Kondana Caves Trek

Kondana Caves Trek is an easy trek which may take 1 to 1.5 hours to reach up to caves. It lies in Karjat.

River aside Kondivde Village. One can see Rail line at hill far behind.

This is at the base at Kondi Village. 

 These are the stones meant for refurbishing the caves.

 Emu type bird at the base village in Kondana.

Beautiful waterfall at the middle of the Kondana caves path.

How to reach: 

You can take morning train from CST (www.g04mumbai.com) which will reach karjat at 8:44 AM. From Karjat you can take TamTam which may charge you 150 – 200 Rs and will leave you at Kondivde Village which is along side a big river. From here walk straight and there is a board which shows the direction (left from the village). The routes are straight to caves, diversions may come but its same, always choose the broadest.

 
While climbing you will come across numerous waterfall on the way you can take a halt here. There is nothing to eat or drink up so take everything, water during rains from falls are ok to drink, its sweet. Opposite to this you can see another mountain in which the Mumbai – Pune train goes. After you reach caves there are waterfalls falling from above the caves as if there is a sheet of water layer above the caves. Caves are small.

 If you have time you can trek upto Rajmachi Ghat instead of Kondana caves.

Mahuli Fort Trek

Mahuli Fort Trek is a trek worth doing and its trek path is a real trek path. Mahuli is the highest point in Thane Area.  Mahuli is near Asangaon station as well as Vasind Station. Two trek routes from both where as Vasind being the toughest one. Mahuli's unique multiple pinnacles are beautiful to stare at. The prominent pinnacle at center is often called Vajeer. It can only be climbed with an expert rock climbers aid.

This is the base village of Mahuli.There is a temple here inside which is the map of Mahuli fort. There is also a small local stall where you can buy eateries, tea and food on order. Bus and rickshaws come till here, bus stops before this point.

 Starting point to Mahuli after the Mahuli Village.

On the way to Mahuli at base.

Rest houses at the base of Mahuli.

There are straight roads for short time. Enjoy warm up because later there is a lot of climb.

 There are boards like this in base, always follow it.

Arrows are painted white on stiff rocks and pathways, watch and proceed.

This is a small stream one has to cross. It comes from a big waterfall above. This comes in the start of trek.

There are small paths to walk and steep cliffs on the side.

There are lots of cactus above while walking through the ridge.

Ascending is always easy no matter how steep it is. But descent haunts you. There are certain points where one has to climb slippery rocks while water flowing above it.

One can see the road on the top of ridge. One has to trek on that and climb. There are cliffs on both sides.

There are two three mountains and multiple pinnacles on the top. The right side you can see is the Palasgad.

This patch of rock climb is almost perpendicular hence an iron ladder is cemented on the ground and chained at the top.

Once at the top there are flat areas and some ups and downs. Fort is nearby.

MAHULI FORT TREK VIDEO

How To Reach:
From Asangaon rail, go to Asangaon West and board rickshaw which will charge Rs 200 and will take you straight to Mahuli base village. And you can take his number if you need a rickshaw while returning, but will charge more.
OR
One can walk to highway and board Mahuli Bus which will take you near to Mahuli base Village. Bus will charge you Rs 11, a way lot cheaper.
OR
Drive your private vehicle through NH 3 and cut into Manas Mandir Jain Road.

Karnala Fort Trek

Karnala is a beautiful place as it has a bird sanctuary, fort. It is a good place for one day outing being near to Mumbai and Thane. There is a fort in karnala conquered by Shivaji.

 It may take 2 hours to climb up at reasonable speed. Its an easy trek so any one can climb it. No need for full trekking gears. Follow the board signs which are put up in the way. There is less chance of getting lost as there is a single wide route up the hill. Along side flows the river stream. There is nothing to eat up in the fort and also there is no water up. But there is natural water stored in the caves which one can drink as it is clean and cool (during rains only). Do take food and water. If for a stay, you have to take shelter in the caves.

 On the base of the fort there is a small mandir.

 There are small rock steps to climb up the fort. Most of which are broken and not properly maintained.

The door view after climbing the rock steps seeing the base of the fort.

Most of the fort are broken and above is the view of inside of fort.

Steps inside the fort to climb further up.

Small rooms in fort on the base of the Karnala Fort Pinnacle. In rains it fills up with water.

This is another room in the base of Karnala Fort Pinnacle which stores water coming up from the top, Its clear and drinkable.

This is the view of the last point of the fort where there are small windows meant for viewing and attacking. The point from where the photo is taken is at the airway point. You'll get full burst of wind continuously standing here. Amazing way of building.

KARNALA FORT VIDEO

Nearest Railway Station:

Panvel (Harbour Line) (From Thane \ From Kurla \ From Dombivli) (From Thane it will cost 14Rs one way journey)

From Panvel:

10KM to Karnala Entrance

Minidoor Auto – 150 – 200 (for 5 people) \ State Bus:catch any  buses going to Alibaugh or Pen (11 Rs \ person). The route taking to karnala trek entrance lies in side of NH 17. There is a small opening or side route for climbing or trekking up to the fort. You may not notice it so keep an eye on left side of the road.

Entry to Karnala Fort:

For Adult it is Rs 20.