Hey friends, here is a quick plan for a Bike Trek to Pratapgad and Raigad on 1st and 2nd Dec ’10. Planning for the same with a few friends of mine. And more mates interested in joining for the plan are always welcomed.
Little info about the fort.
Pratapgad
Type: Hill Fort
Height: 3556 feet
Grade: Easy
Endurance: Low
Range: Satara
Pratapgad is a large fort located in Satara district, built on a spur which overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar.
The fort can be divided into the lower fort and upper fort.The upper fort was built upon the crest of the hill. It is roughly square, 180m long on each side. It has several permanent buildings, including a temple to the god Mahadev. It is located at the northwest of the fort, and is surrounded by sheer cliffs with drops of up to 250m.The lower fort is around 320m long and 110m wide. It is located at the southeast of the fort, and is defended by towers and bastions ten to twelve metres high.
The Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan was fought below the rampants of this fort on November 10, 1659. This was the first major test of the fledgling kingdom's army, and set the stage of the establishment of the Maratha empire.
Raigad
Type: Hill
Fort Height: 2900 feet
Grade: EasyEndurance:
LowRange: Pune
Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 km away from Pune and serves as one of the major excursion of the city. The fort once served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha king, in the 1674. It was around this time only that Shivaji was crowned the King of a Marathi kingdom. Perched at an altitude of 1350 m (4530 ft) above sea level, Raigarh fort falls under the Sahyadri Mountain range of India.
The main structures inside the Raigad Fort, which today stands mostly in ruins, comprise of
Queen's Quarters, Public Durbar, Watch Towers, Darwazas (gateways), etc. The Queen's Quarters consist of six chambers in toto, meant for the queen and her attendants. The main place situated inside the fort was largely constructed out of wood. However, apart from its base, made up of pillars, hardly anything else remains. One can also be witness to the ruins of the three watch towers, which were once used to spot any threat from a distance.
The main entrance of the Raigarh Fort comprises of the Maha Darwaja, which is colossal and provided protection from the enemies. However, the king as well as his convoy used to move through the Palkhi Darwaja. The three dark and deep chambers, situated to right of the Palkhi Darwaja, are believed to have served as the granaries of the fort. One of the main attractions of the Raigad Fort is a magnificent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, sited opposite the ruins of the main market avenue. The samadhi (tomb) of Shivaji and his dog Waghya is situated near the avenue only.
The itinerary for the Trek is as given below:
1st Dec:
Meeting Point : Panvel station at 7.00 am sharp.
By 7.15 am, We start from Panvel >> Pen >> Wadkhal Naka >> Naghotne >> Mahad >> Poladpur (total 150 kms)
Breakfast at Poladpur and start towards Pratapgad.
Reach Pratapgad, ascend, Explore the fort, Lunch on the fort itself, explore till eveningDescend Pratapgad and Start Our Ride Backwards till Mahad (20 Kms) and then till Raigad Fort.
Ascend Fort (if time permits), Dinner at some Hotel and day off.
2nd Dec:
Sunrise, Explore the Fort, Breakfast, Lunch, etc till Sunset.
Start our Back Journey to Panvel (150 Kms). Reach Panvel by 10 Pm.
The Cost for the event:
>Trek Mates will pay for the food and accommodation of all the participants which will be equally divided among every member of the trek after the event.
>Rs. 100 extra will be added to the same (per person), considered as the administration charges for Trek mates.
>Petrol and Maintenance cost should be settled by the bike owner and the person accompanying him.
>In case, of a single rider, the petrol and maintenance charges has to be paid by him alone. (Trek Mates will provide info about a willing participant who can accompany you, and share the expenses. this depends on availability of such willing participants.)
Things To Be carried:
Identity proof (Must), Bike’s Legal Papers, Helmet (Must)
A bottle of water (Atleast 1 Ltrs),
TORCH with extra batteries (compulsory).
Towel, a napkin, Extra Pair of clothes,
2-3 papers, Bedding (can be used if Required)
Camera(Optional),
Cap, etc.
Medicine those if u require usually (Optional),
Good trekking shoes, extra pair of socks
Interested members, please contact on the nos. below for registration :
Nilesh Patil : 9967436211.
Registrations are done only by phone calls.
