Nature Trail & Trek to Nakhind, Vangani

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. It’s a small waterfall with a good overhang and height of 70ft. alas, easy accessibility has spoiled this as well. Smokers, drinkers, lovers all in their own world destined to dump their eatables and plastic bottles in the fall itself. The scene was pathetic.

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"