Last time we went to Gambhirgad..
We had flat tyres two times; an enterprising aunty diverted us to a wrong side of the country that took us to a mud road (muck road) where our bus got stuck in a deep muck and we had to organise a crane to pull it out..when we were in the small village having our late lunch an old villager informed us that Gambhirgad was cursed and only those people whose destined to be reaching Gambhirgad can reach the fort..Persistancy being the nature of Nature Knights we continued on our journey and finally we reached a place from where U start the trek..at 4:00 pm. We decided to go as far as possible till 5:30 then turn back. We reached a reasonable distance and had to be content for its was not in our destiny that day to reach Gambhirgad.
This time Nature Knights has taken up the challenge to make our own destiny and take up the challenge to reach Gambhirgad, so friends here it is August 23, 2008 Gambhirgad
Gambhirgad (2252 ft.) is a double rigged mountain. Like every conspicuous mountains this one stands tall on a huge plain keeping the union territory of Dadra and Nagar haveli to its north and Maharashtra to its south. So strategic is its location that the Maharashtra gazetteer uses the fort as a landmark to demarcate the border between the state and the union territory.
River rafting- 31st August
The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practiced mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it froths and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep g
radients
Visit us on www.natureknights.com for further details
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Konkan Safari
Nature Knights goes on Vagabond Konkan Safari
Konkan …Perhaps the only place in India that offers landscape that has beaches with palms side-by-side to hills, rivers, backwaters and waters falls. The landscapes along with friendly people their culture and appetizing Konkan food makes a perfect recipe for delicious safari adventure.
Note: This is a Gypsy style exploration safari; we are not making any advance bookings of hotels, nor-any restaurant pre-decided for food.
First-Cut Plan for Konkan Safari (August 15 to August 17, 2008).
Start Date:
August 15, 2008
(First batch leaves from Andheri at 6 am)
(Second batch leaves from Andheri at 9 am)
We are expected to back in Mumbai on August 17, 2008 evening.
Potential Stay Places, where accommodations is available
Day 1 - Murud (Fall back plan – Kolad / Nagaon / Kashid)
Day 2 – Shrivardhan / Hareshwar (Fall back Plan – Mahad / Kolad / Murud)
Other options avail
Murud / Alibag (only as plan C) / Nagaon
Kashid
Kolad
Pali
Mahad
Shrivardhan
Hareshwar
Tentative Route (We may extend few more kms of Safari)
Andheri – Sion – Chembur – Vashi – Panvel – Karnala (Mumbai – Goa Highway upto Pen) – Dolavi – Alibaug - Nagaon – Chauri – Revdanda – Kashid – Nandgaon – Murud – Rajpuri – Balgaon – Ghaosale – Tanmin Wadi – Roha – Kolad – Varasgaon – Indapur – Karkarshet – Tala – Kuda – Padre – Mahasala – Shrivardhan – Deogarh – Hareshwar – Kole – Ambet – Mahad – Kolad – Pali – Pen – Karnala – Panvel – Vashi – Chembur – Sion – Andheri
Few Places of Interest, others need to be discovered (and Loads of Temples / Beaches on the way to be discovered).
Alibag Beach
Nagaon Beach and Village
Revdanda (Beach, Fishermen Village, Light house and Korlia Fort)
Kashid Beach
Murud – Janjira Fort, Murud Beach, Siddi’s Palace and Murud Village
Shrivardhan
Deogarh
Hareshwar
Mahad – Temple
Kolad – Kundalika River
Pali – Temple / Forts
Karnala – Bird Sanctuary / Fort
Birla Temple
Phansad WLS
Transport Options -
We are receiving requests from individuals for Car Pool, first list will be put up shortly
Own Vehicle (Jeep, Car or Bike)
Hired Vehicle (Per head cost) – Rs.1350/- for 3 days (and 700 km); if it exceeds 700 km then each person has to share Rs.1.5/- for every additional kilometer.
Event Registration
Rs.450/- only
Budgeted cost for transport, lodging and food
Lodging (2 nights) – Rs.2,200 approximate cost (Cost will be on actual billing)
Food (3 days) - Rs.1,100 approximate cost (Cost will be on actual billing)
Transport (3 days, budgeted for 700 km) – Rs.1350/- per head
(If we cross 700 km, cost per head for every additional km Rs.1.50/- only).
Carry Extra amount of Rs.1500/- for emergency.
How to register?
For registration drawn a cheque on: “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c No. 041205000027”
Drop the cheque in any ICICI ATM Cheque drop box
Or
Simply do electronic funds transfer (EFT). Our Banking branch is Versova.
Complete registration at our website with details as requested on our website
Please note: Participants doing Electronics fund transfer from bank other than ICICI Bank, need to add Rs. 25/- extra per transaction.
Cancellation charges
Registration charges are non-refundable
For cancellation after August 12, 2008 – cancellation charges is Rs.450/- + Rs.1350/- = Rs.1750/- (i.e. registration charges plus cost of provisioning a seat in Jeep)
For children below 10 years of age; 30% discount of transportation and 50% discount on registration. Food and Accommodation charges will be on actual bill.
Additional Expenses
Misc. expenses like mineral water, in-between meals / non-standard meals have to be borne by individuals.
Konkan Cuisines
Konkan cuisine is strong in spice, red chillie powder, corianders, and prepared with coconut oil. It is prepared using a deep purple berry that has a pleasing sweet and sour taste, kokum and raw mango as souring agents along with tamarind and lime. Konkan cuisine is of two styles, first one is Brahmin cuisine, which uses little spice and more of coconut based ingredients. Another version is known as non-Brahmin style, prepared with lots of spice. Konkan cuisine would find prepared with peanuts, sesame and coriander as the main spicing agents if one goes a bit further towards inland. Lots of charcoal grilled onions, which are either used chopped or ground along with masalas after being grilled are used in Konkan cuisine. Coconut is also used in various forms as raw grated, fried grated, coconut paste and coconut milk.
A couple of important etiquettes followed on Nature Knights events
We strongly believe that leave only footprints and take only memories
Alcohol and Drugs prohibited during our events
Checklist:
1) Change clothes; get prepare for wet weather
2) Rain gear
3) Shoes and (spare slippers / floaters)
4) Cap
5) Towel
6) Bed sheet or sleeping bag
7) Plastic sheet (2 meter x 2 meter)
8) Personal first aid and toiletries
9) Aid for beach games
10) Other goodies like (Camera, binoculars, local tourist maps, list of eco-nomy lodges, places of interest are welcome).
11) Carry 3 liters of water per head (If you would like to save money on mineral water; carry 2 jerry cans of 5 liters each per head for 3 days).
Konkan …Perhaps the only place in India that offers landscape that has beaches with palms side-by-side to hills, rivers, backwaters and waters falls. The landscapes along with friendly people their culture and appetizing Konkan food makes a perfect recipe for delicious safari adventure.
Note: This is a Gypsy style exploration safari; we are not making any advance bookings of hotels, nor-any restaurant pre-decided for food.
First-Cut Plan for Konkan Safari (August 15 to August 17, 2008).
Start Date:
August 15, 2008
(First batch leaves from Andheri at 6 am)
(Second batch leaves from Andheri at 9 am)
We are expected to back in Mumbai on August 17, 2008 evening.
Potential Stay Places, where accommodations is available
Day 1 - Murud (Fall back plan – Kolad / Nagaon / Kashid)
Day 2 – Shrivardhan / Hareshwar (Fall back Plan – Mahad / Kolad / Murud)
Other options avail
Murud / Alibag (only as plan C) / Nagaon
Kashid
Kolad
Pali
Mahad
Shrivardhan
Hareshwar
Tentative Route (We may extend few more kms of Safari)
Andheri – Sion – Chembur – Vashi – Panvel – Karnala (Mumbai – Goa Highway upto Pen) – Dolavi – Alibaug - Nagaon – Chauri – Revdanda – Kashid – Nandgaon – Murud – Rajpuri – Balgaon – Ghaosale – Tanmin Wadi – Roha – Kolad – Varasgaon – Indapur – Karkarshet – Tala – Kuda – Padre – Mahasala – Shrivardhan – Deogarh – Hareshwar – Kole – Ambet – Mahad – Kolad – Pali – Pen – Karnala – Panvel – Vashi – Chembur – Sion – Andheri
Few Places of Interest, others need to be discovered (and Loads of Temples / Beaches on the way to be discovered).
