Ratangad

Ratangad is an important fort in Ghanchakkar ranges near Igatpuri. The base village Ratanwadi has a beautiful Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings. The fort is origin for the river Pravara. The Bhandardara dam is built on this river. Main attraction on Ratangad is the ‘Nedhe’, the natural hole in wall of the mountain. One can go & sit in it & see beautiful views around. The Khutta pinnacle which is adjacent to Ratangad is also worth seeing. The origin of Pravara river is at about 45 mins distance from Nedhe.

Ratan gad is a huge fort in the beautiful bhandardara region near Nashik(Nasik) district AhmedNagar, it lies near harishchandragad and kalsubai peak. It lies 20 kms away from the bhandardara dam and 4255 feet high.There is a temple of Ratna Devi in cave at top of fort.
The base village is also by same name called Ratanwadi where the beautiful temple shiva is situated.
The enroute to fort is very full of lush greenery with different small flower and insects which is treat to photographers.
 

The Most thrilling part of this trek is climbling the two ladders and narrow staircase type entrance (ghal in marathi).It is not advise to look down in the valley which is very scaring but it is not that difficult. But crossing this we land to entrance of fort and here on is the paradise follow . The Ratangad at top has a citadel and Nedhe (natural hole to the hill) hole in mountain from which one can have a good view of Kalsubai Peak , kotha Pinacle, Alang etc mountains.After declining from Nedhe towards the main entrance
comes the ugam of Pavara River which is Cirsten and also Ratna Devi temple in a cave.The cave near Ratnadevi temple is used for overnight stay.
The whole Ratangad is covered with green grass which has little blue flowers and as water cistern too.
The panoramic view of Bhandardara Dam area is really enticing

It take about 3 hrs to climb and 2.5 hrs to decend down

Way To Reach:
By Air :  Nearest airport  Mumbai or Pune.
By Rail : Igatpuri is the nearest railway station. This is about 50 km from Ratangad.
By road :  This fort is on the Mumbai-Nasik highway about 130 km from Mumbai, overlooking the picturesque locale of Bhandardara, one of the oldest artificial catchment area

Shivneri Fort

Type: Hill Fort 
Fort Range: Nanehjat
District: Pune
Height above sea level: 3500 ft
Difficulty rating: Medium
Base village: Junnar
Appx. time to reach the top: 2 hrs from the base village
Water availability: Water cisterns are available on the fort.
Food: Available at Junaar. Not on the fort.
Shelter: One can make a stay on the fort in Shiv Kunj or Ambarkhana. Shiv Kunj is a suitable option among the two because of water cisterns is available near it.
Best time to visit: Any time except summer.

Shivneri Fort is a historic military fortification located near Junner. It is the birthplace of Shivaji.
Shahaji, Shivaji's father, was a general in the army of the Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. He was concerned for the safety of his wife Jijabai during her pregnancy as there was constant warfare going on. He therefore moved his family to Shivneri fort. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly built citadel.
Shivaji was born at the fort on 19 February 1630, and spent his childhood there.he got his name SHIVBA here. Inside the fort is a small temple dedicated to the goddess Shivai Devi, after whom Shivaji was named.

There are statues of Jijabai and young Shivaji. At the centre of the fort is a water pond which is called 'Badami Talav'. To the South of 'Badami Talav' are the statues Jijabai and a young Shivaji. In the fort there are two water springs, namely Ganga-Jamumna, which have water throughout the whole year. Two kilometers away from this fort there are the Lenyadri caves which is one of Ashtavinayaka temple in Maharastra.

