Winter Trekking Camp to Shivneri, Chavand, Kukdeshwar, Dhakoba

Winter trekking camp to Shivneri, Chavand, Kukdeshwar, Dhakoba Organized by Blue Whale Nature Association (Regd no. F/15283/Thane)

We have arranged a winter trekking camp at Shivneri-Chavand-Dhakoba. This trek will give us the joy of chilling cold climate, and the scenic beauty of nature.

Date : 24th December – 26th December 2017 (Leaving 23rd Dec late night) Duration : 3 Days Participants : 31 Max. (On first come basis with advance payment) Fees : For Students: Rs. 2700/- For Others: Rs. 2900/- Includes: Transport (By Private Mini Bus-Thane to base village and back), Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast and Tea, Stay in tents on sharing basis COST EXCLUDES- Anything which is not mentioned above

Shivneri (3342 ft): Considered to be one of the important forts of Maharashtra. This fortress was the birth place of Shivaji Maharaj and it carries many reminders from history. It has a huge arch at the entrance and many well-preserved fortifications. Shivneri can be scaled from two sides. One route is from the east and is known as Sakhlichi Vaat and the other is from the south which winds up through seven magnificent gates. We will be going from the south side through the seven gates. Chavand Fort (3495 ft): This hill fort lies on the Junnar-Ghatghar road. It boisterously invites us to enjoy the visual feast of the pageant art of nature surrounded with supreme landscapes. Chavand is one such destination which will be committed to your memory forever. The rock steps lead to the top. On the top is a small shrine of Chavandbai and the hill is considered sacred in the region. The water supply is good and perennial. Kukdeshwar temple: This is a small temple situated on the way from Chavandwadi to Amboli in the south. It has excellent wood and rock carvings and it is a treat to study its beautifully shaped doors. Graceful and gifted with plethora of

1 beauty around it and one of the most exquisite arts on it, is the beautiful temple of Kukdeshwar. Dhakoba (4148 ft): This prominent hill stands at the edge of the range, overlooking the Konkan on the west and over the Mina valley to Junnar on the east. The route winds through the forest to reach the flat top. It is a huge plateau and offers finest and excellent views of the surroundings.

Gathering point: On 23rd Dec: Participants will have to gather near CIDCO NMMT bus stop Chendani Koliwada, Thane (West) at 11.00pm. We have made arrangements for travelling by private mini bus. Bus will leave at 11.15pm. Bus Route: Thane (West) Cidco bus stop, Kalwa Naka, Vitawa, Airoli, Rabale, Turbhe naka, Juinagar, Nerul, Kharghar, Kamothe, Expressway, Lonavala, Talegaon, Chakan, Junnar.

You can get into the bus as per the location convenient to you of the bus’s route.

The camp will conclude at 9.00 pm at CIDCO bus stop Thane on 26th Dec 2017. 2 Highlights of the program

1. Trekking

2. Visit to Historical Monuments - Shivneri - Chavand - Kukdeshwar

3. Awareness of Nature & Environment - Excellent weather - Hairpin turns through thick forest - Observing back waters of Manik dam - Brilliant view of mountains and valleys - Excellent sights for nature photography and wildlife

Memories of our winter camp 2010 at the same places

3 For further details Visit: 1) Our website: www.bwna.org.in 2) Email us at: [email protected] 3) Like our BWNA page on Facebook:www.facebook.com/bwnathane NOTE: Facebook registration is not considered as confirmation of the seat

As we have limited seats, we request you to confirm your registration with payments well in advance. For Registration kindly pay in our Association A/C Rs 1000/- advance (Non- refundable if cancelled) at the earliest. Details are as under. Name of A/C: Blue Whale Nature Association. Bank Name: AXIS BANK LTD. Branch: Ground Floor & Basement, Shop No.1 Landmark Arcade, Louis Wadi Thane (West) 400604 Account no: - 913020056152879 A/C Type: Current Account IFSC code: - UTIB0001963 Louis Wadi Branch Thane

(Balance amount will be collected on the spot)

For Registration contact: 4 Sr No Name City Mob No

Mr Shriram Koli Vitawa (Thane) 9892 903 863 1 Vinod Rakte Kalyan 9869 369 397 2

3 9226 794 475 Rangnath Ware Lonavala

List of items to be carried during the trek: ▸ Back Pack/ Ruck Sack/Haver Sack (Remember all items are to be carried on the back, so no suitcases or luggage bags) ▸ Trekking shoes or sports shoes with a good grip + a pair of slippers

▸ Water bottle

▸ Cap, Sunglasses and napkin / towel

▸ Torch with extra batteries

▸ Brush / paste

▸ Loose Light Weight Trouser or Track pants, knee length or full pants preferable, no half pants (3 pieces)

▸ Loose Light Weight Sleeve Shirts or T-Shirts, sleeveless to be avoided (3 pieces)

▸ Monkey cap/sweater

▸ Bedding (One chadder + bed Sheet or sleeping bag)

▸ Medicines (If necessary for personal use)

▸ Some ready to eat snacks or biscuits and electrol

▸ Insect repellent cream

Bring extra polythene bags for your non-biodegradable garbage and take it at your home for proper disposal. Keep the camp site clean & force others to do so

IMPORTANT NOTE: -

1. Don’t even think or assume that it is a LUXURY trip, please be ready to rough yourself. 2. Please avoid wearing gold and other valuable ornaments

5 3. Stay with the group. Do not rush far too ahead or lag too behind. We understand that everyone has a different stamina and we try to keep the group bound together. 4. Do not wander off from the main trail. 5. We follow a strict policy of "no trace trekking", "Take nothing but memories and photographs, leave nothing but footprints”. 6. Finally, the non arguable part. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.

Medical Disclaimer: It is most essential to be fit and fine before heading for trekking. If suffering from any kind of allergy or ailment, do carry proper prescribed medicines to prevent serious health problem including heatstroke, severe headache, cough, dehydration and hypothermia. Participants suffering from chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis, blood pressure, migraine, diabetes etc should seek their physician’s advice before coming.

Wish you a Merry Christmas.

Mr. Shriram Koli (President)