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| View from Nane Ghat top |
Perhaps it was the fact it was a Saturday or because the monsoon has been so sluggish since August, that when we went to Nane Ghat couple of weeks ago, there were not a trekker to be found in what is one of the most accessible trekking spots near Malshej Ghat. For those not in the know, Nane Ghat is an old pass that functioned as a trading route in ancient times (going back to 250 B.C.) between Kalyan in Konkan and Junnar town on Deccan plateau. Only used by villagers, this is a fairly easy and enjoyable hike in what is one of the most beautiful regions of Sahyadris in Maharashtra.
The rain gods did not deliver but monsoon has been good this
year and all the streams were flowing. We almost stopped at every stream which
offered cool, refreshing respite from the humidity. However the absence of any
visitors was wonderful and views from the top were great. Flowers were also
blooming particularly as we gained height and recently having found out some
names, I am putting up pics of the wonderful wild flowers that dot these hills
around August-September.
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| Sontaki (Senecio Grahamii) |
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| Pink Balsams |
Travelling: You can catch a bus going to Ale Phata from
Kalyan (there are plenty) – this is the road leading to Malshej Ghat (NH222)
via Murbad. Ask bus to stop at Nane Ghat stop (there is a board on the main
road that announces the starting point). If going by car park it at Vaishakhare
village (30 kms ahead of Murbad) – from here you walk a couple of kilometres on
main road till the Nane Ghat board comes. You can return same way or go ahead
to Junnar and take a long bus ride to come back to Kalyan. (Buses to Pune
available from Junnar). Jivdhan fort above Nane Ghat is also a great fort to
climb. Caves at Nane Ghat are habitable but tend to get crowded at times.