Medak Church, Medak Fort, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Lake

The town of Medak, is one of those places in Andhra Pradesh, which has tremendous historical importance. Being a buzzing center during the reign of Kakatiyas, today’s Medak town awaits its turn to reap the fruits of many of the technological advances that has been achieved.  Barely 100 kms from Hyderabad, Medak offers us following options for spending a wonderful holiday.

 

Coming to the team for the journey, following are the bullets:-

·         Vijay was very anxious at the start of the trail. The way he was walking towards us at Mangatrai (our meeting point) made it obvious that he had 100 questions regarding the days he going to pass with us.  Vijay, I must tell you again that the Dosas, Chutney, Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Chocolates, Fruits all were simply too good with a very special note for Dosas and Chicken.

·         Prasad’s tremendous knowledge about many fields was good discussion during the car journey. The way that he convinced the forest official to keep his car’s AC on during the Pocharam WLS drive was amazing.  The old man just adhered to what Prasad said.  On a lighter note after the entire tour, dude! You must atleast now admit that the grunting and the growling leopard on the Nizam’s terrace was ‘the vibration in your respiratory structure’ and not poor me!! Loved your driving. Any time you want company for long drives... Count me in!!  Lucky you, spotted the Scorpion in the dark.

·         Rashmi, thanks for making all attempts to ruin all the group photos. Poor Vijay and me too. Every time we tried to take group photos she would be the one lost somewhere else… Piscean affinity with water was proved this time again when you were not at all ready to come into the boats and came swimming to the GHAC Island. (I liked this name)

·         Mel – our TREK LEADER, what a champion swimmer, trekker, singer and guitarist you are. By the way did you like the names given to by Prajakta – Mel** ,… , ... If not then please tell her about it. On our next trek she would get you some more names.

·         Prajakta and Me – Well for the entire trek, I was busy taking her photographs and she looking at my camera lens. So nothing much about us. Towards the end - Prajakta – the team would glad if we can have that Extra Salted Potato Veggie and the Kadai Chai again!!!

Medak Church

Medak Fort

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

Pocharam Lake

Fact File:- Distances:- Medak is approximately 120 km from Hyderabad. Food and Stay:- For this entire tour Medak town is the central place from where you can pick your food and water. Hotels near the bus stop offer excellent South Indian food.  There are lodges available near the police station of Medak.

Pocharam Lake

For a trekker, adventurist or camper this is the place which would in no means disappoint you.  One can trek the extensive fringe of the lake or the Pocharam forest; one can spend lot of time swimming or fishing at the lake; or otherwise one can just merrily slug out on an abandoned building near the lake. Many people refer to this building as Nizam’s guest house. One a nearby hill there is one more building which is referred as Nizam’s hunting lodge. For moving in the Pocharam forest one should take prior permission. Given the risks involved in swimming one should take enough precaution while swimming in this lake. A life jacket would be most preferable. Pocharam dam is constructed on Manjira river gets its water from the surrounding catchment and the Manjira dam.

Birders can sight many water birds on the trek circuit which circumvents the lake.  This man made wet land is also a house to migrant flamingoes.

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

Charges for having a drive in the sanctuary: - ` 50 per car,  ` 50 per camera,  ` 2 per human.

A forest official accompanies us on the drive. This 4.5 km drive though not a typical safari but is certainly a refreshing one and the jungle is thick enough to keep us interested. We spotted Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Peacock and Peahen in this sanctuary. Given the time we were there we should consider ourselves lucky to seen all this in semi-wild kind of condition.

The team in the sanctuary looks interested in the development of the sanctuary, but I hope that in the process they do not kill the visual beauty of the sanctuary.

Medak Church

Completely made of white granite this architectural wonder is indeed an asset to the people of Medak. The white granite is quite unique in the sense that it has a beautiful pink shade on it which reflects stunningly when sunlight falls on it.  Artistically Gothic, this church was earlier Anglican. Considered as the second largest diocese of world, this church now belongs to CSI. Artistically Gothic, this church was earlier Anglican.

