VRangers Exploration of Katrabai Range (Ratangad to Harishchandra Gad) on 25-26-27thJan 2013.

This is the most awaited trek for rangers and one of the most fabulous with its variations of routes. Here we can bet you will have a good trekking experience with its wonderful environment and sceneries. In this range we will cover Ratan gad, Katrabai paas , Harishchandra gad and if time permits then kaladgad.

Trek: Ratangad / Harishchandra Gad – via katrabai pass.

Base Village: shendi-ratanwadi / pachnai.

Region: Ghatghar – Bhandardara

Difficulty: Medium.

Max Participation size: 15 rangers.

Cost:-Rs. 1500/- (It includes Travelling from Kasara to kalyan, Breakfast (fri-sat-sun)/ 2 dinner (fri-sat) – 1 Lunch (sat - sun), Expertise charges).

Brief info of forts:

Ratangad:

The fort is origin for the river Pravara / Amrutvahini . The Bhandardara dam is built on this river. Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it at the top which is called 'Nedhe' or  'Eye of the Needle'; formed by natural erosion, it is big enough to accommodate a group  Of ten people and the view of the entire region from here is absolutely amazing. Ratangad was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle and was one of his favorites. The base village Ratanwadi has a beautiful Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings.

Kaladgad:

This is a much unseen fort normally by trekkers as due to its small fortification. It lies on the way from harishchandra to pethechi wadi near Kumshet. On this fort you see a cave which is known as bhiroba cave and having water cisterns.

Katrabai Pass:

This pass is known for passage between Ratangad and Harishchandragad. At top of the hill there situated katrabai mandir.

Harishchandra Gad:

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar region of India. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, and it has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region.The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya.

Great sage changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), is used to meditate in 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.

Trek Schedule:

Our journey will start with kasara local on Friday 25th Jan 2013.from.

Train Time Table:-

Kasara Slow local: please reach before 5 min to the appropriate platforms as this is fast local till mulund then it will hault at all station.if u miss this train u will miss the trek.

Destinations
Trains	Kasara Slow Local(N)
Mumbai CST	5.00 am
Byculla	5.07 am
Dadar	5.17 am
Kurla	5.28 am
Ghatkopar	5.34 am
Bhandup	5.44 am
Thane	5.54 am
Dombivali	6.16 am
Kalyan	6.24 am
Titwala	6.39 am
Kasara	7.46 am

25th Jan 2013:

7.46am: reach to kasara DO BREAKFAST and move towards shendi by local vehicle.

reach ratanwadi by boat

11.15 am: with intro will start trek to ratangad.

01.45 am: Reach to top & lunch break.

Explore ratangad

08.30 pm: have dinner & good night call after campfire enjoyment.

26th Jan 2013:

06.00 am: wakeup call

07.00 am: breakfast

07.30 am leave fort

12.00 pm:  Have lunch at Kumshet

01.00 pm: move toward pethyachi vadi with crossing mula river

03.00 pm: reach pethyachi vadi (if time permits will do Kaladgad)

05:00 pm: reach  pachnai refreshments and move towards harishchandra fort

08.00 pm: have Dinner on harishchandra fort

27th Jan 2013:

06.00 am: wakeup call

07.30 am: brekafast and explore fort

12.00 pm: lunch

01.00 pm: start descend towards khireshwar phata

05:00 pm: reach khireshwar phata and catch local vehicle for kalyan

Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry for the trek:

Compulsory items:

A proper two sided haversack to put all the things, So that one has hands free while trekking, id proof, Lunch for Friday, approx 3 ltr water, Torch with extra batteries, plate, spoon, bowl, bedding like proper shawl, mat (as we are going to have open space stay), woolen jacket, towel,some snacks, Should ware good trekking shoes, full sleeve shirt/T-shirt & Full Pant, if you have any medical issue please carry your own medicine as we carry only First aid, carry some extra cloths.

Non-compulsory items but helpful:

Cap, Sunglasses, Camera , Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry,  mosquito’s repellent, Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution.

(It’s totally self responsibility to take care of things.)

VRangers Rules & Regulation: 
http://vrangers.com/rules-a-regulation

For Reg. & more details, contact Our "Ranger"

(Confirm urself B4 23^rd Jan 2013)

Sudhir :- 97028 78447

Registration will be done by phone call only, so if call not received then please sms your name & mail-id.

Cheerrrsss!!!