Alibag Beach
Nagaon Beach and Village
Revdanda (Beach, Fishermen Village, Light house and Korlia Fort)
Kashid Beach
Murud – Janjira Fort, Murud Beach, Siddi’s Palace and Murud Village
Shrivardhan
Deogarh
Hareshwar
Mahad – Temple
Kolad – Kundalika River
Pali – Temple / Forts
Karnala – Bird Sanctuary / Fort
Birla Temple
Phansad WLS
Transport Options -
We are receiving requests from individuals for Car Pool, first list will be put up shortly
Own Vehicle (Jeep, Car or Bike)
Hired Vehicle (Per head cost) – Rs.1350/- for 3 days (and 700 km); if it exceeds 700 km then each person has to share Rs.1.5/- for every additional kilometer.
Event Registration
Rs.450/- only
Budgeted cost for transport, lodging and food
Lodging (2 nights) – Rs.2,200 approximate cost (Cost will be on actual billing)
Food (3 days) - Rs.1,100 approximate cost (Cost will be on actual billing)
Transport (3 days, budgeted for 700 km) – Rs.1350/- per head
(If we cross 700 km, cost per head for every additional km Rs.1.50/- only).
Carry Extra amount of Rs.1500/- for emergency.
How to register?
For registration drawn a cheque on: “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c No. 041205000027”
Drop the cheque in any ICICI ATM Cheque drop box
Or
Simply do electronic funds transfer (EFT). Our Banking branch is Versova.
Complete registration at our website with details as requested on our website
Please note: Participants doing Electronics fund transfer from bank other than ICICI Bank, need to add Rs. 25/- extra per transaction.
Cancellation charges
Registration charges are non-refundable
For cancellation after August 12, 2008 – cancellation charges is Rs.450/- + Rs.1350/- = Rs.1750/- (i.e. registration charges plus cost of provisioning a seat in Jeep)
For children below 10 years of age; 30% discount of transportation and 50% discount on registration. Food and Accommodation charges will be on actual bill.
Additional Expenses
Misc. expenses like mineral water, in-between meals / non-standard meals have to be borne by individuals.
Konkan Cuisines
Konkan cuisine is strong in spice, red chillie powder, corianders, and prepared with coconut oil. It is prepared using a deep purple berry that has a pleasing sweet and sour taste, kokum and raw mango as souring agents along with tamarind and lime. Konkan cuisine is of two styles, first one is Brahmin cuisine, which uses little spice and more of coconut based ingredients. Another version is known as non-Brahmin style, prepared with lots of spice. Konkan cuisine would find prepared with peanuts, sesame and coriander as the main spicing agents if one goes a bit further towards inland. Lots of charcoal grilled onions, which are either used chopped or ground along with masalas after being grilled are used in Konkan cuisine. Coconut is also used in various forms as raw grated, fried grated, coconut paste and coconut milk.
A couple of important etiquettes followed on Nature Knights events
We strongly believe that leave only footprints and take only memories
Alcohol and Drugs prohibited during our events
Checklist:
1) Change clothes; get prepare for wet weather
2) Rain gear
3) Shoes and (spare slippers / floaters)
4) Cap
5) Towel
6) Bed sheet or sleeping bag
7) Plastic sheet (2 meter x 2 meter)
8) Personal first aid and toiletries
9) Aid for beach games
10) Other goodies like (Camera, binoculars, local tourist maps, list of eco-nomy lodges, places of interest are welcome).
11) Carry 3 liters of water per head (If you would like to save money on mineral water; carry 2 jerry cans of 5 liters each per head for 3 days).
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Camping and Bag Packing
White Water Rafting and Kayaking, Camping by the river and Bag Packing – May 31 & June 1
A weekend this summer Nature Knights family plans to go on a collage of adventure. The early morning warmth of summer morning promises what is to be a multi-colored moments in our life hopefully worth noting down in diary of our memory.
Plan for the weekend is bag packing trip upto Kundalika River, that is around 138 km from Mumbai in Kolad Region of Maharashtra (India). As we land at our base camp we settle down in our tents pitched in Coconut Wadi next to the simmers of water on the banks of Kundalika River.
A hearty hopefully (Malvan) food awaits for one whom beauty lays in simplicity of country side. As we satisfy our appetite over a gossip and know new members of family and bonding with the old ones; options awaits us for the noon; a good nap; a casual walk in the river banks. All this sets mood for Kayaking experience in Kundalika River.
Evenings again options are open; a casual walk in the starry sky and songs / a casual chat; dinner in country side.
A dreamy night sleep wakes U in the morning for a challenging River Rafting Team adventure. You are introduced to the basics of White Water skills and team work; respect to for etiquettes of Nature and discipline during an adventure. It’s a lesson of Harmony.
A trip that promises Rafting and Kayaking adventure in River Kundalika; Camping in tents on the banks of River; Camp Fire; Country side food; A walk in Nature; Opportunity to make new friends and bound with the old.
If you wish to rejuvenate the weekend starting May 31, 2008; kindly register ASAP. For details check www.natureknights.com
Don’t forget to check our Albums at our website.
Adios
M. Asif
Annexure:
About Kundalika River
http://natureknights.blogspot.com/2008_04_27_archive.html
About Kundalika River
A brief introduction to River Rafting Sport
A weekend this summer Nature Knights family plans to go on a collage of adventure. The early morning warmth of summer morning promises what is to be a multi-colored moments in our life hopefully worth noting down in diary of our memory.
Plan for the weekend is bag packing trip upto Kundalika River, that is around 138 km from Mumbai in Kolad Region of Maharashtra (India). As we land at our base camp we settle down in our tents pitched in Coconut Wadi next to the simmers of water on the banks of Kundalika River.
A hearty hopefully (Malvan) food awaits for one whom beauty lays in simplicity of country side. As we satisfy our appetite over a gossip and know new members of family and bonding with the old ones; options awaits us for the noon; a good nap; a casual walk in the river banks. All this sets mood for Kayaking experience in Kundalika River.
Evenings again options are open; a casual walk in the starry sky and songs / a casual chat; dinner in country side.
A dreamy night sleep wakes U in the morning for a challenging River Rafting Team adventure. You are introduced to the basics of White Water skills and team work; respect to for etiquettes of Nature and discipline during an adventure. It’s a lesson of Harmony.
A trip that promises Rafting and Kayaking adventure in River Kundalika; Camping in tents on the banks of River; Camp Fire; Country side food; A walk in Nature; Opportunity to make new friends and bound with the old.
If you wish to rejuvenate the weekend starting May 31, 2008; kindly register ASAP. For details check www.natureknights.com
Don’t forget to check our Albums at our website.
Adios
M. Asif
Annexure:
About Kundalika River
http://natureknights.blogspot.com/2008_04_27_archive.html
About Kundalika River
A brief introduction to River Rafting Sport
Monday, May 5, 2008
River Rafting Sport - An Introduction
A Paper on River Rafting Sport
Rafting or whitewater rafting is a challenging recreational activity utilizing a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid 1970s.
Classification of whitewater
The most widely used grading system is the International Grading System where whitewater (either an individual rapid, or the entire river) is classed in six categories from class I (the easiest and safest) to class VI (the most difficult and most dangerous). The grade reflects both the technical difficulty and the danger associated with a rapid, with grade I referring to flat or slow moving water with few hazards, and grade VI referring to the hardest rapids which are very dangerous even for expert paddlers, and are rarely run. Grade-VI rapids are sometimes downgraded to grade-V or V+ if they have been run successfully. Harder rapids (for example a grade-V rapid on a mainly grade-III river) are often portaged, a French term for carrying. A portaged rapid is where the boater lands and carries the boat around the hazard.
A rapid's grade is not fixed, since it may vary greatly depending on the water depth and speed of flow. Although some rapids may be easier at high flows because features are covered or "washed-out," high water usually makes rapids more difficult and dangerous. At flood stage, even rapids which are usually easy can contain lethal and unpredictable hazards.
Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
Class 3: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe a 3-5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)
Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Class 6: Whitewater, typically with huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, huge drops, but sometimes labeled thusly due to largely invisible dangers (i.e., a smooth slide that creates a near-perfect, almost inescapable hydraulic, as at Woodall Shoals/Chattooga). Class 6 rapids are considered hazardous even for expert paddlers using state-of-the-art equipment, and come with the warning "danger to life or limb." (Skill Level: Expert)
Whitewater rafts
Rafts were originally the simplest form of man’s transportation in water and were then made of several logs, planks or reeds which were fastened together. Nowadays, inflatable were used as rafts which were later adopted by the military for beach assaults. It consists of very durable, multi-layered rubberized or vinyl fabrics with several independent air chambers. Its length varies between 3.5 m (11 ft) and 6 m (20 ft), the width between 1.8 m (6 ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft). The exception to this size rule is usually the packraft, which is designed as a portable single-person raft and may be as small as 1.5m long and weigh as little as 4 lbs.
Rafts come in a few different forms. In Europe the most common is the symmetrical raft steered with a paddle at the stern. Other types are the asymmetrical, rudder-controlled raft and the symmetrical raft with central helm oars. Rafts are usually propelled with ordinary paddles and typically hold 4 to 12 persons. In Russia rafts are often hand made and are often a catamaran style with two inflatable tubes attached to a frame. Pairs of paddlers navigate these rafts. Catamaran style rafts have become popular in the western United States as well, but are typically rowed instead of paddled.
Rafts come in a few different forms. In Europe the most common is the symmetrical raft steered with a paddle at the stern. Other types are the asymmetrical, rudder-controlled raft and the symmetrical raft with central helm oars. Rafts are usually propelled with ordinary paddles and typically hold 4 to 12 persons. In Russia rafts are often hand made and are often a catamaran style with two inflatable tubes attached to a frame. Pairs of paddlers navigate these rafts. Catamaran style rafts have become popular in the western United States as well, but are typically rowed instead of paddled.
Rivers with high current is used for White water rafting. Specially, White Water Rafting is popular in Himalayas due to high current of water falling through hills and rocky mountains.
HOW TO HANDLE YOUR RAFT IN THE WHITE WATER
HOW DO WE GET ALL OF THIS TO WORK TOGETHER?
If you are interested in some of the tips and tricks to properly navigate your boat down the river, take a few minutes to read some of the things that we teach you just before you get on the river. This is not a complete instruction, but you'll get some goodies here that you'll want to hear a bit more about before you take off for your first run.
THE BASICS TO GET STARTED
Well, part of the fun is figuring it out for yourself, but if you are going to get your feet wet, and want to know a bit more about it, here it is.
First you decide on what type of trip: Guided, Group Guide Assisted, or Rental.
Then you choose the length of the trip you would like to try. Usually a full river.
Then you select your boat size and style based on the size of your group.
Then you are ready to go, right? Not yet anyway.
When you get your boat, and you are ready to pile in and make a go of it, there are a few things to consider. The most important is how to position your paddlers. Consider weight and paddling strength as your primary factors. You want to balance the weight and paddling power, so when you call "All Forward", you go straight, and not left or right. It will be up to the guide, or the boat captain to steer the boat, so if you are fighting an unbalanced boat, its going to make you do a bit of additional work if you are going to keep the boat straight.
You as a guide can use your paddle behind your hip like a rudder on a sail boat. Holding the blade back and forth in the water to move the rear of the boat. When you move the rear of the boat, the front is going to angle also. Remember, it is best to steer the boat, or change it's direction when the boat is moving, but not under full power. You call "All Forward", and the boat begins to move forward. You make wide sweeps with your paddle from behind the boat to the side, and from the side of the boat to the rear of the boat when you need to make solid corrections. Minor adjustments can be made using the rudder technique. It is more effective to yell, "All Rest", and make your correction strokes, then "All Forward Again". If you need to slow down, you can call "All Back", and everyone will back paddle to slow you down.
If you really need to turn fast or you want to spin while paddling through some curling waves, you can call "Right Back, and Left Forward", or you can use the reverse to get the other side of the boat wet.
The basic idea of navigating the river is "Turn the Boat, Paddle Forward, then Turn the Boat and Paddle Forward". When you are paddling, and you look ahead and see a big rock, you need to get back to the basics. Turn the Boat, paddle forward far enough to clear the rock, then turn the boat back straight, and either rest, or paddle forward. Practice fine tuning your steering, because you never know when you will need to make that precise adjustment.
WE ARE STUCK ON A ROCK, NOW WHAT DO WE DO?
Well, you can wait until the river goes down, and then get out and carry your raft to the bank! . Or you can helplessly jump up and down in the boat and yell at everyone else for not being in sync with you. Or maybe you pump out a few wise cracks about that extra biscuit you ate this morning. Or you can listen to all of the other rafters passing by that think they have a solution for you. Or maybe some friendly river guide will be passing by and give you a bump. If all of that doesn't work, then you must be really stuck, and might need a bit more ideas. Well, here they are! Remember that there are two major factors here to consider. One is the weight of the passengers in the craft (not the biggest factor), the other is the location of the rock that is holding you, and last but not least, the water factor. This will work in just about every situation you find yourself in except for the fact that you just floated into the Raft
Cradle or the Raft Trap
Find the location of the rock that has a hold of the bottom of your raft. Move the largest amount of the weight to the other end of the raft. Lean way out of the raft, away from the rock, and use your paddles against the strongest part of the curent to pull you off of the rock. Try to twirl it off of the rock.
Don't fight the water, it always wins. Use the water to help you lift the side of the boat. If you can slowly lift one side of the boat, just enough that you can get a flow of water back under the boat, you can break the suction on the rock and usually break free. Prior to your rafting trip, we will tell you about undercut rocks and foot entrapments. Pay very close attention. These are very real dangers.
If that doesn't work, someone always ends up getting out of the raft, and giving it a shove or two. Just remember, the rocks are slippery. If you are going to get out of your boat despite the dangers, do it on the up river side of the raft. Never take your hands off of the raft, and always try to keep your torso over the side of the raft. If you slip, you'll bounce on the raft, and save an unexpected dip in the water. Just remember that foot entrapments are real and you should keep your foot movement to an absolute minimum.
The best option is to wait a few more minutes. There will generally be another boat behind you with a qualified guide to give you a bump, or shove, or even get out of his craft and get you off of the rock.
I FELL OUT OF THE BOAT, NOW WHAT?
Well, we will show you the recommended swim position for the river. Lay on your back, feet downstream, and float to safety. Push off of any rocks that might get in your way, and use your arms to paddle to safety. Personally, I turn over on my stomach, and swim back to the raft. What happens if you cannot swim back to your raft? Well, you'll have to swim to the bank, unless you want to do a bit more floating. Just remember, don't stand up until you can sit on the bottom of the river keeping your head above water, or you can do a pushup on the floor of the river and still keep your head well above the water. Foot entrapment or not, you'll be Ok. Hang on to your paddle, it might be the last couple of extra inches that you need to get someone in the boat to pull you back close enough that you can get back in. You can always find your raft, and your buddies. But will they let you back in the boat if you have lost your paddle? We'll tell you how to help a passenger back in the raft using the life jacket as handles. I know what you're thinking. How in the world can I get him back in the raft? I can't pick him up! We'll also tell you a little secret about that too. Just remember what a cork does when it is shoved under the water. On the count of three, just a little shove down into the water makes the feet really start kicking, and they'll pop right out of the water like a cork. This really works good on Dad's when they fall out!
Don't you tell him I told you to do that!!
If you happen to get tossed out of the boat at the end of your run, amidst all of the excitement, you might hear someone yell "ROPE"! That's your cue that help is on it's way. Many people enjoy setting up at the falls to catch what we call "River Carnage". When you hear "ROPE", look up and reach! Someone is throwing you a rope. Just grab onto the rope, pull your hands in close to your chest, route the rope over your shoulder, lay on your back, and hang on. The rope, current, and your weight all work together to quickly swing you to the bank of the river. A quick smile, and a big "thanks" are really appreciated by the rope throwers. Don't forget, Pat King just took your picture at the falls. Those pictures are the ones you really want to hang on the wall.
They'll be talking about them for years to come.
These are some of the things that you'll get in our safety briefing and river instructional, and we make it fun! We cover all aspects of Safety, and try to cover the most likely situations that you might experience while on the river.
The more you know, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will enjoy the wonderful sport of White Water River Rafting.
About Whitewater
The more you know, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will enjoy the wonderful sport of White Water River Rafting.
About Whitewater
Whitewater is formed in a rapid, when a river’s gradient drops enough to disturb its laminar flow and create turbulence, e.g. form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white. The term is also used loosely to refer to less-turbulent but still agitated flows.
