Rock climbing

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Rock climbing in Sahyadri range around Mumbai - Pune - Nashik

If you are interested in rock climbing please visit : www.rockclimbing.com for details. For details of trekking in India please visit http://travelguide.bizhat.com

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Location : Near Pune, Maharashtra, India

Aatwan phata : By 0900 am ST bus from Lonavla to Sahara, one can getdown at Aatwan phata (12 km). At Aatwan phata, on left one can see the Mulshi lake. Turn right to a depression and the small track climbs down to a lower plateau. Follow the water nullah (dried) right and take a long traverse of the steep rock wall to the base of Moradi peak. Then find a nullah which climbs down to Mangaon village. The trek takes 3 hour. Travel to Parali and then to Khopoli via six seater/ ST. From Khopoli one can travel to Mumbai.

Lonavla is a popular hill station located 120 km from Mumbai on the Pune highway. It is having nice climate and is well connected by road and rail. Lion's point/Tiger's leap is famous tourist spot 12 km from Lonavla. Many film songs are photographed here. (Pardes - Hindi film, I love my India song).

For photos visit : http://gallery.bizhat.com/showgallery.php?cat=1697

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Trekking is an adventure sport which requires physical fitness, endurance, persistance and will power. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles to see nature at its best. Be in the lap of God.

Trekking test one's courage. When done with responsibility, it is not as dangerous as many people think.

Rock Climbing Areas : Himalayas in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, Aravallis near Delhi, Mt.Abu and Sariska in Rajastan, Pachmarhi in Madya Pradesh, Sahyadris near Pune, Chamundi hills and area around Bangalore - Mysore Highway.

Everest base camp, Kailas Manasarovar Yatra are popular trekking routes.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR TREK - Water proof rucksack, sleeping bag, foamed matress, walking boots, Hunter shoes, raincoat, torch, batteries, flask, lighter, candle, cap, knife, clothes, tooth brush, paste, blanket, towel, woollen socks, gloves, cooking utensils, mug, plate, spoon, googles, soap, map, travel info./itinerary, tent, heavy woollens, bottled water, ice axe, camera, film, cash, alarm clock, ATM/credit cards.

Food : Biscuits, bread, jam, dry fruits, fruits, fruit juice, chhapati, cakes, butter, sweets, glucose, boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, curd, condensed milk, soup, ghee, honey etc.

Medicine : Medicine for stomach ache, head ache, vomiting, diarrhoea, band aid, dehydration (Electral solution), water purifing tablets.

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Forts of Maharashtra (India) : King Chhatrapati Shivaji (1627 - 1680) has more than 250 forts in his custody, one fourth of the total forts in India. Shivaji built 180 forts and renovated 49 old forts. These hill forts provide plenty of opportunities for trekking.

Sahyadris (Western Ghats) is the major mountain range in India, well known for it's flora, fauna and mountain forts.

Western ghats is 1700 km long, runs from Tapi river near Surat in Gujrat to Kanya kumari in Tamil Nadu (Land's end / Cape comorin). The famous Ajanta - Ellora caves near Aurangabad is comparable with the entire rock sculptures of a country like France / Italy.

Sahydris have numerous delightful routes, both easy and difficult for trekkers of all levels.

150 Forts of Maharashtra

Aad (Igatpuri),
Ajinkyatara (Satara),
Ajoba (Bhandardara, Igatpuri),
Alang (Igatpuri),
Anjaneri (Trimbakeshwar),
Ankai Tankai (Manmad),
Arnala (Virar),
Avchitgad (Roha),
Avandh (Igatpuri),

Bhairavgad (Koyna),
Bhairavgad (Malshej),
Bhairi cave & pinnacle (Lonavla),
Bhopatgad (Igatpuri),
Bhudargad (Budhya, Igatpuri),
Bitangad (Igatpuri),

Chandan (Satara),
Chanderi (Karjat),
Chandragad (Mahabaleshwar),
Chandwad (Manmad),
Chavand (Junnar),


Daultabad (Aurangabad),
Dev Dandya (Naneghat, Junnar),
Devgad (near Kudal),
Dhak (Karjat),
Dhodap (Nashik),
Durga killa (Ahupe, Junnar)

Gambirgad (Dahanu, Konkan),
Gangangad (Kolhapur),
Ghanchakkar (Bhandardara, Igatpuri),
Ghodbander (Mumbai),
Ghargad (Igatpuri),
Gorakhgad (Mhasa, Karjat),
Gawilgad (Badnera, Amaravati),

