Prabalmachi

Easy trek in countryside with gentle hill climb ending on a plateau having a birds eye view of the region on one side and; Kalavanting durg and Prabalgad fort hill in the backyard.  Prabalmachi is a small hamlet located on this plateau. One will also get to explore small forest; farms; village homes in and around this Hamlet.

Altitude: 1500 Feet above mean sea level

Experience Category: Trek easy grade climbing a hill plateau (around two hour ascend and two hours for  descend; plus time spend exploring the countryside).

Location: 20 KM from Panvel; just off the first exit from Mumbai-Pune Express Highway (Sedung Phata).

Best Season: Best season is Monsoon and Winter; but is good round the year.

Duration: One Day trip from Pune / Mumbai.

Who is for? Families with kids / Individuals interested in getting first time introduced to trekking with easy grade. 

Planned Schedule

Pick-up Points

6:30 am to 07:00 am Pickup (Along Highway Andheri - Vile Parle - Santacruz - Bandra -
Sion - Chembur - Vashi - Belapur)

8:30 am Mc Donald Near Entrance of Express Highway (Break)

Coffee / Tea Break

 9:30 am Arrival at Base Village

Start of Trek

11:00 am Expected time  to Reach Prabalmachi
Tea at Village / Order Lunch / Explore Village and Forest Near By

Village Lunch

Rest
3:00 pm Start our return Trek

5:00 pm Expected to reach back at Car Park

Return Journey 

Drop 

Custom Trip Fee Per Head with trek guides; village meal and transport.

Rs.1350/- per person. (Minimum billing for 6 persons upto 10 persons) - 1 Guide

Rs.1250/- per person. (Mnimum billing 11 persons to 24 persons) - 2 Guides

Rs.1100/- per person (Minimum billing 25 persons to 40 persons)

Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings

Trip Fee includes. 

Non-AC Private Transport

Rural Village Wholesome Veg Lunch and Tea/Snack

Trek Support / Program Management Overhead.

Commercial Terms and Exclusions Click Here for details

To design Custom trips with team games; adventure spots for groups kindly get in touch with Asif (whatsapp / sms : +91-9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net )

   

Kathingad Tung

A Short and steep Hill trek, Rural Countryside, Standing tall at over 3500 feet from mean sea level gives you a Magestic 360 degree view of mountains and forts around Pauna Lake

Planned Itinerary

Location: About 15 km from Lonavala

Route: Andheri – Sion – Chembur – Vashi – Panvel - Express Highway – Lonavala – INS Shivaji – Ghusalkhamb Village – Tung Village

Altitude: of Tung – 3526 feet from mean sea level; climb around 1200 feet.

Category: Moderate

Kathingad Trek Photos click here

Suggested Plan for Kathingad Trek 

6:00 am Andheri West, S.V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery opp. Brahmakumari Hospital, Outside Bus Depot
6:15 am Valoka Junction (Santacruz East) / Bandra, Kalanagar Junction (Bandra East), Near exit of Sky Walk
6:20 am Outside Sion Station
6:30 am Chembur (Opp. Akbar Allis Departmental Stores)
6:45 am Vashi, Highway and station Road Cross Junction, Near Volvo Bus pickup point

Reporting at Lonavala 8:30 (Kumar Resort)

Breakfast at base village

Suggested Schedule for custom treks:

Pickup Points:

6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune around 6 am.

8:30 am Arrival at Lonavala (breakfast at Lonavala)

9:30 am expected arrival at Base of Tung Fort (Introduction / Induction at base of Tung Fort).

Trek to Tung

4:15 pm expected back at base village (carry packed lunch for the trek).

If you wish to be back to Lonavala for lunch then start the trek latest by around 7:30 am.

Trip Fee: for Fixed Schedule Trek

Rs.1450/- per person 

(Includes Travel Ex. Mumbai/Ex. Lonavala, Breakfast, Evening Tea/ Coffee/ Biscuits, Trek Lead and Support, First Aid and Safety Kit).

Custom Trip Fee: 

Rs.1650/- per person. (Minimum billing for 5 persons) - 1 MUV or Car and 1-Guide

Rs.1550/- per person. (Minimum billing 7 persons to 12 persons) - Winger or Tempo Traveller -  1- Guide

Rs.1450/- per person (Minimum billing 13 persons to 20 persons) - Tempo Traveller or Mini Bus. - 2 Guides.

Rs.550/- discount for person who will organise their own transport. In this case our guide with travel with the customer from Mumbai / Pune or meet them at Lonavala/Kamshet. 

