The
Western Ghats , also known as Sahyadri (the Benevolent Mountains) are well
known for its unique flora & fauna . The Western Ghats extend from the
Satpura Range in the north, go south past Goa, through Karnataka and into Kerala
and Tamil Nadu end at Kanyakumari embracing Indian ocean. The northern portion
of the narrow coastal plain between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is
known as the Konkan Coast or simply Konkan, the central portion is called
Kanara and the southern portion is called Malabar region. There are so many
well known hill stations such as Matheran, Lonavla, Khandala, Panchgoni, Amboli
, Mahabaleswar , Kudremukh ,etc.
In
this year (from 14.02.2015 to 26.02.2015) we trekked the Maharashtra part mainly
Igatpuri region of Sahayadri hills. We started from Igatpuri,on 15.02.2015 went
to KulangWadi ( wadi means village) to climb Kulang peak which enshrined an old
fort of Shivaji. It’s a tough and strenuous trek and took around six hours to
reach at the top as all of us were carrying our full luggage. We stayed in the
caves for that night. Water is available as there are some reservoirs. .There
are another two forts named Alang & Madan near Kulang which are climbed by
the serious rock climbers. All these three along with Chota Kulang (still
unclimbed) are in Kalsubai Range of Sahyadri hills. Historians have a debate
whether this fort belongs to Sivaji or
not. But the fort ( Kulang, Madan and Alang) were captured by Peshwas from
Mughals in 1760 and again seized by the
British in 1818.
Kulang village woman fetching water
way to Kulang Gad
At Kulang top
Drinking water reservoir at Kulang top
On 16.02.2015 we trekked down to Ambewadi through a terribly narrow
sloppy trail with full of jungle. We reached at Ambewadi after a five hrs trek
and stayed in a primary school building for that night. Next Morning we started
for Ratanwadi (for Ratangarh fort and Bhandar Dhara Lake). Being a team of 11
members we always try to go through a pick up van. We reached at Ratanwadi
after 2 hrs drive after having a breakfast at Shinde. Shinde is the gateway of
Kalsubai peak. There is a temple and a fort at the top of Kalsubai. That day
was Shivaratri and Sri Amrudeswar temple of Ratanwadi was in full colour as a
village fair was going on for that auspicious occasion. Local people came from
different places assembled there to enjoy the fair. As per history, the beautifully
carved stone temple was built by Shillahar family who ruled Maharashtra in 900
AD. This is one of the 12 temples built by Raja Jhanj. The temple situated on
the bank of river Prabhara. Behind the temple village road proceeds to Bhandar
dhara Lake which is about 1½ km away. On 16th nigh we witnessed a play based on
the Saint Tukaram. On 17th morning some of our teammates went to Ratangad which
is a 2½ hrs jungle trek. Ancient fort which is having three gates. Some went to
Bhandar Dhara Lake.
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| School Building at Ambewadi |
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| Bathing Pond at Sri Amrudeswar Temple |
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| Sri Amrudeswar Temple |
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| Folk song at Sri Amrudeswar Temple |
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| Bhandar Dhara Lake |
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| Boating at Bhandar Dhara |
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| Village home near Bhandar Dhara |
Bhandar Dhara
Lake is a natural reservoir and the catchment area of river Pravara. A
beautiful water body surrounded by the Madan, Alang, Kulang and Kalsubai peaks.
One can also enjoy boating at Bhandar Dhara.
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