TREK to Sarasgad
1 An account of the trek 2
1.1 An account by Ketan Khairnar 2
1.1.1 Bus 2
1.1.2 Ganeshdarshan 3
1.1.3 Climb 3
1.1.4 Mahad varadVinayak 4
1.2 Addendum by Sanket Sangwikar 4
1.2.1 Our despair 4
1.2.2 Kille Sarasgad 4
1.2.3 Coming Down 5
1.2.4 Photo-Sessions 5
1.2.5 The RAIN 5
1.3 Addendum by Ketan Khairnar 5
1.3.1 Reply by Mandar Date 6
1.3.2 Reply by Sanket Sangwikar 7
1.3.3 Reply by Ketan Khairnar 7
1.4 Addendum by Manoj Pawar 7
2 Comments 8
2.1 Comment by Aniket Lonkar 8
2.2 Comment by Sandeep Patil 9
2.3 Comment by Manoj Pawar 9
2.4 Comment by Shrikant Meshram 9
1 An account of the trek
1.1 An account by Ketan Khairnar
Date: 17th July 2005
Destination: Sarasgad near Pali (taluka Sudhagad), Khopoli region.
Participants: Sanket Sangwikar, Ketan Khainar, Aniket Lonkar, Sourabh Sil, Mandar Date, Sandeep Patil, Shrikant Meshram, Harish Shanbag, Manoj Pawar, Rohit Saxena (TOTAL 10)
Guys,
This has become norm now for me and our group for penning down trek stories and also handling logistic and finances for these small one-day outings. Yeah, new story is out to read for all. This is about our yesterdays trek to Sarasgad near Pali. Yes you are right the one near Ballaleshwar(one of the shtavinayaks).
1.1.1 Bus
Me and Sanket kept threshold of four people to go for trek, but on Friday there were around 13-14 people in mailing list and actual participants turned out to be 10. First large group for any of my treks.
Participants: Ketan, Sanket, Rohit, Sandeep, Manoj, Aniket, Saurabh, Harish, Mandar, Shrikant [5 i-Flexers and 4 Patnites (I was the only person to know all 10 people though)]
After lot of plans and canceling them out on Saturday day night we gave green signal to catch bus from Thane to Pali to avoid changing of buses/trains/six seaters. What? You don’t know six-seaters, you must come for some trek to realize what wonderful mode of transport it is! It is called as six-seater for namesake though. It could carry as large as 15 people comfortably (Comfort always have been relative term for centuries J)
Well we took 6.15 Thane-Pali bus to our destination. Everybody came on time; that was good sign of discipline. It is much needed for anything in life. Think the eccentricities and how one guy can ruin the whole fun at the start only. We took last seats in bus and Manoj who promised to doze off, did really good work. Me, sandy, Rohit kept our word not to disturb him in his occasional solid plans like sleeping on picnic day, planning treks for four of his girl friends (I have put %20 by decision). We reached Panvel and Rohit, Sandy,Shrikant went out to buy vada pav for themselves and got whip from somebody for selfish concern. Soon we reached Khopoli passing behind Mahad (One of the Ashtavinayaks) where we came back again from trek. From khopoli we took diversion from the road which heads Pune. This particular road leads to Tamhini ghat which climbs up from Konkan to Pune(Mulshi). Tamhini ghat is also favorite one day picnic spots to look out in future treks this monsoon. On the way to Pali we passed out villages like Pedli,parli,Karwar,Devnhave an dthen reached Pali finally.
1.1.2 Ganeshdarshan
Ganpati has been my favorite god since schooldays. I realize him beside me in all the good things and bad too. I remember him in pains only that is the fallacy on my side.
There was as such no rush in Mandir and everybody got enough time for praying for monetary and spiritual blessings from Ballaleshwar. I read small stories depicted using pictures on wall and then we all sat outside for 10-15 minutes more. I have been experiencing this particular thing for each of my trek. When you go out and then sat alone and suddenly things those come out your head/mind is some kind of nostalgia. Don’t know why and about what? But it is always peace to my mind and some unique moment to cherish.