Hadbi chi shendi pinnacle (Manmad),
Hadsar (Warode, Junnar),
Haji Malang (Kalyan),
Hanumantgad (Nashik),
Hargad (near Mulher, Nashik),
Harihar (Igatpuri),
Harishchandragad (Malsej),
Hatkeshwar (Junnar),
Hedruj (Lonavla),

Ikhara pinnacle (Nashik),
Indrai killa (Manmad),
Induri (Talegaon, Lonavla),
Irshalgad (Karjat),

Janjira (Murud),
Jaigarh (Ratnagiri),
Jawlya (Nashik),
Jhungti killa (Koynanagar, Chiplun),
Jivdhan (Ghatghar, Junnar),
Jungli Jaigad (Koynanagar, Chiplun),
Jyotiba (Kolhapur),

Kalsubai (highest peak in the Sahyadris, Igatpuri),
Kamalgad (Mahabaleshwar),
Kanchana (Nashik),
Karnala (Panvel),
Kathra (Igatpuri),
Kavnai (Igatpuri),
Kawlya (Bhor, Pune),
Kenjalgad (Wai),
Khanderi (Alibaug),
Kohoj (Manor, Konkan),
Koldher (Chandwad),
Koregad (Lonavla),
Korlai (Roha),
Kothligad (Peth fort, Karjat),
Kulaba (Alibaug),
Kulang (Igatpuri),

Lohagad (Lonavla),

Machindragad (Mhasa, Karjat),
Madangad (Igatpuri),
Mahimantgad (Chandel, Kolhapur),
Mahipat (Mahabaleshwar),
Mahuli (Igatpuri),
Makrandgad (Mahabaleshwar),
Maldev (near Vasota, Koyna),
Malangad (Haji Malang, Kalyan)
Manikgad (Panvel),
Mangi Tungi (Nashik),
Manohargad (Sawantwadi),
Mansanthoshgad (Sawantwadi),
Moradi pinnacle (Lonavla),
Muda (Igatpuri),
Mulher (Nashik),

Naneghat (Malsej),

Padar killa (Karjat),
Palasdari (Karjat),
Padmadurg (Murud),
Pandavgad (Wai),
Panhalgad (Kolhapur),
Patta (Igatpuri),
Pavan khind (Kolhapur),
Peb (Karjat),
Prabalgad (Karjat),
Prachitagad (Satara),
Pratapgad (Mahabaleshwar),
Purnadar (Saswad, Pune),

Raigad (Mahad, Konkan),
Raireshwar (Bhor),
Rajdher (Manmad),
Rajgad (Welhe, Pune),
Rajmachi (Lonavla),
Rangana (near Kudal, Amboli),
Rasalagad (Mahabaleshwar),
Ratangad (Bhandardara, Igatpuri),
Ratnagiri (Mulshi, Lonavla),
Ravdanda (Roha),
Rawlya (Vani, Nashik),

Sade Teen (Chandwad, Nashik),
Sagargad (Alibaug),
Sajjangad (Parali, Satara),
Salher (Nashik),
Salota (Nashik),
Sankshi (Pen),
Saptashringi (Vani, Nashik),
Santoshgad (Koyna, Mahabaleshwar),
Sarasgad (Pali, Lonavla),
Shaniwarwada (Pune),
Shindi (near Vasota, Khed),
Shivneri (Junnar),
Siddhagad (Mhasa, Karjat),
Sindhudurg (Kudal, Konkan),
Sinhgad (Pune),
Sudhagad (Pali, Lonavla),
Sumargad (Mahabaleshwar),
Suvarnadurg (Khed near Chiplun),

Tak Mak (Manor, Knkan),
Taula Achala peaks (Vani, Nashik),
Tel Baila (Lonavla),
Terekhol (Goa border, Sawantwadi),
Tikona (Lonavla),
Torna (Pune),
Tringalwadi (Igatpuri),
Tung (Lonavla),

Underi (Alibaug),
Utwad (Trimbak, Nashik),

Vajragad (Saswad, Pune),
Vandan (Satara),
Varlya - Tillin (Junnar),
Vasai (Mumbai),
Vasota (Bambanoli, Satara),
Vichitragad (Bhor, Pune),
Vijaydurg (Rajapur, Konkan),
Visapur (Lonavla),
Vishalgad (Kolhapur).

