My Travel

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All are requested to share their travel experience in this thread

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Koyna river originates from Mahabaleshwar, which gets an annual record rainfall of 6000 mm plus. The dam at Koynanagar is 807 m long and 103 m high. It has 98.78 TMC storage capacity, 600 MW underground power station at Pophali and the used water goes to Kolkewadi reservoir. From there it is fed to a 320 MW power station. The total power generated from different phase power stations ia around 1920 MW.

The construction work of Phase IV is in progress. A 130 m deep pit is carved from rock and it connects two underground (under lake) tunnels. The dam has a depth of 80 m and the tunnels are below the lake bottom. When the work is completed the tunnels will be opened by using explosives and water will be fed to turbines in the power plant - an engineering marvel at Koyna.

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Jungle trek - Jungli Jaigad fort

Location : Koynanagar near Chiplun. Chiplun is on the Mumbai - Goa Konkan railway route.

Jungli Jaigad (901 m) is a small, little known fort near the Koyna dam. Situated in thick forest infested with wild animals. From Chiplun travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus. Then travel to Navja (11 km) and to Panchdhara tunnel, the road leads to Alora in Konkan. The road passes at the foot of the fort. The entry to the fort is through a 1 m wide 15 m long route, cracked by an earthquake. The fort is 500 m long and 30 m wide with no water.

Travel from Panvel to Chiplun by train (4 hour). Travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus (1.5 hour). Koynanagar is 250 km from Panvel or 200 km from Pune via Satara. The route climbs from Alorey via Kumbharli ghat to Helwak and to Koynanagar. The dam (no entry/photography) is 3 km away on the Navja route by jeep. The near by Nehru Smriti Udyan offers a good view of the lake and dam. Entry fee Rs 10. The Koyna history museum gives details about the dam construction, power generation by underground power stations, underground water intake tunnels etc.

Travel to Navja by jeep. The road leads to Panchdhara tunnel (540 m long) and then to Alorey at Konkan after passing through two more tunnels. Jeeps reach upto Patel colony from there the tunnel is 3 km by walk. One can reach the tunnel by private vehicle by getting permission from the Chowkidar as the road has restricted travel. Just before the tunnel an unmettlaed road on left goes to the hills where a transformer is located. From there the route goes through forest and the route leads to the remote village Dicholi on the banks of Koyna river. One can travel from Koyna dam to Dicholi by launch after getting permission from Forest/Police authorities. The launch to Dicholi from the dam is at 1400 h daily. The travel takes 4 hour. The return launch from Dicholi is at 1000 h.

The route above Panchdhara tunnel gradually climbs through forest - trees prevent the sunlight to come downwards. So one can trek easily without bothering about the hot sun. After a 45 minute trek take the left diversion for Jangali Jaigad fort. Stone heaps mark the spot and the route is well marked with yellow paint on rocks. The route leads to a flagpost. Here the forest ends and one has walk on the hot sun to the fort. A left track over a narrow ridge leads to the fort. The only thing remains on the fort is a small shrine and a Deepmal (light stand). The to and fro trek takes 4 hour.

If one is not taking diversion for Jangali Jaigad the route leads to Dicholi. After around 800 m one reaches a white washed stone heap. Further the route climbs down to Dicholi and the route is well marked (white washed stones). From Dicholi one can trek to Jhungti fort, if one is adventurous.



Jhungti fort : This is an unknown small fort on the western ridge of the Koyna lake. It can be approached from Dicholi village. Dicholi is connected by ferry from Koyna (4 hour), or a walk through thick forest (10 km) is possible via the Jungli Jaigad route. Ahead of Dicholi, the route to Jhungti is complicated and passes through very thick forest. Above Dicholi two huge volcanic rock fields locally known as 'sada' are to be passed. Cross the Vaghul sada and traverse north wards in thick forest. Walking along the ridge of the ghats, reach a high point 1027 m. From here, turn west, up and down a spur to reach Jhungti, jutting out into the Konkan. No inhabitation on the way except wild animals !.

Enjoy the company of birds and animals. Be with nature.

