Thursday, September 24, 2009

Lonavala Trekking...

It’s about Lonavala trekking Trip:

When I was working in Mumbai - JPMorgan Chase & Co as Polaris support, Mumbai Polaris arranged for a yearly trip to Lonavala. I and my friend Prakash joined the trip, total almost 230 people. 5 vehicles were booked.

I got prepared for the trip. I have taken printouts about the place and the mail which organizer sent about the trip. That mail has dos and don’ts. Don’t know why I have taken 2 copies of the print (I used to have 2 copies of my flight ticket).

I woke up by 5.30, took bath and prepared everything in an hour. I was at gate by 6.30am. We got into the bus by 6.45am (everybody was standing outside, curiosity has reached the top). Organizers had a plan that all vehicles should reach one junction before starting from Mumbai. And it was scheduled by 7.30am. But our bus reached only by 8.30 (We are the one who reached first). The junction was near by one McDonalds shop. Volunteers requested all to get down for tea. We got surprised that how come they are getting us tea/coffee in such a big shop like McDonalds. In very few min we understood that tea is going to come from shop (very small shop) near by McDonalds. It came soon… and you know it was awesome.

The whole area had been occupied with my colleagues in 30 min of time. It was too colorful. Everybody was looking too good with smile on their face.

Finally we decided to start after feeling pain on our legs (Readers needs to excuse since I forget to make a note of time)… All the 5 vehicles was over taking one another, we had 4 buses and 1 mini bus. We were calling that mini bus as ‘Chotu’. Chotu was always rushing. It was really good to see that 5 vehicles on a row ceasing one another with sounds (because of cheer). Volunteers severed breakfast on the move to save time. Had good food, with soft drinks, and they even served water bottles for trekking.

Guess you are too excited to know about the place, its here:
Korigad, which is a hill fort at an altitude of 3050 feet situated near the base village of Ambivali in Lonavala region. A thick forestation at the base, enough potable water from the lake on the top and from the reservoir situated half way and easy climb attracts many enthusiasts to this fort. Two nice lakes on the arid, flat top really takes one by surprise. Ganesh temple and a cave are situated half way and a temple of Koraidevi is situated on the top. With waterfalls flowing along the flight of stairs that lead to the hill fort is an abode to enjoy! For some time, all one encounters is greenery, trees, slippery trail and the sound of birds chirping in the forest.

On the way to the spot, we traveled in Mumbai-Pune highway (Readers: try to travel once at least). We crossed many tunnels, and many bends, ups and downs… It was wonderful journey.

Once we reached the spot, we got banana’s to get strength... The climate was not so nice… we started together… we walked, claimed and reached the bottom of the hill. Started sweating, whether was not good… I have taken few snaps on the way. Place was too good.

Prakash got a call from him PM, while talking in the phone; he fell down because of slippery. Even though we are in so much height we were getting full signal… Official life didn’t leave us… got two three calls…

Then we started claiming on the hill, there were steps, not proper one but okey. I couldn’t claim continuously. Taken so many breaks, but Prakash was standing all the time. He never takes rest while doing job… and I have come to know that even while claiming (he he he)…

We reached the top by 1:00pm. It was too gud… It’s a flat top full of gross… My eyes are failed to find colors other than green.