MAHULI – a landscape taking right from the days or Malgudi Village of R. K. Narayan
The experience
Mahuli is a laid back village, a tiny wild life sanctuary and a gateway to Mahuli fort located few km away as you climb the off beaten hill path. Time stands still, it takes you back in times to a stage set 2000 years ago.
The only sign of modernisation is a lone electric cable and a narrow tar of a so called road, both of which terminates at our base camp.
The village looks older than the Malgudi village, but equally interesting. The Climb upto mahuli fort promises lots of romantic views of lush green trees, shrubs and wild flowers. I will not elaborate on describing the place more and spoil the surprise awaiting to be quenched.
Camp Fee: Rs.850/- (Rs.100 discount for members)
Includes transport (Private); Breakfast; Evening Tea and Village Supper (Julka Bhakar)
Carry your Lite lunch, snack and water (2 to 3 liters per head)
For registration click here
Date: December 13, 2009 - Sunday (One day trek)
Camp Schedule:
5:45 am – Andheri West Near S.V. Road, Outside Bus Depot near Merwans Bakery
6:10 am – Kalanagar Bus Stop (Bandra – Western Express Highway), near end of Sky walk
6:10 am – Sion Lunch home; around 50 meters from Sion station
6:25 am – Thane / Mulund toll naka (on eastern express highway); kindly wait on the Thane side.
Induction / Introduction during bus journey
8:30 am – Standard Breakfast on the way (South Indian Snacks and Tea/ Coffee)
9:30 am – Start of trek
We are expected to be back in Mumbai by 9pm
Minimum Number of Participants required:
10 participants
For queries / registration:
Drop an e-mail at info@natureknights.com cc to natureknights@yahoo.com / natureknights@gmail.com
More information about Mahuli fort (Courtesy Unny Radhakrishnan and Bindhu Unny)
Mahuli Fort. At 2815 ft., this is a sought after trekking destination.
Reaching there: Asangaon on Mumbai-Nashik highway (91) Kms from Mumbai. 5 kms inside on to the left is the Mahuli village. A temple and a humble home of Mataji Geetabharati is at the base. Temple dormitory and camp area can be reserved. Mataji provides authentic maharashtrian vegeterian food on advance information.
History: The creator of this fort is unknown. In 1485 this place came under rule Nijamshahi dynasty. When Shahaji Raje became the secretary of Nijamshahi, Mughals of Delhi tried to end Nijamshahi. In 1635-36, Shahaji Raje transferred himself with Jijabai and Shivaji to Mahuli. When Khan Jaman attacked the fort, Shahaji asked Portuguese for help, who refused and Shahaji surrendered.
Shivaji took this fort from Mughals on 8 Jan 1658. In 1661 it was given back and was won again by Shivaji. In treaty of Purandar, in 1665, Marathas lost these forts again. In Feb 1670, Shivaji Maharaj tried to conquer Mahuli, but failed, thanks to an alert Manohardas Gaud, who was the in charge of the fort. Thousand of Marathas were killed. Manohardas Gaud, soon gave up his position and Alveerdi Beg took over. On 16 June 1670, after two months, Moropant Pingle conquered the forts and Mahuli, Bhandargad and Palasgad became part of Swarajya. Till 1817, Shivaji's dynasty owned the fort and later by the Britishers.
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