Maharashtra: Why don't you take a hike?

Mumbaikars love to trek. It mirrors their daily lives, minus the chaos and clutter. It involves a lot of brisk walking, it may require jostling with hurdles on the way, it is an affordable journey, and it can be kept short.

Importantly, it is an outdoor activity which can be done during monsoons, when waterfalls are in full flow, the trails leading to the forts are covered in green, and the winds are cool.

Many have already gone and come back from trekking and canyoning destinations. Some even got lost or faced life-threatening dangers and had to be rescued, which raises some questions.

How safe are the treks? Have the organisers factored in solutions to the dangers that might encounter them on the way?

Andre Morris, president of Adventure Tour Operators of Maharashtra (ATOM), a group of tour operators in the state, says that a lot of people step out without being fully aware of how to go about a trip, which is not advisable.
He says going out solo can be rewarding, but when going to an unknown place, then one shouldn't hesitate to ask for help or guidance.

Mumbai's surrounds make for ideal daylong or overnight trips. There are many who just pack up and leave for, say, a resort in Alibaug or Lonavala on a Saturday morning, enjoy their drink by the beach or a swimming pool, eat well and come back by Monday morning. Then there are those who like a little adventure, some kind of a risk. These ate the ones who choose to go hiking, trekking, rafting or canyoning.

Let's take a peek into what are the ideal places — outside city limits but close to them — to get away to this monsoon, what are the adventures they offer and what are the mistakes you can avoid making if you're headed there.

Chanderi Fort

Trekking is one of the most sought-after adventures that weekenders opt for. It is far cheaper than staying at a resort. Jayesh Kangane, who has been organising treks since 2010-11, said that seasoned trekkers would like Chanderi Fort.

Chanderi is located close to Vangani and Badlapur stations, the latter being 20 minutes from Kalyan station by train, with Vangani as the next stop.

One can get down at either of the stations and take an auto to Chinchavli, the base camp. From here, it is a two-and-a-half hour climb to the top.

Kangane said that Chanderi is close to Mumbai, but people are advised to take an expert to climb such forts. The trail can be misleading and once you have gone on the wrong path only an expert can take you back to the right one.

How to reach: Take an auto from Badlapur or Vangani station to reach the base, Chinchavli. Start trekking to the top, which will take up less than three hours.

What to carry: Shoes with a tight grip and aren't slippery, raincoat, ropes, a first-aid kit, water and food

Korigad

New entrants to the hobby, Kangane said, should try climbing the Korigad Fort, located 11 kilometre from Tiger Point in Lonavala. This is hardly a 45-minutes climb and offers a view of Lonavala and the valley. It can be easily reached by the common urban dweller.

How to reach: Go from Tiger Point in Lonavala to Ambavane village, from which point it is a climb stretching for three quarters of an hour to an hour

What to carry: Shoes that have a tight grip and aren't slippery, ropes, first aid, water and food

Rajmachi Fort

Andre Morris, an expert in the trekking field, suggests Rajmachi, also in Lonavala, which has an old Maratha fort. It offers a panoramic view, according to Morris.

When the British defeated the Marathas, the forts were damaged and their trails were destroyed so as to keep the warrior community from returning to the forts.

Morris says the fort offers a great view of the Ulhas Valley, an ancient outpost that guarded the Bhor pass, which was used for trade purposes.

This fort can be accessed from two places, Lonavala and Karjat.

How to reach: One way is via Lonavala: It is a three-four hour walk up to the fort from the State Transport (ST) bus depot at the hill station.
Alternately, one can also go from Karjat: Get down at Karjat take a transport till Kundane village, and climb for four hours.

What to carry: Trekking shoes, ropes, first aid, water, snacks

Harishchandragad

Harishchandragad is known for its scenic views and historic spots. The fort can be accessed from three districts — Pune, Ahmednagar and Thane — is named after King Harishchandra.

The highest peak on the fort grounds — Taramati — is named for King Harishchandra's wife. It is the second highest peak in Maharashtra, after Kalsubai peak.

While the fort is around 4,000 feet from sea level, the Taramati peak is around 4,800 feet from sea level.

Around the year 1747 BCE, the fort was captured by warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji's army, which had fought a battle with the Mughals.

After the battle, Senapati Krishnaji Shinde was appointed in charge of the fort by Shivaji.