Detail Background:
This fort has lot to tell. Shivneri, a birth place of Chhatrapati Shivaji (1627), is located at a distance of around 3 km from Junnar (125 km from Pune). Shahaji, father of Shivaji kept his wife Jijabai in this fort during her pregnancy, as the fort was unique and difficult to reach. It is easier to reach the fort by the normal road than to climb from the hills. One has to get through 7 doors before reaching the actual fort. This fort is a very big structure with a very good height. The old and beautiful 'Devi Shivai' temple is on the way. Shivaji was taken from the name of this goddess. Shivaji spent his childhood on this fort. He acquired all the skills and training on this fort which he used while establishing Swaraj. He learnt the early lessons of Swaraj on this fort.
The wide base of the fort is towards the south and the narrow point is towards the north. The ascending path to the fort is defended by seven gates, the fifth one being armoured with anti-elephant spikes. The fort has several rock-hew cisterns and ponds, of which two large ones are known as Ganga and Jumuna. Today, there are only a few structures remaining in the fort. At one end there is a ruined stable and at the other end a mosque of the Mughal period. The house where shivaji was born (in February, 1630 AD) has been recently restored and a temple with statues of Shivaji and Jijabai called Shivakunja, has also been built. Sir Richard Temple in his book Shivaji and the Rise Marathas wrote about Shivaneri: You will see what a rugged precipitous place this is and what a fitting spot it was for a hero to be born in!
Junnar means "Jirna Nagar", one of the oldest cities of ancient India. The Shaka dynasty ruled here. Gautamiputra Satkarni, who was a Satvaahan king, defeated the Shakas to establish his rule. The era of Satvaahan is the most glorious one, as many artistic works were carried out during their rule. Junnar became their capital city. This was the golden era of our culture. Here more than 100 caves were carved out in the mountains surrounding Junnar. The mountain on which fortification was constructed, is well protected by steep scarps, and is the most suitable for constructing caves. Here 64 caves were carved, and eight inscriptions are found here. After the Satavahanas, the Shivneri for was occupied by the Shilaharas, the Yadavas, the Bahamanis and the Mughals. In 1599 AD the hill fort was granted to Shivaji's grandfather, Maloji Bhosale and passed down to Shahaji. Though Shivaji was born here, he had to surrender the fort to the Mughals and could not take it back in his lifetime.
Shivaji Maharaj left this fort in 1632 and it went into the hands of Mughals in 1637. In 1650 the local fishermen refuted against them. The folks lost to the rulers and were assassinated cruelly on the fort. In 1678 the Marathas raided Junnar, but attempt to capture Shivneri was futile. Shahu Maharaj brought the fort under his control forty years later. Later it was under the control of Peshwas.
The Shivneri cluster forts, comprising Harishchandragad, Junnar, Jivadhan, etc. was very important strategically, because it controlled the ancient Name Ghat Pass.

How to reach :
To reach on fort Shivneri first we have to reach Junnar. Distance between Junnar Bus stand and Shivneri is 2 km by road.

Ways to reach Junnar :
1) From Mumbai or Kalyan one can reach Junnar via Malshej Ghat or via Khandala Ghat. Route via Malshej Ghat is the preferable as it takes less time. Buses ply hourly from Kalyan towards Junnar. Distance from Mumbai is approximately 100 km. 
2) From Pune or Shivaji Nagar one can take buses for Junnar. Buses ply hourly for Junnar from these bus stands.
3) On Kalyan – Nagar road there lie two diversions: a) Bangar Phata b) Aale Phata.

One can also descend at any one of these diversions and use local transport to reach Junnar city.

Visapur Fort

Type : Hill forts

Fort Range : Lonavala

District : Pune

Grade : Medium    

   

The forts of Lohgad and Visapur have played an important role in guarding the ancient trade routes and being the savior of Bhaje and Bedse caves. Among them, Lohgad is related to many significant historical events. Much of it is known. Unlike that, much less is known about Visapur. In spite of being a very big fort, protected by a highly impregnable fortification and presence of a large plateau, less is written about it, or much less records could have added to information about it.

History : Lohgad and Visapur lay in Nane Maval. This region came under Nizamshahi after dissolution of Bahmani rule. It went into the hands of Mughals in the treaty of Mahuli, between Shahajiraje and Mughals. Seeing that the Mughals were not able to keep a control over the region, Shivaji Maharaj captured almost all the forts here till 1660. However, he lost the fort again to Mughals in the treaty of Purandar in 1665. However Aurangzeb broke the treaty. In 1682, Shahbuddin, a Mughal Sardar invaded the region, and killed 60 Marathas in an anguish. However Marathas escaped to Visapur. They were chased, but moved in time to the village of Kusapur. On 4th march 1818 Colonel Prother captured Visapur, and the next day Lohgad fell into his hands.
The mountain of Visapur is significant, as Bhaje caves have been carved out in the same mountain. The destruction caused by Mughals and English is clearly evident from the injuries on the Bhaje caves. These beautiful caves could have been bombarded by cannon balls, because much of their part has been broken.

Fascinating Spots : The main characteristic of this fort is the strong fortification built on a large plateau, to make it one of the strongest forts. A large plateau of this size is found on many less forts. It is difficult to fire cannons on the fort due to its position. We can see the injuries of destruction caused by Mughals and British on Bhaje caves, but this has not affected Visapur much. The long stretched ramparts fascinate us. On this same plateau we can see a huge stone wheel. It was used for grinding the mixture of lime, jaggery & lead. This mixture was used as cementing material for building purposes. The wheel was driven by bulls, and is the big one of its kind.