The sight of well crafted wooden furniture, the intricate paintings on the stained glasses above the side entrances, a huge and antique Pipe Organ, beautiful sculptures of eagles and peaceful surrounding gives us immense pleasure which one desires at any praying destination.

Medak Fort

This 12^th century art piece is a telling testimony of the Kakatiyan glory during its reign. Built on a small hillock near the Medak town this fort was also under Qutubshahs for some period. This strongly fortified fort has all a secret exit on the eastern end of the fort. The fort also houses a lake, a warehouse and a barrack. The barracks can be found near the first major entrance of the fort which is also known as ‘Pratam Dwaram’. This door is strategically constructed at such a place so that the waging enemy soldiers cannot spot it easily.

After passing through Pratham Dwaram one reaches an entrance which is flanked by two lions on both the sides of the entrance. This entrance is called as ‘Simha Dwaram’.  As one passes through the Simha Dwaram, one can see a warehouse on the left hand side.  This is the most important door of the fort and hence is flanked by powerful hexagonal bastions.

Moving ahead one can reach at the most exquisite entrance of the fort. This is the ‘Gaja Dwaram’, called so because of the sculptures of the Elephants on the walls around it.  Passing though this door one can reach a mosque which was constructed during Qutubshahi regime.

The summit of this fort offers breathtaking view of the Medak town and picturesque country side around it.

Nagarjuna Sagar and Nagarjunakonda Island

Nagarjuna is a big name in Southern India, not just because of the Akkineni Nagarjuna famous for his Tollywood movies and his construction company in Hyderabad, but also because it is related with largest man made reservoir in entire world.  Built on Krishna River and located in Nalagonda district of Andhra Pradesh Nagarjuna Sagar was earlier called as Nandikonda and derives its current name from Buddhist saint Acharya Nagarjuna.

Situated at a distance of 150 km from Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar is an excellent destination for the trekkers as wells the city picnickers alike.  The area which the dam submerged has got relevance since ancient times. In those times the city of Nandikonda which got submerged during the construction of this dam was called as Vijaypuri.  Even today for the people who want to enjoy the boat ride and visit Nagarjunakonda have to park their vehicles or alight at Vijaypuri south.  Along with the enjoyable experience of boating a visit to Nagarjunakonda enriches with the numerous destinations that we can visit on Nagarjunakonda island.

Enroute to Nagarjuna Sagar from Hyderabad, after crossing Pedda Uru going ahead for approximately 12 km, we are welcomed by a board ‘Crocodile Zone – Swimming here is not safe’. Looking around you will find some boat men.  At this point one can enjoy the Coracle (a small circular boat made of cane) ride offered by these boat men for a cost of  ` 20 – ` 30. After coracling for a while one can proceed towards Vijaypuri south.  Enroute to Vijaypuri we pass over a newly constructed bridge. The sight of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam especially when the flood gates are open is mind blowing.  After crossing this bridge it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the boating station.  There after purchasing the tickets, one can board the launch. A launch which can carry 100-150 people takes 60 - 70 minutes to reach the island.

Nagarjunakonda Island

This island stretches east west with the launch dropping us at the eastern end. Nearby we can find some fortification which is a sign of obvious fort at this place.  A flight of steps and then a walkway through the garden takes us to the museum.  This museum is a very good attempt by Archeological Society of India for protecting the Buddhists remnants found in this area. However after having a look at this museum the obvious suggestion would be that the statues should be barricaded so that visitors cannot touch them.  The wonderful statues hoisted by the museum are truly appealing and reminds us about the glorious rock art of bygone era.

After visiting the museum, an ancient graveyard can also be spotted on the way to a large Buddhist statue.  Near this Buddha’s statue there is a uniquely constructed stupa.  This stupa is decorated by some brickwork which is made to appear like a garland to the stupa.  On our way to this stupa one can see the fortification which still stands testimony to the importance of this place in the ancient era. The settlement of Nagarjunakonda was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty (225 AD - 325 AD), the successors of the Satvahanas in the eastern Deccan

After visiting these spots one can come to the lone eatery on the island. After having some snacks one can spend time relaxing at the steps near this eatery. A warm evening with your friends around you and you sitting beside a huge water body with your legs dipped in it is all that one can ask for the moment.  During all this don’t forget to keep a watch on the boat timings!!!

