The thrill
of looking down 4670 feet from the edge of a cliff is something totally
different.
This is at Kokankada,
about 2.5 km from Harishchandragad in the western ghats of Maharashtra.
We started
off from Paachnai village where we set up the tents the previous night. We were
15 of us and each one helped in pitching the tent. When the moon came up, we had dinner by the camp fire.
The next
day, after a light breakfast we proceeded with the climb. On the way up, we
took the mandatory group photo. Like one of our members said, “its better to click now as all are fresh
and eager to pose”
The climb up
was slow as the path was slightly steep
Moreover there were short stops in between as the area of interest
differed for different people.
And of course nimbu pani (lime juice) is always available when you
want to refresh yourself.
The 6.5
kms climb was completed in 2.5 hrs and as mentioned the view from Kokankada was
breathtaking.
And one more group photo.
On the way back from Kokankada we stopped at
the Harishchandragad temple.
Next
to the temple is the Saptatirtha Pushkarni pond.
The Kedareshwar cave is
very close to the temple. There is a shivling in the cave which is almost
submerged in water. You can see all this in the attached video
What I like
about Rivers and Ridges (the guys who conduct the trek) is that they don’t go
to the usual crowded places but patronize small villages. We had all our food
from the local villagers (for which they were paid)
Over and above suitable gifts were distributed to the villagers, keeping in mind of their needs. These villages have no electrical connection. So maybe a torch with sufficient supply of batteries is something helpful for them. People from the city keep contributing and that in turn ends up in these small villages. Captured some footage on video as the gifts were distributed.
Preparing Tea for us
Over and above suitable gifts were distributed to the villagers, keeping in mind of their needs. These villages have no electrical connection. So maybe a torch with sufficient supply of batteries is something helpful for them. People from the city keep contributing and that in turn ends up in these small villages. Captured some footage on video as the gifts were distributed.
I got chatting with this lady as she was
connecting the batteries to the solar panel. She said that one day’s charge is
good enough for a tube light to illuminate the house and the kitchen till its
bed time.
On the way back we spotted some langurs (I am sure they spotted
us too)
22 comments:
Hari OM
An exhilarating trip and the ethos of 'locality' definitely a plus!!! YAM xx
There is no way I would ever look over that cliff even if I was laying down. Just looking at the one picture of the guy sitting on the edge made my stomach turn over. But the views are fantastic and I am so glad you took the pictures for me. I think it's fantastic that the gifts are necessary items. I have no doubt they are much appreciated.
Happy to learn that you enjoyed your trek. A break from the city life is any day welcome. - Cdr Sunny Varghese
That is some hike, and what a view!
I too could never look over the cliff, I get a weird almost falling feeling just looking at the pictures.
Hey it's nice to see you in the group photo, lovely trek coverage. Thanks for sharing this story.
Good for you folk, but I couldn't hang my head over the cliff like that. At least not anymore.
Fascinating!
You have more nerve than I, getting right to the edge of that cliff.
Just looking at the people sitting so close to the edge of that cliff or looking over the edge turns my leg to jelly. This is definitely not for me. You all are so brave!
Thank you for sharing this amazing area. So very interesting!
what an exhilarating trip this must have been ! an adrenaline rush for sure. i can't imagine sleeping over and looking down the cliff like that. super memory for u guys
A great account of your trip with your commentary and photos :D)
What a great post! The views remind me of the Norwegian Fjords.
Wow Joe! Wish I had the legs to do the trek. How I envy you guys. Wish I was at least 15 years younger - Aimen Wordsworth
Amazing adventurous experience.
wow! what an adventure! looks like you had such an awesome time :)
TheNotSoGirlyGirl // Instagram // Facebook
I haven't got a good head for heights so there is no way I'd look over the edge!!!
You've shared some fabulous pictures here though, thank you.
All the best Jan
Mind blowing pictures! Love them all! Seems like a great adventurous tryst with nature!
This part of India is unknown to me so I was very happy to see the pictures and read this post. I have travelled the tourist destinations only!
What an exciting trip you had! The views are amazing. I'm not sure I would have been able to look over that cliff.
Amazing pictures/videos. I would be afraid to be that close to the edge!
Very expressive coverage of the total trip.
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