Other things that add to the uniqueness of the fort are constructions like the bastion on the western side of the fort. This bastion, unlike others is completely within the main ramparts. Such a construction is rarely seen on other forts. The other remnants include old residential places. There is a fountain on the northwestern side.

Ways To Reach : There are three to four known ways to reach the fort of Visapur. We have to reach at Malavali station. From there we can reach top by following ways 

From village Malavali : First route is quite confusing and we may need guide to reach the fort from the village itself. When the Bhaje caves come to our sight we leave stairways & go towards right. For walking upto15 to 20 min we come across small huts. From here the way through jungle takes us to the broken stairs. When we start climbing these stairs there is a small temple & two big caves which can accommodate about 40 people. These stairs straightway take us to the fort of Visapur. 

From Lohgaon : The second route is from just before Lohgaon. From here after reaching Gaimukh Khind we go towards left, which takes us to Visapur fort. This way also takes us through jungle and is much better. This must have been the main entrance, as it is in front of the main door to Lohgad. Moreover well-cut steps are seen here.

 

From Base Village Paatangaon : The third route is from the base village named Paatangaon on the western side. Here the way is less confusing, and this joins the way on the first route. This was the way towards the trade route, and some cisterns are on this way. Also two caves and carved idol of Lord Hanuman is seen here. This way is very pleasant.

Accommodation Facility : There are two caves, which can accommodate 40 to 50 persons.

Food Facility : We have to carry our own food. Also available in base village

Drinking Water Facility : The lake water on the fort is suitable for drinking.

Harishchandra Gad 9th july 2011

Date: August 9 & 10^th July 2011
Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4500 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Medium (2-3 hrs trek)

                We started our journey on 9th July 2011 night at 8 pm from Kandivali East. We are travel by private vehicle. On 10^th July 2010 morning at 4 am we reached at Pachnai village it’s 240 km. from kandivali. Just because of fog, rain and muddy road it took 2-3 hours extra to reach Pachnai village.  After taking the rest of four hours at hanuman temple. We start our day with a light breakfast. At 9 am. We started our trek. We reached on top at 10.45 am.

                We enjoyed at waterfalls on the way, it was a very foggy climate and heavy rainfall made surrounding with lush green. We saw Saptatirtha Pushkarni, Kedareshwar Cave, Caves on Harishchandragad, Temple of Harishchandreshwar as it was very foggy climate as result we was difficult to find a way to kokan kada, this was the only point we find hard to enjoy. After spending 2-3 hours at top, we start our return journey to base camp. At 3.00pm we were at the base, after having our lunch we took a way back to Mumbai at 4.30pm. At 10.00pm we reached back to our starting point (Kandivali East).

History

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.

Fascinating Spots

1. Saptatirtha Pushkarni

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 isnt suitable even to swim.

2. Kedareshwar Cave

Going rightwards of Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a huge cave. This is the cave of Kedareshwar(see picture), 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 because 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. It is very nice place.

3. Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff)

The most interesting point on this fort is this cliff, which has always fascinated many people from many years. The cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan.[1]From here, one can have a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and the setting sun. This cliff is not just vertical, it is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood. It has been climbed many times. Sometimes a circular rainbow (the Brocken spectre phenomenon) can be seen from this point. It can be seen only when there is a bit of mist in the valley, and the sun is right behind the person facing the valley. One amazing phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below are thrown vertically into the sky reaching more than 50 feet (15 m). It creates a magical wall that is rising straight from the edge of the cliff without entering the landmass area. The fog show and hovering clouds below the cliff complement the season if one visits.

Also known as Taramanchi. This is the topmost point on the fort. It is the 2nd highest peak in Maharashtra. 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.

4. Caves on Harishchandragad

These caves are situated all over the fort. Many of these are situated at the foot of Taramati peak & are the place of accommodation. A few are near the temple, whereas some are near the citadel and some far away in the forests. A 30 feet (9.1 m) deep natural cave is on the northwestern side of the fort, to the right of Kokan Kada. Many other caves are still said to remain undiscovered.

5. 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. The main attraction of the carvings here is the 1.5 m long sculpture of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture, popularly known as "sheshshayi Vishnu" in Marathi. It is rare and hence holds a lot of importance. There are a lot of legends told about this sculpture. There are caves near the temple.

6. 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 16 m high from its base. Around this temple there a few caves & ancient water tanks. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple. 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 well-finished arranging stones one on top of the other. There are three main caves near the temple. The cisterns near the temple provide drinking water. A short distance away, 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.

