Mahuli Trek

Mahuli Trek

Date: 29 th June 2018

Planning-

Another long-standing plan. We had planned to visit this fort last year itself but kept on postponing it because of the people claiming it to be difficult. Now we had decided to conquer it. But unfortunately, our plans got scrapped two times at the end moment. Once the night before the trek and once the morning of the trek. So now made a concrete plan with all confirmations taken well in advance!

Reaching Base village-

Messaging once on the group before leaving the house to make sure everyone is coming and woke up. We took an early morning train to Asangaon station. Then took sharing auto to ST depot which costs rs. 15 per person. From here we boarded the 8.00 am ST up to the base village which costs rs 10 per person. On reaching the base village we had some breakfast at a local stall. Some hot vada-pavs and tea, just perfect to complement the weather. Luckily it wasn't raining so we could take photos.

Starting the Trek-

Taking an entrance ticket to the Mahuli Forest Area. We started along a paver block path. Just within a short time, we reached a bridge across a small stream. Then taking breaks at regular intervals we kept moving ahead. We had already started feeling exhausted and were praying for it to rain! Two dogs joined us en route. After an hour of the trek, there was a heavy shower. It was much needed because we had really started feeling exhausted. After the rain, we were feeling refreshed and kept moving with a new energy!

Conquering the highest peak of Thane district-

We stopped by a ridge and took a few clicks while enjoying the beautiful views. From here the peak was visible. The peak of this mountain is distinct and easily seen from a distance too. But during monsoon, it's mostly covered with fog because of which it is difficult to identify how long the trek will be. After trekking next small patch we came across a ladder-Another landmark to identify that you are on the right track!  This was the final ladder that leads you directly to the summit. Of course, the experience of reaching the top was overwhelming and at the same time mesmerizing. The fog movements were just perfect to take timelapses. We enjoyed the cool winds hitting our bodies. We had achieved success again in spite of people scaring us about this place.

Exploring the fort-

After lunch, we headed to explore the fort. We went towards the Kalyan darvaja and an old shiv temple. There was a small kund in enroute.

Then we headed towards bhandargad. We were especially scared of the leopards in the area and hoping not to come across any. We found an abandoned shelter atop.  It was in ruins. Then we walked back to the main flag. There were pristine covers of grass all around. The different shades of green were soothing our eyes. After a few clicks with the flag, we rested for a while.

Descending-

We split into two groups while descending.  One way ahead than other. We took a break at the first spot where we had halted while climbing. Then we trekked down together.

The pool-

Reaching the bridge, we took our t-shirts off and dived into the pool. The cold water was extremely refreshing. It just relaxed every muscle in our body. And we were enjoying the silence in the woods. After a short dip, we decided to go to a bigger waterfall. But it was more 30 min walk from bridge so we decided not to go as we had to catch the bus. And on one of our friends suggestion, we returned back to the pool where we were before. Now there was a huge crowd of boys here. This time we were not in a mood to come out of it but didn't want to miss our bus too. So we quickly dried ourselves up and went back to the starting point of trek where we had our breakfast in the morning.

Catching the bus-

When we had come the bus conductor told us that the last bus would leave at 5.00 pm. We were on time. But on enquiring with a local, she informed us that the timings had changed and we had missed our bus. But we could catch the next bus which is at 6.00. This bus leaves from Mahuli Village which 15 minutes walk from where we had got down in the morning. On reaching there another local told us that the bus comes by 6.15pm. Some said it's at 6.30 pm and some said it's at 7.00 pm. So we just asked when the last bus left to a few villagers. And they all said that it left at 5.00 pm just as the conductor had informed us. But because of that local who gave us the wrong information we had missed our bus.

Note-  It is advisable to ask to confirm the timings with more than one person to not miss your bus.

Finally, after waiting for more than an hour, the bus came at 6.30 pm. And dropped us at the highway itself instead of at the depot. From here via small and narrow lanes between houses we reached the Railway station. We caught the 7.10 pm Train back to Mumbai from Asangaon.

Trek experience-

This was the cheapest trek which we had ever done. The total came up to just rs. 60 inclusive of all traveling! It was a day where my friends from different treks surely made new friends and those who came for the first time enjoyed this trek to the extent that they don't want to miss treks in future that I'll organize. The monsoon season just added the cherry to the cake making our experience more memorable.

 

Our framed Plan-

*Mahuli Trek*

Monsoon clouds Special
( _Organised by *The Passionate Souls*_)

 Get ready to welcome monsoon clouds from Highest point of Thane District! Come and explore this mystical Mughal fort!

*About Mahuli:*
Mahuli is at 2815ft above sea level. It is the highest point in Thane district. A popular trekking choice and a paradise for rock-climbers because of its pinnacles. This mountain complex is actually a group of two or more hills with common cols and pinnacles. The forest surrounding Mahuli has been declared as a sanctuary. The fort has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeology Survey of India.

* Date: 29 June 2018*

*Train:*
5.30am-dadar
5.50am- Vikhroli
6.02am-mulund
6.07am- thane
6.29am- Dombivli
6.44am- shahad
6.47am- ambivli

*Note-*  See this train timing from your place accordingly to reach asangaon. If you miss the train you miss the trek.

*Bus-*
8.00 am from shahapur to mahuli village

*Difficulty level:* Medium

*What to carry-*
1.COMPULSORY 2 L OF WATER(PREFERABLY  1L NORMAL WATER AND 1L ORS WATER)
2.LOTS OF EATABLES(BISCUITS CHOCOLATES SNACKS)
3.SEMI HEAVY LUNCH(THEPLAS, SANDWICHES, etc)
4.SWEAT TOWEL OR NAPKIN
5. WINDCHEATERS AND UMBRELLA
6.ENERGY DRINK IF POSSIBLE
7.CAP
8.MOSQUITO REPELLENT AND BAND-AIDS AND RELLI SPRAY(JUST AS FIRST AID)
9. COMPULSORY SMALL PACKETS OF TANG OR GLUCON D
10. CARRY BAGS AND NEWSPAPER
11. POWER BANK AND CHARGERS

*What to wear-*
1.COMFORTABLE TRACK PANTS/SHORTS
2.T-SHIRTS
3.CAP
4.GOGGLES
5.GOOD (GRIP)TREKKING OR SPORTS SHOES

*Event risk-*
Please take care of your own safety and other fellow trekkers. Everyone joining for the trek abides by that he his responsible for his own safety and any mishappening during trek.

*Trek cost:* 300 Rs.

*Contact :*
Rushank - 7710920070
Ajinkya - 7506160981