Wakri (Bhandardara, Igatpuri).

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Prachitragad trek

Location : Chiplun / Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. Fort in dense forest in the Warna area.

Route 1 : Travel from Chiplun - Sangameshwar-Nyari by ST bus. Trek to Shringarpur (3km) - climb to reach a white spot on cliff (6km)-traverse towards north and climb the north col to get to Darwaza of fort (1 km)- temple, water tanks and old gun. One has to cut the route through the dense forest as it is not visited frequently. The route is exposed at
varoius places.

Route 2 : Travel from Ratnagiri or Kolhapur to Ambe (50 km from Rundiv). The to Udgir - Chandel - Rundiv by ST bus. Prachitragad is one hour trek away from Rundiv village. Rundiv - Chandel road passes through dense forest (15 km). In the north is Patharpunj (13 km from Rundiv by trek, dense forest worthy a visit with a guide, sada - volcanic fields).

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Dhodap fort (1451 m) & Ikharia pinnacle (1158 m)

Dhodap is a very prominent fort. From Nashik take a bus to Vadalibhoi naka on the Chandwad road. Travel to Hatti via Dhodambe (11 km) by truck or ST bus. There is a direct bus to Hatti from Nashik, reaching Hatti at 8 pm. One can stay at the Hatti temple. Approach the base of the fort's pinnacle and climb to the upper plateau. A hut and few (3) temples are located at Sonar's village. Climb the route to top where one can see excellent caves (3), water ponds (10) and a commanding view of the hills. The final rock Pyramid is still 70 m higher with a rock climbing route on the ridge.

On the western ridge of Dhodap, a wide gap is hewn out - to throw the condemed prisoners. A sadhu lives below the pinnacle in a cave on the fort. On top, there are around 10 water cisterns, 3 caves, ruined palaces and a tunnel cum cave.

Fine views of Ikharia pinnacle, which is on the adjoining common plateau. The to and fron trek takes 3.5 hour.

Enjoy the fresh air and peace ......

For Dhodap fort trek photos : http://gallery.bizhat.com/showgallery.php/cat/1702

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Ikharia pinnacle is near Dhodap fort and is of purely rock climbing route. From Sonar's village a flat walk via fort's entrance leads to Gorakhnath ashram at the base of the pinnacle. The route up is through a prominent slanting Chimney. From Ikharia climb down to Kondana and then to Dhodambe (6 km).

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Mhasmal (713 m) : It is a group of four pinnacles, exposed and difficult to climb. The best time to climb it is just after the monsoon when the upper scree settles. There is no drinking water near by and the route is steep. From Vangani railway station on Mumbai - Karjat line, travel to Goregaon by auto (3 km, six seater on sharing basis). Then walk on the road to Chinchli village (5 km). Climb a spur behind the village to forest an follow a track to reach a nullah. Follow the water nullah to reach the col between Chanderi and Mhasmal. The route is over boulders and scree over a steep route.

From the col follow the right steep route to the base of the pinnacles. Going around, reach the col between 2 nd and 3 rd pinnacles and climb to top of 2 nd pinnacle (30 m). A descent of 10 m on the other side and a final climb of 15 m leads to the top of the highest pinnacle. Be very careful while descending.

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Haji Malang (790 m) : This is a prominent landmark in the vicinity of Kalyan, with the dargah of Baba Malang halfway up the mountain. Buses ply regularly from Kalyan to the foot of the hill from where a broad path leads to the Dargah. Above the dargah there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. For the experienced (having equipment), the route ahead is worth trying. The summit is known as 'Balahasner' an is steep climb from the tomb. There is a hollow at the foot of the rock which towers precipitately in front. Climb is almost perpendicular and is exposed. A steep flight of rock steps leads to the top via a rope bridge and you see a big black hole, which as per legend, was a secret passage to the valley.
There are many pinnacles on the summit ridge. One has to be very careful to move around and on the descent. From dargah one can climb down via regular steps to Panvel side too.

My route to Haji Malang - Travel to Vavanje by bus from Panvel. Trek to darga of Haji Malang. The Malangad is visible to a long distance. Above the darga, a thrilling climb takes you to top of the pinnacle via rope bridge. To and fro trek takes 6 hour. Another approach is from Kalyan by bus. Tavli hills (800 m), a group of three pinnacles, is nearby. Tavli caves at the base of the pinnacle can be reached by a tricky and exposed traverse.

