SHIKHAR VEDH :: 1 day trek to Fort Lohgad & Bhaje caves on Sunday 29th June 2014

Dear All,

We @ शिखर वेध have arranged a one day trek to Fort Lohgad & Bhaje caves in Lonavala region on and Sunday 29th June 2014
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Little info about the fort :
Fort: Lohgad.
Region: Lonavla.
Height: 3400 ft
Grade: Easy.
Type: Hill Fort

History:
Lohagad (literally “Iron fort” in Marathi) is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. The Visapur fort is located on its eastern side. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. Historical records show that in the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis (1742-1800 AD) built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well (bawali).

On the west side, there is a long and narrow wall-like fortified spur called Vinchukata (Marathi for Scorpion’s tail) because of shape.Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji captured it in 1648 CE, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 CE and used it for keeping his treasury.

Trek Schedule :- SUNDAY 29 June 2014
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The journey starts with the Indrayani express. People interested should catch this  train from respective stations with ticket till Malavli & meet at lonavala station. (Plz get your respected stations at least half an hour earlier, as there might be a long queue for the tickets).

Train Timings :- Indrayani Express
CST – 5:40 am
Dadar – 5.51 am
Thane – 6.14 am
Kalyan – 6.35 am
Lonavla – 8.00 am
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Move forward to Malavali by local train (8 :15am at Lonavala station platform no 3).
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Pune people :
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Catch Pune Lonavala Local Train … Timings are as below
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Pune Station: 06:27 Hrs
Shivaji Nagar : 06:33 Hrs
Malavali Station: 07:40 Hrs
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08:25 Hrs: Move 2 Bhaje village
08:45 Hrs: @ Bhaje Village
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Breakfast – Tea Time
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09:30 Hrs: Ascend
Visit Bhaje caves en-route
11:00 Hrs: Atop  Lohgad
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Exploration rest etc (2 hrs approx)
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13:30 Hrs: Descend
14:00 Hrs: @ Lohgadwadi
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Lunch Time
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15:00 Hrs: Move 2 Malavali Station
17:00 Hrs: @ Malavali Station
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Refreshments
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From there 2 Lonavla / Pune by local
Take train / bus to Mumbai.
We would be returning to Mumbai by 21:00 Hrs (thts-subjective).
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The charges for this trek is Rs 350/- per head,
Which includes Breakfast, Veg Lunch & evening Tea, Entry Fee for Bhaje caves & Shikhar Vedh Charges.
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Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry for the trek:
1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried. So that one has hands free while trekking.
2. A bottle of water (3 Ltrs).
3. Camera (Optional), Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry (at own risk)
4. Electoral / Enerzyl powder, 2 Lemon, some snacks & biscuits
5. Personal medicines.
6. A good trekking shoes, wind cheater.
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Smoking and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.
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For confirmation, do call on below no or reply here

Dipak Kumkar : 9920206292