Trek to Devla: Land of waterfalls

Difficulty Rating: 1/5
Location: Igatpuri, Maharashtra, Nashik Road, INDIA

Bhavli, a small village near Igatpuri, a resident to different 'variety' of waterfalls offers a grand nature walk and grace of untouched waterfalls in Igatpuri region. The water from a newly built dam (some 2/3 years back) has submerged the village and caused the lengthening of the trek route. Else, earlier it was easy to get to the waterfalls. Trek attributes the trekker to pass through the dirt road, full of muck, streams, waterlogged paddy fields, enjoying in mini waterfalls on the way and finally reaching the destination after 2 hrs of rocking adventure.

The road takes us, upto the dam wall, the place where the trek starts. One needs to climb the wall, and from the top the calmness of the backwater can be experienced. We can go to the outlet of the dam, and experience the sentiment of the intense water flow gushing out of the door. The temptation of trying out this water-slide is common, but Newton and Pascal probably wont like you doing that.

On the way to the final destination there are lot many waterfalls, that offers marvelous view of water droplets flying against gravity, because of the strong wind blowing over it. The approach route has been eaten up by the water, and hence the beauty can be experienced from distance only. Though the final waterfall is inaccessible, its gigantic height and width offers a punching sight as a picnic spot.

Trek circumscribes a semicircle around the dam, and enters a small village. And not far from here is the destination. A small one room school can be used as a shelter (during holiday) .The village is a tiny, peaceful, self-sufficient  and probably wont like smokers, drunkards and other menace creating people.  So, don't disturb them, try to interact with them, the problems faced by them and how they face it & overcome them. Enjoy the trek to the fullest, and store the memories in form of photographs.

Thank you
Keep trekking!!

Trek to Gorakhgad

Difficulty Rating: Medium to Tough
Height: 2150 ft
Location: Dehri, Murbad, Maharashtra, INDIA

The pinnacle of Gorakhgad

Gorakhgad can be an excellent pick, if you are planning a days' outing in Sahyadri Mountain Range. Situated in Dehri Village near Murbad (Maharashtra), amidst the thick biome blanket, Gorakhgad is a small hill projected out from the main Sahyadri. Extending to a lofty height of 2175 ft., offers a genial one day adventure trek for Monsoon-trekking lovers.

My father had pre-planned this trek for a fine holiday, and that day turned up on 19th August, Sunday. Me, my parents,and my sister started the journey early morning at 6am from Dadar station to Kalyan station. Not far from kalyan station is the ST (State transport) bus-stand, where we caught a bus to Murbad. At Murbad we had light breakfast with the warmth of masala tea; since the next bus to Dehri village was half hour later.

The trek initiates at Dehari village, which is also the base village of Gorakhgad Fort.The mountain trail starts behind a temple and enters into a thicket. Most striking feature is the entrance of the fort; small hole is punched through a mountain, and steps are carved inside it, leading to formation of underground tunnel. Then a steep ascend for about 15min. takes us to the base of the pinnacle. The challenge lies ahead!! To reach the top, one needs to call for rock-climbing. The climb is a steep ~65 degree; even though its not too dangerous, a wrong move can cost you your life.. Knee length rock-steps assists till the top of the summit. The stairway may sometimes become crowded; in that case a small rectangular cave, present mid-way, comes to the rescue. It can accommodate not more than 5 people, but it serves the purpose well. And atop nests a weeny Shiva Temple and also panoramic view of Sahyadri.

Temple at the top of fort

The pinnacle's of Machhindragad and Gorakhgad showcases that style of architecture that is unique to Sahyadri. With a huge cave, that can accommodate 30 people at a time, at the base of the pinnacle, there is plenty of potable water at the top; much to Chanderi fort.

A small temple, about 500 meter descend from main plateau, showcases these medieval piece of work. This temple is obscured by thick treeline at the beginning of the forest, which confluences with the main Sahyadri ridge. 2/3 odd locals are appointed here to keep the scrutiny of this medieval treasure.

Being the core monsoon season, this trek had offered something more than just an enthralling scenery; that was peace of mind, the feeling that overrides all pain, stress from busy chores. Substantial moments of life can be experienced if you consider ourselves as manifestation of Mother nature (its my reasonable hypothesis, though).