“Walk, walk and walk ….”This was my definition of trekking, until I
experience my first trek to Rajmachi fort. I would always prefer an outing which
would rejuvenate my energy level (both physical & mental which drains out thanks
to busy Mumbai life) with nature and some fun. Hence decided to go for an
outing once monsoon begins in Mumbai.
2016 heat had become agonising and we all were waiting for rains. Well
our prayers were answered on 19th June where we all had our first rain
bath in worli sea-face.
Then came the plan for trip to lonavala, but one of our
friend (Neha) proposed trekking rather than picnic. Since final go was for an
outing we all decided to trek this time. (Frankly speaking I was not much keen
but thought of giving a tryJ)
Deciding a place was another challenge as all wanted to be little
easy and enjoy more. After exploring though google we all finalised Rajmachi
fort near Pune. After the destination next was the route as reaching rajmachi
has two ways, one through karjat and second though lonavala. Lonavala won the
battle and we all were set to go. 26th June 2016 was “The Day for the
first trek of my life with other 8 friends.
Food is major question while trekking as we all are JAINS (so no potato,
no onion).But all gals were ready to make food in the morning which could be carried
on top for eating. I found little vague but supported the experienced people.
So JAIN Poha, Upma, Maggi and moong chat was ready by 7am. We all started our
journey at 7.30am and before we took halt for a tea break (at our regular
lonavala food court) delicious Maggi was in our tummy J
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Tea Break |
Passing through Della’s we went ahead on our way to Rajmachi fort. We
had hired tavera, which we drove till vehicles were allowed. As frankly we had
checked in google that it takes 45-50 min climbing to reach rajmachi fort. Our actual walk, sorry trek started at around
9.30 am.
Gals and photos always goes hand on hand. And we were around 5
girls so clicks at every junction was obvious. Let me tell you the climate
was very pleasant and luckily it was not raining. So we took pics in all poses
with every possible background.
Suddenly we realised that its 11am and we have not yet reached half
the way. We asked people passing by and were amused to hear that trek is
actually not started. We need to reach one village which will be another hour
and then the fort. So in total we had another 2-3 hours more to reach the top.
All our phones were hijacked by kevel (my hubby) so that we could reach by at
least lunch time. No doubt in between he used to have some mercy on us and clicked
few pictures. J .
But still we were enjoying the trek with beautiful climate and fun with
our Kumar (one of our friend did not come but husband joined us).We had melody,
pulse toffy and khakara (Jain) breaks in between.
We were at village by 12.30 pm. truly speaking we all were exhausted
and tired. We could actually feel that trekking is not that easy and after the
village it was more difficult. We tried some short cuts to reach early. The
only mantra was to reach fast and have food…ha-ha yes we all were too hungry…..
With the naara of “Chale Chalo “we reached the top of Rajmachi Fort.
During childhood days had painted many sceneries with green and blue, but today
could live these colors completely. This part of nature was different. The cool
breeze made us feel energetic once again. The blue sky with drizzling water
took us to new horizon. The blanket of green grass was a feeling of motherly
earth. We were mesmerised by this atmosphere and wanted to capture every memory
to re-live again & again. It is said that hard works always pays, each
moment we spent on the top was incomparable to the hunger and tiredness.
We then ate our home-made lunch Upma & Poha with hot tea. We
started climbing down at 3 pm. And to add cherry on the ice-cream it started
raining. We all felt that now our monsoon trek is complete where we experienced
cool climate, with scenic beauty at the top, lots of memorable pics and now the
rains.
But rains added to one more adventure in this trek. It made the
muddy roads full wet and made our way difficult. Even the bikers who were
returning got stuck in the mud and were unable to get through the same. Our pace
reduced as we had to take baby steps in many patches in order to avoid any fortunes.
But as I said it was my first trek I had to experience everything, so I fell down
on that muddy slippery road having a good mud bath. Yuks but was fun J
The last half hour was fun as we had all sought of stupid jokes we
could think of. I had plan to stay there and have sanyas ...Guess what
everyone started having “Ghee bolvanu”i.e auction who will make me wear the
garland for this gesture. Trust me it was fun were the auction went to 1 lac.
checkout some nautanki pics...
Finally
we all could see our vehicle waiting for us at around 5.30 pm. Achievement of completing the trek could be felt on everyone's face. Especially
Bhautik ,who could manage complete trek without any tantrums.
The next achievement was to have proper food for our chouviar guy (Ishan),
remember we all are JAINS. Having bath had also become necessary as we all were
wet and I was with mud. Thanks to Ishan, we got one room in Zara’s dhaba and
also had our dinner there. Check out the fresh look with all yellows :)
So was my 1st trek to Rajmachi Fort. Although tiring but enjoyed the the adventure of trekking.
In fact also learned that patient is very important in life to
achieve any goal. Also because of our intolerant nature we generally have a blind eyes to the motivation factor that are around us to achieve the destination.
We enjoyed a lot and have lots of memories to be cherished later.
Will
surely go for another trek J