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Asif

Year end in Country Side at Lonavala with Nature Knights

Nature Knights is celebrating its Year End in Country Side at Lonavala.

Dates: December 29 and 30. (Saturday and Sunday).

As the world prepares for the world end bash in Pubs, Malls, Discos, Casinos, typical city parties or simply roaming around the city streets from one place to another aimlessly and ending up a gate-way-to-India; Nature Knights has decided to spend the weekend in peaceful countryside cottage at Lonavala.

Saturday lunch we will enjoy Malwani food at Joshi’s home made food farmhouse. Chicken Malwani Masala (Dry and Gravy); Vegetables; Home Made Chaptis; Rice and more..

Post Lunch; we have decided to spend little time in fort Lohgad (Now we can drive right upto the main entrance of Lohgad), evening we take a boat ride in Pauna Lake, have tea/ biscuit sitting on a lawn overlooking Pauna valley, chatting small nothings.

The night will be spend out side cottage with Indian Barbeque enjoying company of friends, good Indian Food, the mild chill in the weather, and mild humming’s.

Next day (Sunday) morning have breakfast at a dhaba followed by a mild walk into history again visiting Bhaja Caves.

Sunday lunch will be Gujarati thali; followed by a Nap.

We will have evening tea back at the cottage; call it a day and start back for Mumbai at 4:30pm or 5 pm.

Total Capacity: 20 persons

Budget: Rs.950/-

Includes Great Indian Food; Stay in Cottage; mild adventure with friends; and good times with Nature Knights

Does not include travel; travel will be car pool. You can either drive down in your own vehicle or share fuel cost with the owner of v
ehicle. (For co-ordination on Car Pool Logistics kindly register and get in touch with us).

That weekend in the Nature, we experience the country side; enjoy the company of locals and friends; get cozy in pleasant weather and cottages; ride into dusk on a rocking boat; explore history and archeology; sing and laugh under the stars in pleasant weather; replenish with tasty authentic Indian food, relax body and soul; wave a sentimental good bye to the old year and look forward the new year replenished.

C U soon at the Nature Knights - Year End Country Festival at Lonavala

Check our website for details.

Mumbai to Switch Off Lights on Dec 15 2007

Mumbai is going to switch off all its lights on December 15th from 7:30 to 8:30 for one hour to make a global statement about global warming as well as reduce pollution in the city. You will see the difference made in that one hour. Join us to save our city, our country and most importantly our planet.No one has told me do dis! I'm doin dis by mah own since da time i got2 know abt dis campaign initiated by a bunch of youngsters jss like u all!! Contribute 2wards dis noble work...do participate..n tell or frnds 2 do so too!!channel [v] is also supportin dis campaign!!plzz do participate n make all da ppl u know aware of dis too!!

Cheers,

Asif

Up-Comming Events Oct, Nov and Dec 2007.

October 27 and 28 - Camping at Prabalgad..

 

November - To be announced. (Visit to a WLS) and One day trek.

 

December - Nali Chi Vat &Free Camp for Children on Dec 23, 2007.

 

January 2008  - Nature Knights Annual Event & Koyna WLS 4 day trek.

 

 

 

M. Asif

www.natureknights.com

Cell: 9821081566
email: natureknights@yahoo.com
http://www.ryze.com/go/NatureKnights
http://natureknights.blogspot.com/

Specialisation is for Ants; Explore every dimension of Life.
Live Life to the fullest.

Trek to Sudhagad Fort - Sept 29 and 30

Trek to Sudhagad - The old fashioned way

 

At a height of 2200 feet, Sudhagad alias Bhorapgad has a huge platue of around 50 acres which offers a wonderful camping site. It has a punishment point called Takmak tok, an ancient Bhoraidevi temple and a grand Mahadrwaja. There is a secred chor daarwaja near the Mahadarwaja which if accessible can be used to reach the bottom of the Mahadarwaja bastions. From the Sudhagad platue you can see the ominously standing Tel baila which looks like a giant movie screen rising up from the platue opposite the Sudhagad platue. The nearest from from here is Ghangad and Sarasgad. If the skies are clear Dukes nose, Koraigad are also visible in the northeast behind Tel-baila.

The fort lies in the Raigad region. After Pen on the Mumbai Goa highway you come to Pali which is also famous for one of the Ashtavinayak temples. From here you move towards Paachapur village, about 24 km. The fort can be accessed from Thankurwadi village near Pacchapur.

 

History

Sudhagad fort is believed to have been in existence since 200 BC. The Bhora devi temple on top is said to have been built by Sage Bhrug Rishi. The rulers of Bhor dynasty were worshippers of Bhoraidevi. The first reference of Sudhagad is in the year 1436 when the Bahamani Sultan won over the fort. In 1657 the fort came under the control of Marathas and the name was changed from Bhorapgad to Sudhagad. Once upon a time this fort was also a contender of being the capital of Hindavi raj but lost the race because of the strategic location of Raigad

Programme Schedule:

Satuday, September 29, 2007.

