Trek to Chanderi Caves (Monsoon) or till Chanderi Fort (Non Monsoon)
Base: Chinchavali Village (Region – Matheran Range), Nearest railway stations (Vangani and Badlapur).
Altitude: 800 meters (2330 feet) above mean sea level.
Category: Tough
Distance : 140 Kms approx from Pune(By Road), 80 kms from Mumbai
Route: Chinchavali is accessible from Vangani and Badlapur Railway Stations on Central line (You may hire an auto from the railway station).
One needs to cover a long distance from Vangni station (East). Exit Vangani station from back side (towards CST side). Walk the small road leading to the highway. Take an auto to reach Chinchavali. The trek route follows via Chinchavli village, which is at a distance of about 3 Km (15-20 minutes by Auto or 30 minutes walk).
If you are driving down take road to Badlapur from Kalyan and then to Chinchavali from Badlapur(E). From Pune take the old-Mumbai Highway till chowk, take a left and follow the Chowk-Karjat-Neral road which further goes to Badlapur, after Vangani, take left from the turn just after Hotel Chanderi
The trek starts with a easy walk going through farm houses, empty plots, small stream (it is almost a size of river during monsoon) and tons of slushy mud before you arrive at a small school. That is the starting point of the trek.
It is a mild walk in the beginning with gradual descent, if you are one of those adventurous exploring kind follow the markers laid out earlier by the various trekking groups solving the jigsaw puzzles sometimes going back and forth. This trek is known for trekkers losing their way. Or be smart hire professional trekking guide from an adventure company like “Offbeat Mandala” www.offbeatmandala.com . As you trek further the route becomes steeper and more challenging to climb especially during monsoon it is slippery at several places. But monsoon also brings out the best in Sahyadari range (name of Western Ghats in Maharashtra).
During the trek you will reach Y fork which showed two paths going two peaks, Chanderi on the left and Mahismaal on the right. A saddle (Cole) in the middle separates the two forts.
This place is generally considered as a first rest point by most trekkers. The real trekking adventure starts from here. The trail follows through the hillocks and shrubs, right to the Cole. Chanderi is known for its getting lost in the jungle so be ready for a Jungle Treasure Hunt. Not finding the trail is kind of expected phenomenon, so don't panic. And if u take a wrong turn, you will either find yourself amidst huge boulders or into a water stream!! Keep a look out for markers left behind by other trekkers at the same time it is wise to make your own markers so that you can trace back your route in case you are lost. Its also wise to make a mental note of prominent land marks; direction of sun with time; carry a local map if possible along with compass. Its fun to play an explorer.
After some scrambling, climbing, on occasion slipping you will finally reach the top at Chanderi Cave. During monsoon you should not go beyond this point. Take a break and replenish yourself by taking some rest, water and meal break. Soak yourself in the fresh atmosphere and enjoy view. This cave lies below a huge square massif. There is an old idol kept inside the cave. You can get a magnificent view of Peb, Matheran, Prabalgad, Irshalgad and Panvel region from here. Avoid going beyond the huge rocks n boulders as its very risky during monsoons.
The 300 ft. pinnacle is one of the favorite rock climbing spot for many budding climbers. Top of the fort can be reached from the back. Don’t attempt to climb the pinnacle during monsoon or without proper assistance of mountaineer team and equipment’s.
The descend is not tough, but can be bit slippery at places during monsoon.
Chanderi is a good trek during monsoon and winter.
Suggested planned trip:
Pickup Points:
5:30 am Andheri West, S.V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery opp. Brahmakumari Hospital, Outside Bus Depot
5:45 am Valoka Junction (Santacruz East) / Bandra, Kalanagar Junction (Bandra East), Near exit of Sky Walk
6:50 am Outside Sion Station
6:00 am Chembur (Opp. Akbar Allis Departmental Stores)
6:15 am Vashi, Highway and station Road Cross Junction, Near Volvo Bus pickup point
Breakfast on the way
7:00 am Take Packed Breakfast from Mc Donald (Cost to be borne by participants).
Introduction / Induction on arrival at base camp.
8:15 am arrival at base village, start the trek
12:30 pm arrival to Summit (Chanderi Caves).
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Explore and enjoy the summit.
2:00 pm start return trek to base village
4:30 pm reach Base village
Return journey
7:30 pm expected return time to Mumbai (Andheri).
Custom Trek Fee: Trek till Chanderi Caves.
Rs.2000/- per head (For of 5 persons) - with 1 Guide and 1 Vehicle.
Rs.1700/- per head (For group of 6 to 12) - 2 Guides and 1 Vehicle / Tempo.
Rs.1550/- per head (For a group of 13 to 25) - 2 to 3 Guides and 1 Mini Bus.
Rs.1300/- per head (For group 26 till 35) - 3 Guides and 1 Bus.
Cost includes:Dhaba Breakfast and Evening Tea/Snack at Village.Guide/s with safety gear and first aid.Private Transport (Ex. Mumbai to base village and Back).
Excludes:Lunch; WaterInsuranceAnything that is not included.Un-Utilized resources will not be refunded.
Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings
Click here to explore other options under the scheme - Plan your own Trek.
Suggested Planned Schedule: (Custom trek - backpacking style).
Buy your return tickets before boarding Karjat bound train
5:00 am / 5:45 am - Meeting at Ghatkopar Railway Station
Take first train towards Karjat (get down at Badlapur Station / Vangani Station)
Breakfast at / near railway Station
9:30 am - Trek to Chanderi Cave
2:00 pm Turning back time (irrespective of where you reach the Chanderi Cave or not)
Safety comes always first
4:30 pm Village Tea/Snacks at Chanderi Village
Return journey to station.Depart home from Station6:30 pm - Expected back at Badlapur Station
End of Trek
Checklist:
Carry your packed lunch, water and personal survival kit
Rain-wear; Trekking shoe; Spare floaters; flash light; snacks; spare socks; personal first aid kit
Cap or Hat
Keep all your belongings packed in waterproof double plastic bag before keeping in backpack
To know more about adventure travel check-list click here
More about Chanderi
Chanderi is a majestic massif, 800 metres (2,600 ft) high, that stands out as one approaches Vangani station on the way from Badlapur to Karjat by train. Joined to Chanderi by a column are a group of four pinnacles called Mhasmal.[clarification needed] The Chanderi-Mhasmal duo is very prominent and can be seen from far-away peaks in the Sahyadris.
Chanderi looks close from Vangani, but the better approach road to it is from Badlapur. From Badlapur Station hire an auto-rikshaw up to Chinchavali Wadi. From there you have a walk of about 45 minutes to the base of Chanderi Fort. To reach above takes about 2½ hours and to the summit takes another 45 minutes.
