Monday, July 28, 2014

Dukes Nose Trek and Big Rappelling

Features: Rappelling from top of 800 feet monolith

Adventure Trek to Dukes Nose Summit

Optional: Extreme  Rappelling and Traversing..
One of the most Challenging Overhang Rappelling in Maharashtra.. Have a Taste of Real Adventure.


Feel The Adrenaline Rush..


Location: Dukes Nose (Near Khandala/ Lonavala)


Trek Grade: Grade Easy to Moderate
Rappelling Grade: Tough Rappelling and Traversing

Program summary:
Travel till base village; trek from base village to Dukes Nose Summit; Induction and instructions on basic technique for rappelling; Actual Rappelling Length 300 feet, adventure traversing on the edge of monolith, Trek from Base Village to Dukes Nose, Return Trek from Dukes Nose to Base Village..

Team Games near base village: 

Can you spot him..

Duration:
One Day.

Trip Fee for Trek / Meals / Local Transport: 
Call and ask

Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):
Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA
Account No.: 50200006370273
Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019
Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 
JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,
WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA


Trip fee includes: 
Transport (for Ex. Mumbai bookings)
Trek and Summit Climb
Dukes Nose Trek, Dukes Nose Rappelling and Traversing, Village Breakfast and Lunch
Tea and Bread/ Butter / Jam in Wild Chefs Session
note: All adventure sports require signing of disclaimers.

(Confirmed registration only against 100% advance payment).
Asif - 9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net )


Group size for trip: Minimum 25 paid participants.
Maximum Group size: 35 paid participants

How to reach Lonavala on your own?
From Mumbai - Take a Volvo, Train or ST and get down at Lonavala.
From Pune - Take a Volvo, Local Train

Planned Schedule for guidelines:
6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune
pickup points
8:00 am Lonavala near Kumar Resort
Breakfast
Trek from base village to Dukes Nose (a little over one hour).
Rappelling and Traversing
Evening after rappelling - Trek back to base village

Checklist:
Track pants; or leggings; or three-fourths; t-shirts (Preferably dry fits full sleeves); trekking or canvas shoe; cap or hat; sun glasses

Water (2 to 3 liters per head); Flash light
persons medical emergency kit (General Medical kit will be available with us)
lite snacks like chocolates; fruits; biscuits etc.
Carry everything in backpacks






More about Dukes Nose or Nagphani


A trekker's delight, Dukes Nose or Nagphani is a 800-foot monolith located in Khandala. Locally known as Nagphani  ( hood of the snake, as the cliff also resembles the hood of the snake), the British named it Duke's Nose after Duke of Wellington (his pointed nose resembled this cliff). One can reach the top of Dukes Nose in one and a half hours. There is a Mahadeva temple and large space on top of the rock.  This  is accessible from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village.




Cancellation Terms:

Cancellation less than 30 days before the date of event; 25% of the total fee.
Cancellation less than 15 days, Cancellation Charges 50% of the total camp fee.
Cancellation less than 7 days before date of event, Cancellation charges 75% of the total camp fee.
Cancellation less than 3 days before date of event, no refund no date transfers. 

For cancellation email your request to info@natureknights.net cc to asif@natureknights.net and natureknights@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Madap Waterfall Rappelling Trek



Click on the video above.. :) Enjoy the adventure.




Pickup Points

6:00 am Andheri West, Near Merwans Bakery
6:20 am Bandra (Kalanagar Junction Bus Stop)
6:30 am Sion Station
6:40 am Chembur Naka, Opp Kamat's Restarant
07:00 am Vashi (Junction of Station Road and Mumbai-Pune Highway)
07:45 am Mc Donald at entrance of Express Highway
08:30 am Arrival at base village
Breakfast near Base Village
Small Trek to the waterfall (60 minutes)
Waterfall Rappelling from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.
packed lunch will be provided
4:30 pm Start our trek back to base village
5:30 pm Tea with Snacks
6:00 pm Start back for Mumbai
8:30 / 9 pm Back in Mumbai


Cost:
Trek; Waterfall Rappelling; Safety Gear and Technical Support - Rs.850/- per head.
Veg Meals (Breakfast; Lunch and Evening Tea/Snack - Rs.450/- per head).
Travel Ex. Mumbai - Rs.750/- per head.
Travel Ex. Lonavala - Rs.500/- per head.

Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings

Batch Size - 25 to 40 per day. 

Registration with 100% advance mandatory.

Camp Fee includes travel by private transport; waterfall rappelling; introduction to basic rappelling and safety equipment's / procedures; easy trek (60 minutes one way); Breakfast (Maharashtra n Breakfast with Tea; Packed lunch prepared at Village Dhaba; Evening Tea and Snack).. 


The Sport: (Waterfall Rappelling / Canyoning )

Canyoneering is a brand new sport that's becoming very popular all over the world. Western Ghats have many waterfalls and flowing streams that offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy this sport. 

This unique, multi-sport adventure combines rappelling, down-climbing and river tracing in a deep valleys. Exploring trails following down the steep waterfalls is an adventure experience of a lifetime – go where very few have had the privilege to roam! Imagine yourself in the midst thick forest at the top of tropical waterfalls with surprises each step of the way.
Check list

Attire
Tights, leggings, or Track pants (avoid heavy jeans)
Full sleeves T-shirt (Dry fits), (you may carry spare change clothes)
Carry Spare Swimming trunks, light towel 
Rain wear (Poncho, or Short light Raincoat), Rain Cap or Hat
Regular Sun Cap or Hat
Hand Towel
Other mandatory items
Flash light with spare batteries
Water (2 liters per head)

Pack all items in double plastic bags before packing it in your backpack or ruck sack
Pack everything in your backpack properly. Light items on top and bottom side of bag, heavy item towards center and towards your shoulder and body. Use compression straps to tighten the bag from all sides so that items inside the bag do not keep shifting.

Optional items
Comb and pocket mirror
personal medical kit
Mosquito repellent
Camera

Eco-Adventure Code
We strongly believe in traveling in small groups, and follow the principle leave only footprints and take only memories.

Important Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs not allowed in during adventure sports.



Connect at asif@natureknights.net / 9619182010


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Thoseghar

Thoseghar
Location: 20 km from Satara city.
Best time to visit : July to November.
WHAT TO SEE?
Thoseghar Waterfall.
Chalkewadi Wind Mills Project (short distance from Thoseghar).
Nature, Lakes, Other smaller waterfalls, few nice places to eat.


A 20 km drive from Satara city towards beginning of Konkan takes you to a heart stopping majestic site of a 1000 feet waterfall called Thoseghar it is named after its village. Thousands of people come from all over Maharashtra to visit this place during monsoon. You will experience the heavy rain fall here.
You can get a very clear view of this falls from the a newly constructed Platform to stand. For the adventurous ones can enter in the Valley and see where exactly the water falls except the Rainy season (due to heavy rainfall).This place is full of Natural beauty and pleasant climate to experience this you need to visit Thoseghar in Rainy season.
There are some hotels where you can enjoy a food(especially Non-veg) after enjoying the mighty of water fall.
Thoseghar waterfalls breaks the calmness of the surrounding with a loud roar as it falls down over a 1000 feet. Besides waterfalls this region also has a clean lake, dark woods and highly hilly region. You can enjoy various small waterfalls here which are about 15-20 meters high and one of around 500 meters high.
Thoseghar is really a wonderful place where you can enjoy the beauty of the nature. The best season to visit Thoseghar and enjoy is between July to 
November.




HOW TO REACH?
You can reach Thoseghar with state transport buses or via your own vehicle. The road direction and milestones direct the way to Thoseghar. On the way to Thoseghar you will see Parali dam and Sajjangad.
 The route to Thoseghar from Satara was very scenic (even in September). The road goes along the edge of the cliff giving you wonderful views all along the way.
You have to climb down a short distance before you reach the view point from where you will be able to see the thoseghar falls. The walk is short, So, the best time would be right in the middle of the monsoon.
Near thoseghar, the Chalkewadi windmill farms is an interesting place to see around Thoseghar, but no one never realised that the whole area would be infested with huge, realluhuhe windmills. Easily, the biggest ever seen, you can see hundreds of them all over the hills. The windmills were much bigger than what we thought would be.


