Dear All,
We @ Shikhar VEDH has arranged a two day tour to Coastal Forts – Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg, Goa Fort, Fattegad And visit to Bankot , Mandangad Fort as well on 18-19 April 2015
Hope 2 cu on trip with us 
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The Expenditure for the Trip is Rs. 2500 /- per Head
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This includes Dadar to Dadar transportation by Non A/c vehicle, 2 refreshments, 1 Veg Meals, sharing accommodation , Boat charges and SV administrative charges
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Details r as follows
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Suvarnadurg Fort, also known as Harnai Bunder, lies off the beautiful Harnai coast. It is a small sea port built by great emperor Shivaji to effectively counter the attacks by Sindhis. Of late the fort had been converted to a ship building port in Maharashtra. The Fort was exceptional in its appearance; most of the parts are in ruins. It brings the remembrance of the construction abilities of Maratha architects. It is a fort visited by many tourists, especially those who are fond of architecture, history and archeology.
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To protect Suvarnadurga, 3 forts named Goa fort (not to be confused with Goa state), Kanakdurga and Fattegad were built on the coast near Harne village in Maharashtra. Amongst these, Goa fort is comparatively large and is still in good shape.
KANAKDURG :: The area of the fort is around 5 hectares. It is not known when the fort was built. Kanakdurga is built on a huge rock. There are rock steps to ascend the fort. Some ramparts do exist, with water tanks on the top. There is a lighthouse on the fort. To the left side of the steps is a strong bastion built in black rock. The rock on which the fort is built has been carved out for the same.
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GOA Fort :: There are two entrances to the fort, one on the coastal side and the other facing the sea. The one facing the sea is the main entrance and is blocked with stones now. On the lower side of the frame of the doorway is a sculpture of tiger. On the left part of the door of is the sculpture of “Gandabherunda” (Also known as the Berunda, it is a two-headed mythological bird of Hindu mythology thought to possess magical strength) with four elephants in its claws. On the left side there is a carving which depicts 3 dogs holding each others’ neck in their jaws and each one holding two elephants in their legs, the elephants holding the tails of other ones with their trunks. This is a rare sculpture. We find Lord Hanuman on the ramparts in front of the door. There is a tank to collect water.
On the southern side of the fort is the citadel of the fort built on a natural elevation. One can roam on the ramparts by climbing up the stairs. We can also find the remnants of the Collector’s rest house on the fort. Records say that there were 19 soldiers and 69 canons on the fort in 1862.
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Fattegad :: It is not known when the fort was built, but it is said to have been built after Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. The area of the fort is around 3/4th of a hectare.
Remnants of Fattegad include only its ramparts facing the sea. Today this fort is a dwelling place for the local fishermen.
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Bankot Fort :: is a square shaped fort. On the sides of Bankot fort, there is a dry moat (Revni) dug out in the Jambhya stone. Jambhya stone is peculiar type of stone adorning a purple shade and peculiarly it is incapable of storing water as the water invariable percolates through it owing to its much porous nature. The main entrance (Mahadarwaja) of the fort is north-facing with a well sculpted arch and carvings. Watch guards dug out (Devdya) align on both sides of the Mahadarwaja with some pits being dug out in the right Devdi. On the left, there are steps leading towards Nagarkhana while there is an underground storey and a tunnel on the right. A Maruti idol in the centre stands deserted now. On the west, there is a small entrance (Darwaja) leading to a Bastion on the exterior of the fortifications. A deep well (now dry and filled) occupied the centre of this bastion earlier and the adjacent water tanks too are dry and obsolete now. One can leave the Buruj via a small exit that leads to the surrounding moat and a beautiful “Revni” lying nearby.
MANDANGAD :: It is said that Mandangad was built by King Bhoj. In 1661 it was under Jaswantrao Dalvi, an Adilshahi Sardar. He was the person who had besieged Vishalgad during Shivaji Maharaj’s daring escape from Panhalgad. When Shivaji Maharaj defeated Kartalabkhan and was marching towards Dabhol, Mandangad was on the way. Hearing this news, Jaswantrao ran away to Shringarpur and Shivaji Maharaj got it without a fight. It was with Angres and Siddis for some time. The British captured it in 1818.
Fascinating Spots : There are 2 summits for the mountain on which Mandangad is built. On the higher one there is a water tank. The fortification is seen on the lower and more flat part. The entrance is destroyed, but the bastions stand. The Ganesh temple here is reconstructed. We can see Savitri River, Raigad and Varandha pass on a clear day.
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Itinerary for the Trek is as follows:
Rendezvous: Friday 17 April 2015 – 22:45 Hrs @ Pritam Hotel, Dadar (E)
Saturday 18 April 2015
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06:00 Hrs: @ Harnai village
Breakfast & Tea Time
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Suvarnadurg fort visit
Lunch in hotel (To b borne by participants as per veg / Non-veg)
Visit to
Kanakdurg
Goa Fort
Fattegad
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Harnai Beach Time
Fish Auction
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Move to Velas
Dinner (Veg Only)
Overnight in villagers house @ Velas
Sunday 19 April 2015
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06:30 Hrs : Wake up call
Breakfast – Tea
08:30 Hrs :: Visit Bankot Fort
11:00 Hrs :: Visit Mandangad Fort
Lunch in hotel (To b borne by participants as per veg / Non-veg)
15:30 Hrs Depart to Mumbai
We will be in Mumbai around 22:00 hrs (that’s – subjective)
The Expenditure for the Trip is Rs. 2500 /- per Head
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This includes Dadar to Dadar transportation by Non A/c vehicle, 2 refreshments, 1 Veg Meals, sharing accommodation , Boat charges and SV administrative charges
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Please book yourself with advance payment of Rs. 1500/- per head (Non-refundable) for vehicle booking … Deposit the amount on following account.
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Name: JAGADISH GOVIND PATIL
ICICI Bank A/c No.: – 026801521464
Vartak Nagar Branch, Thane (W)
IFSC Code : ICIC0000268
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Seats r limited …
Last date to register with advance payment is Tuesday 14 April 2015 till 5 pm
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Things To Carry:-
A Water Bottle (~2 Ltrs) (a must)
Camera, Cell Phone, Binoculars (Optional)
Some ready to eat food – Plum cakes, biscuits etc.
Extra pair of clothes
Personal basic medical kit (Containing an antiseptic, few bandages, personal medications if any, Antibiotics for stomach infection)
A haversack to put all these things
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Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.
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For confirmation, do call on below no or reply here
Jagdish Patil : 09869369836 / 09702121373 (Whatsapp)
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Also join us @
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Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shikharvedh/
Website: http://shikharvedh.org/