The term "whitewater" also has a broader meaning, applying to any river or creek itself that has a significant number of rapids. The term is also used as an adjective describing boating on such rivers, such as whitewater kayaking.
The term "whitewater" also has a broader meaning, applying to any river or creek itself that has a significant number of rapids. The term is also used as an adjective describing boating on such rivers, such as whitewater kayaking.
Rapids
Four factors, separately or in combination, can create rapids: gradient, constriction, obstruction and flow rate. Gradient, constriction and obstruction are streambed topography factors and are relatively consistent. Flow rate is dependent upon both seasonal variation in precipitation and snowmelt and upon release rates of upstream dams.
Streambed topography
Streambed topography is the primary factor in creating rapids, and is generally consistent over time. Increased flow, as during a flood or high rainfall season can make permanent changes to the streambed by displacing rocks and boulders, by deposition of alluvium or by creating new channels for flowing water.
Streambed topography
Streambed topography is the primary factor in creating rapids, and is generally consistent over time. Increased flow, as during a flood or high rainfall season can make permanent changes to the streambed by displacing rocks and boulders, by deposition of alluvium or by creating new channels for flowing water.
Gradient
The gradient of a river is the rate at which it loses elevation along its course. This loss determines the river's slope, and to a large extent its rate of flow. Shallow gradients produce gentle, slow rivers while steep gradients are associated with raging torrents.
Constriction
Constriction can form a rapid when a river's flow is forced into a narrower channel. This pressure causes the water to flow more rapidly (hence the name) and to react differently to riverbed events (rocks, drops, etc.)
Constriction
Constriction can form a rapid when a river's flow is forced into a narrower channel. This pressure causes the water to flow more rapidly (hence the name) and to react differently to riverbed events (rocks, drops, etc.)
A boulder or ledge in the middle of a river or near the side can obstruct the flow of the river, and can also create a "cushion"; a "drop" (over the boulder); and "hydraulics" or "holes" where the river flows back on itself--perhaps back under the drop--often with fearful results for those caught in its grasp. (Holes, or hydraulics, are so-called because their foamy, aerated water provides less buoyancy and can feel like an actual hole in the river surface.) If the flow passes next to the obstruction, an eddy may form behind the obstruction; although eddies are typically sheltered areas where boaters can stop to rest, scout or leave the main current, they may be swirling and whirlpool-like. As with hydraulics (which pull downward rather than to the side and are, essentially, eddies turned at a 90-degree angle), the power of eddies increases with the flow rate.
Stream flow rate
A marked increase or decrease in flow can create a rapid (where previously wasn't one), "wash out" a rapid (decreasing the hazard) or make safe passage through previously-navigable rapids more difficult or impossible. Flow rate is typically measured in cubic meters per second (cumecs), or in cubic feet per second (cfs), depending on the country.
Features found in whitewater
On any given rapid there can be a multitude of different features which arise from the interplay between the shape of the riverbed and the velocity of the water in the stream.
Strainers
Strainers are formed when an object blocks the passage of larger objects but allows the flow of water to continue - like a big food strainer or colander. These objects can be very dangerous, because the force of the water will pin an object or body against the strainer and then pile up, pushing it down under water. Strainers are formed by many different objects, like storm grates over tunnels, trees that have fallen into a river ("log jam"), bushes by the side of the river that are flooded during high water, or rebar from broken concrete structures in the water. In an emergency it is often best to try and climb on top of a strainer so as not to be pinned against the object under the water. If you are in a river, swimming aggressively away from the strainer and into the main channel is your best bet. If you cannot avoid the strainer, you should swim hard towards it and try to get as much of your body up and over it as possible.
Sweepers
Sweepers are trees fallen or heavily leaning over the river, still rooted on the shore and not fully submerged. Its trunk and branches may form an obstruction in the river like strainers. Since it is an obstruction from above, it often does not contribute to whitewater features but may create turbulence. In fast water sweepers can pose a serious hazard to paddlers.
Holes
Holes, or "hydraulics", (also known as "stoppers" or "souse-holes"), are formed when water pours over the top of a submerged object, causing the surface water to flow back upstream toward the object. Holes can be particularly dangerous—a boater may become stuck in the recirculating water—or entertaining playspots, where paddlers use the holes' features to perform various playboating moves. In high-volume water, holes dramatically aerate the water, possibly to the point where it may even lose the capacity to carry any water crafts.
Some of the most dangerous types of holes are formed by lowhead dams weirs, underwater ledges, and similar types of obstruction. In lowhead dams, the hole has a very symmetrical character - there's no weak point - and where the sides of the hydraulic are often blocked by a man-made wall, making it impossible to slip off the side of the hydraulic. Lowhead dams are insidiously dangerous because their danger cannot be easily recognized by people who have not studied whitewater.
Waves
Waves are formed in a similar nature to hydraulics and are sometimes also considered hydraulics as well. Waves are noted by the large smooth face on the water rushing down. Sometimes a particularly large wave will also be followed by a "wave train", a long series of waves. These standing waves can be smooth or, particularly the larger ones, can be breaking waves.
Because of the rough and random pattern of a riverbed, waves are often not perpendicular to the river's current. This makes them challenging for boaters since a strong sideways or diagonal wave can throw the craft off.
In fluid mechanics, waves are classified as laminar, but the whitewater world has also included waves with turbulence ("breaking waves") under the general heading of waves.
Pillows
Pillows are formed when a large flow of water runs into a large obstruction, causing water to "pile up" or "boil" against the face of the obstruction. Pillows can be dangerous because sometimes the object that forms the pillow is undercut and so paddlers can be swept underwater - possibly to be entrapped. Pillows are also known as "pressure waves".
Eddies
Eddies are formed, like hydraulics, on the downstream face of an obstruction. Unlike hydraulics, eddies swirl on the horizontal surface of the water. Typically, they are calm spots where the downward movement of water is partially or fully arrested - a nice place to rest or to make one's way upstream. However, in very powerful water, eddies can have powerful, swirling currents which can flip boats and from which escape can be very difficult.
Undercut rocks
Undercut rocks are rocks that have been worn down underneath the surface by the river. They can be extremely dangerous features of a rapid because a person can get trapped underneath them, under water. This is espcially true of rocks that are undercut on the upstream side. Here, a boater may become pinned against the rock underwater. Many whitewater deaths have occurred in this fashion. Undercuts sometimes have pillows, but other times the water just flows smoothly under them, which can indicate that the rock is undercut. Undercuts are most common in rivers where the riverbed cuts through sedimentary rocks like limestone rather than igneous rock like granite. In a steep canyon, the side walls of the canyon can also be undercut.
A particularly notorious undercut rock is Dimple Rock, in Dimple Rapid on the Lower Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania. Nine people have died here, including three in 2000.
A particularly notorious undercut rock is Dimple Rock, in Dimple Rapid on the Lower Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania. Nine people have died here, including three in 2000.
Sieves
Another major whitewater feature is a sieve, which is a narrow empty space that water flows through between two obstructions, usually rocks. Similar to strainers, water is forced through the sieve, resulting in higher pressures which forces water up and creates turbulencem
Whitewater Craft
A solo kayak paddler performs a high brace in foamy water. One of the hazards of whitewater paddling is that highly-aerated water decreases the effect of buoyancy.
Whitewater Craft
A solo kayak paddler performs a high brace in foamy water. One of the hazards of whitewater paddling is that highly-aerated water decreases the effect of buoyancy.
There are many different types of whitewater craft that people use to make their way down a rapid, preferably with finesse and control. Here is a short list of them.
Whitewater Kayaks differ from sea kayaks and recreational kayaks in that they are specialized to deal with moving water better. They are often shorter and more maneuverable than sea kayaks and are specially designed to deal with water flowing up onto their decks. Most whitewater kayaks are made of plastics these days, although some paddlers (especially racers and "squirt boaters") use kayaks made of fiberglass composites. Whitewater kayaks are fairly stable in turbulent water, once the paddler is skillful with them; if flipped upside-down, the skilled paddler can easily roll them back upright. This essential skill of whitewater kayaking is called the “Eskimos Roll" or simply "Roll." Kayaks are paddled in a low sitting position (legs extended forward), with a two-bladed paddle.