[zenosh]

Jungle trek - Jungli Jaigad fort

Location : Koynanagar near Chiplun. Chiplun is on the Mumbai - Goa Konkan railway route.

Jungli Jaigad (901 m) is a small, little known fort near the Koyna dam. Situated in thick forest infested with wild animals. From Chiplun travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus. Then travel to Navja (11 km) and to Panchdhara tunnel, the road leads to Alora in Konkan. The road passes at the foot of the fort. The entry to the fort is through a 1 m wide 15 m long route, cracked by an earthquake. The fort is 500 m long and 30 m wide with no water.

Travel from Panvel to Chiplun by train (4 hour). Travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus (1.5 hour). Koynanagar is 250 km from Panvel or 200 km from Pune via Satara. The route climbs from Alorey via Kumbharli ghat to Helwak and to Koynanagar. The dam (no entry/photography) is 3 km away on the Navja route by jeep. The near by Nehru Smriti Udyan offers a good view of the lake and dam. Entry fee Rs 10. The Koyna history museum gives details about the dam construction, power generation by underground power stations, underground water intake tunnels etc.

Travel to Navja by jeep. The road leads to Panchdhara tunnel (540 m long) and then to Alorey at Konkan after passing through two more tunnels. Jeeps reach upto Patel colony from there the tunnel is 3 km by walk. One can reach the tunnel by private vehicle by getting permission from the Chowkidar as the road has restricted travel. Just before the tunnel an unmettlaed road on left goes to the hills where a transformer is located. From there the route goes through forest and the route leads to the remote village Dicholi on the banks of Koyna river. One can travel from Koyna dam to Dicholi by launch after getting permission from Forest/Police authorities. The launch to Dicholi from the dam is at 1400 h daily. The travel takes 4 hour. The return launch from Dicholi is at 1000 h.

The route above Panchdhara tunnel gradually climbs through forest - trees prevent the sunlight to come downwards. So one can trek easily without bothering about the hot sun. After a 45 minute trek take the left diversion for Jangali Jaigad fort. Stone heaps mark the spot and the route is well marked with yellow paint on rocks. The route leads to a flagpost. Here the forest ends and one has walk on the hot sun to the fort. A left track over a narrow ridge leads to the fort. The only thing remains on the fort is a small shrine and a Deepmal (light stand). The to and fro trek takes 4 hour.

If one is not taking diversion for Jangali Jaigad the route leads to Dicholi. After around 800 m one reaches a white washed stone heap. Further the route climbs down to Dicholi and the route is well marked (white washed stones). From Dicholi one can trek to Jhungti fort, if one is adventurous.



Jhungti fort : This is an unknown small fort on the western ridge of the Koyna lake. It can be approached from Dicholi village. Dicholi is connected by ferry from Koyna (4 hour), or a walk through thick forest (10 km) is possible via the Jungli Jaigad route. Ahead of Dicholi, the route to Jhungti is complicated and passes through very thick forest. Above Dicholi two huge volcanic rock fields locally known as 'sada' are to be passed. Cross the Vaghul sada and traverse north wards in thick forest. Walking along the ridge of the ghats, reach a high point 1027 m. From here, turn west, up and down a spur to reach Jhungti, jutting out into the Konkan. No inhabitation on the way except wild animals !.

Enjoy the company of birds and animals. Be with nature.

Hi

I saw your post on http://forums.bizhat.com/77076-post7.html

I am mesmerized by the thick jungles in the Koyna Warna region and have done quite a bit of trekking / biking here. But somehow this Jhungti Killa fort has always eluded me and I want to visit it desperately and been trying to plan something since almost 4 years without success. I do know that the main hurdle would be permission from forest authorities since it comes in core area. because once I get a guide I can always go with him. (Done couple of solo treks this way - Prachitgad Kandhar Doh, Muda Ghanchakkar etc).

Since you posted that link I thought you would be a good person to get in touch with for Jhungti Killa. I will be going on 4 5 6 7 Nov 2010. This was planned very late due to unavoidable reasons. If you can help can you give me a call on 9819038309 or email me [email protected].
Thanks a lot

Regards
Zenosh

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Koyna dam area has restricted entry due to security reasons. Police at the dam check post will not permit anyone to loiter in the dam area. So first get the permission from the forest officials for the trek and get the ferry from Koyna dam premises.

