Jade, Emerald. Olive, Harlequin, GREEN. These are
colours that you can expect to see on am artificial colour palette. But step
out during monsoons, when the rain has washed everything and given new life to
the surroundings, and you will see all these colours and more bursting forth
from every corner. The chlorophyll emanating from the fresh greenery is good
for your skin and health in general which makes trekking a very good choice for
an outing.
As the clouds roll in, pregnant with life giving
precipitation, the plant life seems to come alive to the music of the thunder.
Imagine yourself among lush green leaves singing along with the monsoon. Take a
walk during this time to soak in the nature's enchanting beauty as well as get
fit. So put on some comfortable footwear and take a trek in these locations
within Maharashtra.
LOHAGAD
FORT
The name literally means an "a fortress of
iron". These ramparts have seen a long and tumultuous history revolving
around taking over of these iron walls. From the Mughals to the Marathas, a lot
of dynasties have taken over this fort. Built in the Western Ghats the place is
green all year round but the monsoons give it a fragrant touch of its own. As
you explore the fortifications, the hidden gateways, and the hugeness of the
structure don't forget to miss the tiny but interesting bugs and various types
of birds.
The pathways are laden with moss and the four
humongous gates still stand after all the tests of time. Check out the "Vinchukata"
fortification which, as the name suggests, is shaped like a scorpion's tail.
THE
VINCHUKATA FORTIFICATION
Lohagad is near Lonavala and can be reached by train or road via the
old Mumbai- Pune highway.
RAIGAD FORT
The Raigad Fort was the seat of the Maratha Empire
when Shivaji was crowned the emporer in 1674. It saw a glorious rule by the
Maratha ruler from atop the Sahyadri Range in the Western Ghats. Built at an
altitude of 820 metres above the sea level, the fortress has around 1500 steps
which lead to the main palace. The base of the fort is a village called Pachad
which is accessible by road. You can either choose to climb up the steps or
take the aerial ropeway straight to the "Mena Darwaza" which used to
be a special entrance for the queens.
Enjoy the sights from the fort towers as the monsoon
clouds roll around you, white as snow but laden with water. You can even stay
overnight at the cottages atop the hills for a refreshing rest stop before you
descend from the heaven like palace.
MAHULI WATERFALL
THE
MAHULI FORT
Mahuli Fort is surrounded by a protected sanctuary
and a lush green forest. The fort is built at a height of 2,820 ft and after a
trek up to the great palace of the Mughals you can descend and rejuvenate
yourself in the Mahuli Fall. If you are in a mood for a camping excursion you
should check out the caves at the top which are great for an overnight shelter
and bonfires.
The highest place in the Thane district, Mahuli is
near Asangaon, which is also the nearest train station. You can walk to the
fort, which is a mere 8 km trek.
BHANDARDARA
This place is off the Mumbai-Nasik highway and is a
rendezvous of beauty, adventure, waterfalls, etc. For the more enthusiastic
trekkers the Mount Kalsubai awaits with the challenge of being the highest peak
in Maharashtra (5,400ft). The starting point of this trek is the Bari village
which is around 12 km from Bhandardara.
THE
UMBRELLA FALLS
During the monsoons the Umbrella Falls are bursting
with water and one must go there to relax in between the rigorous trek. Also
the Wilson Dam built in 1910 to check the flow of the Parvara river is another
to go to spot in your trek.
THE WILSON DAM
TIKONA FORT
Located at the top of a triangular (tikona) hill,
this fortress is another one of the Great Shivaji's conquests and is nearby
Kamshet. This is a famous trekking destination as one can visit the
Trimbakeshwar Mahadev and gaze at the Pawna Dam during twilight and just
immerse one's visual senses in the greenery of the place.
TIKONA
FORT ON TOP OF THE TRIANGULAR HILL SUMMIT
TRIMBAKESHWAR
MAHADEV TEMPLE
Tikona fort is also called the Vitandgad fort and the
summit provides a view of the Western Ghats and is noted as quite a lovely spot
for a weekend picnic in the Bhedse caves. You can reach Lonavala by train or
bus and then hit the road to Kamshet which is the closest to the Tikona fort.
HAPPY
TREKKING!
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