Posted: 11 Jun 2015 10:48 AM PDT

Matheran is probably one of the most frequently visited weekend getaways for the Mumbaikars. Situated at an altitude of 2625 feet above the sea level, it is one of the most approachable hill stations being just 90 km away from the maddening crowd. With the onset of the monsoon, Matheran becomes a mesmerizing biodiversity hotspot for the wildlife photographer. DCP Expeditions team is organizing a thrilling one night two days Herpetofauna Photography workshop at Matheran. Matheran was declared an ecosensitive region by the union environment ministry and is called a health sanatorium. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the municipality. It is clean, green and vast. Landscapes spreading till the horizon and the vastness of the valleys is just mesmerizing. Possible biodiversity Common Vine snakeCommon wolf snakeCheckered KeelbackBamboo pit viperFungoid frogWrinkled frogDeccan banded geckoBrook's geckoTarantulas Dates: 1st and 2nd August 2015 Day 1 This camp is planned within the core internal hotspots of Matheran. The shuttle mini train from Aman Lodge station (near Dasturi naka) takes you to Matheran station. Walk backwards after getting down at Matheran station to reach Springwoods Heritage, our resort (about 5 - 10 minutes walk). The camp starts at 10 am on Day 1, i.e. Saturday. Participants are requested to reach Matheran on their own. After an initial formal introduction of the team, our expert will explain about the camp plan and also on the biodiversity of Matheran. Lunch will be arranged at the resort. After lunch, we will go out for exploring the flora and fauna of the region till it is evening, when we come back to the resort for a tea break and an informal discussion on the photographs clicked. The most thrilling experience in the itinerary are the evening and the night trails. We recommend to wear protective footwear (Gumboot or similar) and carry fully charged torches or head lamps. The trail starts at 6 pm and... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 10:44 AM PDT

Lohagad: With a 2000 year old history and at 3400 ft height, Lohagad is one of the majestic forts in the Sahyadri region. The climb to the fort takes you to panoramic vantage points, huge balconies, doors and reminds you how important this place was. There are 4 doors to Lohagad from the nearby village -Lohgadwadi. i.e. 'Ganesh Darwaja', 'Narayan Darwaja', 'Hanuman Darwaja' and 'Maha Darwaja'. Some sculptures can also be seen on Maha Darwaja. Surrounded by lakes on all side the views from the fort are breathtaking especially from Vinchu Kata (Scorpion's tail). Date: 12th July 2015Duration: 1 Day Difficulty Level: EasyLocation: Lohagad, LonavalaType: Weekend Trip Itinerary : -06:00 Hrs – Start Journey from private non A/C bus at Dadar TT09:00 Hrs – Reach Lohagad Base and have Breakfast09:30 Hrs – Start trek to the top of Lohagad11:30 Hrs – Reach Top of Lohagad and Explore the Fort12:30 Hrs – Start descend to the Lohagad Base Village14:00 Hrs – Lunch at Lohagad Base Village15:00 Hrs – Start Journey back to Dadar TT18.00 Hrs – Reach Dadar TT Total Cost of the tour (per person): Rs. 1,500/- (With private non A/C bus) Cost Includes: - All technical equipment's and gear- All meals (Breakfast, Snack Pack & Lunch) - Transportation as mentioned above- Mentioned activity (subject to change depending on the prevailing weather conditions) - Services of Wild Escapes Instructors- Govt. Service Tax Cost Excludes:- Expenses of personal nature- Any other expense not mentioned in the cost includes column What to bring along- Water bottle (1 Ltr) with water (compulsory)- Personal Photo Identity (compulsory)- Rain Gear (compulsory in Monsoon)- Wear comfortable full cotton casual top and full cotton trouser (recommended)- Wear good rubber-soled shoes (recommended)- Sunhat or Cap- Sun glasses with retainers- Personal Medication (if any)- Camera with sufficient batteries and film / memory cards (optional)- Chocolates and dry fruits as pocket snacks (optional) To join us please ... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 10:40 AM PDT

