It's my Monsoon 2012's first trek. So thought of going for an easy one. Upon spending some time on Google, I decided to go for Kenjalgad & Raireshwar Trek. Both the forts is around 6km from Korle (around 25 km from Bhor).
Kenjalgad (aka Ghera Khelanja and Mahangad) is said to have been built by the Bhoj Rajas of Panhala who flourished in the twelfth century.
On other hand, Raireshwar is well placed in history as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya in the Raireshwar temple (temple of Lord Shiva) at the age of 16 in 1645. Its said that he had cut his little finger and taken the oath by dripping blood onto the Shivling.
So, we (5 monkeys) started around 7.30am from Hadapsar, took Pune-Bangalore Highway, then a took right from Kapurhole and reached Korle via Bhor around 10.30am.
Finding route becomes easier as the local people are very helpful though less people knows about Kenjalgad. But they will easily guide you to Raireshwar. We went further upto the base village.
Taking a little direction from village people we started our trekking.
After a while, the route was divided in two different direction and we (specifically me) took the right. But the right was wrong this time. Villagers warned us not to go that side as the route is a little difficult to trek. Driver send us a guide to direct us.
We came back to the inter section and took the left and it's as easy as walking.
Once reached the fort base, it's marvelous view everyway.
The fort was built over the rock-solid cliff and it looks very appealing.
We took the stairs to the top, explore the fort for around 1 hour.
It's 2.30pm almost. I was regretting myself for losing time at the start.Then my friend Kaka asked me to go to Raireshwar; what will happen at the max; we'll be late to home a hour or two. I got charged up, asked the guide about the distance, difficuty and time for Raireshwar. He describes it's way easier compared to Kenjalgad.We took him with us in order to save time.
It's hardly 20mins from Kenjalgad by car. And our guide is right and it's just walking on stairs.
There's nothing like fort on the top hill. It's wide and vast. Found some yellow crabs and a lot crob holes.
We went to the temple for darshan. Have some Poha & Chaha outside temple. And we started descending.
Now, witness the spectacular view that most of the trekkers miss as they hardley comes to Raireshwar thinking there's nothing to trek.
We started for Pune around 5.30pm and reached by 8.00pm. My birthday party was awaiting for us.
Some quick info on the forts:
Kanjalgad:
Height- 4273 ft
Difficulty Level- Easy
Endurence Level- Easy
Distance- 80km from Pune
Raireshwar:
Height- 4589 ft
Difficulty Level- Very Easy
Endurence Level- Very Easy
Distance- 77 km from Pune
Kenjalgad (aka Ghera Khelanja and Mahangad) is said to have been built by the Bhoj Rajas of Panhala who flourished in the twelfth century.
On other hand, Raireshwar is well placed in history as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya in the Raireshwar temple (temple of Lord Shiva) at the age of 16 in 1645. Its said that he had cut his little finger and taken the oath by dripping blood onto the Shivling.
So, we (5 monkeys) started around 7.30am from Hadapsar, took Pune-Bangalore Highway, then a took right from Kapurhole and reached Korle via Bhor around 10.30am.
 |
| View of Kenjalgad on the way |
Taking a little direction from village people we started our trekking.
After a while, the route was divided in two different direction and we (specifically me) took the right. But the right was wrong this time. Villagers warned us not to go that side as the route is a little difficult to trek. Driver send us a guide to direct us.
 |
| The Wrong Way |
We came back to the inter section and took the left and it's as easy as walking.
Once reached the fort base, it's marvelous view everyway.
The fort was built over the rock-solid cliff and it looks very appealing.
We took the stairs to the top, explore the fort for around 1 hour.
It's 2.30pm almost. I was regretting myself for losing time at the start.Then my friend Kaka asked me to go to Raireshwar; what will happen at the max; we'll be late to home a hour or two. I got charged up, asked the guide about the distance, difficuty and time for Raireshwar. He describes it's way easier compared to Kenjalgad.We took him with us in order to save time.
It's hardly 20mins from Kenjalgad by car. And our guide is right and it's just walking on stairs.
There's nothing like fort on the top hill. It's wide and vast. Found some yellow crabs and a lot crob holes.
We went to the temple for darshan. Have some Poha & Chaha outside temple. And we started descending.
 |
| Brass Masked Lord Raireshwar (Shiva) |
Now, witness the spectacular view that most of the trekkers miss as they hardley comes to Raireshwar thinking there's nothing to trek.
 |
| Water flowing upwards due to the heavy wind |
 |
| The original image is a huge 42MP shot from my shooting engine |
We started for Pune around 5.30pm and reached by 8.00pm. My birthday party was awaiting for us.
Some quick info on the forts:
Kanjalgad:
Height- 4273 ft
Difficulty Level- Easy
Endurence Level- Easy
Distance- 80km from Pune
Raireshwar:
Height- 4589 ft
Difficulty Level- Very Easy
Endurence Level- Very Easy
Distance- 77 km from Pune
