City gets no rain but it’s time for monsoon treks outside

A peaceful hike in Ajivali devrai (sacred grove) hardly 60 km from Pune is tempting for nature lovers. Ajivali is a village near Tikona fort in Maval taluka,about 45 km from Pune. While Tikona fort is a must-visit for hikers,a trek in Ajivali devrai is the icing on the cake. The Pavana dam backwaters add to the mystic charm during the hike. One is greeted by an astounding variety of flora and fauna on this three- to four-hour hike.

Ahupe night trek near Bhimashankar

The Katraj-Sinhagad is a favourite among trekkers. This one is worth trying this monsoon. Ahupe near Bhimashankar is a small village where the local tribals — Mahadeo Kolis — have nurtured a devrai. They have also constructed small spring water tanks for trekkers. The Ahupe ghat,which connects Khopivali and Ahupe villages has several narrow gorges and breathtaking drops.

“Take the road from Ahupe ghat to Khopivali village,the base for this trek. One can start the trek after dinner from Khopivali village,reach Ahupe by morning for breakfast and then start descending via Donicha Dara to Khopivali village. On an average,this could be a 17-hour trek with moderate difficulty on the hill pass road,” said Shekhar Tawade who has organised the trek for groups of eight to 10.

Biking in monsoon offers a different experience altogether. Following are a couple of destinations that provide the excitement of adventure biking amid nature.

Madhe Ghat in Velhe

Madhe ghat near Velhe taluka is about 60 km from Pune. It is through this ghat that warrior Narveer Tanaji Malusare’s body was carried to his native village when died in the Battle of Sinhagad. This ghat is one of the few in Pune district where parts of the road are washed away in monsoon. Yet,the rivers,waterfalls and green fields make up for the adventure ride. “A huge waterfall welcomes you at the end of Madhe ghat,which can beseen if you are lucky enough to have clear skies. This place also offers a view of the Konkan region with Raigad on the other side,” said Ketan Pasalkar,who recommends Madhe ghat for nature-lovers. After starting from Pune-Satara highway,take the right turn to Nasrapur village and head towards Velhe taluka. Around 15 km after Velhe village is the hilly road to Kelaad. Madhe ghat is barely two km from Kelaad.

Kund Mala in Talegaon

Kund Mala,as the name suggests,is a series of ponds around 10 km from Dehu. One can reach the Cadbury India factory in Induri,Talegaon,and ride along its compound wall. One can explore the ponds and head for Bedse caves. “There is no road on a few patches on this route. It’s a good test for one’s riding skills,” said Prasad Waingankar,who is a regular at Kund Mala.