Want to go for a trek? But, where to go, when to go and how to go? Many queries like this had troubled all us amateurs for a long time. But friends, don’t worry. I have tried to compile a list for trekking in the nearby Sahyadris that may prove beneficial. u may email me for details of nearby trekking destinations...and I hv found this site very useful: https://trekshitiz.com
WHEN TO GO :-
Monsoon
To experience enchanting and fascinating Mother Nature at its best, with abundant lush green forests, beauty of mountains and to see the various aspects of nature this is the best season. No heat to burn, no cold to harass, but only pleasant atmosphere that will increase your enthusiasm. The mist makes the experience surreal.
Winter –
Best season, no scorching heat to harass you and no fog to hide the scenery. Also less water problems in this season. October to January is the best season to go for cross-country treks.
Summer –
NOT the best season to go for an outing due to often found unrelenting sun, however as it is the season of vacation may be the choice for some. Suitable for those places where problem of water shortage does not persist. The views are usually the best in summer
Most of the times, the common accommodations on fort are either a cave, a cavern or a temple. But many places have resorts, either private or owned by M.T.D.C.
INITIAL PLANNING :-
The most important thing is an appropriate trekking sack that should be quite suitable so as to carry maximum luggage without straining your back and shoulder. The following items are important
ONE- DAY TREK –
1] Water bottle
2] Cap
3] Hunter shoes (Sports shoes for monsoon)
4] Dry food (Preferably more biscuits and less oily stuff)
5] Optimum one or two pairs of clothes
6] Cutting knife
7] Torch (Preferably Commander torch)
8] Pen and Notebook
9] Safety matches
10] First Aid kit
MORE THAN ONE-DAY TREK –
The additional items other then the above item list are :-
1] Toothbrush and Paste
2] Candles and Matchsticks
3] Stove
4] Kerosene
5] Bedding, like sleeping mat, sleeping bag (in winter), etc
6] Plate, Spoon, Glass
7] Raw foodstuffs like rice, maggi, etc
8] Small Bucket
9] Trekking Rope (about 50 m)
10] Newspapers
In the monsoon season following items should carried along with the above items
1] Raincoat or Windcheater (Umbrella for camera)
2] Plastic bags in larger number
3] Magnetic Compass
4] Rainy or Sports shoes
All the belongings should be properly packed in plastic bags to protect from getting wet.
TRAVELING AIDS: -
Traveling by private vehicle is quite convenient, but it is too costly hire a private vehicle. To travel at minimum cost, the best medium is S.T.Buses which have an extensive network in Maharashtra and have reached almost to every nook and corner of the state.
DO AND DON’TS WHILE VISITING THE FORTS: -
The forts are not just old constructions, but they also retain the memories of our ancestors. Thus they tell us how we should be proud of our glorious history. In Maharashtra, the forts are like the temples in which resides the memory of the most adorable legend of all times, ‘CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ’.
The importance of the forts has reduced in this modern world of technology but they still deserve due respect from all of us. Friends, it’s not just the job of archeologist to take care of these places.
It’s our duty to save these forts from being abused. Hence there are some Do’s and Don’ts that should be followed by all of us:
DO’s
1] Important and artistic exhibits (Monuments) like the entrances, bastions, carvings and sculptures may be photographed (depicted).
2] Along with group- photos more stress should be given on nature around us.
3] For those interested in historical evidences, the letters on carvings should be copied or noted down.
4] Precautions should be taken to keep the surrounding clean.
5] Due care should be taken to protect ourselves from snakes, rodents and even wild animals.
6] Always try to leave some permanent mark on those places where one is likely to get lost.
DON’Ts
1] Do not disturb the quiet surroundings by causing noise pollution with music systems etc.
2] Do not spread any plastic garbage. Instead, pick it up and dispose it in the city.
3] No smoking and drinking within the fort or temple areas. At least bottles should not be smashed or else somebody might get injured .
PRECAUTIONS IN FOREST :-
1] Hunting knife or axe should be taken.
2] Dress code should be such that it should get camouflaged in the forest. Gaudy dressing may distract animals in the forest.
3] Engine oil should be carried.
a) To keep away reptiles.
b) To light fire
4] Fire should not be lighted unnecessarily.
5] For preventing insect bites wear full pants and shirts
I would like to give credit for this review to https://trekshitiz.com