Note: Our guide/s will travel with the guest from Mumbai.

Road tolls; parking toll; forest entry tolls if applicable will be borne by customer.

Transport is from Point-to-Point as per planned tour only. 
Timings for transport is between 6 am to 11 pm. 

Exclusions:

Food is not included, Bottled Water or other beverages other than mentioned above not included, Tips not include.

Anything that is not included is excluded.

To design Custom trips for large group of over 20 persons or more kindly get in touch with Asif (call / sms : 9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net )

Commercial Terms:

All bookings against 100% advance, we have to manage all arrangements to create a good experience for you and your group.

cancellation policy with respect to your date of booking:

25% deduction of total camp fee booking amount for cancellation done before 21 days

50% deduction of total camp fee booking amount for cancellation done before 5 days 

No refund for an cancellation done in last 4 days before your event.

Kathingad the trek

Kathin means difficult in Marathi; so the fort Kathingad may have been difficult to conquer. The patch we take is short but narrow and steep at times.   Monsoon challenges with slippery rocks; gushing winds and occasional cover of cloud. The gifts of conquest are plenty; the stage is set for adventure.

The fort is conical and has steep climbs with a very narrow route on the edge of the mountain throughout. From Pawana dam, reaching this fort requires a 400-metre climb.

Kathin Gad Stands tall on the landscape of Pauna Lake; This sharp Conical Peak and a prominent Landmark is surrounded from three sides by waters of Pauna Lake.

Once upon a time trekkers to approach the base of the fort used to ferry across to Tungi Village. Here a steep but short climb on grassy slopes leads you to a temple. A rocky staircase leads a few feet down to a water reservoir. The summit is a grassy pinnacle with a ruined temple.

We will be approaching this fort from Ghushalgaon (on Lonavala-Ambavne road) to Tungi.
One can also approach this fort from Malawali railway station (about 12 km from here) we generally approach this fort from Lonavala.
From Lonavala, one can reach the base village Tungwadi around 20 km via Bushy Dam-INS Shivaji-Peth Shahapur-Tungwadi. From Tungwadi village, reaching this fort requires about a 300-metre climb.

Kathing Gad (Tung Fort) has an elevation of 1075 m above sea level. An exploring traveler can also find a local ferry that can be boarded from Pawna dam to its base village, Tungi.
This summit of fort has a 360 Degree view of the surrounding area giving a brilliant view of Pauna Lake, Loh Gad, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort,  Koraigad Fort, Dukes Nose, Jambuli hill, Devgad etc.

Its sharp, conical peak makes Tung Fort a prominent landmark, even from a distance. It has an oval shape, thick walls and numerous bastions. A steep climb on grassy slopes leads to the ruins of a temple at the summit. A rocky staircase leads several feet down to a water reservoir. From the top of the fort, the Tikona, Lohagad, Visapur, and Korigad forts are clearly visible.

History

Tung Fort was built before 1600 CE. It was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty but was captured by Shivaji. It is small, and not able to hold more than 200 troops at a time. As such, it would not have been able to defend itself on its own for a long time. Its shape and structure suggest that its main function was as a watchtower guarding the road to Pune city. The Dhamale family, one of the Deshmukh from the Maval region, was charged with ensuring the security of Tung Fort. During invasion, it served to provide a temporary distraction for invaders. Thus, the major forts of Visapur and Lohagad would have time to prepare themselves to meet the invading army. This fort served as a watchtower in the past because from top of the fort, a lot of area in the Maval region of the Pawana and Mulshi valleys can be seen, and thus, from the top of the fort, a watch on these areas can be kept.

  
Near by experiences: (Be a exploring traveler)

Lonavala is a good place to have your breakfast before you head for Lohgad for a trek and during evening try famous Chikki and Fudge at Lonavala market.

A drive from lonavala towards Ambi Valley (just few minutes drive from here) will bring you across Lion Head Point of Tiger Valley that has an enchanting view from an altitude of over 3000 feet.

Driving further towards Khandala on the way back one can also stop over at Rajmachi View, to get a glimse of Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan and Manranjan)

Exploring further away

Lohgad Boat club with Farm House Dhaba on banks of Pauna Lake is a cool experience to explore. Lohgad boat club is around 20 km from base village of Kathingad. One can get  a magestic view of Kathingad from this boat club.

One can also drive on the other side of the hill to explore ancient Bhaja and Karla Caves.

