Drive beyond this, into the calm plateau of Malshej Ghat and one immediately tends to forget the mess behind. Drive or walk past the Pimpalgaon dam and park at a small eating place from where begins the long walk to Harishchandragad; a trek full of surprises, terrain and excitement. In rains, this is not for the weak-at-heart. One has to be mentally prepared to take this 5-or-so hours of walk.

The approach to Harishchandragad is through a thick forest, a trail that winds through the paddy fields slowly gaining height, crossing various streams and finally constricting tightly in-between two big mountainsides. Walking through the forest here, playing hide and seek with the plains below is quite a pleasure as also slightly tiring.

Clean and clear streams, providing water which you can directly drink, cross the trail often. Huge trees line the walk until Tolar Khind, as a big waterfall over the opposite cliff keeps us company. Tolar Khind, visible from the main road, marks the mid-point of the trek and is a small opening in the forest around a small stone idol of a lion.

The trail splits here either going to Kothala below or Hairshchandragad above. We take a lunch break here and then proceed for what is the most exciting but the trickiest section of the trek.

Above Tolar Khind is a steep section of sheer rock, the flanks of the fort. This section is quite exposed though has a lot of steps cut onto the rock and iron railings to support our walk.

Though strictly not technical, we do have to be very careful in crossing this especially in rains as the surface gets slippery. With enough care and patience this section is put behind in about an hour and lo-and-behold!

We are on top of the much discussed Rock Patch of Harishchandragad looking down the whole walk in much amazement. The villages look tiny, the paddy fields a giant jigsaw puzzle and the dam stretches beyond our sights.

Here onwards a cool breeze constantly graces us and the walk from here to the final destination is easy but long. It takes about 1.5-2Hrs to reach the temple, the cave around which we stay for the night.

The temple complex well preserved worth exploring. The cave-life is an experience of sorts. The greenery, the flowing streams, the clouds around the area seems to transform this into a mini paradise.

The Mangalganga river originates here, the Shivling in a large cave is worth a dekko as is the main temple complex with its brightly painted Ganeshas, rock idols, carved ceilings, bath pools and pillars.

The waterfalls around the caves are fun to frolic in. In rains a walk to Konkan Kada is a much debated as this region is always covered in thick clouds and there are almost views from here as against the spectacle in the winters. However we are here to experience a monsoon paradise.

The walk down is slower and with much help from us and experienced members of the group. We reckon, that you get your camera for lots of pictures, though well protected from the rains.

We are sure that you will come back to this place to see the spectacle of Konkan Kada. But monsoon offer a different adventure, a different magic.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Assured departure for minimum of 6 participants.
Max Seats~14
Hike Leader: Yogita (+91-9869665108)
Confirmation strictly on registration & payment before last date.

Place Enchanting Harishchandragad
No of Days 2
Start Date 9-Aug-2008
End Date 10-Aug-2008
Confirm Before 5-Aug-2008
Start Place Bandra Stn (W) - 0600hrs
Transport AC Qualis or equivalent
Cost Per Head (Rs.) 1750/-

ODATI ADVENTURES

Our mailing address:
17/8, Manish Nagar, 4 Bungalows, J P Road, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053.

Contact Nos.
+91-22-26353861
+91-9820079802 (Jayesh)
+91-9820403174 (Anusha)

e-mail Address:
odati@vsnl.com
odatiadventures@gmail.com