The trail to One Tree Hill from Ambewadi is also called the Shivaji ladder route. Midway through the trail near the end of the thick forest, you come across a mass of boulders and rocks into which the trail disappears. This is known as Shivaji Steps or the Shivaji Ladder. According to local legend, Shivaji rode up this route on horseback. From here, it's 500m to the top, up a stream bed that's dry except during the monsoon. One Tree Hill is a rare trek that is so close to the city, yet untouched and serene. The trail is easy and can be attempted by trekkers of all age groups, during any season. Each season brings in a different flavor and a vivid experience. Date: 28th June 2015Duration: 1 Day Difficulty Level: EasyLocation: Matheran, MaharashtraType: Weekend Trip Itinerary: -07:00 Hrs – Assemble at Karjat Station08:00 Hrs – Reach Base Village, Introduction and Breakfast08:30 Hrs – Start trek to the top11:00 Hrs – Reach Top, Explore, Lunch & Visit Matheran15:00 Hrs – Start descend by a private vehicle to Neral Station15:30 Hrs – Start Journey back to Mumbai by Train17.00 Hrs – Reach Mumbai Total Cost of the tour (per person): Rs. 950/- Cost Includes: - All technical equipment's and gear- Meals (Breakfast & Snack Pack) - Transportation from Matheran to Neral Station- Mentioned activity (subject to change depending on the prevailing weather conditions) - Services of Wild Escapes Instructors- All Taxes Cost Excludes: - Lunch- Expenses of personal nature- Any other expense not mentioned in the cost includes column What to bring along- Water bottle (1 Ltr) with water (compulsory)- Personal Photo Identity (compulsory)- Rain Gear (compulsory in Monsoon)- Wear comfortable full cotton casual top and full cotton trouser (recommended)- Wear good rubber-soled shoes (recommended)- Sunhat or Cap- Sun glasses with retainers- Personal Medication (if any)- Camera with sufficient batteries and film / memory cards (optional)- Chocolates and dry fruits as pocket snacks (... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 10:38 AM PDT

Trek to Raigad Raigad is a hill fort situated in the Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The Maratha king Shivaji made the fort his capital in 1674 when he was crowned King of a Maratha Kingdom which later developed into the Maratha Empire eventually covering majority of modern day India. The fort, which rises 820 metres (2,700 ft) above sea level, is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. There are approximately 1737 steps leading to the fort, though today an aerial tram exists to reach the top of the fort. The fort was looted and destroyed by the British upon. Shivaji Maharaj had seized the fort in 1656, then the fortress of Rairi, from the royal house of the Chandrarrao Mores, a junior or Cadet Dynasty to descend from the ancient Maurya imperial dynasty. The last more king (or raja) was a feudatory of the Sultan of Bijapur. Shivaji renovated and expanded the fortress of Rairi and renamed it Raigad (the King's Fort). It became the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. In 1765 the Raigad Fort, along with Malwan in present Sindhudurg District, the southernmost district of Maharashtra, was the target of an armed expedition by the British East India Company, which considered it a piratical stronghold. In 1818 the fort was bombarded and destroyed by, using cannons. Date: 21st June 2015Duration: 1 Day, 1 NightDifficulty Level: EasyLocation: Mahad, MaharashtraType: Weekend Trip Itinerary: -00:00 Hrs – Start Journey from private non A/C bus at Dadar TT05:00 Hrs – Reach Raigad Base Village, Briefing and Breakfast06:00 Hrs – Start Trek to the top of Raigad09:00 Hrs – Reach Raigad Top and Explore11:00 Hrs – Start Trek back to Base Village14:00 Hrs – Reach Raigad Base Village and Lunch15.00 Hrs – Start Journey back to Dadar19:00 Hrs – Reach Dadar TT Total Cost of the tour (per person): Rs. 1,900/- (With private non A/C bus) Cost Includes:- All technical equipment's and gear- Meals (Breakfast and Snack Pack)- Transportation as mentioned above- Mentioned activity (su... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 10:35 AM PDT

Korigad (also called Koraigad, Koarigad or Kumwarigad) is a fort located about 20 km away from Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500. It is about 929 m above sea level. The closest village is Peth Shahpur. This fort was incorporated into his kingdom by Chhatrapati Shivaji along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On March 11, 1818, Col. Prother tried to take over this fort but even after a prolonged siege could not make any headway. Finally on 14 March, by igniting the stored ammunition by means of a loose cannon ball he succeeded and this fort went to the British. Korigad BastionNow because of the Mulshi dam, a lake has formed close to the base of the hill on which Korigad stands. There are two lakes on the top of the fort. A temple to its patron goddess Koraidevi also exists along with several smaller temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The former has been recently renovated and has a 3 foot high Deepmala (tower of lamps). The interesting part of the fort is that its wall is completely intact and one can walk along its entire perimeter (about 2 km). Its massive gate is also intact. Several ruins of older structures within the fort still exist. It has six cannons - the largest of which called the Laxmi Toph is located near the Korai devi temple. Date: 14th June 2015Duration: 1 Day Difficulty Level: EasyLocation: Korigad, Lonavla Type: Weekend Trip Itinerary : -06:00 Hrs – Start Journey from private non A/C bus at Dadar TT09:00 Hrs – Reach Korigad Base and have Breakfast09:30 Hrs – Start trek to the top of Korigad11:00 Hrs – Reach Top of Korigad, Explore the Fort & Lunch14:00 Hrs – Start descend to the Korigad Base15:00 Hrs – Start Journey back to Dadar TT18.00 Hrs – Reach Dadar TT Total Cost of the tour (per person): Rs. 1,400/- (With private non A/C bus) Cost Includes:- All technical equipment's and gear- Meals (Breakfast & Snack Pack)- Transportation a... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 04:25 AM PDT