Lohagad

Trek to the Iron Fortress of Maharashtra - Lohgad

Grade: Easy.
Treks for the Summers and Monsoon..

Altitude: 3450 feet above mean sea level.

A trek back in time machine to a period of Satavahana, one of the well preserved forts of maharashtra dating back to 30 BC. Explore the Iron Fortress of Maharashtra.

Altitude: 3000 Feet above mean sea level

Experience Category: Trek easy grade climbing a hill fort (around one hour to one and half hour climb; less than one hour to descend; plus time spend exploring the fort).

Location: Approximately 12 KM from Lonavala just of Lonavala - Pauna lake Road.

Best Season: Round the year.

Duration: One Day trip from Pune / Mumbai.

Who is for? Families with kids / Individuals interested in getting first time introduced to trekking with easy grade. 

Planned schedule for November 5, 2016

6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune by your own car/volvo/train/ST/Share cab
9:00 am Reporting time at Lonavala - Meeting point near Shivaji Statue near Lonavala Police Station, Main bazar road, 5 minutes walk from Lonavala railway station.
9:15 am Start for base village of Lohgad (30 minutes drive).
10:00 am Lohgad trek.. 1 hour to reach the summit
1 to 2 hours exploring the fort
12:30 pm start our descent from fort
01:30 pm start back from base village for Lonavala
02:00 pm Lunch at Lonavala, near Shivaji statue
Explore Lonavala market.. end of trek..

Trek fee:
Rs.800/- per person. (Rs.200/- discount for those who are travelling by their own transport till base village).

Includes: Travel from Lonavala to base village and back; Lunch at Lonavala; Trek management and guide; first aid; safety rope.

Excludes:
Travel from Pune/Mumbai to Lonavala.
For return trip travel from Mumbai to Lonavala by volvo add Rs.1,000/- extra. (valid only if you payment for trek and bus tickets are done in advance on or before October 20, 2016).
anything that is not included is excluded.
cancellation terms are applicable.


Click here for registration / bank details

Click here for other scheduled treks/camps/road trips/travel 

Click here for One Day Trek Checklist 

Experiences:

Easy Trek, Ancient Fort Exploration and Exploring Rural Countryside.

Scroll down to know more about Lohgad and places around Lonavala.. also if you would like to plan a custom trek for a group.





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Planned Schedule for custom trem:

Reporting at Lonavala 8:30 - 9:00 am
Departure to Lohgad by Local Transport (Van or Jeep)
09:30 am to 01:30 pm Trek to Lohgad and Exploring the Lohgad fort
01:30 pm Drop at Lonavala

Can also be done Noon to Evening Trek..
Start the descend post sunset.. ideal setting.


Rs.650/- per person. (Minimum billing for 6 persons to 10 persons) - 1 Guide Guides
Rs.550/- per person. (Minimum billing 11 persons to 25 persons) - 2 Trek Guides
Rs.450/- per person (Minimum billing 26 persons to 40 persons) - 3 Trek Guides

Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings

Cost year 2015 includes:
Trek Support, Guide, and first aid.

Extra costs:
Transport by Non-AC transport from Lonavala to Base Village and Base Village back to Lonavala 
Per Non AC Vehicle cost -  Maruti Wan / Car Rs.2,000/- , Sumo - Rs.2400/-, 
Village Lunch: Rs.200/- per person. (veg).
Village Breakfast: Rs.75/- per person. (veg).


Commercial Terms / Cancellation Policy for One Day Trek Click Here

For transport cost (Ex. Mumbai / Ex. Lonavala) click here

Village food can be organised for an additional cost on advance notice:
Lunch Rs.300/- per person.
Breakfast Rs.100/- per person.

About Lohaghad Fort

One of the better preserved forts of the region it retains most of its medieval distinctive defense features and some of the spirit and gloss of its past grandeur. Must have been built during the reign of the Satavahana Empire (30 BC to 200 AD ) or possibly even before that.

The fort has 4 successive entrances or Darwajas, the Ganesh Darwaja, the Narayan Darwaja, the Hanuman Darwaja and the Maha Darwaja. All the doors are still quite strong and are located on the serpentine ascent of the fort. The hanuman darwaja is the oldest of the quartet The remaining three doors were built by Nana Phadnavis, The space between the second and the third door contains some cellars used as granaries. On entering the Maha Darwaja there is a structure that houses some tombs. Further along the fortification is a spacious rock cut cave called the Lomesh Rishi Cave.