Anupu:

To prevent submersion of the outstanding structures in the valley, a rare feat of reconstruction of the remains was taken up. Anupu, 4 km from the dam site, was chosen for relocation of a Buddhist University.

Tiger sanctuary:

The largest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh lies between Nagarjuna Sagar and upstream Srisailam. Spreadover 3,500 sq.km, it encompasses thickly wooded hills in five districts - Nalgonda, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.

On a special note please see following link:- CEPCE India is committed for electrification of villages, clean drinking water and schools for primary education. The ongoing projects target electrification of two tribal villages; Geesugandi and Kudichintabaayalu. http://www.cepceindia.org/programs/rural-electrification/

How to Reach This Place

Road : Located at 150 km from Hyderabad. Buses are available from Hyderabad to Vijaypuri south.
Rail : 20 kms from Macherla.
Air : Hyderabad Airport.

Chandrampalli Dam and Chincholi Forest

Karnataka is blessed with many beautiful water bodies of which Chandrampalli dam is a less known nevertheless an equally exquisite one. The sleepy village of Chandrampalli approximately 140 km from Hyderabad welcomes us with its two small tea stalls and one pan ki dukaan. (Diya.. you should have purchased something in this dukaan. You surveyed this entire little shop without even asking for a price of a single item.) One can park the vehicles near these stalls or near the Horticulture training centre behind one of these stalls. Well ... Moving ahead from this point we enter a gate which takes us to the earthen boundary of Chandrampalli dam. The dam has its release gates in the southern end.  This dam which is built on Bhima River has an island in it.  This island and the area surrounding this dam offer a beautiful camping site for the trekkers.  A flight of steps on the adjoining hillock takes us to Hanuman temple.  This temple is very unique in its sense. For me this was the first time when I saw Nandi in the mandapa of Hanuman temple. As we all know Nandi, (vehicle of Lord Shiva) is generally a feature of Lord Shiva’s temple. However in this temple we can find it in front of Hanuman’s temple.  After a small hike on the route adjoining this temple we reach an abandoned bungalow.  This bungalow offers us a panoramic view of dam and the Chincholi forest; our next destination.  

Retracing back to the tea stalls a dirt track towards southwest takes us to the Chincholi forest. It would be advisable to fill your water bottles at this point as there is hardly any potable water source on its way to Chincholi forest. After trekking for a distance of approximately 5 km one can reach the highest point of Chincholi forest.  The trail from Chandrampalli village to highest point of Chincholi forest is amazing. It’s a paradise for a birdie, for a butterfly lover, for a snake lover and of course for a person who wishes to have solace in isolation. On our trail we spotted birds like Spotted Pigeons, Rollers, Wagtails, Bee eaters, Jacanas and many more.  Sight of a baby Russell Viper was the peak of it. 

As the route is marked with thorny trees on its way one should have clothes which fully cover hands and legs.  Shorts and Bermudas should be a strict NO for such treks.

Well this trip will be a permanent memory for me for tons of reasons prominent being Diyanat’s crude and jolly Hyderabadi entertainment, Mel singing all the way from Hydera-BAD (as Mel would pronounce) to Chandrampalli and ofcourse for  ‘Maa ki Kirkiri’ by Arun. But without the queen of this trip ‘Bawa ki Gadi’ this trip was not complete. Bawa ki Gadi is Arun’s Dads Maruti Alto which we (read Arun) really toiled on the route for which no Alto would have been tested or would be tested.  Every time Arun skidded it, bumped it on a pot hole, hit it on a speed breaker he would scream ‘Bawa ki Gadi’ in Hyderabadi Hindi with a devilish smile on his face. Without undermining the beauty of the terrain, abundance of butterflies, terrific landscape and amazing beauty of the dam  – guys, without Mel, Diyanat and Arun this trek was not worth it !!! Long Live the Karnataka roads, long live the Bawa ki Gadi !!!

