Wise and wicked without contempt it summons for a Wall- Walk
A trek is like a 'story', there is a beginning, a series of events and an ending. A trekker experiences it, talks about it and sometimes writes too( I write too often :) When one journey finishes, he itches for the next one. Yes! trekking is an addiction, my friend.
The trek to Korigad Fort was a part of a two days one night trip to Lonavala. It was a Christmas Present to the boys. We left in the morning of 25 th December at 7 am; good for winter but not summer. You can't go to Lonavala and not have a Vada Pav, Its unholy not to bow your head over that sumptuous piece of grub in your hand. I am not a big fan of Vada Pav, but the Lonavala ones are an exception.
This was the first trek we did as a family, without any guide. We reached the base of the fort at about 10.30 am, which lies in a village called Peth Shapur. It is abut 20 km away from Lonavala towards Pune, you have to take the Amby Valley Road and stop at Peth Shahpur, a board has been installed at the spot where you need to park your car.
PICTURE STORY OF THE TREK
Old and rusted but not missed, the sign board microscopically announces the arrival of Peth Shahpur village. The starting point of the trek, all google navigation ends here. | Happy to find company for the car and a little relieved that our unit is not alone in the pursuit of this fort. Okay!!! its a hill fort and that peak looks far but we are so ready for it. "You have to walk towards the tower to reach the base", said a passerby. |
The boys got two pets in the form of bamboo sticks which they do not let go till the end. | A little bit of hand support and focus is what the little boy needs to climb the mound. |
Trek mein bhi tadka hei!
Joy enveloped me like mud on a rock when I saw two beautiful ponds on the top of the hill. All tiredness vanished as we walked towards the pond, dipping our legs and drinking its fresh cold water. | Why am I not surprised that this fort was forcibly taken by Chatrapati Maharaj. The wall of the fort is intact even today covering a perimeter of 2km. An after-trek walk on the fort wall was not only picturesque (Amby Valley Views) but also an out of world experience. |
The spirit of a hill is audible from its waterfall, its laughter can be heard in the rustling of leaves. Its anger is reverberated by a thunder and its quietness can be seen in a barren rock. It is a home to the towering trees and opens it heart for little creatures.