#nakhind

The cool morning air was laced with the invigorating aroma of tea as we sipped our last bit of warmth before embarking on the adventure that awaited us. It was 5:00 AM when we left Thane, the city still draped in darkness, with only the distant promise of dawn on the horizon. By 7:00 AM, we had arrived at the base village of Nakhind Ridge, ready to explore the rugged beauty of the Sahyadri…

Terrified, mortified, petrified, stupefied. I stood there. We had just climbed 700m of steep terrain but what lay ahead made me mortally afraid. Up against me stood a narrow ridge with no vegetation on either side. One fateful step and you were history. Going ahead looked crazy. But egged on by my 'friends' two minutes later i was butt trekking on the same path. You know the rest. You see i am still alive to tell you the whole story :) There were three of us. We started out from Matunga at around 6.30 in the morning. A karjat train from Dadar took us to Vangani, a village near the base of the Nakhind hill. On the train you see to your left the hill range comprising of Tavli, Navra-Navri, Mhasmal, Chanderi, Nakhind, Peb and finally Matheran.

The peaks Chanderi and Mhasmal Accounts on the Internet had given us a fair idea of the route but if you are a true ranger you know even the best can get lost. Once we reached the station we crossed the tracks and went into the first village. The tar road soon gives way to mud and uneven terrain till you reach the second village. The villagers here are pretty friendly and directions provided are usually correct. After this point the trek starts to get difficult. We had to hack our way through the narrow path and counter the steep climb at the same time. Be careful to rest along the way for you'll need the energy. You encounter a small stream which signals that you have completed about 10% of the climb. Sadly its too early to refill those bottles your carrying. It is tough to get a grip at some points and using a stick as support does help. After what seemed like eternity we reached the top. The view from the top was simply breathtaking. There was a sense of relief at having conquered the hill. But the feeling didnt last long. On your left stood the ridge that divides you and the famous Nakhind hole. The hole is peculiar. The outcrop is made of huge rocks with a gaping hole in the centre. Be careful when you traverse the ridge. If you have vertigo going ahead is not recommended.

On top of the hill. Me, Nihar and Ameya. The view is magnificent.   The view from the cave on the other side was breathtaking. On one side is the Vahgani village whereas Chanderi and Mhasmal stand tall on the other side. We settled there for an hour or so taking in the breeze and refilling our energy tanks. Soon i realized there was no way available south and i would have to face my fears once again. (Damn you Nihar you fooled me). It seemed easier this time and i was on the other side in no time.

Inside the Nakhind hole.