Tung Fort Trek and Pavna Lakeside Camping tale

Hello Beautiful People,

Monsoon started and so are our treks.

This blog is about our first trek of 2019 monsoon.

Location Tung Fort, Medium level trek.

Brief info about Tung fort :

It is about 12 km from Malavli railway station and can also be approached from Lonavala. Tung Fort has an elevation of 1075 m above sea level. Since Pawna was built, it is now surrounded by water on three sides. One can ferry across in a boat from Pawna dam to its base village, Tungi.

Tung fort is also named Kathingad fort. The word “Kathin” in Marathi means difficult. While climbing, one can experience the difficult challenge of reaching this fort. The fort is conical and has steep climbs with a very narrow route on the edge of the mountain throughout. Its sharp, conical peak makes Tung Fort a prominent landmark, even from a distance.

HIstory:

Tung Fort was built before 1600 CE. It was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty but was captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.^[3] It is a small fort, and able to hold not more than 200 troops at a time. As such, it would not have been able to defend itself on its own for a long time. Its shape and structure suggest that its main function was as a watchtower overlooking Maval region of the Pawana and Mulshi valleys guarding the road to Pune city

It was a cool pleasant weather when we started from home-Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra by around 7am. It took us 2 hours to reach the base. There’s a simple home food hotel- Garva at the base with a big old Jamun tree.

The restaurant owner helped us with plenty of Jamuns (Java Plum/Jambul/Indian blackberry) from the tree. So it was a good welcome treat for us. Jamuns, my husband’s favourite. He was delighted to have those and I liked it too for the first time as those Jamuns were very sweet.

Before starting the climb we gave lunch order so that by the time we return we have our lunch ready as the climb will make us feel hungry for sure.

We usually carry Bananas, Nutri biscuits, dry fruits, whole wheat bread butter, Apple, pear etc. and ample of water.

We started to ascend by around 9.30 am. Usually with no luggage it takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach the top but if you are with bags and also little kids and halts in between then it will take more than an hour to reach the fort.

With very little rain also the weather was pleasant and 80 percent of the hill was green with new plants and grass. Climb was interesting with little challenges like steep slopes, rocky path, twist and turns which trekkers enjoy crossing over.

I have realized that be it any season, its always a great feeling to reach at the top of the hill, explore the remains of forts, remembering the great works and sacrifices of Maratha warriors and looking at the sahyadri mountain ranges till your heart content.

If you are a nature lover, no hot sun or heavy rains or chilling weather will bother you. There is a kind of serenity at these mountains and forts that welcomes you to relax. We always get engrossed looking at the fort remains, its may be because we are proud of its history and we have grown listening about the great Maratha empire.

We reached 1st entrance at our pace enjoying the weather, clicking pictures and capturing videos on the way.

1st entrance Tung fort

Soon we reached the maha darvaja i.e the Main entrance of the fort.

We spent some time their watching the beautiful orange flag (Bhagva jhenda) waving gloriously in the cool breeze.

Swaying with dignity- Bhagva jhenda

Then we started our climb to the hill situated above this hill which is the top most part of the fort. On our way up I found a beautiful spot with a nice rock to sit on under the tree shade by the edge of the hill to rest. So I decided to meditate while my husband and kids decided to proceed further.

found a nice place to meditate with a view of beautiful rice fields, tree shade, cool freeze. blessing

 

It was truly rejuvenating. I got good 30 minutes of me time. Then after we started to descend the hill. Coming down the rocky hill is tough compare to climbing up. One has to mind each step. We reached the base by around 2 pm. We had our yummy lunch at Garva hotel and started our journey to Pavna lake view camping site where our checking time was 4 pm.

It took us around 30 min to reach the camping site. There many camping sites/tent stays for 1 night. So its a nice get away from city for 1 night with friends and family. So I found this plan of Tung fort trek and Camping night out a convenient one.

After check in we were alloted a nice Tent for four of us. They have tents for one person to 4 person, water proof and normal ones too. If it rains they keep install Tents under the shades.

