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MAHARASHTRA

 
Monsoon Treks / Hikes from Strawberry Outbound - Ex-Mumbai

Strawberry Outbound (earlier India Outdoors) is India’s one of the most experienced company for adventure activities. Strawberry Outbound has been conducting fix-departure monsoon programmes for Individuals and small groups in and around Mumbai for over a decade. 

The Schedule of programmes for the year 2007 is given as under:

Programme 01

Dates :
1st July 2007
Destination :
Prabalgad Fort
Activity :
Day Hike
Grade :
Moderate
Cost
Per Person : Rs 750
 
More about the destination : Prabalgad is a huge plateau ajoining Matheran. Britishers opted for matheran after they found that water resources were scarce at Prabalgad. Prabalgad has a temple and some fort ramparts. Apart from that, its nature all the way. Dense jungle, howling winds and fog is all that you find and you might even struggle to find shelter for your lunch. There is a shortcut to the fort which runs parallel to Kalawanti Durg. If our guide misses that, we may be blessed with a longer trek.
 
Programme 02

Dates :
15th July 2007
Destination :
Visapur Fort
Activity :
Day Hike
Grade :
Moderate
Cost
Per Person : Rs 750
 
More about the destination :  Visapur Fort is larger and also higher than Lohgarh fort.  Now in ruins, its history is closely linked with that of Lohagadh.  Making use of its higher position, the British troops in 1818 AD set up their canons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagarh, forcing the Marathas to leave the fort.  Lohagarh has a long history.  It was occupied by many dynasties: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas. Lohagarh was captured by Shivaji in 1648 AD. but by the Treaty of Purandar he had to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD. It was recaptured by Shivaji in 1670 AD and was used for keeping the treasury. Then on, the fort remained with the Marathas.  Ultimately Lohagarh-Visapur was taken over by the British in 1818 AD.
 
Programme 03

Dates : 29th July2007
Destination :
Karjat
Activity :
Waterfall Abseiling
Grade :
Moderate
Cost
Per Person : Rs 1200

More about the destination : The Kondana caves consist of four Buddhist rock cut caves at the bottom of the waterfall. The structure is beautiful with lots of details being carved into the rock. The approach to Kondana Caves is through a beautiful walk in the forest.

Caution : Waterfall Abseiling is a technical adventure activity. We recommend basic fitness levels to participate. Not recommended for those affected by heart problems, epilepsy or medical conditions.

We reserve the right to abort abseiling in case of incessant rain due to safety reasons. We supply harness, helmets and safety gear.
 

Programme 04


Dates :
12th August 2007
Destination :
Peth Fort
Activity :
Day Hike
Grade :
Moderate
Cost
Per Person : Rs 750
 

More about the destination : This is a small fort with a large cave at the base. It is detached from main range. The top is funnel shaped and has rocky staircase carved in the centre. Hence the name Kothligad. Steps leads to the top from the cave. The caves at the top are a good example of Satvahan architecture. The overall area of the top is only about 160 yards. In November, 1817 this fort was won by Bapurao on behalf of second Bajirao from the British. December 30th, British captain Bruks regained this fort from the Peshwas. History says that people lived on this fort till 1862. From Ambivali, the climb to village Peth at the base of the fort is an easy route to the top.
 

Programme 05


Dates :
26th August 2007
Destination :
Karjat
Activity :
Waterfall Abseiling
Grade :
Moderate
Cost
Per Person : Rs 1200
 

More about the destination : The Kondana caves consist of four Buddhist rock cut caves at the bottom of the waterfall. The structure is beautiful with lots of details being carved into the rock. The approach to Kondana Caves is through a beautiful walk in the forest.

Caution : Waterfall Abseiling is a technical adventure activity. We recommend basic fitness levels to participate. Not recommended for those affected by heart problems, epilepsy or medical conditions.

We reserve the right to abort abseiling in case of incessant rain due to safety reasons.We supply harness, helmets and safety gear.
 