Rafts are also often used as a whitewater craft; more stable than typical kayaks, they are less maneuverable. Rafts can carry large loads, so they are often used for expeditions. Typical whitewater rafts are inflatable craft, made from high strength fabric coated with PVC, Urethane, Neoprene or Hypalon. While most rafts are large multi-passenger craft, the smallest rafts are
single-person whitewater craft
Catarafts are constructed from the same materials as rafts. They can either be paddled or rowed with oars. A specialized cataraft, designed without any metal frame, is a Shredder. It was invented in 1982 by Tom Love is manufactured by his company Airtight Inflatables in Ohiopyle, Pa. A Shredder is specifically designed to be paddled. It is usually paddled by a two person crew, though highly skilled paddlers are able to negotiate extreme whitewater in a Shredder paddled as a solo boat. Typical catarafts are constructed from two inflatable pontoons on either side of the craft which are bridged by a frame. Oar propelled catarafts have the occupants sitting on seats mounted on the frame. Virtually all oar powered catarafts are operated by a boatsman with passengers having no direct responsibilities. Catarafts can be of all sizes. Many are smaller and more maneuverable than a typical raft.
Modern Whitewater Canoe
Canoes are often made of fiberglass, kevlar, plastic or a combination of the three for strength and durability. They may have a spraycover, resembling a kayak, or "open," resembling the typical canoe. This type of canoe is usually referred to simply as an "open boat." Whitewater canoes are paddled in a low kneeling position, with a one-bladed paddle. Open whitewater canoes have large airbags to prevent the boat from being swamped by big waves and holes. Like kayaks, whitewater canoes can be righted after capsizing with an Eskimo Roll, but requires more skill.
C1s are similar in construction to whitewater kayaks. However, they are paddled in a low, kneeling position. They employ the use of a one-blade paddle, usually a little shorter than used in a more traditional canoe. They will have a spraycover, essentially the same type used in kayaking. Like kayaks, whitewater canoes can be righted after capsizing with an Eskimo Roll.Mckenzie River Dory or "Drift Boat" by some. A more traditional "hard sided" boat. The design is characterized by a wide, flat bottom, flared sides, a narrow, flat bow, a pointed stern, and extreme rocker in the bow and stern to allow the boat to spin about its center for ease in maneuvering in rapids.
C1s are similar in construction to whitewater kayaks. However, they are paddled in a low, kneeling position. They employ the use of a one-blade paddle, usually a little shorter than used in a more traditional canoe. They will have a spraycover, essentially the same type used in kayaking. Like kayaks, whitewater canoes can be righted after capsizing with an Eskimo Roll.Mckenzie River Dory or "Drift Boat" by some. A more traditional "hard sided" boat. The design is characterized by a wide, flat bottom, flared sides, a narrow, flat bow, a pointed stern, and extreme rocker in the bow and stern to allow the boat to spin about its center for ease in maneuvering in rapids.
Have a nice rafting Adventure with Nature Knights
Asif
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Kolad and Around
Kolad Region
Kolad the sleepy town on Mumbai – Goa NH16 highway. You will be forgiven to remove the pressure off your accelerator and occasionally stop to enjoy the natural beauty hills, lush valleys, rivers, water falls, birds, farm houses, villages, caves and more and more to explore.
Don’t forget the Konkan food.
Kolad is 128 km from Mumbai; it is also a paradise for adventure buffs with opportunities for river rafting, trekking, nature trails and paragliding.
Kolad itself is a sleepy town of about 5000 to 7000 odd villagers, who seem to be living a content and happy life. Always having plenty of time for a chat and gossip. To approach this town one has to go through ghats with lots of hair pin bends.
This best time of the year to visit is monsoon; but winter and summer also has its own charm.
Places around Kolad.
Hike to Dholwal Dam. The majesty of the wide dam, with its gusting waters, can take your breath away. About 17 km away from kolad is Ghosala Fort and 20 km down the road to Pune is Thamhane Waterfall, at its most magnificent of course during monsoon. Kudal Caves, 37 km away as per legents date to the time of the Mahabarata. The trip of about an hour is worth it, as there is also a small, secluded beach here. About 25 km away is Tala Fort and 32 km away is Gaimukh, a pilgrimage centre for those who love to fit a darshan into their holiday. Nature lovers has beautiful scenery and a waterfall for you to sit under.
Diversion to costal experience
The drive to the Murud-Kashid-Alibaug stretch via Roha from Kolad is among the best coastal drives you could hope to have in India. The coast road loops through paddy fields before running along the surf and sand, taking a far more circuitous and less sensible route than the feisty Kundalika. This river, running through Kolad, empties into the Arabian Sea at Korlia Fort. You can also drive into Kolad Station for some train-spotting of a different kind, to check out Konkan Railway’s Roll-on-roll-off Service. Here cargo trucks drive onto trains and become cargo themselves to save both fuel and driver’s energy all the way town to Surathkal.
Food and Stay
Few places to Stay and eat around this place are given below.
Prabhakar Lodge Serves Maharashtrain, Chinese, Punjabi, and South Indian (Veg and Non-Veg).
A non-veg thali here gets you two tiger prawns, rice, sol kadi and amti.
Kamath Residency on NH17
Stay and food.
Greenacre Farms (River Side)
Off Kolad Road, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Campside River Wild (Riverside)
Off Kolad, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Doctor’s Farm (Riverside)
Near Kolad, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Anjali’s Wispers Grove (In a Valley)
Near Kolad, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Suresh Restaurant, Offering Good Konkani Meals
Hotel Jayesh
Hotel Srikanth (Veg and Non-veg food).
Vijay Palace on NH17
Kolad the sleepy town on Mumbai – Goa NH16 highway. You will be forgiven to remove the pressure off your accelerator and occasionally stop to enjoy the natural beauty hills, lush valleys, rivers, water falls, birds, farm houses, villages, caves and more and more to explore.
Don’t forget the Konkan food.
Kolad is 128 km from Mumbai; it is also a paradise for adventure buffs with opportunities for river rafting, trekking, nature trails and paragliding.
Kolad itself is a sleepy town of about 5000 to 7000 odd villagers, who seem to be living a content and happy life. Always having plenty of time for a chat and gossip. To approach this town one has to go through ghats with lots of hair pin bends.
This best time of the year to visit is monsoon; but winter and summer also has its own charm.
Places around Kolad.
Hike to Dholwal Dam. The majesty of the wide dam, with its gusting waters, can take your breath away. About 17 km away from kolad is Ghosala Fort and 20 km down the road to Pune is Thamhane Waterfall, at its most magnificent of course during monsoon. Kudal Caves, 37 km away as per legents date to the time of the Mahabarata. The trip of about an hour is worth it, as there is also a small, secluded beach here. About 25 km away is Tala Fort and 32 km away is Gaimukh, a pilgrimage centre for those who love to fit a darshan into their holiday. Nature lovers has beautiful scenery and a waterfall for you to sit under.
Diversion to costal experience
The drive to the Murud-Kashid-Alibaug stretch via Roha from Kolad is among the best coastal drives you could hope to have in India. The coast road loops through paddy fields before running along the surf and sand, taking a far more circuitous and less sensible route than the feisty Kundalika. This river, running through Kolad, empties into the Arabian Sea at Korlia Fort. You can also drive into Kolad Station for some train-spotting of a different kind, to check out Konkan Railway’s Roll-on-roll-off Service. Here cargo trucks drive onto trains and become cargo themselves to save both fuel and driver’s energy all the way town to Surathkal.
Food and Stay
Few places to Stay and eat around this place are given below.
Prabhakar Lodge Serves Maharashtrain, Chinese, Punjabi, and South Indian (Veg and Non-Veg).
A non-veg thali here gets you two tiger prawns, rice, sol kadi and amti.
Kamath Residency on NH17
Stay and food.
Greenacre Farms (River Side)
Off Kolad Road, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Campside River Wild (Riverside)
Off Kolad, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Doctor’s Farm (Riverside)
Near Kolad, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Anjali’s Wispers Grove (In a Valley)
Near Kolad, Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Suresh Restaurant, Offering Good Konkani Meals
Hotel Jayesh
Hotel Srikanth (Veg and Non-veg food).
Vijay Palace on NH17
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
River Rafting at Kundalika River
River Kundalika
The Kundalika is a small river flowing from the Hills of Sahyadri to the Arabian Sea. This river originates at a small town called Bhira the India State of Maharashtra.150 km south east of Mumbai. The important towns located on the banks of Kundalika are Kolad, Roha and Salav.