Oracle Utilities to Load Data into Database

The utilities are listed as follows:-

1) SQL* LOADER
2) DATA PUMP IMPORT and DATA PUMP EXPORT
3) Original Export Import

The merits/demerits of the utilities are listed as follows:-

1) SQL* LOADER
Merits:-
* It is the highly flexible allowing you to manipulate the data as it is being loaded

* One can use SQL*LOADER to break a single large data set into multiple sets of data during commit processing, significantly reducing the size of transactions processed by the load

* The direct path loading option performs the load very quickly.

* The rows which are discarded while loading are stored in the same format as the data file so that the .bad and .dsc file can be used again to load the data.

Demerit:-
* The script would work only with Oracle as its database


2) DATA PUMP IMPORT and DATA PUMP EXPORT

Merits:-
* Data Pump–60% faster than Export (single stream)

* 15X-20X faster than Import (single stream)

Demerit:-

* Though it is faster than the Original Import/Export wizard it has more overheads as compared to SQL*Loader. While loading the data on a recursive basis more steps need to be followed as compared to a single line command of SQL*LOADER script.

3) Original Export Import

Merits:-

* It is most useful when we want to import the data without creating the tables as the wizard would itself import the table structure.

* Useful for non-iterative jobs

Demerit:-

* As large time is required to load large data not prescribed when large data is to be imported

Chavand- A Memoir Indeed

When a trekker or devotee of SHIVAJI Maharaj thinks of Junnar, he recalls Shivneri birth place of Shivaji Maharaj. To begin with, there is Lenyadri, Chavand, Hadsar & Narayangad which can be seen if a two days trek is planned to Shivneri. We decided to go with Shivneri Chavand plan and accordingly we left with Kalyan-Narayangad bus of Saturday morning getting down at Bankar-phata. We digged a place for ourselves 15 accommodated 10 seater jeep with all our trekking gear which was heading towards Junnar Suhas and Amey had to travel standing behind the jeep as they had sacks which we were unable to adjust inside the jeep. With Pankaj who was enjoying only his second trek, I was sharing my knowledge of history & geography of that region. Suddenly after my brief mach-mach there was questionnaire spree from Pankaj & Sandeep. Till this time I was unaware that anyone other than Pankaj was listening to me. But by God’s grace I was able to answer all their questions. By the time the answers were finished, we reached the chowk from where our trial had to start.


After refilling our water bottles & having our breakfast we started scrolling towards the Fort. We climbed the fort through “Sakhli waat”. Already it was decided to give more attention to the details which we had grasped in our earlier visits. We reached the caves which seemed to cursing themselves of seeing this day instead of cherishing on the glorious days it had prospered in the past. Suhas, Amey & I started our study with the available remnants of caves while Sandeep & other watching the areas nearby with the binoculars with Pankaj busy in his drawing feat.

Thanks to most of the people who came there, as because of their affectionate act of writing their names on all the available spaces we were not made to give more strain to our brains and had to stop after spending very less efforts. Hence as a token to their affection for us, we felt that these guys should be heavily penalized.