Programme 06

Dates :
9th September 2007
Destination
: Karnala Fort
Activity :
Valley Crossing
and Day Hike in bird sanctuary

Grade :
Easy
Cost Per Person : Rs 950

More about the destination : Just a short drive outside Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Highway to Goa, is the densely forested Karnala Bird Sanctuary, a pleasant surprise away from Mumbai's concrete jungle. Karnala is a tiny sanctuary, barely 4.8 sq km, home to over 150 resident bird species and about 37 types of avian migrants.

The four-horned antelope, wild boar, common langur, African monkeys and the muntjak or barking deer are amongst the commonly seen wildlife, while the leopard is spotted rarely. Karnala is redolent of martial history. Karnala Fort or the 'Funnel Hill' as it is called, stands 475 meters high. Its command of the high road between Bhorghat and the rivers of Panvel and Apta, must have from the earliest time, made Karnala a place of strategic importance. Two gateways one at the foot and the other at the top of the rock-hewn steps lead to a dual gateway with a chamber in between. There are two inscriptions in the Fort, one in Marathi and the other in Persian. The Fort has a chequered history of having passed through the hands of Muslim, Portuguese and Maratha rulers.

Valley Crossing in Karnala is a technical engagement but an easy grade adventure. Its picturesque and dense forest make valley crossing a memorable experience.
We supply harness, helmets and safety gear.
 

Programme 07

Dates :
1st July
Destination :
Peb Fort
Activity :
Day Hike
Grade :
Demanding
Cost Per Person : Rs 750
 

More about the destination : Fort Peb is situated on northeast side of Panvel, on Mumbai-Pune road, at a distance of 3-4 km on west side of Neral. To avoid crowd at hill stations like Matheran, nature lovers must visit the nearby fort Peb. This is the most beautiful one-day trek. But there is a dense forest on the way to the fort Peb. The fort is also named as ‘VikatGad’. Historical references clearly indicate that Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort as silos for grain storage. Fascination spots are cave on the fort is occupied by disciples of Swami Samarth, a great saint. The beautiful waterfall on the way is the main attraction here. Surrounding scenery looks marvelous from the cave in the monsoon.
 

Assembly time and place :

0615 Hrs at Chandu Halwai Sweetmeat Shop at Dadar T.T. Circle (East).
0630 Hrs Departure from Dadar
.
Please note that the bus will leave at the appointed time for the benefit of those who are on time and will not delay the departure to accommodate late participants.

Cost includes :

  • Packed breakfast and lunch on all day trips
  • Private conveyance by coach (to seat 35) or jeep
    (to seat 8)
  • Services of experienced instructors
  • Activities as mentioned
  • Technical equipment

Cost excludes :

  • Insurance cover
  • Personal porterage
  • Additional meals that are not included in trip cost
  • Mineral water or beverages

Relevant Information :

  • We place no strict limitations on our trips but we request prudent judgment of physical and mental health and ability for participation in our programmes
  • While great care and efforts are put in to give you the same schedule, due to situations beyond our control (for instance, bad weather, civil disturbances, etc.) we may be forced to make a few amendments in the programme.
  • Should less than the minimum number sign up for a trip, Strawberry Outbound reserves the right to cancel or alter the trip cost to cover up for fixed costs (In absence of minimum group size).
  • Traveling seats in a jeep or bus is offered on ‘first come first serve’ basis.
  • Adhere to the suggested kit list to be better prepared.
  • Follow environmental guidelines. 

Environmental Ethics

  • Please do not litter. Burn or bury paper and carry out all non-degradable litter.
  • We strongly discourage graffiti and believe in the quote - "Leave only footprints. Take only photographs".
  • We shut off vehicle engines while waiting.
  • Local guides are hired in all trips and they work hand-in-hand with other guides from outside the local area. This helps them add to their income.
  • When taking photographs, respect privacy. Ask permission and use restraint.
  • Keep local water clean. Avoid using pollutants such as detergents in streams or springs.

Kit List

  • Drinking Water (minimum 3 liters). Tang sachets are great to add along.
  • Good hiking shoes. Wearing socks can prevent blisters.
  • Sun glasses. 
  • Cap. 
  • Insect repellant.
  • Flashlight. 
  • Personal identification.
  • Personal Medication, if any.
  • Spare dry set of clothing.
  • Windcheater or appropriate rainwear.
  • No alcohol!