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Chanderi fort (790 m) : This is a fascinating and intricate fort. It has plenty of drinking water and provides a very enjoyable outing. Its solid square massif is clearly visible even from Mumbai. From the Vangani station on the Karjat - Kalyan railway line travel to Goregaon by six seater and then to Chinchli (6 km). Follow a water nullah and climb on the scree to the col of Mhasmal - Chanderi. From the col of Mhasmal - Chanderi, climb left to reach the base of the massif where there is a good cave. An exposed and tricky traverse leads to the centre of the massif and on to a small ledge with a water tank. A rock staitrcase (partly blown off) leads to the top by a very exposed route. The area is full of opportunities for rock climbing and has a fantastic view. The trek takes 5 hour.

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Irshal (Vishalgad, 370 m) : It has a peculiar forked shape with sharp ridges and a prominent hole in the centre. Reach Chowk from Panvel or Karjat. A 3 km uphill track leads to Vishalwadi at the foot of the final climb. From the village the route lies over the extreme left ridge in the northerly direction and then from behind the hill to a small gap above the hole. Staright ahead is a 10 m rockclimb to the loose scree above. A very exposed scree traverse from the left leads to the small grassy top. One should be very careful on descnt, as any slip would be difficult to check. It is not advisible to climb the final grassy top of Irshal without experience and ropes. A few people have died on these final slopes.

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Karnala (469 m) : The funnel shaped pinnacle of this fort stands prominently on the Panvel - Pen road (10 km). Thickly forested, the area has been declared as a bird sanctuary. Reach the base of the funnel by a manmade route, which is easy to climb in a hour. The 45 m thumb shaped funnel rises steeply with caves at its base.

For those trained in rock climbing and with proper equiment the final pinnacle offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing from the eastern side. To avoid the heat, the climbing should be started very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The rock is fairly firm, but one should be wary of scree and the bees. The top commands a grand view and in
clear weather the Mumbai harbour is visible. While decending it is possible to rappel with a firm tree as an anchor. The fort walls are excellent for practising artificial rock climbing.

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Bhairi cave & pinnacle : Bhairi cave is high up on a rock face with a sharp pinnacle nearby. A giant cave of Bhairav is hewn out in a rock face. It has a water tank and animal sacrifice is still practised here. On the Chaitra Pournima day every year a fair is held here.

Bhairi pinnacle is 40 m high and is near the cave. It has an easier approach from the east face, while other routes are more challenging. Another pinnacle 100 m higher up towards the ghats also provides a good challenge.

From Karjat (90 km Mumbai on Pune rail route) proceed by bus to Sandshi via Khandpe. A complicated track leads to the base of the cave (4 km). A series of rock steps lead vertically up to the cave. Then steps are blown off in certain sections near the cave making the approach and return difficult and exposed. A 6m rope is fixed to climb to the cave vertically.

Another route is from Jambuli (bus from Talegaon near Lonavla), Kopeshwar temple. Traverse along the edge of the ghats between the Bhairi pinnacle and the ghats to descend to the base of the cave.

Another long trek is from Lonavla Tungarli lake on the Rajmachi route and then to Valvand village and to Jambuli. This route takes 12 hour of strenous trekking. But the beauty of Bhairi cave & pinnacle is a once in a life time experience.

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Padar Killa (610 m) : This is a square rocky massif, which juts out from the ghats near Bhimashankar. Huge broken pinnacles distingush it from a distance. One has to reach the first plateau of Bhimashankar via Karjat, Kashele and Khandas. As one traversing to the left to village Koli, a wide gully between Padar Killa and the massif of Bhimashankar leads up to the top. The final climb is difficult.

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Mahalaxmi pinnacle : From Dahanu (120 km from Mumbai) travel to Charoti naka (24 km) and 4 km ahead is the temple of Mahalaxmi. A peculiarly shaped pinnacle near the temple is interesting to climb. A fairly good track leads to the cave at the base of the pinnacle 100 m high. Traverse ahead to the north west and reach the start of the climb.
The rock is loose and steep and the climb is exposed but not too difficult. The route leads along the ledges and the last 40 m are not too difficult, but a rope is essential. One has to be very careful on these easy looking slopes. A few accidents have taken place here and people have died. No drinking water is available anywhere on the mountain.