"So.......is it finally decided? Are you really going trekking tomorrow?' asked my husband at 10 PM on Saturday and I replied pointing to my packed rucksack,"Yes,all set to go ."
I was more than ready for my second monsoon trek,more so as it was a ladies only trek.I wanted to experience how it would be with the gal gang for the change after my first trek to Lohagad with Trek Mates India. Though I had nearly made up my mind not to venture out for any trek scheduled for a Sunday because I returned after 11 PM on my last trek and the next day I had to avail of a half day from work, I was game to go for this one as I hoped that this time at least I would return home before 10 PM. So, I was all excited for my second monsoon trek to Koraigad,
Lonavala.
On Sunday 21st July I left my house at 5.30 AM. sharp so that I could be at the decided spot(Yogi Hotel near Diamond Garden,Chembur) by 6.15 AM as scheduled.After taking the train to Ghatkopar I took an auto to Yogi hotel.It started raining very heavily and I was getting restless as the bus was not there to pick me up though I reached on the dot.I met some other trekkers there who were off for water rappelling(Trek Mates India group) and another group which was going to Malshej (BNHS Group)Finally I heaved a sigh of relief when my bus trundled along at nearly 7 AM.
The journey to the base site was very enjoyable.We were a group of about thirty trekkers.It was a mixed lot of young and a little older ladies/girls and the youngest was a seven year old kid.After a few minutes of simply chatting ,watsapping and facebooking we had a session of Antakshari.This session continued for most of the journey and then we halted near Lonavala station for breakfast at a small Udipi restaurant.Though the place was small the food was tasty.Most of the girls had misal pav (yummy-yummy!!!),wada-idli sambar or uthappas and hot tea. After having our fill and the much-needed loo break the bus took us on another forty minute ride to the base of Koraigad fort.The view on the way was simply mind-blowing!!! It was as if we were on the clouds.Mist surrounded us and we could barely see anything beyond a point. On the way we saw many holiday makers walking to the famous Bhushi dam.There were many vehicles and a crowd at nearly all the waterfalls on our way to the base.Finally when we reached we had the introduction round and were given instructions by our group leaders.We then began our climb to the top.
The way to the top was quite an easy one.We had to walk along a dirt track and also had to walk with trees surrounding us for a short stretch.It was raining on and off so when ever there was a respite from the rains out came our cameras.We had to climb up the stones stairs to reach the top of the fort.There were many small waterfalls on the way up.It was so nice to see the water gushing down the steps as we climbed up.When we reached the top it was not like any other regular fort I had seen.Unlike the Raigad or Vasai forts I had been to,there was no fort structure to see.What we had was just vast expanse of plateau land which had a wall along the periphery.There was a small temple of Goddess Koraidevi and many small and big canons at different places around the fort area.there was also a lake on the top.We walked all around the periphery of the fort which was approximately 2 kms. At some places it was a little difficult climb as the way was narrow and there was a gusty breeze blowing at all times.I felt I would be blown over the edge at times and it gave me the jitters.We posed for pictures with the canons and completed most of the walk around the fort before lunch and the rest after having our lunch near the temple.There were two in our group who were feeling a bit uneasy but our group leaders Kalpana,Khushi and Rachna made them feel at ease and were very supportive.After our lunch one group walked down to the main gate taking the route we came up from while the rest completed our our walk along the periphery of the fort.we then began our climb down.We reached the base and then one group changed while the rest went for snacks at a nearby restaurant.We had an option of hot wada paus or poha for evening snacks along with piping hot tea.
After that we boarded our buses and resumed our journey back to Mumbai.Nothing prepared me or for that matter us for the journey back as it was really cumbersome! The traffic on our way back was terrible!There were jam-packed roads and everyone seemed to ignore traffic rules to move ahead faster leading to more chaos.It took us nearly two hours just to go from the base of Koraigad to Lonavala station!!!We halted at the famous Kumar's resort for a loo break and to buy chikkis and fudge.Our ride back was not an enjoyable one for me and a few others as we were worried that we would be reaching home quite late. Many of us rested while a few of the enthusiastic ones had an energetic song and dance session in the bus.Though I wanted to join them I had the niggling worry of reaching home early so I just watched them.It was only after we passed Vashi that there was some respite from the heavy traffic.Of course ,that did not help much as I, along with another friend from Mulund got down at Diamond garden at nearly 10.45 PM and then took an auto for Mulund. I reached home only at 11.20 PM.I freshened up and had dinner as I was ravenous!
