WSR Range Trek Rajgad to Torna on 05th & 06th March 2016

RAJGAD : literally meaning King of forts, Situated in the Pune district. Rajgad fort is 42 km to the south west of Pune city. Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the Maratha Kingdom (Hindavi Swarajya) ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years, after which he moved to Raigad fort and made that his capital.

The fort can be divided into four different parts based on geographical terrain and fortification. These are the three sub-plateaux (Machee) namely Padmavati Machee, Suvela Machee and Sanjeevani Machee, and the central volcanic plug called Balekilla (meaning "small fort" or "citadel").

Fascinating points on Rajgad fort:

Padmavati Machee (north end)

This machee is the site of Padmavati Temple, Padmavati Lake, Chor Darwaja, Pali Darwaja, Gunjavane Darwaja, Daru Kothar (storage of arms and ammunition), Diwankhana, Rajwada (ruins), Ghod Tale (Horse Lake), Sadar (office) and Dhalkathi (flag hoisting place)..It is also a site of Samadhi (Tomb) of King Shivaji's first wife, Saibai.

Sanjeevani Machee (southwest/west end)

The machee faces west and has a three-stepped (layered) fortified structure. Each of the lower levels is separated from the higher one by a fortified bastion with a gate that could be defended independently. The lowest level is fortified by double curtain walls (chilkhathi) separated by a deep trench, on average 12 feet across. One can walk between these walls. The outer wall has openings to let soldiers out for sudden attack.

Suvela Machee (south east)

This is another machee facing east with lots of secret routes and doorways. This one is a double-stepped fortified machee with the steps separated by a bastioned doorway. At the end of first step a hole cuts across the rock; one can sit on this hole (nedhe).

The final (lowest) step like Sanjeevani Machee is has a double curtain wall.

To the south side of this machee there is a triangular bastion called Kaleswari buruz having an escape door near it. The home of the renowned military leader Tanaji Malusare was in this machee.

Bale Killa (centre)

This is the highest part of the fort which has remains of palaces, water cisterns and caves. It has an entrance door called Mahadarwaja. One can view the whole fort and the vast surrounding expanse.

TORNA : The fort is also known as Prachandagad (huge fort), due to its massive size. In 1646, when Shivaji was 16, he launched his first military attack by capturing Torna fort, paving the way for the great empire. Many battles have been fought on this fort.

The fort is truly grand and stretches for couple of kilometers.

Fascinating points on Torna fort:

Goddess Toranjai: it is a simple temple where goddesses Somjai and Toranjai are worshiped. Ahead we can see the lakes toran and mhasoba.

Maal and Safeli Bastions: On the west of Kothji Darwaja are the bastion maal, and the latter one is to the south of the former. Near Safeli is the construction called lakadkhaana, where wood was stored. Here is the way to Kokan Darwaja and Budhla Machi.

Budhla Machi: In Marathi ‘budhla’ means vessel, and budhla machi looks like a vessel kept upside down. This cliff is a breathtaking spot on the fort.

Bini Darwaja: This is the main entrance to the fort from velhe and is situated to the northwest of the fort. The bastion on the left side has collapsed. The path ahead leads to the Kothi Darwaja.

Kothi Darwaja: Ascending the steps carved in the rock, we enter the Kothi Darwaja facing east. Here we come across some guard rooms. Way along the wall towards east takes us to the temple of goddess Toranjai.

Hanuman Bastion: This bastion is situated to the east of Kothi Darwaja. Here we can see the idol of hanuman facing south and a flag post. The way ahead leads to the bastion Bhel. Further eastwards we come to Zunjar Machi.

Temple of goddess Mengai: this is the only place on the fort where one can stay. It has two doors and the roof is stillin the needs of repairs. In front of the temple is a Deepmala.

Zunjar Machi: It is situated on the western side & a wonderful spot to see.

Trek Schedule:

Saturday, 05th March 2016

Meeting Point: 2.15am at Swargate.(Mumbai People please check below given train details to reach Pune station)

03:00 am: Will move to Gunjavane by local vehicle.

04:30 am: Start trek to Rajgad after introduction

06:30 am: On Padamavati Machi to witness Sunrise

07.00 am: Breakfast-Tea

08.00 am: Visit Rajagad Ballekia and Suvela Machi

11.00 am: Back to padmavati Machi temple.

11.30 am: Lunch rest till 4.00pm.

04.30 pm: Start for Sanjivani Machi and Torna.

06.00 pm: Watch Sunset from Sanjivani Machi and Start trek

06.30 pm: Start night Trek to Torna

Sunday, 06th March 2016

12.00 am: Reach Torna Base & night stay under stars. Keep counting.

05.00 am: Wake Up Call.

06.30 am: Budhala Machi for Sunrise.

07.30 am: Mengai Temple and Breakfast – Tea. Explore Torna till 09.00am

09.00 am: Desecnd Torna for Velha

12.00 pm: Velha and Lunch.

02.00 pm: With Lunch will move to Swargate

04.00 pm : Swargate/Pune Station.

Train Details with time for Mumbai Trekkers –

Train CST DADAR KALYAN PUNE

17411/Mahalaxmi Exp 08.23PM 08.33PM 09.21PM 12.10AM

12163/Dadar-Chennai - 08.30PM 09.05PM 12.05AM

22107/Latur Exp 09.00PM 09.13PM 09.51PM 12.30AM

11305/Solapur Exp 09.20PM 09.27PM 10.12PM 01.25AM

11005/Chalukya Exp - 09.30PM 10.11PM 01.00AM

12701/HusssainSagar Exp 09.50PM - 10.35PM 01.20AM

12115/Siddheshwar Exp 10.45PM 10.58PM 11.43PM 02.10AM

Payment Details:

To Confirm your registration please deposit Rs. 1600/- in the following.(Please specify your name or those who transfer on behalf of you & trek/Activity/Tour name-mandatory in SMS)..

Account Name: Mahadeo J Gadade

Bank : Axis Bank

Account Type - Saving.

Account No : 9130 1002 5541 263

IFSC Code: UTIB0000037

Branch : Pune Branch

For more Details Call/What’s App/SMS

Mahadeo – 9370080086

Deepak - 9819085757

Check List:

Compulsory items:

- Torch with extra batteries

- A proper two sided haversack to put all the things

- 3-4 liter water, spoon, bowl

- Bedding like shawl/Sleeping bag, mat (as we are going to have open space)

- Towel, some snacks,

- Should wear good trekking shoes, full sleeve shirt/T-shirt & Full Pant

- Carry your own medicine (if suggested by doctor) as we carry only First aid,

- Carry extra pair of cloths.

Non-compulsory items but helpful:

Cap, Sunglasses, Woolen Jacket, Camera , Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry, mosquito’s repellent, Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution.

(It’s totally self-responsibility to take care of things.)

Important Points to keep in mind:

1 The leader's decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.

2 Participants or Members are responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.

3 Please do not wear any jewelry.

4 Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, wherever you go, leave only your footprints and take back only memories.

5 Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the any events. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the event. NO REFUND will be provided.

Medical Disclaimer:

It is mandatory that you visit your personal physician before enrolling for the trip if you suffer from any illness of any kind and disclose the same and your medical history to the organizers of the trip so that best possible arrangements can be carried out post approval. As organizers of the trip, we will be responsible for providing basic first aid throughout the trip. In case of unexpected mishaps or accidents, we will arrange for the injured patron to be taken to the nearest medical hospital wherever possible. The medical expenses will have to be borne by the patrons themselves.

Photos