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Trek for a Cause

Event Date: August 24th, 2014




Today.. 
Celebrate a day with nature and contribute to a cause

Enjoy the magical spell of nature as the rich forest soaks up the rains and transforms itself into its most beautiful avatar. Walk through gushing streams; climb slippery boulders; splash in waterfalls; have fun and adventure; and above all, CONTRIBUTE TO A CAUSE.

Trishul Learning Centre for less-privileged kids and Nature Knights invite you to the Sylonda trek in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai, on Sunday, August 24th, 2014.

All profits from this event will be used for funding Trishul Learning Centre and you will get tax benefits under Section 80G for your contribution.


Beneficiaries: Children at Joseph Patel Wadi, A slum at Andheri West, near Seven Bunglows, Versova. Attending Free Trishul Learning Center.

(All profits from this event will be used for funding Trishul Learning Centre Project; Stationery; Art and Craft Material; Faculty Fee; Electricity for centre etc.)


Note: All participants will get 80G Receipts on their payments.

The Adventure Trek: The trek will take us through Sylonda Jungle trail crossing flowing streams. The trek will be escorted by trekking and wild life experts.


Trip Fee for a cause:
Adult Participant: Rs.1000/- per adult.
Student Participant (upto 16 years old): Rs.750/- per adult.
Sponsor 2 children from Trishul Learning Centre: Rs.1500/- (2 children)

=================

Scroll down for inclusions / exclusions / checklist etc.


The forest
The Park houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects, 40 species of mammals. In addition, the Park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles including crocodiles; monitor lizards; 9 species of amphibians and also 150 species of butterflies; and a large variety of fish.




The Cause
Trishul Learning Centre, a free learning centre for economically less privileged kids. Located at Josep Patel Wadi, Near 7 Bunglows, Versova Welfare School, Fisheries Road, Andheri West, Mumbai. Clickhere to know more about the project; click here to know moreabout Trishul NGO.





The trip fee includes:
80G Receipt for your donation
Certificate of participation and appreciation
Trek to Sylonda Trail (3rd stream)
Expert Support (Wild life and trek)
Hearty Breakfast at beginning of trek
Entry fee and permit at Sylonda Trail
Notebook and ball pen

Excludes:
Bottled water or beverages
Snack during trek
Any kind of Insurance policy
Entry fee or Parking fee to National Park
Parking ticket fee inside National Park if applicable
Un-utilized resources will not be refunded (no refund)

Trip Plan:
8:15 am meeting inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali East).
8:30 am Introduction / Induction
8:45 am Breakfast
9:30 am to 1:30 pm Sylonda Jungle Trek
3:30 pm Windup

What to carry and jungle code; what to carry; dos and don’ts:
Eco-sensitive tourism code to be strictly followed; leave only footsteps and take only memories
No littering; not causing any type of damage to forest.
No music players.
Attire: Track Pants / three fourth Pants with t-shirt (preferable full sleeves)
Rain wear (Poncho or Rain Coat); additional small umbrella for photographers)
Hand towel
Personal brunch bag.
Water bottle (Pet bottles or regular water bottles not disposable mineral water)
Carry all items kept in water proof sacks kept in protected backpack.

Optional:
Field Guide
Binoculars
Digital Camera

(Kindly carry enough precautions to protect all your electronic equipments from rain).

Coming Soon Easy Adventures at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Custom Adventures Customized to meet your needs: Jungle Treks, Nature Trails, Camping and Cycling Trips.


More about Sanjay Gandhi National Park



Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), previously Borivali National Park (BNP), is a National Park (Reserve Forest) in the northern part of suburban Mumbai city. It encompasses an area of 104 square kilometers (40 sq mi) and is surrounded on three sides by India's mega metro Mumbai. It is notable as one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world.

The rich flora and fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.  Inside heart of Park also lays the national heritage Kanheri Caves dating back to 2400 years, there are over a 100 caves sculpted out of the rocky cliffs which lie within the park.

The park is nestled in the hill ranges to the east of the suburb of Borivali. It occupies most of the northern suburbs. To the west lie the townships of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Dahisar. To the east lie the townships of Bhandup and Mulund. To the south lies the Aarey Milk Colony. The northern reaches of this forest lie in Thane city. The park and these areas surrounding it are all part of the Mumbai metropolitan area.

