Hike to Naneghat : A Mountain Pass




HIKE TO NANEGHAT

 

Naneghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghat range between the Konkan coast and the ancient town of Junnar in the Deccan plateau.  It is considered as one of the popular hiking spots in Monsoon near Mumbai & Thane city. It is one of my favorite hiking spots too. The hike to the Naneghat route takes you into a beautiful lush green forest trail. Crossing through the several small water streams and ascending the slippery muddy route and witnessing many waterfalls on the way and climbing up the stone steps towards the top which demands some endurance and you will surely be rewarded with awesome views from the top and exploring the ancient caves,. So I consider it as a perfect hiking trail because It has all the elements of a good hiking trail. It is really amazing to see the pass that has been curved and cut to make the path by the emperor at that time. When I heard the story of Dashrath Manjhi the mountain man of Bihar who carved a path through a hill in 22 years using a hammer and a chisel. I could not believe it and the story looks to me as a myth. But when I saw the mountain pass which is curved and cut to make the pass, I was really fascinated by such a story of determination and willpower. 


Type: Trade route pass & Caves

Difficulty level: Easy to regular hikers and moderate to beginners

Starting Point: Naneghat trekking Path. Nisarg Paryatan Kendra. Pendhari, Kalyan to

Malshej Gha Highway. 

Altitude: 750 m (2,461 ft.)

Best Time: Monsoon & September to February.

Duration: One day

Nearest railway station: Kalyan.

 

Naneghat Mountain Pass from Junnar Side View


The historical significance of Naneghat.

The history of Naneghat goes back to the reign of the Satavahana (c. 200 BCE – 190 CE), The Literary meaning of Nane means “COIN” and the Ghat means “PASS”. So the Naneghat pass was one of the important trade routes. The mountain pass has made it possible to connect the Konkan coast communities with the Deccan plateau through Junnar. The Naneghat pass was used as a tollbooth to collect a toll from traders crossing the pass. Therefore, the stone pot is there beside the road to collect the coin. 


Stone carved pot for toll collection

Naneghat is known for its historical importance and it is mentioned in many books and scholarly articles by various scholars. We can easily believe it by looking at the inscriptions on the walls of the caves. These inscriptions are still visible on the wall of the caves. Naneghat has many caves, mostly used by travelers as resting places and for water storage tanks. Among all, there is one big rectangular cave that has an inscription on the cave wall clearly visible. The cave was very spacious. 

Naneghat Main Caves


View of Nanacha-Angatha with Caves

According to the google book title “Coromandel: A Personal History of South India'' by Charles Allen, He mentioned that the Naneghat caves were first brought to notice to the scholarly world in the form of letter for further research by Colonial William Sykes in August 1828. He has written in his letter that he first thought that it was a Buddhist cave and Inscriptions were Buddhist script. He found the caves while hiking during the summer in 1828. Later on, further research by many other scholars translated to understanding the script carved on the wall. It is confirmed that It is Ancient Hindu Brahmi script and later, it was read clearly by Mumbai based German epigraphist George Buller and said that this was a work of Satavahana’s widow queen Naganika., who had married a king called Satakarni, son of an illustrious king Simuka. She carved a series of her family photos and detailed accounts of her late husband, her own religious sacrifices, and her son being the new king. 

 

Inscription on the cave wall

How to Reach Naneghat from Mumbai

Hikers coming from Mumbai, the nearest railway station is Kalyan. Take an ST bus from Kalyan which goes to Ahmednagar or Junnar. Please remember, you have to request the bus conductor that you are getting down at Nisarg Paryatan Kendra. Hence there is no official bus stop at the Naneghat trek starting point however it is easily visible beside the highway between Kaylan to  Malshej Ghat. You will see the big iron gate at the left sideboard written Nirsarg Paryatan Kendra and a few tea stalls on the left side. Many buses do not prefer to stop until and unless you have a big group with you. If the conductor turns down your request, then you have to get down at Tokewadi village, The bus charges from Kaylan to Tokewadi are around Rs.60 which is 6 km before the Nangehat trek starting point, and then to walk towards the starting point. You can have breakfast at Tokewadi. Then you either walk 1.5 hours or try to get a lift or take an auto up to the starting point.  The distance between Kalyan to Tokewadi village is about 55 Km and it is two hours bus ride. The best and fastest way to reach the Naneghat starting point is by private vehicle in a group. 

