Summer Night in Moonlight

While returning from our trek to Ratangad  we had discussed and finalized our next trek to Rajgad.  But of course evening-night halt trek.  As the message appeared on our What’s Ap Group the confirmations started pouring in. Apart from the usual member we had a few new members too.  Looks like any trek declared in April goes over booked. This time we had decided to take our own cars hence we had no restriction on number. 

As  the departure day started approaching, the cancellations and confirmations started confusing me. However our Chandan and Anirudh  with their cool accost sorted out everything and we all were set to go. As usual the message about pick up points for various people  was drafted about  without any ambiguity. 

With a normal delay of about 20 minutes we started towards Rajgad. After a drive of about 1.5 hour we reached Gunjawane Village. Mr. Purohit of Aranya Nivas was very helpful in providing us Pohe and Tea quickly. As we finished our tea, it was already 7.10 pm. We packed our bags and headed towards Rajgad.

It was not dark yet. We were able to see the fort standing tall in front of us. There were a few kids and a few first timers too.  The kids and a few of the group members went ahead under the able leadership of Sharvari Bramhe our courageous trekker. All the others followed slowly.

 

Rajgad - Needle hole

It was my third time to this elegant fort. I was greeted by the famous yellow flower bed of sahydri when I had visited this fort for the first time.  This is the place where I had discovered my passion for trekking. The second time I felt as if the fort had been waiting for my visit. And the third time I was waiting to reach the top and meet my buddy. 

As we started climbing, the sun had gone home and the stars had started taking their positions in the sky. The king of the night,  “Moon” had not arrived yet. We were in dilemma as to whether the twinkling stars were brighter or the torch in our hands. Finally the stars won over our torch and we continued to climb. 

First Sight of Moon

As we were mid-way through, Kalyani exclaimed,  ‘Oh!  turn behind and look at that’. The Moon was rising from the far end. We were mesmerized by its first sight and were  not able to move away from it. After observing its marvelous  beauty for much time we headed back on our track. All of us were so engrossed in sipping the sweet moonlight that we did not want to talk anymore. I was now trying to breath the moonlight and listen to the music of silence. The stars were brighter than ever and were leading us to our destination.

Meanwhile we had realized that Sachin and Mr. Bramhe were left behind, Since Sachin is an expert trekker, we were confident that he will find  his own way. And  so he did. After waiting for him for a few minutes, both of them joined us.

We had now reached the first railing which assured us that we were left with only 10% of  climb.   At the same moment Shrarvari called out for us. She had already reached the top along with other members. We told her to look for the place to sleep.

As we were approaching the top it was becoming more and more challenging. After a few minutes we entered ‘Chor Darwaja’. This is not the official entry for the fort. The main entrance is from Pali Village. But the back door entry is more popular due to its proximity to Pune.

Sharvari had already reserved a good space in the Padmavati temple. We settled down for a while. As the introductions were happening, dinner arrived. Mr. Purohit had packed simple yet delicious food.

Moon our companion for the night

Since everyone was drained after the climb, we decided to wake up at 4.30 am and visit Balekilla. Without visiting Balekilla and Suvela Machi a visit to Rajgad can never be complete.

Some alarm woke us up. It took more time than what was estimated to get ready since it was a large group. However all of us were fresh now. We headed to Balekilla. It took us about 25 minutes to climb. After a photo session we headed towards the corner to look for other forts. Another solo trekker, Kanak, showed us the forts that could be sighted. It was astonishing to spot Sinhagad, Raigad and Lingaana from the top.

At Balekilla :

 After the photography enthusiasts had finished exhibiting their skills we headed back down. As we were mid way through we were guided to a short rout to Suvelaa machi. It took us another 20 minutes to reach the Machi. But the more challenging job was to climb up and sit on the needle hole all young and old climbed it. It was of course worth the climb. Cool breeze was welcoming and refreshing. The view was enthralling  to the core. I realized that Drumil was left behind along with some group members. In the heart of heart I was feeling that others should return to climb the Needle hole. And here they were. My wish was fulfilled. As all climbed with much hue and cry, Needle hole absorbed us silently and patiently.  

Needle Hole

As we descended from needle hole we realized that it was time for us to have breakfast and pack up. The delicious Upama was waiting for us at the temple. After a quick bite we started descending. The bags felt light and the feet felt heavy. Sahyadris are tough yet tender and grueling  yet gorgeous. The sun was blazing now. We needed to hurry up. We sped up and  reached down in about 1.5 hours.

The trek had ended but our journey continued. The mind was racing to absorb each and every moment of the trek and the heart was filled with emotions about the fort. We promised ourselves to visit this one fort year after year. It in turn promised us to show a variety of demure each day and each time.