One Day Monsoon Trek to Kondavna Caves on 15th August 2015 Little info about the trek:Height: 60m above Sea Level (Approx)Grade : Easy  (1 hour ascend)Base Village: Kondva Trek Leader : Deepak / Amit ShettyMax Participant : 40   About Kondavna Caves :   Kondavna Caves situated in Karjat offers the ancient lifestyle of Buddhist followers. Ancient rock-cut caves, Kondavna Caves are very famous Buddhist caves. These caves enclose sculptures, vihara, cahitya and stupa. Sculptures and stupas are specimens of the ancient period Buddhist architecture. There was a natural disaster in the form of an earth quake in early 1900 by which many stupas, front entrance and floor of the caves were damaged.   These ancient caves attract lots of tourists and Buddhist devotees all through the year. There are some restrictions on these protected ancient caves. Smoking and the consumption of liquor and aromatic foods are prohibited nearby places of the caves. Kondavna Caves is around 15 KM from Karjat.  The tentative itinerary for the Trek is as given below:   We will be starting with the Slow Train from CST to Karjat (Time table given below)   People may board the same train from the station of their convenience and meet us in the train directly. (Get into second boggy from CST side). Take Return Ticket to Karjat   CST : 6:10 am Byculla : 6:18 am Dadar : 6:24 am Kurla : 6:31 am Ghatkopar : 6:35 am Thane : 6:50 am Dombivli : 7:02 am Kalyan : 7:10 am Ambernath : 7:20 am Karjat : 08:00 am. (Missing the train means missing the trek, So try to be on time)   Alight at Karjat. Move to Base Village by 8 Seater Rickshaw. Reach Base Village by 8.30am Breakfast @ Base Village and then Start our trek by 9 am.  Reach Kondavna Caves in 1 Hour , by 10.00 am Explore the Cave and Enjoy the Waterfall Lunch time. Post Lunch We will start Descending Reach Base Village by 4pm. Evening Refreshment @ Base Village. Take Rickshaw and reach Karjat Station by 6pm We have to Catch 06:28 CST / or 06:42 CST ... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 04:16 AM PDT

Dear All, We at Bhramanti365 has organized Waterfall Rappelling at Kondhana caves waterfall on 12th July 2015. Rappelling or Abseiling is an activity to rappel down a particular face of mountain or a rock patch, with a help of a rope, which is equipped with Harness and Descender. Who can Join the Event :- Age from 10 Years and Above are Eligible to join the Event . If you are an Adventure lover and want to get your adrenalin rush activated then waterfall rappelling is the perfect sport for you .... Join to enjoy the perfect combination of Thrill and excitement, feel the gushing water and an Adrenaline pumping Experience at Kondhane caves  Waterfall Rappelling .... Kondana Waterfall is situated adjacent to Kondana Caves. Duration: 1 Day Category: Adventure Grade: Medium Cost: Rs.1000/- Per Person Date:- 12th July 2015. Schedule for the Rappelling:- Meeting point for Mumbai and Pune Participants: Karjat Railway Station. The CST to Karjat local train timings are given as below: - CST : ~ 05:22 AM Dadar : ~ 05:40 AM Thane : ~ 06:17 AM Kalyan : ~ 06:48 AM Bhivpuri : ~ 07:30 AM Karjat : ~ 07:44 AM Pune People can Join by boarding Pune - Mumbai Singhagad Express as per the Timings mentioned below :- Pune : ~ 06:00 AM Shivaji Nagar : ~ 06:10 AM Lonavala : ~ 07:10 AM Karjat : ~ 07:58 AM Request you to come on the above mentioned timings .. if late owns a sole responsibility.. kindly do not argue if you are late for any reasons, the buffer waiting time will be of 15 mins. Schedule: 8:00 am: Gather outside near Karjat Station. 8:30 am: Breakfast and after that Introduction round. 9:00 am: Leave for Kondhana Caves by Local transport ( a Hike of 45 Mins to reach waterfall) 10:00 am: Starting with Waterfall Rappelling after a small briefing round. 05:00 pm: Leave back to Karjat and from there to your respective places. 05:30 pm : Tea break at the base village, ( Only Tea will be served ) 06:00 pm : Reaching to Karjat Station and back to Mumbai via Local train. The charges for t... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 04:14 AM PDT