06:00 hours – Meet at Dadar East railway ticket counter opposite Swami Narayan temple

06:30 hours – Board the S.T. to Pali/Pen (If we have waiting time at Bus Stop; introduction & induction at Bus Stop; else at base of Sudhagad village)

09:30 hours – Reach Pen and have breakfast (Second Pickup poin) for members coming from other cities of Maharashtra.

09:45 hours – Board a S.T./Jeep for Thakurwadi.

11:00 hours – Reach Sudhagad base crossing Pali (we will not be stopping at Pali; those who want to visit Pali; can do so second day if we have time).

11:15 hours – Introduction session and start of the trek

13.00 hours – Lunch (Packed Lunch carried from Mumbai)

14:00 hours – Reach Sudhagad asharam and relax for a while

15:30 hours – Explore the fort

18:30 hours – Evening tea and biscuit

20:30 hours – Dinner and chill out time

20:30 hours – Lights out

Sunday, September 29, 2007  

06:30 hours – Wake up

07:30 hours – Breakfast

08:30 hours – Fort exploration

12:00 hours – Start for Sudhagad base

13:00 hours – Lunch on the way down

15:00 hours – Board a transport to Pali

16:30 hours – Board a transport to Mumbai at Pen

21:00 hours – Arrive in Mumbai (Depending on traffic and what time we catch the bus)

 

Write-ups by our members of our trek to Sudhagad last year

 

http://wakdtalk.blogspot.com/2006/07/sudhagadh-trek-day-1.html

 

http://sudhagad.blogspot.com/

Contributions – Rs. 900 per head (Includes; Travel; Toll; accommodation in an ashram. All meals for two days except Dinner on Sunday)

Total Capacity 25. Rs.100 Discount for members (Carry your discount coupons).

For registration courier you cheque prepared in the name of "Nature Knights – ICICI Bank account number 041205000027" and drop the same in any ICICI Bank ATM Chq. Drop box

or

 

Directly do a electronic transfer. SMS the details "Chq. No., amount, your name and event" to one of the mobile numbers given below or email it to – natureknights@ yahoo.com.

Please note- Participants doing electronic transfer have to pay an additional charge of Rs. 25/- per transaction.

For more details & registrations contact:

Asif – 9821081566

Nimesh – 9820169693

Dnyanesh - 9820834622

 

Know more about us at: www.natureknights. com

Check list for preparation.

Attire

 

Track Pants; Tights; or loose comfortable trousers; avoid jeans, they are not suited for trekking.

Shirt, T-Shirt, Kurta (Preferable full sleeves; this prevents sun burns and mosquitoes, other allergies).

Cap, waist pouch, rainwear like ponchos / wind cheaters

Shoes – trekking shoes or touch sports shoes. Avoid shoes with high heals.

Carry Spare floaters, slippers, or light canvas shoes.

Socks – carry two pairs of spare socks and other under garments

Please note: Rainware (ponchos) & backpacks are available for sale & hire (only if informed in advance.) Kindly contact us for details.

 

Other mandatory items check list for your survival kit

1)      2 meter x 2 meter plastic sheet - to spread on the ground because of dampness of the monsoons.

2)      Hand Sanitizer – Water will not be abundant enough for washing hands every time

3)      Torch,

4)      Pocket Knife

5)   Light Towel

6)      Small Plate & a mug – Utensils are not available at the asharam

7)      Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light) – helps reduce stress while walking or if you wish to invest in more expensive one buy folding cane made of fiber.

8)      3 liters of water – Availability of potable water is not ascertained; we will have to process and boil the water we drink for the next day.

9)      Snacks for the route – Dry Fruits; Fruits; Salad Items; chocolates; biscuits etc.

10)  Basic Magnetic compass – Always good to know your orientation

11)  Carry a not pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.

12) Sleeping bag & Sleeping mat or two bed sheets- Accommodation is in an ashram so be well prepared to sleep on the floor.

13) Personal Medical Kit (check list given below).

 

Backpack or Rucksack

Carry all your belongings in a backpack or rucksack with light items at the bottom and heavy stuff loaded around your shoulders level. If you have, compression straps in your bag use them to compress your luggage to make it well balanced.

 

Important note:

Pack all your items in double plastic pouches sealed with rubber bands before keeping them in your backpack or rucksach.

Keep provision for some space in your bag to carry one kg ration that will be given to you by Nature Knights.

Do not carry unnecessary items

Carry a very small nap sack or handy bag.

 

Place of Stay: We will be staying in either temple complex or Ashram.

Goodies (nice to have)

You may also carry goodies like camera; small - binoculars, magnifying glasses and pocket field guide to make most of the trip.

 

Eco-Tourism Etiquettes to be followed in All Nature Knights Events.

 

Camps organized by "Nature Knights" are in the eco / culturally -sensitive area like Sanctuaries, Jungles, and places of Historical importance.

We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, leave only foot prints and take only memories.

How to prepare your self for any treks?

Basic Fitness is important so that you enjoy the trek to the maximum rather than just surviving and enduring it.

