Ratangad to Harishchandragad trek (Katrabai-Kumshet-Kaladgad-Pachnai) with Aberrant Wanderers on 25-26-27th January 2013


Hello Wanderers,
      We are glad to invite you for Trek  Ratangad to Harishchandragad 25-26-27th January 2013.




General Information:

Ratangad -. The fort is about 2000 years old.Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it at the top which is called 'Nedhe' or 'Eye of the Needle'.Ratangad was captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was one of his favorites. The base village Ratanwadi has an Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings. The fort is origin for the river Pravara/Amrutvahini. The bhandrdara dam(arthar dam) is built on this river.The main attraction at Ratanwadi is the Amruteshwar Temple dating back to the Hemadpant Era - roughly from the eighth century.

Katrabai Pass- It is the small pass between the Samrad and pachnai road which had been built in British era.Some notifications indicating the distance also found in this way.Above katrabai pass there is small temple of godess.

Kaladgad- It is the small fort on the way to Harishchandragad from Kumshet.Pethechi Wadi is the base village of Kaladad.Kaladgad has some fortification on top and one cave of Bhairoba,some water cisterns are also present on top.

Harishchandragad-The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.

Trek Itinerary:

24th January
  • 22:50-Catch fast local to Kasara

25th January

  • 01:18-Meeting near Kasara Station
  • 01:30- Move to Ratanwadi by Private vehicle
  • 03:00- @Ratanwadi take rest till morning
  • 06:00- Tea
  • 07:00- Start the trek
  • 10:00-on the top and explore the fort
  • 11:30- Lunch and rest
  • 13:30-Move to Kumshet via Katrabai Pass
  • 18:00-Kumshet
  • 18:30-Tea and rest
  • 20:00-Dinner and campfire22:00-Rest in tent(Good night)
26th January

  • 06:00-wake up call
  • 07:00-Tea and breakfast
  • 07:30-move to pethechi wadi
  • 09:30-base of kaladgad
  • 11:30: on the top and explore
  • 13:30-@Pachnai and lunch and rest
  • 17:30-night trek to Harishchandragad
  • 20:00-on the top 
  • 21:00-Dinner and campfire
  • 22:00-Rest in tent 
27th January

Expenses:
Rs 2000/- per head which includes travelling from Kasara to Kasara ,breakfast ,tea,lunch,dinner during the outing.(Except lunch of first day),
(Please carry packed lunch for the first day.)


Registration:

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Rules and Regulations

General Rules:
  1. Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs, Narcotics and any kind of intoxication, firearms and gambling strictly prohibited.
  2. Please do not litter, we believe in the saying, “When you go to the mountain leave only your footprints and bring back only memories”
  3. The leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
  4. Hiking / Trekking / Rock climbing is an adventurous activity and accidents can happen in spite of taking utmost caution and care.
  5. The club will not be responsible for injury / accident / death to the participant while on trek.
  6. Kindly carry Identity proof for the trek.
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Aberrant Wanderers Team.