Last weekend for a change, I wanted to venture out to an
area where I had not hiked much. Ghangad is a small fort
located some 40 kms from Lonavala, near the backwaters of Mulshi dam. A tricky
rock patch requiring equipment was the reason this fort had not been attempted
but thanks to an enterprising trekking group, ladders and ropes have been
installed making things much easier. With that information in hand I was off in
the morning to Lonavala, waiting for the rest of my group, who were coming from
Pune.
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| Approaching Ghangad from Ekole village |
The drive to Ghangad is probably one of the best in the
country: the road is smooth, the greenery around is enticing and best of all in
the rains, the area is completely misty for long stretches. However this dream ride only lasts till Ambavne – this village is near Korigad fort and now more
importantly near Amby valley. After this point, a bifurcation takes you towards
Bhamburde village and since there are no high-flying city types coming this
way, the road quality really dips down.
The route goes through Salter village (near Telbaila massif)
and finally to Bhamburde; at places the road was so narrow that it was
difficult to imagine an ST bus on it! Bhamburde village rests idyllically in
what seems like a valley surrounded by large hills; the smallest of these is
Ghangad.
We walked from Bhamburde to Ekole village at the base of
Ghangad. The fort is quite small and one can finish it in an hour and a half
from the base. Initially a large ugly track leads to the forest; once inside
the forest, a more natural small path takes one to the temple of Garjai
devi. A useful map of the fort is posted here. Moving ahead one reaches a col
between Ghangad and a giant neighbouring hill. From here one can see the hills
falling steeply into Konkan.
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| Valley behind Ghangad fort |
A short walk takes one to the fortification of the hill.
Once inside, you move to a rock face where a ladder has been kept. Inspite of
the ladder, in the rainy season, there is a tricky step one has to negotiate;
after that its a steep but safe route to top across crumbling steps and
bastions. On the top there are a few tanks and two bastions; its the views that
are marvellous. The hills around enclose a plain area at the edge of which across Ghangad stands the double peaked massif called Telbaila; all of this eventually falls down into Konkan and the deep valleys are
fantastic. One can also see Sudhagad (its nearer to Telbaila); on my previous
treks to Sudhagad, I have always wondered at these valleys and where they go;
now I know!
Descent was quick and in no time the hike was done! On the
way back, our road was still misty even in the afternoon, but as one nears
Lonavala, the maddening crowds near Bushy Dam make one cringe! When will Indians
know how to enjoy and respect nature?!
Travelling: ST buses ply between Lonavla and Bhamburde
(apparently twice a day, once in morning and once in afternoon). Best way would
be to have your own transport. Cars can go beyond Bhamburde, right upto Ekole
village. One can also descend down into Konkan (near Sudhagad) via Ekole village (4-5 hours route)
https://picasaweb.google.com/115394767952469723630/Ghangad?authuser=0&feat=directlink
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