This one is like the "baap" of all forts (so far). the grandeur, the architecture, the history, the difficulty level, the views, etc. etc. that is associated with Rajgad, makes it one to go for, and really the "baap" of all forts.
Treks getting sidelined with new entry in the family, our second little trekker :), was itching to go out before it gets really hot and the greenery vanishes without rains. this one was on the list from long, and based on the views reviews on the net, decided to leave our little trekker at home. So, it was just 2 of us this time.
The place is quite nearby, and in no time you reach gunjawane, the base village (one of the base villages) of the fort. there is ample space for parking and it has enough eateries around with option for you to receive lunch atop if you need. the chor-darwaza route was the one we decided to pick up with the thrills chills and uncomparable views that one can get. the route starts right from the base and within few minutes of decent hike you catch the highway kinda route towards the fort.
This snap has the bale-killa in the left and padmavati machi on the right. our first stop was the padmavati machi via chor-darwaza. the hike via this route is decent enough and easily climb-able. the last few meters are the one requires you to be in top of your shape and will power. Its just vertical and needs the railings support to climb. not sure how tough it wouldave been without those so-called railings.
The steps become smaller and tougher, and if you are afraid of heights, forget about coming through this route and choose a lighter one via pali-darwaza. near vertical climb tests your centre of gravity, so if you have excess fat spread across the body, every chance that you might get toppled over :)
A decent 2 hours is what it took us to reach our first base of padmavati machi, and we were happy enough to be there. as you come out of the chor-darwaza, soothing site of the padmavati lake awaits you. the water is ice-cold, and full of tiny fishes, which will nibble at your legs and gives a ticklish feeling, do not worry and just relax your feet in the ice cold water.
You can have the customary snaps around this place and go through the pages of history to identify what the fort remains that are spread across this place. would suggest to just read a bit about this fort to get the right feeling once you are here. there are so many view points around this machi and eating option as well, of the good-old pithala-bhakri.
We were not that tired, and after a brief break and photo session we decided to carry on and start for the bale-killa climb. now this one is a different beast altogether. few meters of vertical, railings supported climb, this patch gets really tough and takes toll on your legs. reminds you to lose the excess fat that you carry and dont mind while watching india-pak match on a comfy sofa :) took us nearly 30 min to reach the maha darwaza of this bale-killa.
And just when we thought weave arrived, these steps welcomed us and reminded us that the ordeal is not over yet. Of all the rock cut, near vertical, scary stuff that we had gone through to reach here, these few proper steps were killing. and took all our might to cross it. we were able to recognize only the "torna" from here, which is like next-door from here, everything else was hazy all around.
And this was the place where Shivaji spent a considerable amount of time of his life, and we were really thrilled to walk the same steps and stare at the non-existent walls of his fort, of which only few stones were there to remind us the story that it has witnessed. wondering how great it might have been to be here at Shivaji's time, we did our photo session and went through all corners, the views were just spell bounding and heart stopping at the same time.
We decided to have our lunch here, and just as we took the food out of bag, the thieves arrived in bunch and made us part with the food, the monkeys i mean :) we were distraught with the loss of mom-in-law made parathe. we came down in no time and had our heart full lunch.
Now if you are in just for a day, you could visit so much and just one of other machi out of suvela and sanjeevani. the fort is huge and takes some time, patience and strength in your legs to cover it fully. views that you can get from each one of the points is just so awesome. you do have an option of staying at the paryatan-niwas or the kacheri, or the temple. there were already like 100 people's luggage lying around :) upto you to decide.
climb down is really scary for first few meters and as easy as it can get later.
we were down at the base in no time and back home in some quick time.
parting shot.
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