Beside the mandir there was “Houd” (swimming pool) where Ian Thorpe of Pali showing us his stamina and sometimes flexing his muscles. Maybe because of sandy who was out in sleeveless Tee. Went to local restaurant ordered Misal-Pav, vada-pav and 1 by 6 pohe. Saurabh thought that was some kind of free lunch party and paid the price later on J
We also packed up the Puri-bhaji and Better water bottled better for all of us. Enquired about other local spots to visit besides route to summit for day; Singled out “Unhere” for later in day. Unhere is abt 3kms from pali and has natural hot water springs. Well we didn’t go there in the end.
1.1.3 Climb
We started climbing after quick change in avatar (clothes). Me headed for wrong way, which was more interesting than the route, found out by Sanket. Then started snaps session at each halt. Meanwhile saurabh was exhausted as he was carrying heavy load in bag and his belly too. After a while we reached flat green plateau where we saw some cows (“Gay” in Marathi) whispering among themselves who are these guys? My eyes found tail-baila twin walls. This is famous for rock-climbers and is near mulshi around 50-60 km from Pali. After 15 minutes trek we again reached another flat plateu and then straight climb ahead. Saurabh and me interchanged bags. We could see steps from there but way to them was dismal as it was steep ridge there. Everybody asked fellow trekkers which were ahead and already reached steps in their innovative ways while Harish was capturing the response form zooming in his camera. Got the response headed for route and after 20-25 mins we reached the steps to darwaja of fort. As we could out figure out the steps from 300-500 feet below; you could easily tell that those were massive step. We had lengthiest snap session at this point. Then we climbed 96 massive steps. Literally each step was as high as your knee. Somehow Sanket, aniket and me were lagging behind first time trekkers but I managed to reach fort as well as citadel first.
After reaching fort search for water began, asked the shepherds there and they just pointed out ways to Water Tanks. Don’t you think this shepherds and language, which is not spoken, reminds you of Alchemist? But we were not after some treasure any way. But Rohit, we saw that shepherd dog was scratching surface! Oh, my god we missed that omen.
Things followed after this very fast we reached citadel. Shiomadir was already occupied by trekkers, which were ahead us so we decided to finish our packed lunch outside Darga atop. Thought of taking small nap but have to reach ‘Unhere” also. So packed out bags and waste-papers-plastics in separate bags. We started trekking down with full speed. We had competitors as sheep. They have more advantage but we managed give them run for their money (perfect use of phrase at non-perfect place) till some distance. I watched some program on NATGEO as how they could manage to go any place on mountains. We took around 70-80 minutes to reach base of the fort. On the return way we came down from completely different route so reached at the other end of village.
1.1.4 Mahad varadVinayak
We soon found six-seater, I managed to persuade him to take us to mahad. Reached Mahad, took Darshan of Varad-Vinayak. Me, Harish and sandy had a tilak on our forehead. Took snaps and then headed for Khopoli railway station. This train travel was toll on our body as being Sunday It looked like all youth of Thane, Mumbai were at khopoli and scene was as chaotic as shown in the movie Titanic when ship was soon to sunk. We traveled without ticket to respective destination.
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1.2 Addendum by Sanket Sangwikar
Hey
Nice one. Just to add some:
1.2.1 Our despair
As we reached Pali, we could easily spot a small hill behind the village and recognized it as Sarasgad. Ketan and me were really disappointed to see the lack of height and remembered of the trek to Korigad. We hadn’t imagined the trek to be so simple. But soon we learnt that you should not underestimate any of the Shivaji’s forts. This fort was also unique with its own way.
1.2.2 Kille Sarasgad
The fort had external stout walls and bastions. The way to the fort at the later stage passed through 96 steps carved in a small rocky lane. Amazingly Sarasgad has exceptionally large number of ponds and tanks carved in the caves at the base of citadel. Most of them are worth drinking. Also fort has many caves worth a night stay. The way and the fort both were covered with lush green tender grass you would want sleep on forever. The way to Citadel was a bit tricky and was a good place to have lunch.
1.2.3 Coming Down
Trekkers generally never like to come down by the same route. More the unexpected better it is. May be that’s why we took another way to get down which was chorDarwaja. Unlike the usual chor-vaat (Secret route) of the other forts, this one was exceptionally lengthy and unique one. The steps were not built but carved in large rocks. It was only us who needed those steps to get down. The goats and their shepherds, who were coming behind us, seem to have applied Fevi-quick to their feet not to fall down.