Wandering Is Arranging a Bike Ride to Tamhini Ghat on 9th August 2015.Event Details:Type: Bike RideGrade: MediumRoute: Panvel - Pen - Kolad - Tamhini - Lonavala - PanvelTotal Distance: 260 Kms app.Itinerary: Meeting Point : Kalamboli McDonald @ 6.00 am on 9th August 2015.Be punctual at meet point. Being a large convoy & need to maintain our timelines, please do not delay arriving here. Ride to Pen till 7.30 amHave Breakfast Near Kolad and Ride further till Tamhini Ghats as its one of the Best Place for Photography, so we will enjoy that.Ride back towards Mumbai / Pune.COST: The Costing of the event will be on Actuals. all the participants which will be equally divided among every member including team members.Petrol and Maintenance cost should be settled by the bike owner and the person accompanying him.Expertise Charges: Every member of the ride will be charged INR 200 as expertise.Expected Expenses: INR 1000 to 1100/- per person (excluding Petrol/ Maintenance)Wanderingsoulriders will provide info about a willing participant who can accompany you, and share the expenses. this depends on availability of such willing participants.)for Registration and Booking:-please send an email to wanderingsoulriders@gmail.com with your complete detailsor Contact us:Deepak : 9819085757Amit: 9819070304Amod : 9619735268

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 04:10 AM PDT

Thrilling Trek to Bhimashankar on 26th July 2015Height: 3296 feetGrade: MediumTime: 4.5 hrs from Khandas, Base VillageLocation: Nagar DistrictCost: Rs 850.00 per personPlaces to See:-Lord Shiva Temple: Bhimashankar Temple is located in the village of Bhorgiri 50 km North West of Khed, near Pune. There is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to mid 18th century. The shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shivaraj Khade slaying the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying citadels Tripuras. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the Bhima form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi River. Bhimashankar is also the source of the Bhima River, which flows south east and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur. A big size bell in Hemadpanthi structure: - Built by Nana Phadanavis is also a feature of Bhimashankar. Other equally important places: - Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Sakshi Vinayak, Origin of River Bhima, Nag Phani from where one can see the view of the Peth fort and Padhar, Bombay Point, and lot more. Bhimashankar is conserved forest area and wildlife sanctuary where a variety of birds, animals, flowers, plants can be seen. A rare animal "Shekru" can be found in deep woods. Bhimashankar is worth visited for jungle lovers and trekkers as well as for pilgrims.Routes to Bhimashankar:-There are two routes to Bhimashankar from the base village of Khandas, which are most popular among trekkers.1. Ganesh Ghat – There is a bridge around 2 km from Khandas, and the track going to the right from the bridge is the Ganesh Ghat route. This is the easiest and the longest route to Bhimashankar. Within an hour of trekking along this route you will reach a Ganesh temple. The ro... Read more

Posted: 11 Jun 2015 04:04 AM PDT

SUDHAGAD MONSOON TREK!! 18 -19 July !!Runner up CAPITAL of Maratha SwarajyaShort Info:It is one of the ancient forts in Sahyadri. It was earlier called as 'Bhorapgad'. During the empire of Shivaji it was named as Sudhagad (The sweet one). Sudhagad was considered by King Shivaji as the capital of his kingdom. He surveyed it, but instead chose Raigad because of its central location. The fort is approx 590 metres in height. It is a huge fort. The level of trek is easy. The 'Thanale' excavations in this area are nearly 2200 years old. This shows Sudhagad is an ancient fort. The construction and geographical significance indicate that some great rulers might have constructed the fort. Sudhagad was included in 'Swarajya' in 1648. There is a palace of Pant Sachiv on the fort where 50 people can stay. There is also a temple of Bhorai devi. The surrounding area of the fort is covered with dense forest including medicinal plants and trees. Some other beautiful points to visit are Pachchapur Darwaaja, Takmak Tok & Dindi Darwaaja.From Takmak tok Dhangad,Korigad Tel-Beila can be seen. Also river 'Amba' and the surrounding villages can be seen from Takmak Tok.Dates : 18 -19 July, 2015Duration: 1 Night / 2 DaysDifficulty Level: EasySchedule:Day-1 Morning departs from Thane towards PALI by Private Bus (7:00am). After refreshment visit Ganesh temple then further proceed towards Pachhapur. Start ascending fort from Pacchapur around 11 am. Arrival at Pant Sachiv's Wada (Ancient palace). Lunch and sightseeing session. Dinner preparation,Dinner,Campfire and Overnight on Sudhagad.Day2: Early morning wake up call for exploring Sudhagad Fort ,beautifull ranges seen from Sudhagad fort and then breakfast. Post lunch start descending towards Pachhapur and further move towards Pali by private transport.Trek Cost: Rs. 950/- per personIncludes:1. Transportation from Thane to Pachhapur village and back by Private Transport2. Lunch and Dinner and next day breakfast and Lunch (Veg)3. Accommodat... Read more