Rajgad Trek - 24th March 2013

A Sunday well spent with an unplanned trek. Yesterday early morning I left home thinking that by evening I should have scaled Kalavantin Durg. But there was something else in store for me. The previous plan just did not take off and I did not want to insult the new hunter shoes that I was wearing. Hence started my bike and drove towards Gunjavane, the base of Rajgad. The majestic fort which was Shivaji Maharaj's capital before his coronation. As always reached Padmavati machi and had some nice pithala, bhakri with thecha. I had a lot of time in hand and since I was alone had to do something different. Hence visited Pali darwaza and was able to view the route leading to Torna. Many people were doing this route that too on a hot summer afternoon. After that I started towards Suvela Machi, the farthest point on east. It must have been a 5 mile walk. The last tower after Chilkhati Buruj. I had never been to this end before. On the way climbed up to the big crater in the wall. Later came back to the base of Bale killa and ascended the Bale killa at one go. In fact I was running while climbing the rock patch.No fear or worry unlike the last time. I had not slept the previous night hence my legs started feeling weak. I was dehydrated before the climb to bale killa as I was carrying only a single bottle of water. I had to purchase a bottle of buttermilk from a lady. After descending towards Padmavati machi took a nice power nap of 2 hours in the Padmavati temple. One glass of Kolhapuri special double sweet tea and I resumed my descend. I descended towards Gunjavane village in 30 mins approx and just before the dark. With a satisfied feeling of a good trek and a day well spent I was on my way to Pune.