 | « Back to article | Print this article |
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
Ria Gada, a Class VII student, describes her breathtaking experience en route to Peth Gadh, a popular trekking site near Karjat in Maharashtra.
The trek to Peth Gadh (or Kothali Gadh) was my second ever.
And it was definitely easier than my first trek to Gorakh Gadh, another fort near Murbad, Maharashtra.
The lush greenery at Peth Fort and the surrounding valleys totally mesmerised me.
The memories of mist, the lovely shades of green and the amazing view can be exchanged for nothing in the universe.
Want to share your travel story and pictures? Simply write in to travelpicsga@rediffmail.com (subject line: 'My Travel Story'), along with pictures of the destination you're writing about. We'll publish the best ones right here on rediff.com!
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
Trekking with so many experienced people, one of who was my mom, proved advantageous.
I had help at hand whenever I needed it.
Sure there were a few risky and scary patches but the fun, jokes and the laughs made up for all that.
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
I did fall and slip numerous times but then, you can't climb a mountain without a scratch!
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
This trek was a wholesome package for me -- I had the best trekkers for company; I got to experience some awesome views of the Ghats and the fantastic weather was definitely a plus.
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
I hope all my forthcoming treks surpass this experience or turn out to be just as good as my trek to Peth Gadh.
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
Some trivia about Pethgadh
Peth Gadhh (gadh meaning fort) gets its name from the village Peth that is at the footsteps of this wonderful fort.
It is also called Kothali Gadh because of the cave atop which is made by chiseling away the hill.
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
There is a small temple just beside the cave at the base of the pinnacle.
This pinnacle is carved from the inside forming a staircase reaching the top.
In PHOTOS: Trekking in the Western Ghats
How to reach Peth Gadh
From Karjat station, take the state transport bus that goes to Jamrukh via Kashele and get down at Ambivali.
From there trek to the base village of Peth.
If you don't want to wait for the bus, you can hire a six-seater rickshaw from outside the station, near the Karjat State Transport bus depot.
Bargain hard for fares. The rickshaw drivers either charge you per seat or you can hire the entire rickshaw for a fixed price.
You can also travel by road via Panvel.
For that, you have to travel from Chembur to Panvel on the old Pune road and reach the Chowk.
From there, turn left from the highway and drive towards Karjat.
Cross the river using the bridge and then drive towards Kashele via Murbad Road which will lead you to Ambivali village.
This road has markers and sign posts for 'Jamrukh village'.
Ambivali village, from where you trek to Peth is just before Jamrukh, so be alert.
Important contact numbers in case you want to trek to Pethgadh:
Gopal Sawant (Ambivali): 8446869377, 8983096763, 02148 687892, 02148 224944
He provides breakfast, lunch, snacks and can also arrange your stay at his place which can accommodate about 30 to 40 people.
As I sum up my trek diary, I would like to thank all the people who helped me through this rough trek and had faith in me.
I don't think any one could ever have a team of people who are more encouraging than you all were.
Want to share your travel story and pictures? Simply write in to travelpicsga@rediffmail.com (subject line: 'My Travel Story'), along with pictures of the destination you're writing about. We'll publish the best ones right here on rediff.com!