Way To Reach

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:

there is another way to reach to Harishchandra gad. we can reach there from pune. there is bus from swarget to Khireswar village daily.

1) 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.

[edit] 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.

The third way is specially meant for hikers, which is via Sadhleghat. One should board the bus for Malshej Ghat & 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.

2) 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.

 

SHAIL FILMOTSAV & PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 2011

Time: Sunday, September 25 · 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Location: PRABODHANKAR THACKERAY KRIDA SANKUL

Shahaji Raje Marg, Vile-Parle (East)

 

Dear all ,

I on behalf of Shailbhramar Rock climbing and Mountaineering Club, Mumbai. I would like to invite all Rock Climbers / Mountaineers / Shutterbugs / Writers / Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers to this fun filled exciting event held by us every year where in films related to Rock Climbing / Mountaineering / Nature Conservation / Adventure Sports are shown … but this year we want to start something new we would like to give all Shutterbugs / Writers a chance to display their talent …..Yes my dear friends we are starting a Photography Exhibition in addition to the screening of films. All the selected entries will be displayed at the Annual Film Festival, also we would like to invite Write-ups / Articles / Experiences to be published in our Annual Year Book, top three photos of exhibition will also be published in the Year Book

Rules and Regulation

PHOTOGRAPHY

1. This is an exhibition and not any competition no awards will be given
it’s a pure display of talent and sharing of skills / knowledge all selected entrants
receive a Certificate of Appreciation.

2. Theme: Forts / Nature / Wildlife / Mountains / Adventure Sports.

3. Entrants must mail Hi-Res jpeg to us latest by 7th September 2011 to
email address provided.

4. Every photo must be accompanied with the following details
• Name of Photographer
• Camera details
• A bit about Self & contact details
• Name of photograph (Not Mandatory)
• A bit about the location

5. There will be around 40 - 50 photographs displayed which are
selected by the judging panel and their decision will be final.

6. Maximum of 10 entry photos per entrant.

7. All entrants will be informed if any of their photos are selected.

8. After that they have to give the hard copy of requested photos in
8x12 mounted on board of the size of board should not exceed
10x14, if entrant is not able to do it we can do for him at rate of 25 Rs. Per Photo
Payable up front in Shailbrharmar's bank account.

9. Bank details will be provided upon request of entrant.

10. The original jpeg photo along with the boarded hard copy will be returned later
after the event .

11. This event is conducted on no profit or no loss basis so entrants have
to bear the expenses of printing and delivering it to us and taking
back.

12. Group will not be responsible for any postage charges or claims for
the expenses incurred by individual for getting the delivered to us and back to them.

13. Email your photos to : shailbhramarmumbai@gmail.com

14. Photo Collection Centers

• A/6 304, Sunder Nagar, Mira Bhayander Road, Mira Road 401107
• 3/301, Isha Chs , M.P.Road, Jadhav Wadi, Vishnu Nagar, Dombivli- (W) 421202
• More Collection centers to be arranged soon



ANNUAL YEAR BOOK

1. All people are free to send their Write-ups / Articles / Experiences to
be published in the year book it should not exceed 700- 800 words

2. Only Selected Write-ups / Articles / Experiences will be published


FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Rohit Ghogle : (M) +919987099176
Film Festival & Photography Exhibition 2011
Event Manager


Utkarsh Mane : (M) +919833658880
Film Festival & Photgraphy Exibition 2011
Event Coordinator


HOPING FOR A ACTIVE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION FROM YOU ALL


Thanking you
Best Regards ,

Team Shailbhramar

Kalsubai Trek (18th September 2011)

Date: 18th September 2011

Height above mean sea level: 5400 feet

Difficulty Rating: Simple 

Trek Leader: Somnath R. Bhalke

Co Leader: Tejal Anubhavne, Sagar Tikam, Om Sharmalkar

Contact Details: Somnath Bhalke: 91+9870793574

                        Sagar Tikam: 91+9773535840

                        Om Sharmalkar: 91+9987335155

                        Tejal Anubhavne: tejal@trekkloversadda.web.in

Last Date of Booking: 12th September 2011

Meeting Place: sharp 6.00am. at Omkareshwar Temple Borivali East, Opp. National Park Get, Western Express Highway 

Transportation: Private Vehicle or Bus 

Charges: Rs.750/-  Per person(included traveling from borivali east to kalsubai retun, morning Break Fast and Afternoon Lunch)