Get a good guide, carry food and tent. A small seasoned trekkers company will be good for the trek. The area is inhabited by few tribal families.

The Jungli Jaigad route also leads to this fort through thick forested route. Avoid entering the protected forest area without permission of the authorities.

Best of luck and sorry for the delay in replying. Eager to hear your travel experience as I am presently away from Maharashtra and trekking the most beautiful Sahyadri ranges.

Jhungti fort : Refer the quote in your previous post for trek information.

[zenosh]

Koyna dam area has restricted entry due to security reasons. Police at the dam check post will not permit anyone to loiter in the dam area. So first get the permission from the forest officials for the trek and get the ferry from Koyna dam premises.

Get a good guide, carry food and tent. A small seasoned trekkers company will be good for the trek. The area is inhabited by few tribal families.

The Jungli Jaigad route also leads to this fort through thick forested route. Avoid entering the protected forest area without permission of the authorities.

Best of luck and sorry for the delay in replying. Eager to hear your travel experience as I am presently away from Maharashtra and trekking the most beautiful Sahyadri ranges.

Jhungti fort : Refer the quote in your previous post for trek information.

Finally I was able to manage Jhungti and Paligad Last year with lot of planning for alternate entry point. Thanks

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales museum) : Mumbai's premier museum, located near Gateway of India.contains some wondeful pieces. The huge domed building was built to commemorate the King George V's first visit to India in 1905 (while he was still the Prince of Wales), though it didn't open until 1923. Designed by George Wittet in flamboyant Indo - Saracenic style, it's certainly worth seeing.

Open from Tue to Sunday (1000 to 1800 h). Entry fee : R 15/300 (Indian/Foreigner), Camera/video : Rs 30/200 (Without flash for non commercial photography). Students with identity card has concession on the entry fee.Take advantage of the fee audio guide available in English, French, German and Japanese, which will help you zone in on key exihibits.

The museum's collection includes impressive ancient sculpture, terracotta figurines from the Indus valley, Gandharan Buddhas, miniature paintings, porcelain and weaponary. There is a natural history section and a collcetion of second rate European paintings.



One of the best museums in India. If one is interested in antique items, visit the Jew street shops, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala. Few shops have better collcetion than any museums !!.

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The Krishnapuram Palace is a rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture - complete with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows. The palace museum has rare antique bronze sculptures, coins, stone inscription, wood sculpture, king's sword and paintings. This two storied palace has a pond, high boundary walls and has an area of 103 are. The palace garden has a 10th century Buddha statue.

The palace museum is located 3 km from Kayamkulam KSRTC bus stand/ 50 km from Alappuzha/40 km from Kollam. The museum is closed on Mondays and other National Holidays. Timings : 10 am to 5 pm. Entry Rs 10, Camera Rs 25, Video Rs 250.

Gajendra Moksham - 49 sq.m - Largest single mural painting in Kerala. Literally, the salvation ( Moksha) of the elephant king ( Gajendra), the theme of the mural is mythological and depicts an elephant saluting Lord Vishnu in devotion while the other gods, goddesses and saints look on. It is said that Lord Vishnu was the family deity of the Kayamkulam rajas. This mural was placed at the entrance to the palace from the pond to enable the rajas to worship the deity after their bath.

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President Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated the race at Ashtamudi lake, Kollam on 30 Aug 2011 at 3 pm. Sree Ganesh lifted the maiden President's Trophy.

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The ettu nombu feast is celebrated on 8th September - Feast of the Virgin Mary's birth. On 8th Sept devotees make payasam using rice, coconut and jaggery. Manarcad Church (St. Mary's Cathedral) is a Jacobite Syrian Christian pilgrim centre located 10 km from Kottayam.



On 7th Sept is the Nada thurappu. The ancient painting of Mother Mary and infant Jesus is open for public adoration and a grand procession is made on that day (raza). The big stone cross is located in front of the church. It's base is covered with brass and oil is poured on it by devotees.