1. Start walks 3 to 4 times per week; go for 45 minutes to 60 minutes brisk walk. If you can go for walks with your backpack or a smaller one nothing like it.
2. Do stretching exercise (stiff body can break down easily).
3. Built strength training (weights or GYM or at least do Surya Namaskar; Pushups; Squats and Stomach Crunches). 20 minutes 3 to 4 times per week is OK.
4. Eat good food (have 3 to 4 servings of vegetable or fruit salads per day).
5. Pranayam – Breathing exercise for developing stronger lungs.

If you have purchased a new shoe for trek, start wearing it at least 10 to 15 days in advance to get used to the new shoe.

Looking forward to meet you for another exciting Nature Trek and Fort Exploration Event.

Personal medical Kit and Toiletries (Check list)

1)       Velbet Skin cream for ticks or insect bytes

2)       Bettnovet – C "Anti Fungal Skin cream"

3)    Bandages - Band aid, Crape Bandage, Gauze

4)       Anti-septic cream – Soframycine and Burnol

5)       Paracitimol – Crocin

6)       Anti-Dyheration - Glucose D/C and Electrol

7)       Anti Vomit / loose motions, Anti – Allergies (optional),

8)       Mosquito / Insect repellent

9)       Pain killers and / or any other personal medication recommended by your family doctor.

10)    Detol soap

11)    Small shampoo soap

12)    Tiny pouch of coconut oil

13)    Toothpaste, tooth brush and shaving kit

14)    Comb

15)    Small Hand mirror

16)    Carry all Personal medical kit and personal toiletries in a separate pouch.

Your medical Kit should contain your blood group and emergency phone number.

End – Of - Document

 

3 seats available for "Trek to Karnala Fort"

Hey,

 

There are 3 more seats left.. In case some body wants to join us can contact us withing next 3 hours.

 

Asif

 

M. Asif

www.natureknights.com

Cell: 9821081566
email: natureknights@yahoo.com
http://www.ryze.com/go/NatureKnights
http://natureknights.blogspot.com/

Specialisation is for Ants; Explore every dimension of Life.
Live Life to the fullest.

Trek to Karnala Fort and Bird Sanctuary - Sept 23, 2007 (Dairy)..

Hi

The team is lined up for Karnala Trek...

So far 100% confirmed are

Asif
Nimesh
Dnyanesh
Laxmi
Elka
Arun Goenka
Kunal
Hemamant Baghel
Sonali Rao
Shitu

and there are many yes / no / maybe.. I am not writing their names...

We have booked two jeeps for transport.. Looking forward to the trek..

Adventure Events Scheduled for October 2007

October 7, 2007 - Asherigad Fort (One Day Trek)

October 13, 2007 - Visapur Fort (One Day Trek)

October 27 & 28, 2007 - Prabalgad (Two Day Trek / Camping)

Treks Scheduled for September 2007.

September 8 - Adventure Trek to Kohoj Fort (Details announced)

September 23 - Trek to Karnala Fort via Bird Sanctuary (Details to be announced)

September 29 & 30 - Overnight Trek to Sudhagad Fort (Details to be announced)

Valley of Flowers

The updates on Valley of Flowers are posted on blog given below..

http://valley-of-flowers.blogspot.com/

M. Asif

Trek to Kohoj Fort

• Kohoj the Mysterious Fort
  
  Scheduled - September 8, 2007
  
  Journey is always half the adventure. Destination is the epicenter but not a destiny of an adventure.
  
  The Fort
  
  Kohoj the lesser known mysterious fort stands on the beautiful hill on the road from Manor to Wada.
  
  The moderate hike to the top in monsoon is a fresh experience. The 2.5 to 3 hours one way hike to Kohoj fort has all ingredients for a pleasant small eco-adventure landscapes reflecting in small lakes, hills, plateaus, misty atmosphere, flora and fauna (wild and domestic), remote hamlets, the two very peculiarly shaped pinnacles are the guiding lighthouse to the fort of Kohoj playing hide and seek in the monsoon clouds.
  
  The view from the top is mind blowing. You will also find water tanks on the top. Dheraj River, the vaitharna river, Bandre dam and Tak-Mak.
  
  Check list for adventure detectives. (Carry Note pads and pen/pencils).
  
  Villages / Hamlets
  Temples
  Lakes
  Pinnacles
  Flaura
  Fauna
  Route
  Vintage view
  
  History:
  
  Very few of the historical evidences are coherent to this fort. Looking at its well-dug cisterns, the fort can be said to be belonging to Bhoj-period. But no such evidences are available. In 16th century, Portuguese captured this fort from the King of Gujarat. They constructed fortifications and bastions on this fort. Later, in 18th century, Peshwa’s conquered this fort in their campaign of 1737. Afterwards the fort remained under the British rule.
  
  Getting your gradients right.
  
  Manor is 102 km from Mumbai on Ahmedabad highway. You have a option of getting there from Palghar as well. Two km before Manor proceed on the Wada road to either Vathote (13 km) or Ambai (11 km). Wada is 15 km ahead of the Vaghote via Kanchan (2km).