“A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke” ... ..explore beautiful virgin Portuguese trail along the seacoast, explore the thrill for all 4 weekends and be part of concluding full-length head to toe expedition of about 65 km! Traverse the entire trail on
your own along with like-minded cycling adventurists and feel that the thrill of exploring something on your own!
Bicycles can be arranged for those who do
not own the one.
Trail: Andheri – Versova Jetty – Madh Jetty
– Aksa beach – Marve – Jetty – Manori – Gorai – Utan via Madh fort, Ice
factory, Essel World, Vipasana Pagoda and famous Portuguese churches of the lady of
sea and holy magi
Meeting Place: Gods Gift Tower, Yari Road, Versova, Andheri (West)
Schedule: Explore
fort and land
Start from Andheri to Versova and reach Versova Jetty.
Cross the creek with your bicycles on ferry boats on the other side to Madh. Start
cycling through Fishermans’ small locality near madh to reach madh fort and
madh island. Explore the virgin land with pin-drop silence and unexplored land
route. The fort is secluded and difficult to reach – it is the last stop on
route 271 of BEST bus service. It was built by Portuguese as a watchtower in 17th
century. Some famous Bollywood movies like ‘Love Ke Liye Kucch Bhi Karega’ and
Manmohan Desai’s 1985 Movie ‘Mard’ have been shot at this location. Many
episodes of the popular serial C.I.D are also shot here…!!
Start further towards Aksha and be back by 2pm setting
minimum benchmarks of day 1.
Custom Tour Charges:
Contact us for details (WhatsApp: 9619182010 / email - asif@natureknights.net ) Cycle rentals will be on actual. It would be preferable if you get your own cycles (cycle with gears).
Schedule:
Explore beach sand
Cycle straight up to the farthest point achieved last
week i.e Aksha Beach from Andheri via Versova Jetty. Relax and enjoy the clean beach
sand to start further towards Marve. The trail offers some of the best
atmospheric calmness irrespective of the time of the day due to canopy of trees on
both sides of curvy road. Probably you are the only humans in action on the
trail, proud to be women??.
Reach Marve Jetty and take your cycles again on a ferry
boat to the other side of Manori and Gorai, the part of the east Indian village of the former Portuguese colony of Bassein. Check out the crumbling holy magi church in
Gorai.
Pedal more towards Gorai to reach Essel World and the
famous Vipassana Pagoda. Action-packed with peace… Spend a day at Essel World
and be back by 8 pm while experiencing
the thrill of night cycling.
Camp Fee: Rs.XXX (to be announced) Per Head Per Event; This Camp Fee is for those own Cycles for Cycles Rentals (We will revert back soon).
Adventure Number 3:
Schedule:
Explore best views of paddy on once side and a rock face on the other
Cycle straight up to farthest point achieved last week
i.e Gorai Jetty-Manori Tar-To Bhayander Junction crossing both jetties via
ferry boats. Set the best benchmarks for cycling on a straight road and move
forward towards Utan. Explore the ruins of Bassein fort (once a thriving port
of Estado Da India) and buy bottled masala at the tiny shops on your way to the
impressive church of our lady of the sea in Utan.
Utan is a small fishing village of main Manori road.
The village has still not been swayed by the raves that regularly unfold on the
sands of Manori and Gorai. Fishing boats laze on the beach as Bombay Duck dries
on lines in front of small shrines of Mother Mary.
Final Adventure - Scaling the Summit of Cycling:
Marathon Expedition from head to toe of the entire
trail explored so far and back! Ladies Ga Ga…
Preparations
and things to carry:
The minimal weight of your rucksack is
recommended as load starts feeling later once you cycle further. Water bottle,
sunscreen Cream, extra money, headgear/cap and sunglasses are must recommend.
Avoid wearing dark colour clothes and slippers/sandals/heels. Jogging shoes are
best for cycling. Waist pouches too can come very handy for things that require
frequent usage during the day. You can carry packed lunch in the morning till
evening cycling days.
Be a Proud Eco Adventurist!
Bicycles provide numerous benefits compared
to motor
vehicles, including exercise, an alternative to the use of fossil fuels,
no air
or noise pollution, much reduced traffic congestion, easier parking,
greater manoeuvrability, and access to both roads and paths.
The advantages are at a less financial cost to the user as well as society
(negligible damage to roads, and less pavement required).
