Jambhali - Mahabaleshwar Trek.

Initially Harishchandra gad was on our plan but we decided to postpone it as we there was a gap of almost two months.  We wanted a small trek.  We were suggested that we can go to Jambhali - Mahabaleshwar trek.  It is climbing two hills nearly of Sinhagad height and a walk of around 4/5kms.  We finalized the trek and taken the confirmations as well.  

Trek Mates

Now when I started planning, I came to know that it would not be an easy one.  It looked we would take 2 hrs. to climb from Jambhali, Roughly 2 hrs. of walk and climbing down and another 2 hrs. climbing.  So as per my plan we would take round about 7 hours to finish it comfortably with breaks.  We wanted to start early (4:30AM) but looking at the season (cold in the morning) we decided to start late (5:00AM).  Finally we were only 12 who were going for the trek.

Krishna Backwater View

Krishna Backwater View

We started in the morning at 5:00AM.  To save time we decided to carry the breakfast with us.  As there were less pickup points we could move out fast.  At 5:30AM we were out of Pune and heading towards Wai.  Before taking a turn it was must required break for having Tea.  We took a short break and headed towards Wai.  The route was Pune, Wai, Dhom Dam and right turn go towards Jambhali village.  Dhom dam was a small dam by height but was having a big spread.  We took a break and had our breakfast.  We headed towards the Jambhali village.  We reached near school where we were asked to move ahead.  From a small road (vehicle can go) we started ahead and reached near a temple.  

Raireshwar Platue Left

Raireshwar Platue Cont.

We thought that we would have a shop where we can get tea.  As we were early nothing was available.  We needed a guide who can show us the way forward.  We enquired but as it were a Sunday morning and nice cozy weather no one was available.  Finally 3 kids agreed to show us the route.  Meantime an old lady agreed to prepare tea.  She managed to get the material from nearby houses and made tea for all of us.  I was expecting it to be a black tea but to my surprise it was with milk.  This was very much needed to start the trek.  We had a quick round of introduction before starting.  Youngest person was 72 years and 18 yrs. respectively.

Raireshwar Platue Cont.

Around 9:15 in the morning (we have already spent 35/45 minutes to search guide) we started climbing.  All instruction was given to driver (who was supposed to meet at Old Mahabaleshwar) and kids (to keep the pace with all of us).  We were guided by Abhijit, Aniket and Vijay and it seemed there regular routine to climb that area.  Because of winter and the path was going from the forest, so we did not had the problem of heat.  We continued at steady pace.  After around two and half / three hour walk we reached on the top.  From here we can see complete stretch of Raireshwar platue (Around 16 kms), Kenjal gad, Kamal gad and Mahabaleshwar hills.  The view of Krishna river back water of Dhom dam was awesome.  

Guide - Kids in center

The height of the bushes/grass was very high, kids who were showing us the route was not sure if they can show us the route.  We found a milkman who agreed us to show the path of Jor village. After discussion we decided to see off the kids and head towards Jor village.  Many of us were of opinion that we would have lunch after we reach Jor, but we decided to have the lunch at top only.  And it was a good decision as from Jor village one has to climb steep for Mahabaleshwar.  It would have been very difficult to climb up with full stomach.  We had our lunch, the Sweet Poli brought by Saudamini was very nice.  And quantity was also sufficient for all of us.  Bread, Burji, Bhaji, Gul Poli, Usal, thepale and chapati were other dishes got by others.  We had to start immediately as we had to reach Jor village and again climb up Mahabaleshwar.  

Village at top

 


On route we have seen few houses, an old temple.  If they require anything either they had to go to Jambhali or Jor village.  The path was about to descend and guide mentioned that you can follow the route and go down.  It was expected that he would take us up to Jor village, but he mentioned that the route directly goes to Jor village.  Somehow we convinced him and took him little downwards.  We were worried that if we get lost then it would be very difficult.  When the village was visible and we could see the path we agreed and released him.  Now we were on our own heading downwards.  We had to climb down and again climb up almost too same height to reach old Mahabaleshwar.  

Krishna Backwater from other side

We were climbing down at slow pace as the path was too slippery.  And few of us were tired. We felt that few of us would drop out at Jor village.  But we decided to take decision when we reach to JorWe were also not sure if there is any arrangement of vehicle.  When enquired we were told that there are vehicles but would take around 50 Rs per person or would ask around 2000 Rs for special trip. Finally we reached to Jor village.  We were offered water which was ice cold.  We sat for some time had water and continued our trek.  We had to cross the Krishna River again.  After careful steps we reached other side of river.  There was one person on other side who guided us the route.  Now we had to climb the last patch.  We were told that they take less than half an hour to climb so we would take one hour.  Clock was already showing 3:30PM.

We started ascending again.  By now all of us were tired.  Deuskar kaka came twice with us but both were difficult trek.  I hope he joins us next time.  Path was from dark forest now and our worry was we should reach top before sun sets.  Otherwise it would be very difficult to search and climb up.  We were told that the forest has presence of Leopard and other wild animals.  And as it is Jawali forest so we were sure there would be something.  This was another reason we wanted to move fast and come out.  We split the group in three (four each) so that first group can go up and find a path or get some help if required.  Few of us heard some growling sound.  We were not sure what it was.  We were nearing to finish.  Shaunak and Vidish who were now with Deuskar kaka literally forced him to climb up.  He was breathing heavily.  At last we reached top near Ganesh temple and rested.  Our target was to reach near temple.  We headed and reached near the temple around 5:15PM. 

We have seen the Mahabaleshwar temple and Panchganga temple.  As name suggest, at Panchganga here is origin of Fiver Rivers Koyana, Krishna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri respectively.  From Gomukh the water is continuously flowing for last thousand years.  Now we had to reach back.  We had tea light snacks and started our return journey.

End of trek - Heading towards Temple.