River Kundalika is fed by the excess water from Tata Power's Mulshi Dam Project on to a series of hydroelectric projects and dams, including Ravalje followed by Bhira and then Dholvan, where the water is released in the morning typically at 6 am. The gush of the water reaches Sutarwadi at 7:30 am and water rises at Kolad at 10:00 am.
On the bank of River Kundalika are many retreats and farm houses with mango and watermelon as the chief fruit product and rice and nachni as the chief farm produce as the soil is very rich in minerals and the ample water via canals fed from River Kundalika's clean water.
Over 90% of Kundalika's water is consumed by industries, including RCF's THAL Project and many MIDC all across. On the cards are to use 9000 Quesecs of water by the upcoming Reliance and Essar's new projects in the Villa MIDC. This will kill the rafting beside considerably reducing the river's downstream water levels at Kolad. The river will die a little more and become more placid and shallower.
The Kundalika's water are beginning to get affected and there are environment groups spreading awareness of this to responsible citizens of India.
Adventure lovers have found a unique way of enjoying the release of the dam water. Capitalising on the location near Mumbai, with its virtually undending source of adventure lovers, rafting is conducted on the river using the rapids generated by the rushing water released from the dam. Rafting of grade II and III can also be experienced over a 14Km circuit and can be enjoyed all day in the monsoon, or to coincide with the timing of the release of water from the dam during other times of the year. Rafting here is sometimes unavailable in the peak of summer, when the water becomes scarce.
Nature Knights is facilitating two river rafting adventures on May 4, 2008 and May 11, 2008 respectively.
For details of the river rafting adventure event and knowing more about us visit us at website
http://www.natureknights.com/
C U at Kundalika.
Asif
Thursday, February 28, 2008
One Day Adventure Trek to Bhimashankar - Via Sidi Ghat
One Day Adventure Trek to Bhimashankar via SIDI Ghat (WLC, Jyotir Ling & the land of Giant Squirrel Shekru)
Organised by Nature Knights
http://www.natureknights.com/
The adventure
Bhimashankar is a dream destination for any trekker, a perfect setting for an exciting and short eco-adventure.
The adventure begins early morning with the first challenge to break the inertia of the RAT race RUT and get out of the bed on a fine Sunday of the last month of financial end. But it’s worth the effort for because after mid march till end of summer it’s going on challenging treks like Bhimashankar will be difficult because it’s going to get hotter by the day.
We have tuned the trek considering it’s the financial yearend; we will booked a private vehicle that will drop us to the base village Khandas and pick us up at Bhimashankar when we reach on the top.
We start early hours in Mumbai and target reaching Khandas at the earliest. We are ready for the trek once we finish our induction and introduction. The trail leading from Khandas village to Bhimashankar goes through all kinds of terrain; the trail start as a flat cross country walk to a semi-deciduous scrubland and as you progress the climber gets steeper and finally ending in a ever-green forest. Few patches also involves a bit of armature rock climbing. You pass through a glimpse of history as you cross two forts Tung and Paddar Killa; Once on top of Bhimashankar you can’t resist visiting Ancient Jyotir ling temple. We will not get chance to explore the mysterious Gupt (Secret) Bhimashankar Ling hidden the cool forest Bhimashankar.
If we are lucky we may get to see the secretive Shekru (Giant Squirrel of Bhimashankar); for anxious bird watchers there is plenty of Bird life keep your binoculars; camera and field guide handy. A walk through the old jungle of Bhimashankar is magical experience livening your spirit green and clean.
Get cozy in pleasant Climate; put your feet up at end of the day in any vintage Ashrams; If in mood for sweet tooth try the local Khoya Sweets served by warm people; there is lots more to discover for those inquisitive and adventurous.
But be ready to rough it out and sweat it out.
The Schedule
5:15 am Start from Andheri
5:40 am Sion Station
6:00 am Chembur
6:15 am Vashi
8:15 am (Expected to reach Khandas)
8:30 am (Trek starts from Khandas via Sidi Ghat)
We are targeting to hit Bhimashankar by 3 noon considering the warm climate; if we time it well we can even reach Bhimashankar by 1:30 – 2 noon and have more time on the top.
4:45 am We will start back for Mumbai.
10:00 pm Targeting to reach back in Mumbai.
More about Bhimashankar
There are three route to Bhimashankar starting from Khandas; one is from Ganeshghat the easiest at the same time the longest; 2nd going via waterfall and the third the shortest but the most adventurous (sidi ghat) route; we will be taking thist shortest but also the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar.
The trek to Bhimashankar via Sidi Ghat is adventurous and involves a bit of elementary rock climbing. We will be carrying safety equipment like Carnamental Rope (Mountaineering Ropes); Carabineers; Descender; Mechanical Ascender; Tape Slings etc. The group will be a mix of experienced trekkers and also new explorers into trekking (but ready to rough it out in the psychological thriller walk).
Contribution per head
Contribution Rs,850/= for members and Rs.950/- for non-members.
Only includes transport; technical gear; guide charges and evening tea/shacks.
You have to carry your own lunch; breakfast and water.
(The high overhead of one day trek is due to private vehicle; that will be traveling over 550 km; dropping us at Khandas then going back circling and picking us up at Bhimashankar at the top and then back to Mumbai)
For registration Prepare name of “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c. No: 0412050000217” and deposit the same in any ICICI Bank ATM.
OR
Do a electronic transfer to our account (Add Rs.25/- for electronic transfer).
SMS us your name; chq. #, Chq. amount and Event Name (Bhimashankar – March 9, 08)
No refund after March 5, 2008.
Only 20 seats available kindly reserve your seats well in advance.
Contact Numbers:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh – 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com / gmail.com
Mandatory Checklist for this adventure trek:
Attire
full sleeves t-shirt; track pants; Socks; Good and comfortable footwear (No high heels), Hat / Cap, Cotton scarf or Bandana will be of help. (Optional – Sun Glasses and (white cotton hand gloves–they are more useful than U may think)
Spares: T-Shirt; Socks; under garments spare socks & under garments; and carry spare footwear (floaters or light canvas shoes)
Food
Lunch and breakfast
Kindly carry your packed breakfast and lunch to be independent so that we do not waste time in restaurants and Dhabas on the way. We will only stop to freshen up somewhere on the way.
[Suggestions for packed lunch: (Sandwiches); Thepla & Potato Vegetable; Roti; Boiled Eggs; Ready to eat canned food; home cooked roti / dry vegetable; Puran Poli; Bread / Cheese slice / spread; Potato Vada; Bread; etc..you can get creative; We will have multi-cultural buffet. Carry tetra packed buttermilk.)
Also carry some chocolates; biscuits; salad items; 3 LITERS WATER PER HEAD for on-the-way in-between meals and water.
Carry plenty of fluid.
Do not carry anything that will get spoilt.
(If you need any help with ready packed dry food get in touch with us at least 3 days in advance)
Packing your stuff
Pack all to carry items in Backpack; lightweight on bottom and topside of bag; heavy items towards shoulder and closer to body. Use compression straps if you have them in your backpacks.
Capacity of bag should be 30 to 40 liters.
Other items:
Personal medical kit (General medical kit will be available with us)
Toiletries
Detol soap (small), Hand Sanitizer, Comb & Small Hand mirror, tissue wipes, sun screen etc.
Carry Personal medical kit and personal toiletries in a separate pouch.
Other essentials in your survival kit
1) Torch
2) Pocket Knife (Preferably Swiss Knife or equivalent)
3) Towel (light) and carry one cloth, useful for wiping dirt.
4) Small Plate & Mug
5) Thread and Needle (Carry one large needle and one small needle)
6) Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light)
7) Emergency money (Rs.500/- per head)
8) 3 meter x 3 meter lite plastic sheet or carry an old news paper (will be available in any hardware store) or local market
10) Carry a note pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.
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.
Organised by Nature Knights
http://www.natureknights.com/
The adventure
Bhimashankar is a dream destination for any trekker, a perfect setting for an exciting and short eco-adventure.
The adventure begins early morning with the first challenge to break the inertia of the RAT race RUT and get out of the bed on a fine Sunday of the last month of financial end. But it’s worth the effort for because after mid march till end of summer it’s going on challenging treks like Bhimashankar will be difficult because it’s going to get hotter by the day.
We have tuned the trek considering it’s the financial yearend; we will booked a private vehicle that will drop us to the base village Khandas and pick us up at Bhimashankar when we reach on the top.