Many water tanks dot the area one with a natural spring in it containing fresh clean water. A Mahadev temple adjacent to which is a tank with steps descending to the water. A narrow spur of the fort stretches westwards in sweeping curves both sides are girded with fortification and the westernmost tip is guarded with a bastion. The spur seems worthy of its name ‘ Vinchu-Kata’ (the scorpion’s sting) From here one can descend to the ‘Gai - Khind’ a col and head towards Visapur.

Lohagad is 3400 feet high and is very wide spread fort.

Located about 52 km from Pune, around 15 km from Lonavala and approximately 115 km from Mumbai.

More information on Lohgad

From Mumbai, you can take a train to Lonavla. Malavli is the next station from Lonavla in the direction towards Pune, you can take a local train from Lonavala or Pune to reach here. 

From the Malavli railway station, the fort is hardly 9 km away. Vehicles can reach the foot of the hill. From there, which is near a village called Lohagadwadi, there are steps to the fort, numbering approximately 500.

However, people can also walk all the way to the fort. Bhaja Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon season. It is a simple and easy trek and the distance from Malavli station to Bhaje gaav takes about 20 min. The distance between Malavli and Lohagadwadi can be covered in around 2-2.5 hrs. The trekking route becomes mucky when it rains and trekkers will have difficulty walking to the fort. The walk is very enjoyable, especially the picturesque scenery, lush green grass, cool mountain air, and the pleasant salubrious climate. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in these hills. There is a way to reach by road. There are two different routes to reach the base of Lohgad by car.

For people traveling from Mumbai, the route is via Lonavala. If starting from Pune, take old Mumbai Pune highway. Just after you cross the toll plaza before lonavala, keep to your left until you cross “Manshakti”. There is a Y-type left turn just after “Manshakti”. Take that left and drive for another 200 odd meters to take the very first left again. You are on the way to lohgad after crossing the place called “Bhangarwadi” from where it is just 8–10 km. If you come across a railway crossing and Mumbai-Pune highway twice, you are on right track. You are on way to Paud, continue until you reach “Dudhiware Khind”. Just before it, take a left for Lohgad. From there it is around 4 km max. The road ahead is very steep with couple of sharp turns, but safe.

For people traveling from Pune city, the route is via Chandani chowk, Pirangut and Paud. After reaching Paud, take a right and drive for around 40-odd km. Just after you cross “Dudhiware Khind” you will reach the same place. Take a right for Lohgad base.

It is a tar road and you can comfortably reach the “Paytha”. It’s a wonderful place and should be tried in between mid August to mid September, when you can still have rain but the intensity diminishes.

When it rains, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet. It is advisable to carry protective gear during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). Further, food is not easily available on the route. Most of the food stalls sell water, poha, tea/coffee, snacks, and soft drinks.

A panoramic view of the Pawna dam can be seen from the fort.

Near by experiences: (Be a exploring traveler)

Lohgad Boat club with Farm House Dhaba on banks of Pauna Lake is a cool experience to explore.

One can also drive on the other side of the hill to explore ancient Bhaja and Karla Caves.

Option only for good trekkers can try climbing Visapur fort the twin fortress next to Lohgad fort.

Lonavala is a good place to have your breakfast before you head for Lohgad for a trek and during evening try famous Chikki and Fudge at Lonavala market.

A drive from lonavala towards Ambi Valley will bring you across Lion Head Point of Tiger Valley that has an enchanting view from an altitude of over 3000 feet.

Driving further towards Khandala on the way back one can also stop over at Rajmachi View, to get a glimse of Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan and Manranjan)

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

Also check the following links:
Few camping options in Maharashtra Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here​
Team Building Program - Click here
​Some of our credentials - click here
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Tikona

Trek Category: Easy to Moderate

Next Schedule Trek Date: July 3rd, 2016.

Hanging high dauntingly at 3500 above mean sea level There is lots of archaeological treasures yet to be discovered in this Pyramid mountain fort that promises lot of adventures and surprises as one climbs up till the summit.

Experiences: Nice Road Trip along the approach road while reaching the base village (view of mountains; valleys and lakes); Hill Climb, Exploring Fort, the summit has a great 360 degree view of the surrounding region.

Grade: Moderate

Altitude: 3500 Feet

Location: 20 KM from Lonavala and 60 KM from Pune.

Season: Round the Year (Magical in Monsoon)..

Follow Asif's board Nature Knights - Tikona Fort on Pinterest.