After disappointment deep in us we climbed the fort to see a descent amount of indecent crowd, majority of them here unaware of the importance of the place to their life and have forgot all the lessons of cleanliness taught to them in their homes & schools Even in such conditions “Shivneri” was able to maintain the beauty and divine dignity which it had occurred due to birth of Shivaji Maharaj. After visiting all the historic places of Shivneri & having our lunch in between we started descending down through 7 gates - in search of caves. We traversed to the caves to the left hand side of .Shivai Mandir which seemed to be visited by fewer amount of people. Dispiriting is that, this conclusion was derived from less number of names on the walls of these caves. We started observing the details of these caves and were also photographing the same. Few shilalekhs are available in these caves , but are difficult to read. At this point of this article I appeal readers, if they have photographs of these caves taken some years back. Please contact us at Contact@ TreKshitiZ.com
Then it was time to leave for Chavand village where we were going to make our halt for the day. We reached Chavand village in time and as it was Dussera, atmosphere in the village was Festive. We went to the house of “ teacher at the school in village. Very soon we were surrounded by many of the small children in the village which were very eager to give us the “ Sona “ local name for “ “ which is distributed among people in Dussera as a tradition. Then came a boy with a necklace made of these
Leaves. This was just a beginning of heart warming gestures from the village kids and within a short time we ran out of place to keep the “ “ leaves given to us . That was the experience which we would be cherishing throughout our life. By the time all this finished, the teacher come to place and after exchanging “Sona” we asked them to permit us to display the mount boards on which the information of Chavand and Kukdeshwar was given. We were asked about the details of these mount boards and the moment we said to them that these boards have history and other details of the surrounding the History teacher was pleased and gave us the location where these mounts boards can be located and also assured us that he will take full responsibility of these boards and prevent any damage to them. We again felt like burdened under the warm gestures given to us by the village.
When we were discussing about the villagers we came across the fact that village also had an Ashram-Shala which had more than 250 students in it. We also noticed that for this amount of students, in a scorpio & snake prone area the only available health care centre was at Junnar. Principal of the school who also reached the scene educated us on the fact that it takes an hour to reach Junnar health care center which is merely 18 kilometers away. Thanks to the contractor who built this road
When the discussion was turned towards the fort, Principal told us that along with Shivneri, Shivaji-Maharaj also had resided on Chavand in his early childhood. But with no proof supporting this fact, it was hard for us to digest it.
Then we were asked by the history teacher to stay at his place, but we decided to stay in school so that we can have some interaction with students. The building where we deposited all our trekking gear was a college hostel & had 25-30 students staying there. Later we came to know that some of them were from villages near Thane, which indicates that, this area certainly got a substantial amount of recognition. This was yet another fact to make us realize the importance of development in this village.
After having our dinner in the veranda of the hostel, interaction with hostel guys was on agenda. While having some discussions one suddenly invited us for playing the game of Chess. Soon it was best player in the village who practiced the game daily for at least an hour against a poor fellow like me. After some time it was to my surprise that I had won the game. While the game of Chess was in progress Amey & Suhas were having discussion with other students. Amey was asking about the study plan of the students & Suhas was discussing the history/geography of the area with them
As the stars in the sky becoming brighter our batteries were getting dimmer & we decided to take rest for a day. Next day we got up early and started climbing the fort. Flower photography, Bird watching, Gossip continued as we neared the summit. The way was having some railings in between installed by a Forest Officer for the convenience of trekkers and villagers. A hearty thanks from all trekking community to this kind hearted officer.
The landscape from the top of the fort was idyllic Shivneri, Hadsar, Manikdoh dam, Jeevdhan & the plateau of Naneghat. Summit was fully covered by grass & -------------flowers with hardly any place to walk. But we still scrolled with the help of hostel friends which also accompanied us and guided us to all the places on the fort. The places one must see on the top of the fort are Pushkarni, seven cisterns, temple of Chamunda devi, and the caves on the north-west side of the fort. Along with these places there are lot many places with lesser importance, need to be attended during one’s visit.
After all this, we came back to the village where it was time to display the informative boards. After all this pleasure giving activities it was time to reach Kukdeshwar and on our way we met the Sarpanch of the village who was already aware of what we doing in school and appreciated us for the same. This appreciation gaves us tremendous amount of encouragement to continue with such kind of activities.After taking a promise about staying at his place when we will visit Chavand next time. He help us till the mainroad from where we marched towards Kukdeshwar.
Amey & Suhas distributed the books of history of forts and after handing the presentation file to the history teacher there was s demand for a photo ssession from the village kids.
Kukdeshwar was yet another aye opener about the efforts, needs to be invested by
Authorities & public regarding the protect of this ancient plus very spectal monuments. A S I has certainly tried to give justice in this temple, but the progress of work left us worried.
Any way summing up I would say that we had quenched our thirst for a perfect
Trek ( with all planned ctivities completed accordingly) ofcourse with a guilt of not being able to contribute the damage happening in fortof our eyes. If you have any information
About activities being done to save these monument . Please mail us at contact@ trekshitiz.com.


