xl_rage

Place: Sinhgad
Nearest town: Pune
Distance: 40 kms from Aundh (Pune)
Attractions: Natural Spectacles, temple, trek

The last outing we made was to Daman and that was in January. It was just a trip with friends, not actually a trek. The last trek we did was the fogtop mountain, Purandar and that was in September, that’s only if I don’t count Neelkantheshwar. So a trek was long overdue. I and my friend decided to go on Sinhgad just yesterday, and as all of my runtime plans, this one was also full of excitement and happiness.

Sinhgad is situated just 40 kilometers from the place I stay, i.e. Aundh. Invariably bike was the mode of transport for us. We started early at 0530. Even if you don’t feel its intensity because of less humid weather, summer in Pune is now acting up. We basically wanted to reach early and exit early as well. At around 0640 I parked the object of inspiration of this blog, and we started the trek.









If I remember right, I was in sixth standard, when my father took me or rather forced me to Sinhgad. That was my first trek. Something I hated then. I could not walk that much, cribbed a lot. Now, this is the third or fourth time I was visiting the place, and still the old memories are fresh as yesterday. There is a stone wall at the top which is visible on the way, I remember him pointing to that wall and assuring me how the distance is getting shorter and shorter. This is one good thing about kids, you can convince them easily. I relied on his words and kept my eyes on that wall, soon enough I found myself standing on that stone pavement, awestruck looking at the biiiig entrance of the fort. Today when I was standing there, the memory came up from the depths, brought a smile on my face.

It is said that Sinhgad is the playschool for all trekkers, first milestone. The way to top is well defined. There is no scope to get lost. All the little diversions meet just before the Pune entrance of the fort. The slope of the fort is also perfect for someone to start. It does not demand endurance, does not demand much strength, but still gives you pleasures of a gorgeous view. There is also a nice road way to the top now. I guess even buses ply on that route. The fort has become a weekend attraction for many since the road is in place, but I am sure I would not enjoy much going directly using the road. The more effort you put in to achieve something, sweetens the fruits of your labor. You walk and walk, clicking photos, chatting, sometimes using both of your hands to pull yourself out of a tight corner. After each small turn you look back and see the advance you have made till that time. I still see that wall. I am still compelled to look there and calculate my distance from it. I see my dad walking besides me, along with my brother and my Mom. Such memories are forever. You’d never forget them. When I climb the last stone, sit on the stone wall which has been guiding me all along, a sense of fulfilling satisfaction fills my mind. A glass of Neembu Paani feels like well deserved nectar.









After you reach those stone steps, the rest of the road is not strenuous. There is a nice stone way leading to each and every famous point on the fort. There are many man made cement constructions on top. Nobody would care what I think, but somehow, I wouldn’t approve such constructions. Pulling in building technology of our time to sustain and maintain should be the only reason our civil engineers should be troubling their minds. More the place becomes easily accessible to populace; it looses its archaic integrity. Every fallen stone has its history, is touched by hands of our ancestors. We are but the keepers. It’s not in our power to modify any of it. We should only listen to the stories told by the hauling winds, and pass it to the generations to come. Apart from loosing its integrity, people also murder the sanctity protected by the nature. Plastic, and beer cans can be found in Dev Take (The reservoir named after the name of God, which supplies water to entire fort in all seasons) these days. The realization of how we are killing our ancestry and heritage without giving anything back is devastating.

When a place becomes a tourist destination, it is a start of an economical modification of that area. I wouldn’t say progress blindly here. This economical modification changes the psyche of people. The innocence and compassion of the lands bid farewell, and makes way for business and extortion. You can see many huts on top; each operates a small scale restaurant there. The sweetness of the water is receding; the once thick buttermilk is as thin as Neembu Paani these days. I must say still the taste of food is brilliant though. We had Zunka Bhakar there, clicked some flowers and then started the return journey.







While ascending, your morale is high along with vigor and strength. You have your mind fixed upon the destination. While going back, the feeling of exhaustion creeps in. If you think climbing down is fairly easy, then think again. Though it appears to be putting less toll on your body, it targets your knees, and thighs. The trouble is not going quickly any more but to restrain yourself from increasing your speeds. If the breaks fail, the valleys always have a receptionist ready. It’s true that descent usually takes less time and is more fun. You have had a nice day and there is lot to talk, and share. Though we wanted to exit early, we started the downslide exactly at noon, bad time to start when the calendar says April. We realized that soon after but since the length is short one, it didn’t matter. I was missing my cap and glasses (something you should keep always when going for a trek in summers). When we touched down I poured some water all over my head. Suddenly I remembered mechanics teacher telling, water is a universal coolant.

This visit to the long lost place gave me plenty apart from the headache and strain. But then such strenuous times are those which tell you how many parts and bones are there in your body, such a news flash is always good once and a while. I don’t know when the next trek would materialize, but I hope the opportunity presents itself as beautifully as the sunrise we saw halfway on the mountain.

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sunilg

Travelogue approved.

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(Been There Done That) x 3.25

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Eshan-P180

love this place....the best part for shutter bugs is the end of the fort near wind point.... been there lot of times....
The fort comes alive when its raining and has cloud covering the tops........

Nice write up buddy......

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xl_rage

Hey, Thanks Eshan-P180

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daredemon

nice to know about these places.

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Drifty

Nicely written buddy.BTW,where do you stay in Aundh?I come there at my bro's place twice or thrice in a year.Will meet you once when I get there next time! :-)

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