The main ridge connecting Tikona Man Entrance

Celebrating after Bale Killa Conquest

Suggested Planned Schedule: (July 3rd, 2016)

Start time for travellers from Mumbai 5:45 am
Pickup points:
6:00 am Andheri West (Opp. Merwans bakery, SV Road, 5 minutes walk from station; opp. Bhrahmakumari Hospital)
6:00 am Andheri East, Near Bislery factory, Western Express Highway near Signal.
6:10 am Along highway (Vileparle; Santacruz and Bandra - Kalanagar Bus Stop).
6:20 am Sion Station.
6:40 am Chembur (After Diamond Garden Signal).
7:00 am Vashi (Junction of Station road and Highway).
7:30 am Mc Donald (at Junction of Express Highway; before Panvel)
8:15 am Arrival at Food Court.. Freshen up and Breakfast break
9:10 am Lonavala (near Kumar Resort) Highway
10:10 am Arrival at Base Village
 Start Trek to Tikona Fort
12:30 pm reach summit, explore fort
Carry Packed lunch / Snack for meal break at fort
02:30 pm Start return trek
04:30 pm Arrival back at base village
Return journey to Lonavala / Kamshet
Evening Tea/Coffee at Food Court 
9:00 pm Arrival back in Mumbai

Trip Fee: (July 3rd)

Rs.1200/- per head.
Includes
Trek Management
Safety Gear
Travel by private vehicle (Mumbai - Lonavala - Tikona Peth and Back)
Packed breakfast
Evening Tea / Biscuits 

Excludes
Meals 
Bottled Water

Checklist for Tikona Trip July 3rd, 2016

Loose comfortable clothes 
- Track pants or Leggings or Comfortable trousers
- T-Shirt (Dry fits preferred); or Comfortable shirts (full sleeves)
- Trekking Shoe or Tough Canvas Shoes
- Cap or Hat
- Rain Wear (Rain coat or Poncho). Small umbrella for people who like photography 
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water (in proper pet bottle - not disposable bottles) - 2 liters per head.
- Snack Bag (Dry Fruits; Chocolates; Sandwiches; Fruits; Salad item; anything easy to prepare and carry).
 - personal medical kit
- all items to be packed in backpack
Do not carry music system or any thing that makes sound.

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Checklist for one day treks

Payment Terms and Bookings Procedure

Cancellation Policy and Terms for Multi-day Trek/Trip Click here

Cancellation policy for one day trips/trek click here

Additional Cost applicable - click here to know more

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Overnight Camping with meals:  click here

Note: Our guide/s will travel with the guest from Mumbai.

Exclusions:

Bottled Water or other beverages other than mentioned above not included, Tips not include.

Anything that is not included is excluded.

To design Custom trips for large group kindly get in touch with us separately.

About Tikona Fort

Tikona  also known as Vitandgad is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune 20 km from Lonavala, around 120 km from Mumbai. The village nearest the fort is called Tikona-Peth or Tokono-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".

The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', a water tank and some Satvahan caves. The fort summit also has a commanding views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.  There is a small ponds and water reservoirs  at and near the summit.

Tikona Fort as seen from a distance - has Trigular shaped like Pyramid hence the name "Tikona"

How to reach there?

From Lonavala take left from Kumar Resort after Shivaji Putla at Lonavala follow Pawna Road after crossing Pawna Dam take the road on the right going towards Paud. The vehicle will climb ghat road to road till Tikona Peth (Base Village); take the village road going straight going towards the start of the trek. Lonavala to Tikona Petch (distance 20 km).

From Kamshej take Paud road, after Panna Nagar follow Paud Road till Tikona Peth. From Kamshej to Tikona Peth approximate distance 15 km.

View from Summit

History

Little is known about the origins of this fort. There is a Vihara on the fort datable to circa seventh-eight centuries A.D. Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657, Shivaji brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. This fort was a strategic nexus: the centre of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region. In 1660, Dhamale family one of the Deshmukh from Maval region was charged with ensuring the security of fort Tikona. Jaysingh invaded the region in 1665 and the local villages were by Dilerkhan but the forts held out. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughal warrior Kubadkhan, who had attacked the region together with Halal Khan and others, according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12 June 1665. Kubad D Khan took over the fort on 18 June but it was later recaptured by the Marathas.

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Tikona down hill during nigh trek

Climbing up the exposed steep stairs

One of the many secret caves at Tikona Fort

More picture

The Chakki

View from Tikona

Entrance to Bale Killa (The fort inside fort)