Harshal .R. Mahajan.
www.Trekshitiz.com.

Alang Madan

I had been trekking for last seven years now but still stuffs like rock climbing were practically new for me. This entire remained dream till my good friend Amit informed me that Mr Sanjay Lokhre had planned a trek at Alanggad, Madangad. These forts were kept away from our list of future treks, as little knowledge of climbing was necessary along with the instruments.

So the trek was planned and it was decided to meet at Sanjay’s photo studio. At 12 am we all came together at the meeting point. We had our SUMO jeep with us for travelling. All the sacks were checked for necessary equipments and were packed on the top of the jeep. After packing Dilip prayed to god for our safety and we started our journey. As soon as the jeep turtled trough the road front lights were put on which slashed the foggy night.

As everyone came from its daily routine job everyone other that Dilip preferred to have an nap instead hullagulla. At 1.30 in the night we reached at Kasara ghat, we had a cup of tea at that place and started our journey again. Early morning at 5 we reach at that Khed , and assuming it to be Ambewadi which is our base village we decided to have some rest at that place. So after some time we discovered our mistake and again got back in our jeep and went in the search of Ambewadi village. At last traversing through the convoluted routes at 6 we reached Ambewadi village.


Having some refreshments in one of the house at Ambewadi we decided to start our trek towards Alanggad. By the time we started our actual climb it was 7.15 As the sun started rising, the light which was falling on these ranges made it look baroque The scenery from the base pumped us with animation and we found our selves minuscule in front of prodigiousness of our Mother Nature.

Now each one of us was moving towards the base of the valley, which was to be shinned up. Aiming at a “V” shaped valley near about 1200 meters above the sea level we started our climb. Along with climbing the excellent photographers like Shrikant (Bandya), Sanjay and Raghu carried on with their hobby of photography. These photographers exploited every chance they got.
With a dry waterfall in the background and sunlight filtering through the trees at an angle, it was as if studio has been set up in the jungle by the gods just for us.


Climbing through the valley went on till we found out a group doing rappelling on 100-foot patch, which would take us to the top directly. Looking at thrill, which was enclosed in that act we decided to go for rappelling instead of traversing through a narrow path, which would have led to 5-hour strenuous trek. Vijay asked for the feasibility of the route to the group, which was descending through that route. As the OK signal came from the group we changed our directions towards the patch. After climbing the patch we decided to have our meal and then to march ahead. We reached the top of the mountain at 3.30 from where our destination was clearly visible. Behind this mountain there raised a deep valley giving its stretch of forest the look of an amphitheatre. The January sun had turned the grass semi brown and as it was late afternoon the birds and the animals were still in there shade. The brooding and silent forest was dictating its tales of very little contact with humans. Our destination was the cave, which could have been an Buddha vihar in ancient times

As the lead climber had to remove all the ropes attached he, Sanjay came last at the 5 in the cave where we have to reside till next morning. In the evening after having our tea we went in search of water, which we could use for cooking purposes. The candle light dinner was another heart-warming experience, which we had on the fort. Each of us taking care that whatever he has brought is being shared by each of us. This showed the co-operation, which we were able to indulge in us, even after being friends for just 20 hours. After the heavy glut it was surely the time to have fully deserved rest. So as decided earlier we got up at 6 in the morning and went to see the rest of the fort and the sunrise. Climbing the hillock above the caves we reach the place where a chain of water cisterns lied. Photography continued as the sun started rising with all its beauty.
From here we defiled to the spot where the remnants of the ancient houses along with an artificial lake having two partitions in it. From the top most point, which was nearly 1450 meters above the scenery, was really very amazing. To the north of this fort the views of Kalsubai, Avandh, Patta , Bitangad, Harihar , Trimbak invited us to trek them. To the west lied the forts of Madangad, Kulanggad along with Ratan , Ajoba and Harischandragad in the south. Ghatghar dam which in the southwest direction was not visible because of the heavy morning fog.

