I've been to Lohagad last year (2011). And also written a blog on it!
Due to nasty yet lovely weather and constant fogging, we had cancelled visit to "Vinchu kaata" also due to time constraints, we had abandoned Bhaja Caves.
But this year, we begun early and covered all!
First some tips;
1) Timetable of Lonavala-Pune local has been changed. So here's the new timetable, w.e.f 1/07/11.
Mumbaikars can take early morning Deccan express, coz it is the best suitable for this trek.
If you go by early Indrayani or Intercity, you get stuck at Lonavala as there's no connecting local to Malavali.
Deccan express connects to local, which leaves within 5 mins according to new timetable.
So first tip is to take express ticket upto Talegaon. Which cost 5-6rs more than that of Lonavala. This way you avoid ticket que hassels at Lonavala and you can hop into malavali/pune local.
2) From Malavali to Bhaja caves, there's tar road, so no hassels in walking (you can even take a rick, cost rs 80). Bhaja to Lohagad base is literally off-roading! And the tip is, Not to take shortcut trails, rather follow this off-road. There is risk of slipping, or falling from steep trails.
3) To reach Vinchukaata, one has to go downhill series of rocks, so shoes/Sandals with good grip are advised. People suffering from Vertigo should back off. There are sheer cliffs on every side.Better to stay put at Lohagad.
That's some tips for a safe trek! Now enjoy the pics.
Reached Malavali Stn, started the trek at 10:45.
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| Reached Malavali Station. |
Within 20 mins, reached the Bhaja caves.
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| For Your Information! |
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| Bhaja Caves, First view! |
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| Beautiful Walls! |
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The Big stupa! And some Idiotic names.
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From a distance
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| 4 Stupa's lined. |
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| The Vihara is the resting place! |
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| Elephant god? |
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| Some one great? |
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| This board was lying literally in crap! |
Now we begin trek for Lohagad.
Get down to the "off road" via a small but slippery downhill climb.
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View of Bhaja caves from a distance.
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| Waterfall enroute. |
It was Sunday. so there were hawkers selling some "Bhutta" enroute!
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| Bhutta's! |
After a greulling trek for 2.5rhs, we reached the Lohagad village.
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| Enroute is the Visapur fort. |
This village marks the base for this very fort.
20 mins of steps, the "IRON" walls of Lohagad are visible!
Aren't they strong?
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Strong walls
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Some more walls!
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The slippery steps!
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| Meant to defy the Elephant attack! |
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| First view,. Pawna dam! |
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| I just can't get my eyes away from those walls! |
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The Qabr of Muslim pir near the summit.
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Had the Lunch full of Theplas and Pichkoo sauce!
Then proceeded to Vinchukaata. I was very excited!
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| The Theplas! |
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| The Mammoth, Vinchu kaata! |
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| Human's stand nowhere! |
Took some 30 odd different poses of this Vinchu kaata, experimenting in various manual modes.
Few good one's to share. :)
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| Another view! |
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Look behind, and you'll be stunned by this!
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The flowering season has begun!
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Reached the Summit! The achievement was like we won some battle or climbed mount everest!
Words cannot express, the sheer joy of reaching the summit. :)
Everyone was silent, enjoying the achievement, and suddenly this appeared!
Nasty weather coming, it was signal to run off!
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| Nasty weather approaching! |
That approached us, when we were out of vinchu kaata, thank god!
But we were bluffed! It was not rain but fog!
Within minutes, the scene changed! And that tomb looked this!
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| Tomb and Fog! |
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| Some fun in fog! |
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| The Summit! There is a Mata temple. |
We were down! Slowly and steadily, had some nashta and left for Malavali.
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| Visapur fort and the fog kiss! |
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| Lovely! |
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The lonavala Plains!
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| Waterfall and Long shutter! |
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| Some long shutter shots on waterfall! |
That's it!
We reached Malavali and took train to Lonavala.
From lonavala took the express to Mumbai CST, reached home till 11.00pm!
Hope you enjoyed the log :)
Happy and safe trekking.
