Dear Friends we invite you all for Night Trek to Kothligad (peth) in glowing forest of fireflies… on 30 & 31 may 2015. Peth is situated in Shahapur taluka, Karjat district. Hight of this fort is 3100 ft above sea level. This fort is also knownas Kothaligad because of the internally excavated stairs at the fort top. During the specific period of pre-monsoon,thousands of fireflies males glow in mating display to attract females. This is one of the best natural phenomena onecan expect… Histo ry : This fort is very small in size but was used as an ammunition storage and defense station during SambhajiMaharaj's era. This fort is surrounded with other forts like Bhimashankar, Rajmachi, Dhak, Sidhhagad and Prabalgad Some Information about the Fort: Pinnacle of the Peth fort with internally carved stairsBhairoba MandirBhairoba Cave.Water cisternsBastions of the fort well in conditionFrom the Fort top we can have glimpse of Bhimashankar, Rajmachi, Dhak and Siddhagad Kothligad (peth)Height: ~ 3100 feetGrade: EasyLocation: Karjat region Trek Leader: Nishant seth The itinerary for trek is: Meeting at Neral station 9.30 pm . For convinence we have put up local train time table below: This is a karjat Fast local.CST 7:55 PMByculla 8:02 PMDadar 8:08 PMKurla 8:15 PMGhatkopar 8:19 PMMulund 8:31 PMThane 8:35 PMDombivili 8:47 PMKalyan 8:56 PMNeral 9:30 30 May 2015 (Saturday) Night catch karjat fast local 7:55 from cst Or from the station of your choice Get down at Neral Station. On arrival at Neral we will proceed towards Ambavali village in Jeep OR Tumtum. Introduction round and start ascending at 11 oclock Enjoy the glowing fireflies while ascending till Pethwadi. Please carry some packed stuff to eat from home. Take rest for a while then start trekking towards top of kothligad . After some happening photography session on the top of pinnacle, Start Descend around 5 oclcok in the morning Reach base village have Breakfast And Tea at villagers house around 7.30 Back to neral stat... Read more

It's that time of the year again, when we pack our woolens and get ready to make our way to the mesmerizing land of Ladakh. We have gone there every year since the inception of The Blueberry Trails and still the beauty that surrounds us never ceases to inspire. This year we plan to continue our love affair with the mountains and have designed a trip spanning the entire Ladakh circuit. This year it's your chance to join us on this adventure. It starts at Srinagar, moves over to the gentle mountains and valleys of Kargil, Mulbek then starts an upward incline to Leh. Get ready for a ride of a lifetime! Trip essence: Homestays-local culture-monasteries-camel safaris-white water rafting in the Indus-river side trails-village walks-photo walks Trip route: Srinagar-Mulbek-Kargil-Drass-Leh-Nubra-Turtuk-Pangong-Leh Highlights of the trip: A road trip in the Himalayan desert of Ladakh. Dizzying passes and fertile valleys, snow capped mountains and quaint villages will be your constant companion, apart from an awesome set of co-travelers. Offbeat curated stays like campsites in Mulbek, Pangong Tso, with incomparable views. Sights you cannot forget too easily, even if you try. In Leh we stay in a hotel, and a basic homestay at Nubra and Turtuk to add a more local flavour to the trip. Adventures like camel safaris, village walks, and river side trails. Experiences, experiences, experiences. Many of them are guided and many more will be the ones you find along the way.A visit to the beautiful village of Turtuk which was a part of Pakistan till about the 70s. It was opened for tourism only in 2010. We went there last year, and the year before. And we keep coming back for more. We just can't get enough of this beauty. Architecture, monasteries, local culture: Whether it's a cup of tea shared with locals or a quiet moment spent in a distant monastery watching a monk pray, or marveling at the bright colours that adorn these structures or wondering how they keep warm in the -50 degree... Read more

Its that time of the year again, when we pack our woolens and get ready to go to the mesmerizing land of Ladakh. We have gone there every year since the year of inception of The Blueberry Trails and still the beauty that surrounds us never ceases to inspire. It takes our breath away, every time. We have designed this trip for you keeping in mind the local nuances and smaller experiences that the land offers. We try to stay away from the mainstream, beyond the usual circuits. We hope you like the plan. Trip essence: Roadtrip - local culture - smaller villages - monestaries - white water rafting in the Indus -photo walks - homestays - camel safari Highlights of the trip: A road trip in the himalayan desert of Ladakh. Dizzying passes and fertile valleys, snow capped mountains and quaint villages will be your constant companion. Apart from an awesome set of co-travelers. Offbeat curated stays like campsites in Mulbek, Pangong Tso and Jispa. With incomparable views. Blues of the Pangong or lush green alpine mountain slopes. Sights you cannot forget too easily, even if you try. Alternatively we stay in a hotel in Leh, and a basic homestay at Nubra, Alchi and Turtuk for a more local flavour to the trip. Adventures like rafting, camel safaris. Village walks, and river side trails. Experiences, experiences, experiences. Many of them are guided and many more will be the ones you find along the way.  A visit to the beautiful village of Turtuk which was a part of Pakistan till about the 70's. It was open for tourism only in 2010. We went there last year, and the year before. And we keep coming back for more. We just cant get enough of this beauty. Architecture, monastaries, local culture: Whether its a cup of tea shared with locals or a quiet moment spend in a distant monastary watching a monk pray, whether its marveling at the bright colours that adorn these structures or wondering how they keep warm in the -50degree weather. Cusitosity knows no bounds and our driver... Read more