Power Rappelling over 120 feet of gushing waterfall .. feel the Surf hit you face, feel the adrenaline rush..
Other mountaineering sports are also available on advance request if you have a sizable group. Activities
Water Fall Rappelling (120 feet), Introduction to Basics of Mountaineering (Equipment's and their correct use), Small Countryside Hikes and Monsoon Team Games...
Registration with 100% advance mandatory click here to read on
Nature’s heaven right in the backyard of Mumbai. the trail leads us through lust green forest that stretches for over 2 km till the first stream (If you lucky and get permission you should be able to go down till third stream and beyond that may extend for a couple of more KM and ends in a magnificent waterfall). This Nature Trail is located in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in a protected eco-sensitive zone. An early morning hike in this forest trail rejuvenates and recharges you for days to come.
This trail has plenty to explore in terms of flora and fauna so be ready to play a nature detective. Carry field guides, binoculars, magnifying glasses, an old paper note book to play treasure hunt in Nature. There are also few streams flowing across this trail that has water till late winter. So, invite your family and friends to explore this Nature’s Bounty with “Nature Knights” … NATURE BECKONS.
Plan for the trek: (3 Hours)
Park your vehicle in Pay and park just inside the main gate of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
Buy your main gate entry ticket, cross the initial check-post.
walk around 150 meters you will arrive at a small BEST bus stand, continue walking you will find the parking slot for buses around 500 meters from the main gate on the right hand side; very close to Junction of Toy Train). we will meet here.
The total duration of the nature walk is around 2 hours till the first stream.
Budget:
Rs.8500/- for a group size upto 10 pax,
extra people will be charged at Rs.850/- per person.
Inclusions:
Trek Guide, Forest Escort, Forest Permit.
Exclusions:
Main Gate Park Entry charges, Parking Charges, any kind of travel insurance, Transport if required are not included.
For details of commercials and bookings WhatsApp: 9619182010
Note: Do not carry plastic bags; plastic disposable bottles. Carry your packed breakfast / snack pack and water bottle. Checklist: Attire: Track pants or Leggings or Tights or 3/4ths; T-Shirt full sleeves preferred; Cap or Hat; Rain Wear; Trekking Shoe or Tough Canvas Shoe. Carry personal Snacks/Breakfast, and Water Bottle. You may carry a personal first aid kit, mosquito repellent. Follow eco-tourism code at all times; we take only memories and leave only footsteps.
Stay at House Boat in Dal Lake, Shikara Ride, Drass War Memorial, Zojilla Pass, Kargil, Lamayuru, Moon Land, Magnetic Hill, World's Highest Motorable Road, Nubra Valley (sand dunes of hunder), Camping at "Pangong Lake, Ulley Tokpo and Nubra Valley), Monasteries of Ladakh, and More..)
Oct 8, 2013 to Oct 11, 2013. Sunderbans Safari (4 Days and 3 Nights) Oct 11, 2013 and Oct 12, 2013. Kolkata (Durga Puja) (1 Nights and 2 Days)
Journey to a Land where the Tiger Still Rules Stay at the Edge of Forest
beyond which there is not civilisation settlement; explore Sunderbans
in ferry exculsively booked only for Nature Knights.
Only 10 to 12 Seats
per batch maximum.
Experiences in Sunderbans
The Largest Mangrove Forest in the World, Largest Population of the illusive Royal Bengal Tiger..
Wild Life (Royal Bengal Tiger, Monitor Lizards,Deers, Crocodiles, Turtles, Mangroves, Birds); Countryside Experiences on journey from Kolkata to Base Camp, Ferry Ride in Mangroves, Culture and Heritage of West Bengal etc.. click here to read on
I want to get as close to the edge as I can without going over, out on the edge you see all kind of things you can't see from the center ...
Trek and Camping at Konkan Kada and Harishchandragad
Experiences:
Trekking, Climbing, Traversing,
Exploring Ancient Caves, Temples, Un-Believable Landscapes (Konkan
Kada), Camping in Wilderness, Cooking in Wild, Beautiful Place for Star
Gazing.. and lots more..
Trek to Harishchandragad
Konkan Kada - Nostalgia on the edge... watch the video
More info on Harishchandragad
and Konkan kada:
Harishchandragad is a hill fort
in the Ahmednagar region of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej
Ghat, and it has played a major role in guarding the surrounding region. The
height of the fort is 4671 ft MSL.
