Chavand, Jeevdhan and Naneghat : A Mesmerizing Trio Trek

The family get-together of Trek for Health group was well attended by members and we had declared a few monsoon treks. Jeevdhan had been on our list for quite some time. Hence the first trek of the season had to be Jeevdhan along with Chavand.

As our admin declared the trek schedule, confirmations started coming in. Since there were twelve confirmations, a 17 seater vehicle was booked for the journey. However it was different this time. As we gathered our bags and headed to board the vehicle we realized that we were only 8 instead of 12. There were a few last minute cancellations. Slightly disheartened we travelled on the Senapati Bapat Road. Sachin and Ram duo was already recalculating the contribution to be paid to our treasurer Chandan. The IT whiz-kid along with accomplished biz- man came up with a brilliant idea of cancelling the vehicle and taking our own cars. With much deliberation the vehicle owner agreed to our request with a penalty to be paid. We quickly rearranged ourselves in our own cars and the journey began.

After tea and snacks at Hotel Ashok we headed to the Fort Chavand.  As we passed Rajgurunagar nature started changing to green and cloudy.  We reached Chavand Village at about 12.15 pm. The villagers told us, we might need about half an hour to reach the top. Name Chavand is derived from Godess Chamundaa. The fort looked very small from the foot. There are newly constructed stairs leading to the top. On seeing the stairs we were slightly

disappointed. We thought it is as good as climbing Parvati. As we started ascending, the rain god bestowed his affection on us. We wore our rain jackets and started climbing again. As we completed 80% of the ascend, the stairs became more and more narrow and difficult. There was a railing after which we suddenly were welcomed by a gigantic door way with lord Ganesh engraved on it.

The fort has witnessed several changes of hands in the past. There are very few remains including remains of a Shiva Temple. They remind of a past glory that the fort has lived through.

According to the literature the fort is housed with a Chamunda Devi Temple. We went in search of the temple, however could not reach it since the entire path was full of mud. As we were walking back on the muddy path Tanaya, our youngest member had a royal fall. She was immediately declared a skiing queen. It was already past lunch time. Ram declared that he will not move until he relinquishes his hungry stomach. All of us decided to honor his demand since we did not want another bhookbali in  draught affected Maharashtra.

L to R Ashwini, Sachin, Ram, Chandan, Tanaya, Anirudh, Anant, Ashok

We were now on our way to Naneghat, Our hault for the night. As we proceeded on the road decorated with green fields on both the sides we were looking for our destination for the night stay. Mr. Subhash Adhari is a local guide who provides accommodation at reasonable rates. It was raining now. The clouds were on their way to meet the mother earth.

We found Mr. Adhare’s place soon. As we went inside we were almost drench. However none of us were in a mood to change in to dry clothes since any way we would be drench once again. After a round of hot tea, we headed to Nane ghat and Nanyachaa Angath. When you

reach the highest peak of nanne ghat, there is a small hillock which resembles the thumb and hence it is call Nanyaachaa Angatha ( Thumb of Naneghaat). The nature was behaving at its best now. The clouds started disappearing and the curtain of thick fog slowly disappeared in front of us. The nature was ready to show a new performance to us now.  As the clouds disappeared Jeevdhan appeared in front of us. The very sight of Jeevdhan along with the Vandarling was mesmerizing. We sipped our tea while dreaming about sitting in the lap of Jeevdhan.

Next day morning greeted us with a clear weather. We quickly got ready and headed to Jeevdhan with our guide. The first 15 minutes were mere walking hence each one of us took out our camera and clicked snaps. Text part of the climb was inside the forest which we loved since it was fresh and green. After a climb of about 30 minutes we reached a rock patch. It looked challenging. Rohidas fixed the rope and Sachin was in front of everybody to guide us. Without much difficulty we reached the top and entered the massive entrance of Jeevdhan. The entrance has the Sun and Moon carved on  the doorway.

Rohidas guided us to the stone structure still in good condition which is believed to be a palace. Everything was green and moist. After visiting a few more remains we found a descent place and opened our breakfast packets. Everyone was rejuvenated now.

We now wanted to head to Wandarlingi. Wandarlingi is a peak adjuscent to Jeevdhan. Infact it is a part of Jeevdhan. This peak looks like a Monkey in standing position and hence is named as wanderlingi.  Anant aka Antu led us to Wandarlingi. We were amazed at its sight. Nature unfolds surprises for you at each step. However we should be mature enough to absorb and appreciate these surprises. Ashok discovered a tiny cave inside Wandarlingi and took a close look inside. It was amazing to see such a gigantic natural tower with a hole in it. 

After a visit to Vandarlingi we headed back to the foot of Jeevdhan. After another 45 Minutes we were at the foot of Jeevdhan.

Monsoon treks are amazing. No trekker will ever miss an opportunity to see the newly acquired green fashion of the mountains,  Sparkling white waterfalls, freshly bathed fields and cheerful rivers. And be grateful to the Nature God for bestowing so much love on us, protecting us from the evil and entertaining us with the silent music of the nature. The music that is not to be listened to but the music that automatically seeps inside us slowly and silently.