Rate per night for 1 person is 1500 per person, kids above 10 is 1000 and below 10 is 500. so close to 4000 for per family of 4 is what they charge which includes Tent stay, evening tea snacks after check in, unlimited dinner veg n non veg, limited barbecue, and next day morning unlimited breakfast and 11 am checkout. late night live music, dance is also arranged. Pre booking is needed.

waterproof tents i open

tents under the shade

Rates and services of all camping sites over there were similar. So we had a nice time. After check in and after having tea snacks we kept all our luggage in tent and we been to lake side to see the setting sun. It was pleasant being there. You can see Tung fort how beautifully its standing tall which can be seen from the lake site.

Tung fort can be seen from Pawna lake site

After coming back to tent site we played few games and activities offered by camping site like cricket, badminton, Archery, Dart game etc. Soon it was dinner time. They offered nice barbeque veg and non veg followed by buffet dinner. Live music and dance was cool.

We got a good night sleep in a comfortable tent. In the morning post breakfast we checked out from the camping site and we decided to visit this old temple called Wagheshwar temple there. which was just 20 min from were we where.

Trust me it was beautiful Thanks to my husband who thought of checking map m nearby places on google maps before we left from pavna thakursai village.

 

open field around the temple.

Wagheshwar temple

 

Old structure in bad shape but worth seeing. Amazing location for photo shoots. Situated at the bank of Pavna and as villagers say this temple emerges complete in water in heavy rains due to which you will not find any houses near to this temple. After spending some time there we started our return journey.

This is how we spent our weekend at the beginning of Monsoon beautifully visiting 4 fabulous locations just few hours from city. I hope this will help you plan a short trip with friends and family.

Summary

Day 1 – first half of day Tung fort trek

second half at Pawna lake view camping site,

Visited Pawna lake site sun set

Day 2 – Waheshwar Temple

 

Sharing link of my Tung fort vlog here

 

 

Also recorded Surya namaskar video near Wagheshwar temple. link is below

 

 

If you like my You tube videos please do like share comment and subscribe my channel live2inspire.

If you like this blog do comment and tell us.

 

Thanks in advance

see in next blog

untill then

Live in the moment live full

Good bye

from

Rupal Desai

LIve2inspire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raigad fort memories Trek 2

Every fort has its own story and every trek has an experience to share.

We have been to Raigad fort thrice not because there’s no climbing but because of the significant history of this fort. So going there just once is not enough.

About History :  Soaring to a height of around 820 metres, the captivating Raigad Fort is perched on the Sahyadri mountain range. An exquisite gem of the Indian history, the fort is of great pride for the Marathas and accounts to their glorious past. It is a reminder of the valour and audacity of the Marathas. The Raigad fort is not just a tourist spot, it is a sacred place of pilgrimage which holds the imprints of the grand vision of Hindavi Swarajya as cherished by Chhatrapati Shivaji.

After capturing the Raigad Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renovated and named it as the capital of Maratha kingdom. The Britishers named it as the Gibraltar of the East as this well-fortified structure atop a hill had defied various attackers. .

We started early morning every time we been there. And the first most fascinating thing that kids love is climbing the fort through Rope ways.

The Ropeway ride gives you an opportunity to have a beautiful view of sahyadri  mountains and nearby village with a cool breeze. (Ropeway tickets available at base station).

We always have had tasty Pithale Bhakri at ropeway hotel which is near ropeway station and then quickly go for Fort exploration. Our guide to all the forts is my husband as he has equipped himself with loads of information on Maharashtra forts n Maratha empire majorly through books.

All three times we been there we been to all the points on the fort which includes Mena Darwaja (starting point/entrance), Balekilla and Tak Mak Tok point, Rani Wada (Queen’s Palace with 6 rooms for 6 queens of maharaj), Ganga Sagar Lake, 3 Grains storage rooms, Sapt manzil (watch towers), Raj Bhavan (Palace), “Hirakani Buruj” (Hirkani Bastion), Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi (Memorial), Statue of Shivaji Maharaj’s faithful Dog “Waghya”(no evidence that Maharaj had a dog but such stories makes your journey even more interesting), Temple, Bazarpeth (old Market area) and many more.