The park is a bustling forest, with an estimated 800 types of mauve. This flower is native to the park and the surrounding regions, including Karnala, the Yeoor hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon’s Film City. The park is also home to a small population of leopards.

Photo Albums of Sanjay Gandhi National Park


Monsoon-Majic-SJNP-june2010


Sylonda-Jungle-trek

Fews of the Nature Trails / Nature Treks in Forest from Borivali National Park Side.
Sylonda Trail (Going up-to 1st Stream, 2ndStream, 3rd Stream)
Highest Point of Mumbai or Jambul Trail. (Via Kanheri, Via Lower Hill Trail or Via Bamboo Hut Trail)
Bamboo Hut Trail

Lower View Point Trail (Gaumukh Point).
Census-in-SJNP


BNP-Jungle-Trek-Monsoon-2008




Macros


Silonda-Trail-March22-2009


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SGNP-July19-2011
Flora and fauna

The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the Park houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects, 40 species of mammals. In addition, the Park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles including crocodiles; monitor lizards; 9 species of amphibians and also 150 species of butterflies; and a large variety of fish.

Flora: Bamboo, Kadamba, teak, karanj, shisam, and species of acacia, ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton and a number of other varieties of flowers. Karvi or Karvy, a flowering plant that flowers once in seven years, can be found in the Park.

Karvi
The Karvi shrub, as it is locally called in the Marathi language, sometimes also spelled as Karvy in English, only blooms once in eight years in a mass flowering covering the forest floor in a lavender blush. It grows in abundance in the Western ghats hills near Mumbai including throughout the Sanjay Gandhi National Park as in other parts of its natural range. In Sanjay Gandhi National Park its latest bloomings took place in 2008, and it is scheduled to bloom here again in 2016. Termed by nature enthusiasts as 'nature's miracle' its maximum bloom can be seen on some of the inner paths and trails that lie undisturbed in the park. It survives best on vast slopy expanses on the hillsides with Kanheri caves area of the park being one of the best places to observe large areas of blooms.
In the state of Maharashtra, the mass flowering of Karvi has been observed to occur in Mumbai the same year as in the hill station of Khandala and one year earlier in Bhimashankar and Malshej Ghat, beyond Kalyan. Near Mumbai, the Karvi is also found in Karnala, the Yeoor hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon including Film City.

Fauna: The forest cover in the park helps provide the ideal habitat for many wild animals. Chital (or spotted deer), Rhesus Macaque and Bonnet Macaque are some of the wild mammals that can easily be spotted roaming inside the park. Other large mammals found in the park are: Black Naped or Indian Hare, Muntjac (Barking Deer), Porcupine, Asian Palm Civet, Chevrotain (Mouse Deer), Hanuman or grey langur, Indian Flying-fox, Sambar Deer and Leopard. One can also spot hyena or four-horned antelope.

Reptiles living here include: crocodiles in the Tulsi Lake, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, Russell's Vipers, Bamboo Pit Viper and Ceylonese Cat Snakes.
In 2003, pug marks and droppings of a Bengal tiger were found in the park. Although the tiger was never widely seen,  it did bring some excitement to city folks as records of tiger being found here are quite old and forgotten now with the last tiger being shot down 80 years earlier in the region. Conservation was also proposed for the interlinking habitat corridors and nearby wilderness areas in the state and upgrade their status as Tiger habitat.

Butterflies Total 172 species of butterflies has been reported here, of which the spectacular ones are Blue Mormon, the phenomenal artist of camouflage the Blue Oak leaf, the bright jezebels and Large Yellow and White Orange tips, Tigers, Egg flies and Sailers.

Avian-Fauna: Some of the birds one may see in the park are: Jungle Owlets, golden orioles, racket-tailed drongos, minivets, magpies, robins, hornbills, bulbuls, sunbirds, peacock, and woodpeckers. Migratory and local birds such as paradise flycatcher and various species of kingfishers, mynas, drongos, swifts, gulls, egrets, and herons have also been spotted.