What a day it was!!!I thoroughly enjoyed my trek to Koraigad but the only blot on the wonderful trek was the journey back due to the heavy traffic that we encumbered as we reached home quite late.As most of us are working on a Monday it becomes very hectic.if we were to reach at least by 9 PM it would have been more desirable.Another thing that I wish could change was that we all had to change into fresh clothes after the trek in the buses and that was inconvenient.I am sure most of the trekkers would ave preferred to change in a room instead of the cramped space in the bus.Hopefully next time the organisers will take this aspect into consideration next time.Seedhi baath no bakwaas!!!Otherwise,the trek was simply a glorious experience for me and I am sure for the rest of the trekkers too.I am glad I chose to go for this trek.Hoping there will be many more 'ladies only' treks in the future. I appreciate the work of the group leaders and their support.they went all out to make everyone feel comfortable at the trek.They were jovial,enthusiastic,friendly and helpful.Hats off to the group leaders!
Looking forward to some more trekking in the near future.Want to try my hand at adventure treks like those that include rappelling,zip-lining and river-rafting next time.
I was more than ready for my second monsoon trek,more so as it was a ladies only trek.I wanted to experience how it would be with the gal gang for the change after my first trek to Lohagad with Trek Mates India. Though I had nearly made up my mind not to venture out for any trek scheduled for a Sunday because I returned after 11 PM on my last trek and the next day I had to avail of a half day from work, I was game to go for this one as I hoped that this time at least I would return home before 10 PM. So, I was all excited for my second monsoon trek to Koraigad,
Lonavala.
On Sunday 21st July I left my house at 5.30 AM. sharp so that I could be at the decided spot(Yogi Hotel near Diamond Garden,Chembur) by 6.15 AM as scheduled.After taking the train to Ghatkopar I took an auto to Yogi hotel.It started raining very heavily and I was getting restless as the bus was not there to pick me up though I reached on the dot.I met some other trekkers there who were off for water rappelling(Trek Mates India group) and another group which was going to Malshej (BNHS Group)Finally I heaved a sigh of relief when my bus trundled along at nearly 7 AM.
The journey to the base site was very enjoyable.We were a group of about thirty trekkers.It was a mixed lot of young and a little older ladies/girls and the youngest was a seven year old kid.After a few minutes of simply chatting ,watsapping and facebooking we had a session of Antakshari.This session continued for most of the journey and then we halted near Lonavala station for breakfast at a small Udipi restaurant.Though the place was small the food was tasty.Most of the girls had misal pav (yummy-yummy!!!),wada-idli sambar or uthappas and hot tea. After having our fill and the much-needed loo break the bus took us on another forty minute ride to the base of Koraigad fort.The view on the way was simply mind-blowing!!! It was as if we were on the clouds.Mist surrounded us and we could barely see anything beyond a point. On the way we saw many holiday makers walking to the famous Bhushi dam.There were many vehicles and a crowd at nearly all the waterfalls on our way to the base.Finally when we reached we had the introduction round and were given instructions by our group leaders.We then began our climb to the top.
The way to the top was quite an easy one.We had to walk along a dirt track and also had to walk with trees surrounding us for a short stretch.It was raining on and off so when ever there was a respite from the rains out came our cameras.We had to climb up the stones stairs to reach the top of the fort.There were many small waterfalls on the way up.It was so nice to see the water gushing down the steps as we climbed up.When we reached the top it was not like any other regular fort I had seen.Unlike the Raigad or Vasai forts I had been to,there was no fort structure to see.What we had was just vast expanse of plateau land which had a wall along the periphery.There was a small temple of Goddess Koraidevi and many small and big canons at different places around the fort area.there was also a lake on the top.We walked all around the periphery of the fort which was approximately 2 kms. At some places it was a little difficult climb as the way was narrow and there was a gusty breeze blowing at all times.I felt I would be blown over the edge at times and it gave me the jitters.We posed for pictures with the canons and completed most of the walk around the fort before lunch and the rest after having our lunch near the temple.There were two in our group who were feeling a bit uneasy but our group leaders Kalpana,Khushi and Rachna made them feel at ease and were very supportive.After our lunch one group walked down to the main gate taking the route we came up from while the rest completed our our walk along the periphery of the fort.we then began our climb down.We reached the base and then one group changed while the rest went for snacks at a nearby restaurant.We had an option of hot wada paus or poha for evening snacks along with piping hot tea.