 

 

 

Time is never enough when one is completely engrossed in knowing more about history that you are so much of proud of. And when we see our kids engagement in knowing the same and the inquisitive nature they display to know more, we feel all the more proud.

Near Gangasagar lake – Raigad Fort

(Main water reservoir for the Fort)

Statue of Shivaji at the spot where his Rajyabhishek took place.

The Throne of Maharaj

 

Palkhi Darwaja

Mena Darwaja

Raj Bhavan

Every spot and corner at Raigad fort has a tale to share which is so attention grabbing. The best time to visit Raigad fort is Monsoon and even winters.

We had the pleasure of being their once last year during Maharaj’s Rajyabhishek sohala i.e Shivaji Maharaj coronation ceremony which is held every year in honor of Great Shivaji Maharaj.

The Rajyabhishek ceremony (coronation) of Shivaji Maharaj was performed on June 6, 1674 at Raigad. He assumed the title of a king in a formal coronation and became the first Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire.

People from in and around Maharashtra come here every year on this day. Its celebrated like a festival. Many Dhol Tasha vadan group come to pay homage.

I used to wonder looking at 1000s of visitors there, what is that thing which calls them here every year. And gradually I realised that its their love n respect for Great Maratha warrior, his deeds, his heroics which gave freedom to all those who were suppressed under the rules of various Mughal emperors and his quest for SWARAJYA which made all the maratha’s come together and he created an unbeatable MARATHA EMPIRE, these and many such feelings which cannot be put in words has been attracting and will continue to attract many to Raigad.

Be it any day of the year, be it any fort, you will never be alone to be visiting the fort on any particular day. You will meet someone on the way visiting with an unexplainable purpose. Strange isn’t it ? I have been there on three different occasions and always found it flooded with people barring somewhat lesser crowd during monsoon.

Some pictures of Shivrajyabhishek Sohla…….

Sharing few images of the fort during Monsoon. You can see how entire fort covered with layer of fog, its like vanishing in the clouds.Not even a visibility of 1 meter.

 

Note:

1. There are two options of food and accommodation at Raigad fort : MTDC resort and ropeway hotel rooms at a very reasonable rates. we went for a day trek once and twice for stay. we have stayed in both MTDC and Ropeway accommodations ones.
2. Always do some research before going to the fort. so that one is equipped with enough facts n details for yourself or to share with family or friends while exploring.
3. Best time to visit
   1. A clear day during the Monsoon
   2. A Rainy/Cloudy day during the monsoon
   3. Morning/Evening during winter/post monsoon
   4. Noon time during winter/post monsoon
   5. Early morning/late evening during the summer
4. Once you reach there, immediately go to the booking counter to get the ticket for the cable car/rope way.

 

 

 

 

 

Korigad Trek 1.

Korigad Trek happened somewhere in Oct 2014 my little one was just a year old. Since it was our first trek we decided to go for an easy one.

There is always a proud feeling to share our trek memories as we see our kids climbing all the forts without a fuss. I noticed that they enjoy everything about forts like their father. They are always curious to hear from us the stories of Shivaji Raje, Shambhu Raje n Peshwas.

That’s when I thought of putting my feelings n experience with kids while trekking on blog so that other parents can also take their kids for trekking, nature trails or anywhere close to nature and away from gadgets, technology, Play zones in malls etc. at least once a month.

Every time I posted our fort trek images on Facebook, many parents told me that they too would like to go but they are either busy or don’t know how to go about it.

About Korigad Fort : Its a Hill fort  located about 20 km (12 mi) south of Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500. It is about 923 m above sea level. The planned township of Aamby Valley is built over the fort’s southern and eastern foothills.

