Hi Fellow Nature Lovers….
This year Monsoon had disappointed us and we were not able
to do much exploration of the wild.
Even then, had kept NAKHIND in my Mind since long.
So… one fine Sunday, gathered my Trek-mates and left for
this trek.
Only 1 of us, Hemant Narkar, had visited Nakhind before and we were unaware of the route ahead, thus.. he proved to be a helping hand for us.
Nakhind is a small hole (Nedhe in marathi) formed on a
narrow ledge that is a part of the Matheran range.
Continuing the same route ahead, goes to the junction of
Vikatgad/ Peb fort.
So we all took the Karjat local and alighted at Vangani.
Since others stay far and had started their day early…. Desperately needed
something to eat
We sought a local IDLI wala and had our tummies filled
before we started.
Vangani is the station from where one can go towards
Chanderi Fort, Mhaismal, Bhagwati Waterfall, Nakhind etc… but NO basic
facilities like a small hotel is available.
Local vendors will assist you with temporary snacks.
Base village of Nakhind is BEDIS gaon which is almost 4-5kms
from station.
Nature lovers can do the trail walk as the road is serene
and crosses through the villages with farms on both sides… awesome and
refreshing view.
Since we were already late for the trek, we took the
Autorikshaw till base village at nominal cost.
A typical monsoon weather greeted us with cool breeze, sun
behind clouds and drizzle.
Adrenaline Rush gasped us and we were off with our walk.
Rain getting heavier, we quickly had a change of costumes
and Cameras packed in – for protection.
Moving alongside green farms and some streams route started
getting steeper.
It gave an awesome Jungle feel to keep walking amidst such a
place.
 |
| Nilesh and Vikas taking a Breather |
Within an hour we reached another village situated at half the height on the plateau. The village had hardly 10-12 houses, but the sad part was,
these houses didn’t have any power source L
 |
| Vangani chi Wadi |
After a small halt and Group pic….. the Caravan moved ahead.
 |
 |
| cool greenery acted as Energy boosters |
 |
| Hemant dada leading |
 |
| the Climb |
 |
| Nilu experimenting his Skills to catch a Crab |
Now the real trail started… route was getting more steeper
than earlier and we couldn’t stop as insects were on their hunt for fresh
blood.
After an hour of climbing… we reached the tip of the plateau
from where we could see the Nakhind site Face to Face but not the Nedhe.
Another photo session and halt as we had conquered a little
earlier than expected.
 |
| a Group Selfie at the Tip of the range |
From here one can have an entire glimpse of the Sahyadri
range starting from Malang-Gad, Mhaismal, Chanderi, Vanar-udi, Nakhind, Peb,
PRabalgad, Kalavantin in a semi-circle arch.
 |
| from L-R: Vanar-udi - Chanderi fort - Mhaismal |
The route from plateau to Nedhe was simple but slippery due
to banana leaves and shrubs rooted out.
We spent quite some leisure time enjoying the cool breeze
which was stronger than expected. The Nedhe can accommodate around 10-12
people, but its not safe to camp or stay at night.
 |
| Me at the Nedhe |
Suddenly the climate and breeze turned chill and rain
started. Thus we departed from this wonderful place and reached the base within
1 hour.
 |
| Black spotted butterfly |
Everyone was sweating and desperately needed some
refreshment…. Enroute we had spotted a small manmade pond created to collect
sand. A good 3-4 feet water and within seconds… we all were into it enjoying
and swimming. Didn’t notice that we were into the water for around an hour.
Finally all refreshed, we moved towards Bhagwati waterfall.
 |
| Bhagwati Waterfall |
 |
| A small "Bandhaara" constructed to hold back water for future uses |
Took the Auto-rikshaw and reached Vangani station. Had tummy
full of Chaat and Vadapav accompanied with Cutting Chai.
Inshort…..wonderful memories of a Wonderful Small but tiring
trek.
See you soon with another adventure and some new Trek
A Wanderer:
Sumeet rao a.k.a "SUMYA"