We start early hours in Mumbai and target reaching Khandas at the earliest. We are ready for the trek once we finish our induction and introduction. The trail leading from Khandas village to Bhimashankar goes through all kinds of terrain; the trail start as a flat cross country walk to a semi-deciduous scrubland and as you progress the climber gets steeper and finally ending in a ever-green forest. Few patches also involves a bit of armature rock climbing. You pass through a glimpse of history as you cross two forts Tung and Paddar Killa; Once on top of Bhimashankar you can’t resist visiting Ancient Jyotir ling temple. We will not get chance to explore the mysterious Gupt (Secret) Bhimashankar Ling hidden the cool forest Bhimashankar.
If we are lucky we may get to see the secretive Shekru (Giant Squirrel of Bhimashankar); for anxious bird watchers there is plenty of Bird life keep your binoculars; camera and field guide handy. A walk through the old jungle of Bhimashankar is magical experience livening your spirit green and clean.
Get cozy in pleasant Climate; put your feet up at end of the day in any vintage Ashrams; If in mood for sweet tooth try the local Khoya Sweets served by warm people; there is lots more to discover for those inquisitive and adventurous.
But be ready to rough it out and sweat it out.
The Schedule
5:15 am Start from Andheri
5:40 am Sion Station
6:00 am Chembur
6:15 am Vashi
8:15 am (Expected to reach Khandas)
8:30 am (Trek starts from Khandas via Sidi Ghat)
We are targeting to hit Bhimashankar by 3 noon considering the warm climate; if we time it well we can even reach Bhimashankar by 1:30 – 2 noon and have more time on the top.
4:45 am We will start back for Mumbai.
10:00 pm Targeting to reach back in Mumbai.
More about Bhimashankar
There are three route to Bhimashankar starting from Khandas; one is from Ganeshghat the easiest at the same time the longest; 2nd going via waterfall and the third the shortest but the most adventurous (sidi ghat) route; we will be taking thist shortest but also the most adventurous trail to Bhimashankar.
The trek to Bhimashankar via Sidi Ghat is adventurous and involves a bit of elementary rock climbing. We will be carrying safety equipment like Carnamental Rope (Mountaineering Ropes); Carabineers; Descender; Mechanical Ascender; Tape Slings etc. The group will be a mix of experienced trekkers and also new explorers into trekking (but ready to rough it out in the psychological thriller walk).
Contribution per head
Contribution Rs,850/= for members and Rs.950/- for non-members.
Only includes transport; technical gear; guide charges and evening tea/shacks.
You have to carry your own lunch; breakfast and water.
(The high overhead of one day trek is due to private vehicle; that will be traveling over 550 km; dropping us at Khandas then going back circling and picking us up at Bhimashankar at the top and then back to Mumbai)
For registration Prepare name of “Nature Knights – ICICI Bank A/c. No: 0412050000217” and deposit the same in any ICICI Bank ATM.
OR
Do a electronic transfer to our account (Add Rs.25/- for electronic transfer).
SMS us your name; chq. #, Chq. amount and Event Name (Bhimashankar – March 9, 08)
No refund after March 5, 2008.
Only 20 seats available kindly reserve your seats well in advance.
Contact Numbers:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh – 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com / gmail.com
Mandatory Checklist for this adventure trek:
Attire
full sleeves t-shirt; track pants; Socks; Good and comfortable footwear (No high heels), Hat / Cap, Cotton scarf or Bandana will be of help. (Optional – Sun Glasses and (white cotton hand gloves–they are more useful than U may think)
Spares: T-Shirt; Socks; under garments spare socks & under garments; and carry spare footwear (floaters or light canvas shoes)
Food
Lunch and breakfast
Kindly carry your packed breakfast and lunch to be independent so that we do not waste time in restaurants and Dhabas on the way. We will only stop to freshen up somewhere on the way.
[Suggestions for packed lunch: (Sandwiches); Thepla & Potato Vegetable; Roti; Boiled Eggs; Ready to eat canned food; home cooked roti / dry vegetable; Puran Poli; Bread / Cheese slice / spread; Potato Vada; Bread; etc..you can get creative; We will have multi-cultural buffet. Carry tetra packed buttermilk.)
Also carry some chocolates; biscuits; salad items; 3 LITERS WATER PER HEAD for on-the-way in-between meals and water.
Carry plenty of fluid.
Do not carry anything that will get spoilt.
(If you need any help with ready packed dry food get in touch with us at least 3 days in advance)
Packing your stuff
Pack all to carry items in Backpack; lightweight on bottom and topside of bag; heavy items towards shoulder and closer to body. Use compression straps if you have them in your backpacks.
Capacity of bag should be 30 to 40 liters.
Other items:
Personal medical kit (General medical kit will be available with us)
Toiletries
Detol soap (small), Hand Sanitizer, Comb & Small Hand mirror, tissue wipes, sun screen etc.
Carry Personal medical kit and personal toiletries in a separate pouch.
Other essentials in your survival kit
1) Torch
2) Pocket Knife (Preferably Swiss Knife or equivalent)
3) Towel (light) and carry one cloth, useful for wiping dirt.
4) Small Plate & Mug
5) Thread and Needle (Carry one large needle and one small needle)
6) Walking Cane (should be 65% to 70% of your height – strong and light)
7) Emergency money (Rs.500/- per head)
8) 3 meter x 3 meter lite plastic sheet or carry an old news paper (will be available in any hardware store) or local market
10) Carry a note pad and two ball pens for your diary writing.
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.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Trek-Safari to Ladakh
Nature Knights Expedition to Ladakh (A Place like no other in the world)
If one were to select top 10 destinations for trekking, safari and adventure; or select top 10 destinations to visit I think Ladakh would definitely stand at the top next to none.
Nature Knights has chosen Ladakh as a destination for its top most adventure event for this year.
The Event will be in two phases; you can select any one or be with us right through for an experience of your life time.
The expedition in broken into 2 phases keeping in mind that there may be two types of people who would like to go to Ladakh. Phase I is for Ones who likes going in for safaris; and Phase II is for those who would like to explore the land mostly on foot and less on Jeep.
Our adventure will involve Himalayan Jeep Safaris going mountain passes over 18,000 feet above sea level, Trekking, Jungle trails in National Park (Hemis National Park among UNESCO List) where the snow leopard is resident amongst other exotic wild life. Exploration of culture of unique and beautiful Ladakhi People (Their Homes, Food, Monasteries, Palaces, markets and more)
Keep in close touch with us as we unfold page by page of our adventure plans and for the brave join in for the adventure of life time.
Phase I
Himalayan Safari at Ladakh:
Duration – 14 to 15 Days (Mumbai to Mumbai), One way flight
Starting – Around (July 13 2008 Ex. Mumbai)
Locations covered - LAMAYURU
LEH – KHARDUNG LA (18,380 FEET) – THIKSEY – HEMIS INDUS – SURAJ TAL – BARALACHA LA – SARCHU RIVER LACHULANG – MORE PLAINS – TANGLANG LA (17,500 FEET)
Locations covers – PAN GONG Lake (Viability to be checked for the lake).
Trekking in Ladakh (Phase II)
Total Duration (15 Days – Mumbai to Mumbai), Including one way flight.
Nature Knights has scheduled a trek in Ladakh towards July 2008 end.
LEH - 2 days at Leh to get Acclimatized, also explore some lights walks, site seeing around LEH.
Trek Route
Spituk – Zingchan – Rumbak - Stok-La-Campsite - Stok
Trek Duration 5 days
Day 1:
Spituk – Zincgchan
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate to Easy
Day 2:
Zingchan – Rumbak
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate
Day 3:
Explore Hemis National Park from Rumbak
Level - Easy
Day 4:
Rumbak – Stok La – Campsite
Time 5 hours
Level – Tough
(Stok La is 4900 m Pass)
Day 5:
Campsite to Stok
Time 4 hours
Level - Easy
Back to Leh
Camp Fee – Will be announced by March 31, 2008. (Booking Amount Rs.8,000/-).
Booking Closes April 5, 2008.
Camp Fee will be budgeted to include -
One Way Flight
Railway Transport by IInd sleeper to and from Bombay, both ways
Safari (road travel) and Sight Seeing in and around Leh by jeeps or mini bus
Accommodation on sharing basis in Tents and clean, decent Guest Houses with attached bath.
Meals: vegetarian/non-vegetarian locally available food with fixed menu
Important Note:
Please do not be late for bookings. Confirmed railway reservations may not be available for persons booking late.