1.2.4 Photo-Sessions
This time we had a bit longer photo-sessions having lots of greenery and caves to shoot. The ‘Tall, Dark and Handsome’ Sandy was soon on his way to model himself. (I don’t what is going on in iFlex currently!!)
1.2.5 The RAIN
There wasn’t a single drop of water throughout the day. This was the only thing missing in the whole enjoyment. The clouds blessed us throughout the day but didn’t pour. Of course, after reaching the fort we forgot about it and were too engaged to explore the beauty of the fort. It was only while climbing when we were wishing for it badly.
Regards,
Sanket
संकेत सांगवीकर
サンケット サングウィカル
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SANKET SANGWIKAR | PATNI COMPUTERS | 9819901904 | http://www.geocities.com/sanketss
1.3 Addendum by Ketan Khairnar
Well I forgot to add some things:
Mandar was the only person who optimized his trekking efforts in some ways
Like
1. Don’t go to each and every place unless it is must see
2. Accompany the guys who has most resources (food and water)
3. Searching for water is not my job, you are honored to find me on this trek
4. Take regular rest despite what others say
5. Carry minimum baggage
This was really good way to minimize toll on our body. I am impressed, Mandar!
Local talent: When we reached down at the base one of the shepherd guys accompanying us showed us his unique stunt.
You know bicycle kick; he did that same thing 3-4 times in one go. Me and manoj were the only people to see this particular thing
On the way back to Mahad I had a little chat with our Six-seater driver, He said there is some aborigine “Adivaasi” quack, who had done good business by selling local (so called junglee) drugs to patients around Khopoli, Kalyan and nearby places. He has a tata Safari, two other tata utility vehicles and truck.
Even one minister had visited his place. Need some innovative ways like this to make money J
1.3.1 Reply by Mandar Date
Since morning I was really busy and couldn't check emails. Ketan took this opportunity and his comments (accusations) went in consolidated account sent by Sanket, but my defense didn't. So person reading the account might think that what Ketan wrote is correct.
Ketan, I don't agree with points 2, 3 and 5.
2. I was not accompanying yourself and Saurabh, who I assume, had most resources (food and water).
3. Please note that the water we could drink after meals was one that Rohit had spared and one that I carried atop. I not only found right water source but also made sure that water was cleanest.
5. I was carrying two water bottles, chips, chiwada and Khakara, plus my personal baggage (On Staurday, I came to Sanket's residence directly from office after MS exam, so I had some). As we didn't eat the food after lunch, I carried the stuff all the way to Khopoli, when everybody had empty bags on their backs. I agree that bag was not as heavy as the bag you carried (I give you benefit of doubt because the bag had some cucumbers in it), but I think it was proportionate to my height and weight. I think you was mistaken by the size of the bags that we carried. Mine was smaller one but was heavier than those empty bags swollen with air.
Your account was too good. There is one correction. Tamhini ghat that leads to Mulashi is on the route that we took. I don't know if there is direct way from Pali to Tamhini, but, the ghat starts near to Mangaon (25 km from Mahad towards Mumbai on Mumbai-Goa highway). This is really nice place to visit in monsoon as many waterfall are on the way. I doubt if we can cover it in a day. It will take at least 5hrs to reach there from Mumbai.
1.3.2 Reply by Sanket Sangwikar
I agree with mandar this time.
Though at the time of Mahuligad trek, he acted like it, this time his defense seems to be genuine.
Also since this time so called frequent trekkers – Ketan, aniket and me were lagging behind, we do not have much to comment about Mandar this time.
Next time, Mandar, Don’t worry, I will make sure you beg for food and water J
1.3.3 Reply by Ketan Khairnar
Mandar,
I wrote it particularly a bit harsh way to instigate your response J and alas I enjoyed it to fullest. Other wise you would not have replied.
You are gem in our trek team any way undisputedly
@ Sanket please add this one too in our account.
You are 100% correct in everything. There is ambiguous writing abt route to Tamhini ghat by me.