After that we boarded our buses and resumed our journey back to Mumbai.Nothing prepared me or for that matter us for the journey back as it was really cumbersome! The traffic on our way back was terrible!There were jam-packed roads and everyone seemed to ignore traffic rules to move ahead faster leading to more chaos.It took us nearly two hours just to go from the base of Koraigad to Lonavala station!!!We halted at the famous Kumar's resort for a loo break and to buy chikkis and fudge.Our ride back was not an enjoyable one for me and a few others as we were worried that we would be reaching home quite late. Many of us rested while a few of the enthusiastic ones had an energetic song and dance session in the bus.Though I wanted to join them I had the niggling worry of reaching home early so I just watched them.It was only after we passed Vashi that there was some respite from the heavy traffic.Of course ,that did not help much as I, along with another friend from Mulund got down at Diamond garden at nearly 10.45 PM and then took an auto for Mulund. I reached home only at 11.20 PM.I freshened up and had dinner as I was ravenous!
What a day it was!!!I thoroughly enjoyed my trek to Koraigad but the only blot on the wonderful trek was the journey back due to the heavy traffic that we encumbered as we reached home quite late.As most of us are working on a Monday it becomes very hectic.if we were to reach at least by 9 PM it would have been more desirable.Another thing that I wish could change was that we all had to change into fresh clothes after the trek in the buses and that was inconvenient.I am sure most of the trekkers would ave preferred to change in a room instead of the cramped space in the bus.Hopefully next time the organisers will take this aspect into consideration next time.Seedhi baath no bakwaas!!!Otherwise,the trek was simply a glorious experience for me and I am sure for the rest of the trekkers too.I am glad I chose to go for this trek.Hoping there will be many more 'ladies only' treks in the future. I appreciate the work of the group leaders and their support.they went all out to make everyone feel comfortable at the trek.They were jovial,enthusiastic,friendly and helpful.Hats off to the group leaders!
Looking forward to some more trekking in the near future.Want to try my hand at adventure treks like those that include rappelling,zip-lining and river-rafting next time.
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| The Antakshari game is on...... |
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| What a fantastic view!!! |
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| Accidents are common due to the reckless drivers |
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| Cannot see anything beyond a point due to the heavy mist |
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| Walk in the clouds..........before that a ride among the clouds. |
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| The great Maharaja's statue near Lonavala station |
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| Near Bhushi Dam |
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| Misty mountain view on our way to the base |
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| We get acquainted with each other. |
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| The introduction session and our leaders |
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| YAY!!Here we are!!!Time to go trekking! |
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| Mist surrounded us at the base of the fort |
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| We alighted from the bus and started our way to the top....... |
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| Following our group leaders |
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| A look at the water flowing downstream..... |
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| A steep climb at some places but otherwise an easy trek......great for beginners! |
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| Yes!!!We are nearly there now! |
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| This way up to Koraigad!!! |
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| making our way carefully with each other for company |
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| The narrow way amongst the trees......... |
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| We also passed along the dense growth of trees |
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| new friends on this trek |
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| Love these steps!!! |
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| Kadam -kadam badhaaye jaa!!! |
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| Moving forward.....with a smile on our face! |
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| That way up! |
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| Stone steps leading to the top |
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| Titanic pose |
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| Walking on the steps with the water gushing below. |
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| yeh seediyaan upar jati hai...... aur yahi seediyaan neeche bhi aati hai!!! |
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| A view from the top |
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| The girls enjoying the trek |
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| Walking down the narrow ways with a steep fall on one side |
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| Surrounded by mist and cool cool breeze |
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| Behind me the misty mountains |
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| our enthusiastic group leader kalpana |
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| The narrow way along the fort periphery which was about 2 kms long |
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| The group rejoicing after the climb up |
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| Posing with the canon |
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| Walking towards the mist. |
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| The last climb along the fort periphery before our descent |
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| The main arch that leads to the Koraigad fort.(File Pic) |
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