Trek To Vasota-Nageshwar

26th-29th Jan 2006

When i first learned about this trek organised by our group, i was a little reluctant to join considering the fact that the fort stood amidst dense forest in the Koyna Nature Reserve. But then I didn't want to misss out on an adventure that I knew won't come my way often. Moreover, there were eighteen other trekkers in the group, a couple of them even from Hyderabad and one from Chiplun.

We started on the eve of 25th January from Mumbai Central bus depot. Kiran joining the trek at the last moment was a pleasant surprise. The travel arrangements were absolutely comfortable and next day early morning we were at Satara where connecting departure was scheduled at 0930 which we boarded. We reached Bamnoli, one the the entry-points after an hour drive. Bamnoli was the place from where real adventure would start for it was from here that we had to ferry across the Koyna river. After taking the necessary permit from the forest department offcials, we found ourselves in the launch heading towards Met Indavli.

It was a welcome mode of transport for all of us and everyone took the opportunity to socialise onboard. After reaching the forest department base camp at Met Indavli at 1300 hrs, we ahd a hearty lunch and started off for Vasota fort.

The path to Vasota fort is quite prominent. For me it wasn't a difficult trek as I thought it to be. Greeting the people enroute and taking their feedback we reached a point where one way continued to the fort and the other was marked with arrow towards Nageshwar. As decided we continued climbing towards Vasota and reached the top after after two and half hours.

Immediately, everyone decided on a group photograph before exploring the fort. The view from the edge of the fort was scenic. To the right, one could see Chota Vasota, a pinnacle, and the path to Nageshwar. Right behind, the sight of Koyna watering penetrating in the dense forest below was enthralling. After snacking, we proceeded to the otherside of the fort to find a group of around thirty trekkers who had already set up their tents.

Now it was our turn to set up the tents. While the experts got down to work, others wacthed with amusement. For some of us, it was going to be the first night in a tent. It was chilling up there, something that many of us hadn't forseen. For a change, I wasn't equipped with much warm clothing and hence the cold was biting.
After the usual fare of Bhramanti Pulav ; yes we have a patent on it, pickle (the lemon pickle courtsy Rajat was mouth-watering) and papad, everyone called it a day.

Next day, that it on the 27th January, after seeing around the fort and having finished the morning chores, we started for Nageshwar at around 1045. The trek was nice and we were doing our best to be together. At every given chance we would take a breath before continuing. At a certain point the path to Nageshwar has cliff on one side and vegetation on the other. At around 1300 hours we reached Nageshwar. This is a place of pilgrimage for the villagers who live in the valley below. For spuses longing for a child, men looking for work, this is the place where prayers are said to be answered.

Now we had a journey ahead which proved to be quite a task.We had to start climbing yet again, this time a mountain next to Nageshwar. Everyone was extremely tired with their heavy sacs on their backs in the sweltering heat. The simplestof steps looked daunting and we were rather clumpsy with the ascend. The sun was just too brilliant and after then minutes many of us would stop for a breath. The heaarts were ponding yet the spirit of making it was very much alive. I realised what an 'uphill task' is! Finally we came to a plateau into even denser jungle. Soon though we found ourselves descending the other side of the mountain. No sooner that we trekked a few metres that we came across the serene Koyna again from the top. The view was spectacular. The river was dotted by a small island, the banks lined with fields on one side. The beauty of the place can be compared to the southern French resort of Saint Tropez.

The descent was relatively easy but took us quite some time. At our arrival, Prasad and Mr Mishra were just out of the water after a swim. I couldn't hold myself back anymore and thought of lazying with my feet in the water but Abhishek, Himanshu, and K D wouldn't let me out till I was completely drenched. Koyna as we learnt is a deep river.

The launch from Kusapur arrived and we got on to it heading for Arav, our base village for Vhakdev. As conversations flowed, the air seemed heavy and tranquil. The sky seemed to change into the evening colourss and stars came out of their abode. The reflection of the surroundings in the still water couldn't seem more beautiful.

Ajay was in pain, I realised once we were on the banks.It appeared as though he had sprained a muscle. We headed to the hamlet and were greeted by a family. The head or 'Sarpanch' of the village arranged for our stay and boarding in the village temple. The temple dedicated to a local deity is picturestic. with a courtyard. Dinner arranged by the Sarpanch was lip-smacking and soon everyone was asleep.

The next day, we had planned to distribute books and stationary to the children studying at the village school. Ajay has been the brainchild behind this unique project whereby we would donate necessary material for academics and daily life to the under-priviledged villagers that we would come across during our treks. We finished the morning routines just in time for the small ceremony of donation in the presence of the Sarpanch and villagers. I gave the introductory speech and then the formalities took their course.

By eleven we were ready for our final destination Chakdev. After walking five kilometers, we reached a small village called Walvan. The Sarpanch of Arav had suggested that we climb a mountain called Parbat near Walvan. Kituu, I and a few others decided to stay back opting to rest instead. Others, leaving their sacs decided to go ahead with the climb. As luck would had it, Parbat proved to be invincible for my fellow trekkers but then we all lauded their efforts to ascend the mountain. Lunch arranged with a family was a typical rural Maharashtrian spread of Bhakri and Zunka. After relishing the brunch we started for Chakdev at 1600 hrs. Climbing Chakdev was easy and it took us a little more than two hours to scale it. It was almost 1815 hrs by the time we reached the village cocooned atop. The village temple stood at the corner with 'Samadhis' of noble villagers at it's entrance.

We decided to explore a little and moved ahead to the edge. As we approached the edge, the sun seem to shed myriad shades in orange. The view in front of us was panoramic with mountains and villages nestled in between the valleys. We were spellbound by the beauty at dusk. Birds were on their way back after the days work of looking for food. When it was night time at last, a plethora of stars twinkled brilliantly just as diamonds would sparkle in an exquisite piece of art.

Sheltered in one of the village homes, my friends started a round of old classics. The sound broke the silence in an otherwise sleepy neighbourhood. Soon everyone had rolled out their mats after supper. I was thinking ; the next day would be the final day of the trek.

Next day morning, we all got up early and were ready for departure at 0900 hrs. We started descing and coverd the distance in scheduled time. At a point the strong wind was determined to blow us away. Finally after a descend of almost four hours we reached Amboli. everyone had a bath and we moved on for Khed where we boarded the Mandovi Express.

The trek offcially ended on our arrival and all that each of us needed was a drink! After and appeatising dinner we bid each other good night.

Vasota - Nageshwar - Chakdev is a must do itinerary for every trekking enthousiast. The experienceof travelling in a launch in Koyna makes this trek a unique experience not to forget the adventures in the dense forest. The locals are warm and helping as you come across as a traveller in Maharashtra.

As you make your way through forests, valleys and bewitching views, time stops......soul awakens.

Written By: Shrikant Vaidya