For inquiries SMS (and we will call back) or email us.
Only Genuine persons interested in the camp may call up for details.
Call for more details:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh - 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com
Please keep posted at:
www.natureknights.com
The details will be put up here shortly.
If one were to select top 10 destinations for trekking, safari and adventure; or select top 10 destinations to visit I think Ladakh would definitely stand at the top next to none.
Nature Knights has chosen Ladakh as a destination for its top most adventure event for this year.
The Event will be in two phases; you can select any one or be with us right through for an experience of your life time.
The expedition in broken into 2 phases keeping in mind that there may be two types of people who would like to go to Ladakh. Phase I is for Ones who likes going in for safaris; and Phase II is for those who would like to explore the land mostly on foot and less on Jeep.
Our adventure will involve Himalayan Jeep Safaris going mountain passes over 18,000 feet above sea level, Trekking, Jungle trails in National Park (Hemis National Park among UNESCO List) where the snow leopard is resident amongst other exotic wild life. Exploration of culture of unique and beautiful Ladakhi People (Their Homes, Food, Monasteries, Palaces, markets and more)
Keep in close touch with us as we unfold page by page of our adventure plans and for the brave join in for the adventure of life time.
Phase I
Himalayan Safari at Ladakh:
Duration – 14 to 15 Days (Mumbai to Mumbai), One way flight
Starting – Around (July 13 2008 Ex. Mumbai)
Locations covered - LAMAYURU
LEH – KHARDUNG LA (18,380 FEET) – THIKSEY – HEMIS INDUS – SURAJ TAL – BARALACHA LA – SARCHU RIVER LACHULANG – MORE PLAINS – TANGLANG LA (17,500 FEET)
Locations covers – PAN GONG Lake (Viability to be checked for the lake).
Trekking in Ladakh (Phase II)
Total Duration (15 Days – Mumbai to Mumbai), Including one way flight.
Nature Knights has scheduled a trek in Ladakh towards July 2008 end.
LEH - 2 days at Leh to get Acclimatized, also explore some lights walks, site seeing around LEH.
Trek Route
Spituk – Zingchan – Rumbak - Stok-La-Campsite - Stok
Trek Duration 5 days
Day 1:
Spituk – Zincgchan
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate to Easy
Day 2:
Zingchan – Rumbak
Time 5 hours
Level – Moderate
Day 3:
Explore Hemis National Park from Rumbak
Level - Easy
Day 4:
Rumbak – Stok La – Campsite
Time 5 hours
Level – Tough
(Stok La is 4900 m Pass)
Day 5:
Campsite to Stok
Time 4 hours
Level - Easy
Back to Leh
Camp Fee – Will be announced by March 31, 2008. (Booking Amount Rs.8,000/-).
Booking Closes April 5, 2008.
Camp Fee will be budgeted to include -
One Way Flight
Railway Transport by IInd sleeper to and from Bombay, both ways
Safari (road travel) and Sight Seeing in and around Leh by jeeps or mini bus
Accommodation on sharing basis in Tents and clean, decent Guest Houses with attached bath.
Meals: vegetarian/non-vegetarian locally available food with fixed menu
Important Note:
Please do not be late for bookings. Confirmed railway reservations may not be available for persons booking late.
For inquiries SMS (and we will call back) or email us.
Only Genuine persons interested in the camp may call up for details.
Call for more details:
M. Asif – 9821081566
Dnyanesh - 9820834622
Email: natureknights@yahoo.com
Please keep posted at:
www.natureknights.com
The details will be put up here shortly.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Trek to Torna Fort
Adventure trek to Torna Fort – Feb. 16-17 2008, (Starting 15th night – Ex.Mumbai)
Tentative Schedule:
Ex-Mumbai – Starting on Feb 15, 2008 (Friday night) after dinner.
Borivali (9 pm)
Andheri (9:30 pm)
Chembur (10:30 pm)
Ex-Pune (Swarget – ST Bus Depot) – Starting on 16th early morning 5:30 am.
We will be starting back from Welhe on Feb 17, 2008 at around 3 pm.
Pune to Mumbai (We target to catch Volvo of around 7 pm).
I was always fascinated by our history especially reading about Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the adventures of Marathas; their Guerilla strategy for warfare and the amazing mountain forts of Maharashtra; almost 400 of them. I don’t know any other place in the world where you will find so many forts concentrated in a geographical area of similar size.
A trek to these forts takes you on a Time Travel Adventure; a weekend trek to one of these forts may be worth 100 man days of reading an interesting history topic. Let’s open our mind and let the imagination run free; let your thoughts travel faster than light; let your eyes pickup the pieces of historic fossils and watch amazing frames of history and culture with every twist of kaleidoscope in your mind.
A wise man once said picture is worth a thousand words and a wiser man says a real life experience is worth thousands pictures. It’s not surprising all wise men agree the slogan “travel makes one wiser”.
So ladies and gentlemen Nature Knights is on its way on another adventure trek. A time travel adventure to the first chapter of “Lords of the Guerilla Warfare”. The chapter written at Torna fort.
Without revealing too much detail; here is few things you can check out Torna. This was the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj after he vowed for swaraj at Raireshwar. Torna lies around 65 kms from Pune. Torna gives a very beautiful view of some of the big and important forts like Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Raigad. It has certain interesting Darwaja’s the Konkan Darwaja; The Machis Budla Machi and the Zunjar Machi and number of interesting temples; not to forget the amazing landscapes all around the fort and most important there is plenty of history to experience; let’s see if any of us can share the same over the camp fire besides the melodious and not so melodious songs.
Accomodation:
There is option of living in temple provided we get the bookings if not; then not to worry as we will be caring portable tents with us.
How to reach there from Ex-Pune:
From Pune your have to board State Transport bus from Swarget for destination Welhe village. It takes around two hours of yeS Tee Bus travel from Swarget (via Katraj Ghat ) to reach the base village (Welhe) of Torna Fort. Around 30 minutes of formalities at base village; take another two and half hour trekking time to reach the top of the fort.
For details check
www.natureknights.com
Tentative Schedule:
Ex-Mumbai – Starting on Feb 15, 2008 (Friday night) after dinner.
Borivali (9 pm)
Andheri (9:30 pm)
Chembur (10:30 pm)
Ex-Pune (Swarget – ST Bus Depot) – Starting on 16th early morning 5:30 am.
We will be starting back from Welhe on Feb 17, 2008 at around 3 pm.
Pune to Mumbai (We target to catch Volvo of around 7 pm).
I was always fascinated by our history especially reading about Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the adventures of Marathas; their Guerilla strategy for warfare and the amazing mountain forts of Maharashtra; almost 400 of them. I don’t know any other place in the world where you will find so many forts concentrated in a geographical area of similar size.
A trek to these forts takes you on a Time Travel Adventure; a weekend trek to one of these forts may be worth 100 man days of reading an interesting history topic. Let’s open our mind and let the imagination run free; let your thoughts travel faster than light; let your eyes pickup the pieces of historic fossils and watch amazing frames of history and culture with every twist of kaleidoscope in your mind.
A wise man once said picture is worth a thousand words and a wiser man says a real life experience is worth thousands pictures. It’s not surprising all wise men agree the slogan “travel makes one wiser”.
So ladies and gentlemen Nature Knights is on its way on another adventure trek. A time travel adventure to the first chapter of “Lords of the Guerilla Warfare”. The chapter written at Torna fort.
Without revealing too much detail; here is few things you can check out Torna. This was the first fort conquered by Shivaji Maharaj after he vowed for swaraj at Raireshwar. Torna lies around 65 kms from Pune. Torna gives a very beautiful view of some of the big and important forts like Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Raigad. It has certain interesting Darwaja’s the Konkan Darwaja; The Machis Budla Machi and the Zunjar Machi and number of interesting temples; not to forget the amazing landscapes all around the fort and most important there is plenty of history to experience; let’s see if any of us can share the same over the camp fire besides the melodious and not so melodious songs.
Accomodation:
There is option of living in temple provided we get the bookings if not; then not to worry as we will be caring portable tents with us.
How to reach there from Ex-Pune:
From Pune your have to board State Transport bus from Swarget for destination Welhe village. It takes around two hours of yeS Tee Bus travel from Swarget (via Katraj Ghat ) to reach the base village (Welhe) of Torna Fort. Around 30 minutes of formalities at base village; take another two and half hour trekking time to reach the top of the fort.
For details check
www.natureknights.com
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