Its that time of the year again, when we pack our woollens and get ready to go to the mesmerizing land of Ladakh. We have gone there every year since the year of inception of The Blueberry Trails and still the beauty that surrounds us never ceases to inspire. It takes our breath away every time. This year we plan to continue our love affair with the mountains and have designed a trip spanning the Ladakh circuit from Manali to Leh. Get ready for a ride of a lifetime. Trip essence: Roadtrip-Mountain life-Homestays-Simple life-Local culture-Momos-Thupka-friends for life –Awe inspiring experience Trip Highlights: 1. A road trip in the Himalayan desert of Ladakh. Dizzying passes and fertile valleys, snow capped mountains and quaint villages will be your constant companion. Apart from an awesome set of co-travelers. 2. Offbeat curated stays like campsites in Pangong Tso and Jispa. With incomparable views. Blues of the Pangong or lush green alpine mountain slopes. Sights you cannot forget too easily, even if you try. Alternatively we stay in a hotel in Leh, and a basic home-stay at Nubra, Alchi and Turtuk for a more local flavour to the trip. 3. Adventures like rafting, camel safaris. Village walks, and riverside trails. Experiences, experiences, experiences. Many of them are guided and many more will be the ones you find along the way. 4. A visit to the beautiful village of Turtuk which was a part of Pakistan till about the 70's. It was open for tourism only in 2010. We went there last year, and the year before. And we keep coming back for more. We just can't get enough of this beauty. 5. Architecture, monasteries, local culture: Whether its a cup of tea shared with locals or a quiet moment spend in a distant monastery watching a monk pray, whether its marveling at the bright colours that adorn these structures or wondering how they keep warm in the -50degree weather. Curiosity knows no bounds and our drivers will have answers to most of your queries if not all. 6. Home-s... Read more

Raigadh Fort -This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad. It was here that Shivaji built his capital city in the 14th century, and here that he crowned himself Chhatrapati. For six years upto his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas with its broad gates and magnificent monuments. There was only one pathway leading to the top, and prizes were offered to those who scaled the fort through unconventional methods. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur. Shivaji's impregnable capital, the place where he was crowed and where he died. Besides the fort, you'll find his samadhi and the remains of his palace. For its immence beauty, Raigad remains a hiker's paradice.The formidable Pratapgad fort with its equestrian statue of shivaji is an interesting excursion. You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha warrior at his Samadhi. Shivji Maharaj Rajyabhishek Gaga Bhatt, the famous pandit of Banaras, conducted the Rajyabhishek of Shivaji Maharaj. Invitations were sent to learned Brahman of all parts of India and many came un-invited. Ambassadors and envoys from most of the Indian powers came to witness the coronation ceremony. Shivaji visited the famous temples in Maharashtra. Then Shivaji distributed fine pieces of cloth and several other things among the Brahmans. Shivaji spent the entire day in self-restraint and mortification of the flesh. On the day of the Rajyabhishek, Shivaji got up early in the morning, worshipped the gods and took blessing from the priests. Then, he took his seat on a gold-plated stool decked with ornaments. His queen sat to his left and the crown prince Sambhaji sat close behind him.... Read more

Trek to Harischandragad and Konkankada on 31th May 2015 (Leaving 30th May 2015).  Ascend via Pachnai descend via Pachnai. Harischandragad is one of the most visited forts in Western Ghats. If you are trekking in Sahyadri for several years and you haven't visited Harishchandragad then you haven't trekked enough. This enormous fort has 7 routes and during this trek we will be doing most simple route ie Pachnai Route.  Its the easiest way to explore Harishchandragad without facing much exhaustion. Pachnai route might be the simplest route but its very scenic. Since it does not take out your breath, you are more appreciative to your surroundings. Harishchandragad: The fort is quite ancient, considered to be from the Medieval period. The Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic Tatvasaar), used to meditate on Taramati/Rohidas in 14th century. The caves are also from the same period. Harishchandragad was captured by the Marathas in 1747 from the Moguls. Konkan Kada: 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 with a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and sunset. This cliff is not just vertical; it is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood. Kedareshwar: The cave of Kedareshwar has a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water.   Some Information about the Fort:Height of Fort – Harischandragad -1424m (4671ft)Base Village- Pachnai.District & Region- Ahmednagar, Malshej GhatRoute from Mumbai – Mum – Igatpuri – Ghoti – Bari- Rajur – PachnaiGrade: Easy (2.5 hrs trek).Trek Leader: Nishant Sheth. Saturday night catch Kasara local & board second last compartment from cst side.From Kasara station reach Pachnai by Private vehicle by 2:00 amStart trek by 2:30 amReach top by 5:00 amReach Konkankada by 5:30 amMorning Tea / Breakfast at KonkankadaExplore Konkankada, Kedareshwar, Caves till 7:30 amStart descend at 7:30 amStart return journ... Read more