The most interesting point on
this fort is this cliff famously know as Konkan Kada, which has always
fascinated many people from many years. The cliff faces west and looks down
upon the Konkan. From here, one can have a breath taking view of the
surrounding region and the setting sun. This cliff is not just vertical, but it
is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood.
The Konkankada, a unique
formation in the Sahyadris, is really tough and a challenge for the trekkers.
This is a semi-circular cliff of about 2,000 ft straight drop + 1000 ft slant
fall in the Konkan plains. The surrounding grandeur and beauty of the plains
and the mountains leaves us totally spellbound. It is one of the highest direct
fall cliffs to be found in Maharashtra and Western Ghats.
This is a combination of thrill
and bliss that every true adventurer would say ‘YES!!!’ to… Rappelling, also
known as abseiling is an act of descending a mountain face by sliding down a
rope, which is attached to a body harness and fastened to an overhead
projection, with sufficient friction provided as to make the speed of the
descend controllable.
Location: Ahmednagar District (Near Malshej Ghat)
Grade : Medium
Program Plan: (Option 1)
7:00 am Start from Andheri with
pickup points along the way (Private vehicle)
Option 2: Board train to Kasara
from CST (if travelling by public transport not recommended).
Arrive at Kasara (3 hours
drive); transfer to Base village Paachnai (another 2 hours).
Early evening trek to
harishchandra gad, camping in tents a top
Rest and Explore the Konkan
Kada / Harishchandragad
Dinner
Camping overnight
Day 2
Breakfast
Explore Harichandragad Temple
comple
Lunch
Return trek
Evening Tea/Snack
Return Journey to Mumbai.
Back in Mumbai by 8pm or 9pm.
Things to carry: Mandatory
Proper and comfortable rucksack,
3 liters of water, comfortable trekking or touch canvas shoes, torch with extra
pair of cells, light bedding, extra clothing, Hat or Cap, Sun Glasses
Bed Sheet or
Sleeping bag
Sun Screen and
Mosquito Repellent
Glucon 'C' or 'D', 'Enerzal' powder, personal medical kit, extra Optional -
Cap, goggle, spoon, slippers, knife, snacks, fruits, Soap, towel etc.
Contact for Inquiries and Booking:
9619182010 / 9619182098 / info@natureknights.net
Safety remains
our first priority as always* Terms And Conditions
·It is up to the
individual to arrange their own holiday / accident insurance and; each adult
would be asked to sign a liability waiver.
·Event may be
cancelled or postponed due to natural calamity, any system error,
·In case of
cancellation of event from our side, money will be returned to those who have
enrolled, without any cancellation charges.
·All our treks are
Eco-friendly treks; kindly take care of nature around us.
·Smoking and Drinking
alcohol during trek is strictly prohibited if anyone found doing that will be
expelled from trek without refund.
Note: Non veg food can be organized on advance notice.
We can also facilitate team building program for corporate at Harischandragad.
Note: Non veg food can be organized on advance notice.
We can also facilitate team building program for corporate at
Harischandragad.
Extra porter if requested by customer will be Rs.1000/- per porter
per day.
Schedule (Option 2)
Day 1
06:00 am Pickup at Andheri West, S.V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery
06:20 am Pickup at Bandra-Kalanagar Junction Bus Stop,
Near
Entrance of Sky Walk, Western ExpressHighway
06:25 am Sion Station (Near Entrance)
06:35 am Ghatkopar on Eastern Express Highway
06:45 am Vikroli / Gandhi Nagar Junction on Extern Express Highway
07:00 am Mulund-Thane Toll Naka (Eastern Express Highway)
08:00 am Kalyan
Breakfast and Introduction / Induction on the way
10:30 am Start of the Trek
Lunch on the Way
04:00 pm Reach Harichandragad (Pitch Tent), Explore, Sun Set
from Konkan Kada
Harishchandragad is one of the most interesting and popular
treks in Maharastra and has several approaches to reach the summit right from
Medium Grade to Really Very Tough Approaches. The Largest Kada in Maharashtra
is located here having one of the most magnificent and unbelievable views of
Konkan. It is said on a windy day if you throw an object into the Kada it would
fly right back at you.
The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been
discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana,
Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its
origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri
dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have
been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu.
Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to
Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to
meditate here in 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various
constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to
the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of
Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the
cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period,
since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the
control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.