History : This fort was incorporated into his kingdom by the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On March 11, 1818, Colonel 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 cannonball he succeeded and this fort went to the British

About our Korigad experience :

Trekkers were Me, my husband Dattattray, our kids DR and DK and Friend Nilkanth Ingle.

Our experience of first trek with kids was amazing. We discovered that they are loving it.

We took a forest route to explore the dense forest and reached the Stone steps. Its been exact 3 years and I still remember walking through the jungle route may be because we enjoyed it.

I also realized that when you climb the hills through the greenery around, you get good amount of fresh air to breathe and a good exercise for your knees and muscles. So at the end its 100 percent beneficial.

It was a great achievement when we reached the top. Mesmerizing beauty, cool weather, eyes delight and what not. we were roaming around like archeologist to explore. one also get a tiny wish to go back in history n know more about everything about the fort.

That’s all about Korigad travel diary.

Things we carry always while going for trekking are :

1. Peanuts, dryfruits, Popcorns, Fruits like apple, oranges etc anything healthy that (kids) your group loves to eat while travelling.
2. Water bottles
3. Caps/stole/bandana
4. Camera
5. Mat
6. Small first aid kit

FYI: We always carry bags to fort to put all the plastic wrappers, bottles, litters which we find on the way to fort. People should understand that these forts are our Indian history which we need to preserve. We find many who come for picnic with no intention to understand history or thank nature but to have fun and litter around.

Thoda Vishram. DR 5 year old, Dk 1 year old, r curious to reach on top to explore.

Cannon

Korigad Trek 1.

Korigad Trek happened somewhere in Oct 2014 my little one was just a year old. Since it was our first trek we decided to go for an easy one.

There is always a proud feeling to share our trek memories as we see our kids climbing all the forts without a fuss. I noticed that they enjoy everything about forts like their father. They are always curious to hear from us the stories of Shivaji Raje, Shambhu Raje n Peshwas.

That’s when I thought of putting my feelings n experience with kids while trekking on blog so that other parents can also take their kids for trekking, nature trails or anywhere close to nature and away from gadgets, technology, Play zones in malls etc. at least once a month.

Every time I posted our fort trek images on Facebook, many parents told me that they too would like to go but they are either busy or don’t know how to go about it.

About Korigad Fort : Its a Hill fort  located about 20 km (12 mi) south of Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500. It is about 923 m above sea level. The planned township of Aamby Valley is built over the fort’s southern and eastern foothills.

History : This fort was incorporated into his kingdom by the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On March 11, 1818, Colonel 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 cannonball he succeeded and this fort went to the British

About our Korigad experience :

Trekkers were Me, my husband Dattattray, our kids DR and DK and Friend Nilkanth Ingle.

Our experience of first trek with kids was amazing. We discovered that they are loving it.

We took a forest route to explore the dense forest and reached the Stone steps. Its been exact 3 years and I still remember walking through the jungle route may be because we enjoyed it.

I also realized that when you climb the hills through the greenery around, you get good amount of fresh air to breathe and a good exercise for your knees and muscles. So at the end its 100 percent beneficial.

It was a great achievement when we reached the top. Mesmerizing beauty, cool weather, eyes delight and what not. we were roaming around like archeologist to explore. one also get a tiny wish to go back in history n know more about everything about the fort.

That’s all about Korigad travel diary.

Things we carry always while going for trekking are :

1. Peanuts, dryfruits, Popcorns, Fruits like apple, oranges etc anything healthy that (kids) your group loves to eat while travelling.
2. Water bottles
3. Caps/stole/bandana
4. Camera
5. Mat
6. Small first aid kit

FYI: We always carry bags to fort to put all the plastic wrappers, bottles, litters which we find on the way to fort. People should understand that these forts are our Indian history which we need to preserve. We find many who come for picnic with no intention to understand history or thank nature but to have fun and litter around.

Thoda Vishram. DR 5 year old, Dk 1 year old, r curious to reach on top to explore.

Cannon