My first blog, my first post & my first "RAW ADVENTURE"

Velhe Taluka, known for the historic fort of Torna, is untouched by the modern civilization except for the great fort that attracts a lot of people from the concrete jungles of Pune and Mumbai. Not many know that there exists a world beyond the market of Velhe which lies unexplored and raw.
        9 years back one of my friend shifted to Velhe with his family. A few months later he had this great news for us friends. He had found a place which seemed like a Table-land totally untouched and unknown. That is how i came across this beautiful place named "Madhe Ghat".

MADHE GHAT :
        Approximately 17Kms from Velhe market, you pass across 2 small villages 'Pasli' and 'Kelad'.
Kelad is the village from where you take a right turn. Follow the road and it will take you to what i call as the "EDGE OF PUNE" . A huge patch of naturally-flat land on the mountain top without any shops, totally empty.
Walk up to the edge and below you will experience the world under your feet.
       On the table top flows a river that forms a beautiful waterfall during monsoon. There are 2 spots located on the right hand side of the table top, not too far, from where you get a view of 2 huge waterfalls. The first one is a bit small but the spot from where it can be viewed is an incredible one. The other waterfall is a huge one and located on a very unique terrain. Photographers will love this one. Note that none of the waterfalls are reachable and any effort will involve a huge risk in monsoon. The best season to visit is monsoon, especially in the month of September.

"THE EDGE OF PUNE"
You can take the literal meaning of this one. Beyond this point lies the mighty Konkan belt and if camping for the night you will be able to catch a glimpse of the city of Mahad.

A few years back Google introduced  "Google Earth" and "Google Maps" to this world. For me these two things have acted as the biggest source of information in planning for something that i have shared below.

THE VELHE - RAIGAD FORT ROUTE SEARCH
After almost 9 years of wandering the untouched land, i have finally decided to explore the world beyond and find a way to the King's Capital, Raigad. 

The plan is as follows :

Drop off point - Velhe Taluka, Kelad village.
Destination - Raigad Fort
Days in hand - 7days (26th December 2010 - 1st January 2011)
Approx. Distance to be covered - 30Kms
Route - Unexplored, remote.
Terrain - Unknown
Team Partners - 1
Wildlife - Unknown

If everything goes as planned i'll be reaching Kelad Village on the 25th.
Will spend 1 night at the top and begin descending at the dawn of 26th.
Google Maps show a river which goes up till Raigad. That will approximately be my route if the riverbed is dry.
Approximate daily schedule will be as follows :
7am - Refreshment and a heavy breakfast.
8am to 3pm - Explore the way towards my destination and a light meal.
3pm to 4pm - Search for a safe place for the night.
4pm to 7pm - Gather wood for the night and take some rest.
7pm to 11pm - Reviewing the day, jotting down notes and Dinner.
12am onwards - Try to sleep with eyes closed and ears open ;)

If i'm lucky enough i'll be updating my status on facebook and here. Will be avoiding any other form of communication.

Thanks to everyone who has been supportive,
Hope to see u guys on the 2nd of January 2011  ;)    :p
HAPPY NEW YEAR in advance :)