Places of Interest
Konkan Kada
The most interesting point on this fort is this cliff, which has always fascinated many people from many years. From here, one can have a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and; the setting sun. This cliff is not straight, but concave in its topmost approach. This feature renders it distinct. It has been accessed by rock-climbers only twice till now.
Kedareshwar
Going rightwards of Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a huge cave. This is the cave of Kedareshwar, in which there is a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water. The total height from its base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shivlinga, as the water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out here. In monsoon it is not possible to reach this cave, as a huge stream flows across the way.
Saptatirtha
To the east of the temple is a well-built lake called “Saptatirtha”. On its bank are temple-like constructions in which there are idols of Lord Vishnu. Recently these idols have been shifted in the caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar. These days many trekkers have been responsible for the sad plight of this beautiful place, as they throw plastic wastes and other things in the pond. 7 years back the water was potable, and now it isn’t suitable even to swim.
Taramati peak
This is the topmost point on the fort. Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad
Caves on Harishchandragad
Caves are situated all over the fort and most them concentrated near foot of Taramati peak. The caves near foot of Taramati are used as accommodation by most trekkers. A few are near the temple, whereas some are near the citadel and some far away in the forests. A natural cave is on the northwestern side of the fort, to the right of Kokan Kada. It is about 30 feet deep. The folks must know many such caves. Many of these may be remaining undiscovered.
Nageshwar temple near Khireshwar
This is a great antique construction, and diverse artistic works are seen on this. On the ceiling of the temple are beautiful carvings. There are caves near the temple.
Temple of Harishchandreshwar
This temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. It is about 16m high from its base. Around this temple there a few caves & ancient water tanks. Near the temple, the river Mangal Ganga originates. The top of the temple resembles construction with the north-Indian temples. A similar temple is situated in Buddha-Gaya. Here we can see many tombs, in which a typical construction is seen. These are built by arranging stones one over the other. The stones are well finished. There are three caves near the temple. The cisterns near the temple provide drinking water. Here another temple called Kashitirtha is located.
The fascinating thing about this temple is that it has been carved out from a single huge rock. There are entrances from all four sides. On the main entrance there are sculptures of faces. These are faces of guards of the temple. On the left side of the entrance is a Devnagri inscription, which is about saint Changdev.
How to Reach there?
Harishchandragad lies where the boundaries of Thane, Pune & Ahmednagar districts converge. There are 4 - 5 known ways to this fort, the most usual being the following ones:
From Thane District
One has to board the bus for Nagar from Kalyan & alight at ‘Khubi Phata’. From there we reach the village of Khireshwar by bus or private vehicle. This village is at 4km from the foothills of the fort.
Way from Khireshwar
The way beside the caves, where water tanks are seen, proceeds further to Junnar Darwaaja (Entrance From Junnar). From here, the route goes straight to Tolar Khind. Walking a few minutes from Tolar Khind, we come across a rock-patch on which railings are fixed. After ascending the railings, we come to the plateau region on which less dense forests are seen. From here, we have to cross 7 hills & after a walk of 2-3 hours, we reach the temple of Harishchandreshwar, the temple of Lord Shiva.
Note: On this way, many arrows help in indicating the way.
Way from Belpada
The third way is specially meant for hikers, which is via Sadhleghat. One should board the bus for Malshej Ghat and go to the village of Belpada. From here, the route goes through Sadhleghat. Here one has to climb a straight rock patch on which grips are provided. The temple is situated at a height of about 1km from Belpada. The total distance is about 19km.
From Ahmednagar District
One has to board the bus for Nasik or Mumbai & alight at Ghoti village. From Ghoti, we have to board another bus to Sangamner via Malegaon & alight at Rajur village. From here, 2 ways diverge to the fort.
1) From Rajur, one has to board the bus or a private vehicle to the village of Pachanai. From here, the way is straight to the topmost point.
2) Recently, the way from Rajur to Tolar Khind has been made available. From Tolar Khind (Tolar valley), the temple is about 2-3 hours by walking.
Accommodation Facility
Ganesh caves & caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar or Carry your own tents.
Accommodation in Khireshwar
In Khireshwar, local school is the best for a night’s stay. In this village, we can see the beautiful temple of Nageshwar as well as ancient caves of the Yadav era.
You may also want to explore some of our other links given below:
