippers or floaters
Flash lights
Lite woolens
field guide on flowers (Optional, recommended)
Field glasses
Water bottle (Pet Bottle - 1 liter for field trip);
Snack pack (fruits, biscuits, dry fruits, etc in a small backpack).
Also note that wild flowering plants are a natural phenomenon and not in organizers control.
Dos and Don'ts
Change clothes (Carry loose comfortable clothes)
Trekking shoe or tough canvas shoe
Spare floaters / slippers
Cap or Hat
Sun Glasses
Rain Wear
Personal Toiletries and Medical Kit (Doctor on call available)
Trekking shoe or tough canvas shoe
spare slippers or floaters
Flash lights
Lite woolens
field guide on flowers (Optional, recommended)
Field glasses
Water bottle (Pet Bottle - 1 liter for field trip);
Snack pack (fruits, biscuits, dry fruits, etc in a small backpack).
Also note that wild flowering plants are a natural phenomenon and not in organizers control.
Dos and Don'ts
1. Don’t visit the plateau to only see the carpet of flowers, look around you will find many varieties of flowers. There are over 1000 varieties to look out for.
2. Carry a field guide or hire a local expert (possible at KAAS on day 2) even if you are a photographer heading there only for Macro photography or just a visitor visiting nature.
3. Drive slowly or at best ditch your vehicle at the ticket counter and walk through all the 3 well marked trails and also to the lake and back. Approach roads sometimes may not be good so be ready to face a rough ride.
4. Avoid carrying food items on the trails, this isn’t a picnic spot. You can leave all food / snack pack in car. Carry water in PET bottles (avoid use and throw bottles).
5. Don’t play loud music (including in your vehicles).
6. Don’t pluck flowers, even if you are a plant collector.
7. Take a photograph without touching the flowers, yes even if it means getting an unclear shot.
8. Don’t litter, treat Nature as you would treat a sacred place.
9. During field trips outing, avoid party with alcohol and cigarettes when out doors at Nature.
10. Wear comfortable attire while on field visits, preferably comfortable full sleeves t-shirt or shirt; track pants or leggings, trekking shoe or tough canvas shoe (do not walk bare feet), cap or hat, sun glasses etc.
11. During monsoon at dusk and dawn, fog envelopes the plateau and mountains and it is advisable to stick with your group and not veer off the track.
12.If you are in a groups ensure each one moves in a single file and sticks to the beaten trail created especially for the protection of the flower beds.