After seeing the entire fort it was time to return to the cave and have our “NASHTA” which Raghu had prepared. After having the delicious “UPMA” and steaming glassful of tea we started to march towards the Madangad. After descending through the rock patch we reached to point from where the going was fairly level. Even if the going was fairly level one had to keep his eyes open for any danger that may have been hiding in our next step. Reason for the danger was the large exposure on the right hand side along with the loose scree over it. Traversing this path and after climbing some steps we reached a point where the need of technical climbing aroused again. Once again the lead climbers started preparations while we discussed various climbing issues with Dilip. We climbed the patch and then proceeded towards the destiny by ascending on a convoluted route.
Then we reached the point, which gave us wonderful view of Alanggad and also the valley that connected these patronizing loci. From this place z-shaped steps are to be climbed. These steps are also visible from the cave at Alang. After climbing these steps we come across a cistern, which we used for our water supply for the period we stayed on the fort. We were to put up at a beautiful cave, which was situated some 40 to 50 feet above the cistern. We went to the cave and laid our rug sacks inside it. As juniors like me and $$$ climbed the patch first we came to the cave followed by Raghu. Within next one hour each one of us accumulated at the cave. After having a glance of all the scenery around the cave it was time to climb to the topmost point of the fort. Leaving our sacks behind we marched ahead with cameras for getting the glimpse of the sun diving behind the array of mountains behind Kulung fort. Three of us were lazing in the diving sun till the call from Sanjay came for descending down to the base of the hole. This descend trough the hole was a splendid experience and Me, Amit and Jogdev sir were only the lucky ones who got such chance in their very first climbing portrayal. As it was dark by the times all of us descended down the returning journey from base of the hole to the cave proved to be little risky. While returning towards the cave Vijay decided to go first.
As he walked on the narrow sledge below, which there was a 3500 feet fall, the rope to, which he was anchored, got stuck and he found difficulty in moving ahead. He called for Sanjay’s help as only Sanjay was in position that could have released to rope. But with wind blowing very excitingly it was difficult for Vijay’s voice to reach to Sanjay. As no one was coming up Sanjay also gave us a call, and unaware of the problem being faced by Vijay he kept calling us, which later made problems with his voice. At the same time from opposite side came the helping hand of Joshi who helped Vijay and all of us to traverse the sledge safely. After reaching the cave safely Vijay took a breather

At 8 after once again having our candle light dinner, we decided to talk about the experiences of each other. At this time I was sitting outside the cave and enjoying the experimentation of my new knowledge about the stars and their position. After that it was the time for having a good sleep, although this day of trek to Madan was not as tiring as on Alanggad.

Next day early morning, Jogdev sir who had woken up before us called out to us to take a look. Everything was still as if the world had not yet woken up from its nightly sleep. There was heavy mist all around, making the face and hands clammy. Not a bird called.
Even the wind seemed to have been stilled by the unworldliness of it . It was not until another half an hour or so that the mist lifted and the birds began to call out tentatively to one another. Another wonderful scene now spread before our eyes—great piles of cloud had drifted down the escarpment and lay at our feet, obscuring the view of gorge below. As far as eyes could see, great ridges of hills lay all around us, stretching to the horizon, their forest-carpeted peaks emerging from the swaddling clouds in a grand primeval spectacle. As we had to leave for the Ambewadi we did nothing more that morning other than to savour that scene and try to capture it on film. After having our tea we left for Ambewadi and reached the village by 11.30 am

After getting refreshed at the base village we piled into our SUMO and started our journey towards our adobe. On the ending note I would say that once again we were forced to realize that “It is only when we leave some of our city bred ideas and wants behind and create space for something new and fresh that we are able to savour to an extent this beautiful gift of nature”