Subodh Hattarki, of M3 Yatrik Trek Group, who has been to the fort many times from different base villages, said, "There are three main base villages through which we can reach Harishchandragad. While all three have their own scenic view, for the beginners, Panchnai village route proves to be the easiest. Then there the routes from Nalichi Vaat and Khireshwar. Experts with trekking equipment can travel from Nalichi Vaat using ropes and other gear."

The beginners are advised to take the easier Panchnai village route. While there are always risks involved during trekking, this particular route will minimise the dangers for novices.

From the peak of Harishchandra Fort, one can see nearby forts, namely, Ratangad, Ajoba Hill, Jivdhan, Naneghat, Kalsubai and the trio of Alang-Madan-Kulang forts.

Besides the picturesque views while ascending, there is the fauna to look out for.

"During the monsoon season, we can see different species of animals and birds on the way to the fort. Like the Indian giant squirrel, peacocks, various species of snakes," Hattarki said.

While the fort also has some temples, a cave named Kedareshwar has a huge Shivlinga. It is surrounded by waist-high water.

"The water is chilled, which makes it difficult to reach the Shivalinga. The sculpture is in between four pillars out of which three are broken. According to the locals, the fourth pillar will break when the world comes to an end," added Hattarki.

How to reach: There are three routes to reach the fort. One from Khireshwar Village. From Mumbai, trekkers need to get to Kalyan to go to the village, towards Malshej Ghat. From the village, trek through Tolar Khind.

The second and slightly difficult way is from Nalichi Vaat. Get to Kalyan and go to Swarne village, which is near Malshej Ghat, walk for a couple of hours to Walhivale village, and reach Nalichi Vaat. Start trekking.

The third way is via Pachnai village. Trekkers need to travel via Igatpuri towards Rajur. It is the easiest route for beginners.

Things to carry: Plenty of water, a whistle, first-aid kit, tent, sleeping bag, dry snacks, a pair of trekking pants, torchlight, sanitary kit

Pandavkada Attracts Revellers Despite Ban

Pandavkada waterfall is located in Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, around 50 kms from Mumbai. The waterfall, about 107 metre high, is a type of ‘plunge’ fall, pouring down in massive volumes on the rocky surface at the bottom.

It used to be one of the most sought-after monsoon getaways for day picnics until 2016, when the local authorities banned tourists from visiting it during the rainy season. 

The decision was taken in the light of a few accidents which cost some picnickers their lives. Since 2011, at least three youths have drowned at the location while many others have been injured during their attempts to venture into tricky areas of the fall. 

But revellers have defied the ban on entry to Pandavkada now and then. They have flocked to the waterfall on weekends and spent a day there in the midst of heavy rainfall. 

After the ban in 2016, and its subsequent breaches, the authorities decided to construct a 3.5-km wall around the waterfall, in order to prevent entry into the danger zone. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) provided Rs 1.33 lakh to the forest department, which gave the sum to the state Public Works Department (PWD) to carry out the work. But it was never executed.

Later, the forest department constructed an artificial pool near the fall so revellers do not wade into the danger zone. It also developed a small garden put up warning signboards alert visitors to the dangers.

Head To Khopoli For Canyoning 

If you desire more than the adventure a simple trek offers, try canyoning — jumping into a fast-flowing mountain stream and allowing yourself to be carried downstream at high speed. It is an adventure sport for the monsoon. 

An organiser, Somit Doshi, says a trip to Khopoli for canyoning enthusiasts has been in place for almost 12 years now. But of late, more and more people are catching on. 

Doshi organises canyoning near Kalote village in Khopoli. It is 15-minute drive from the Eastern Express Highway, followed by a 20-mintue hike to a waterfall where canyoning is done. 

There are safety ropes, helmets and other canyoning gear at the fall site. Ropes are used for the descent down the vertical surfaces of rocks and water. 

Doshi says the sport can prove to be dangerous if it is done without expert guidance. But it is completely safe to do under supervision. 

While first aid is available with the organisers, in case of an emergency, they get vehicles to rush the victim to the nearest hospital. 

He says that people’s interest in adventure and nature has gone up with rapid urbanisation and he is doing brisk business these days. 

How to reach: One can driver From Khopoli to Kalote village, and then hiking for 20 minutes 

What to carry: Dry, fitting clothes, shoes with tight grip, water, snacks