Naneghat is also accessed by a motorable road until the hilltop. You can drive directly to the Junnar side via Ghatghar village to direct Naneghat pass. Ghatghar village is a big village in Naneghat at the base of Jivdhan Fort. The accommodation and food facility is available here. However, adventure lovers or hikers may not wish to directly drive up to Naneghat via motorable road. This will dilute the purpose of Hiking.  

How to Reach Naneghat from Pune

For Pune Hikers, there are two routes to Naneghat from Pune depending on the purpose of your visit. The first one is for an actual trek route whereas the second one is for picnickers or just a plain visit to see the site.

Route 1 is for Hikers/adventure lovers who have plans to hike up to the Naneghat via forest trail. Catch an ST bus from Pune towards Alephata. and take another ST from Alephata to Kalyan or catch another ST bus for Kalyan via Malshej Ghat. You can also get a direct ST bus from Pune to Kaylan via Malshej Ghat. You will come across a big board on the right-hand-side with ‘Naneghat Gumfa Marg’ written in Marathi. This is a point where you have to get down. Remember, the board appears 15-20 minutes after the Malshej Ghat ends and you have to request the conductor while boarding the bus.

Route 2: Is mostly for people who wish to come for a group picnic or just to pay a visit. You have to catch an ST bus from Pune to Junnar and take another ST bus for Ghatghar village and then take a walk for an hour to reach the main entrance of Naneghat. 

 

First view of Naneghat Mountain Pass

My Journey to Naneghat

As I mentioned above, Naneghat trek is one of my favorite hike near Mumbai city. 

I hiked twice to Naneghat in Monsoon. My first hike to Naneghat was organized by Decathlon. Thane. Since the group size was big and they have arranged a minibus for our transportation. It was a good mixed group. Almost all were experienced hikers except three young participants. It is very convenient to travel if you are traveling by your own vehicle or book a commercial vehicle for both ways. Otherwise, you have to depend on the state transportation facility which is time-consuming. 

My first experience was mixed. Though I loved the trail, I enjoyed the whole journey and off course the amazing views from the top but we were badly caught up in a very strong wind while descending from Nanacha-Angatha. The pressure of the wind was very high that there is a chance that you can blow you away.  We could not even open our eyes properly.  We were asked to sit on the ground close to each other and not supposed to move till the wind subsides. That was a bit scary experience. I assumed that the Naneghat area is one of the places in the Western Ghats which receives maximum rainfall during Monsoon and it's very windy as well.  Another issue was while returning, one of our participants got ankle sprain and could not walk due to severe pain. Our trek leaders had to struggle to take her down to the base camp. The rest of the participants had to wait too long for them. That was not a good experience. As a result, we had to wait too long and reached home very late and the worst part was, the next day was Monday i.e. working day for everyone. 

That is the reason that I decided to hike again with a smaller group or solo. In the year 2019, I decided to hike Naneghat trek again in Monsoon. Therefore, I checked with the few other hiking partners; they were all willing to join me. We planned to hike the weekend. Three of the hikers joined me for this trek. I always prefer to go with a smaller group than a large group.

 We took a direct taxi from Kalyan for both ways which are the most convenient way to reach the starting point. 


Naneghat hile starting Point

Naneghat trek route is easy and well-marked to the top. It is such a pleasant walk across the beautiful lush green forest and crossing several small water streams. We really enjoyed walking across the green forest with awesome surrounding views. These awesome views become our motivation. We started our hike at the expected time and followed the beautiful trail. There is a good space for parking your car near the starting point. It takes around two and a half hours to reach Naneghat pass. It depends on your speed and number of water breaks you take on the way. 

A beautiful trail leads to forest route

The trail leads to beautiful green pastures and has to enter into two gates. The 1st gate was the main entrance gate and followed by the second gate after a few minutes of walk. We crossed several small water streams and slowly the trail took us through the beautiful forest.

 

Slowly gain elevation after crossing this water stream

After crossing the last water stream, you have to start ascending slowly towards the narrow and slippery forest route. After one hour of ascending towards the hill, 

Forest route

we reached the base of Naneghat and we took a water break and paused for a couple of pictures. From the base to till the Naneghat top, the nature of trail changed as we had to climb through long zigzag wide stone steps. This route becomes more challenging during heavy rainfall, the rainwater flows through the steps and you have to walk against the waterfalls. 

Zigzag stone steps

The route is uneven and very slippery too. You have to walk carefully while descending. There is one particular point where you have to walk on the flat smooth and wet stone and it is very slippery. That point is very risky. We walked from the extreme side with the help of a fence. That patch demands good endurance and you will see lots of small crabs throughout the step route.

Chilled mountain water to quench your thirst

 This route will directly take you up to the top. After walking for almost one hour, we finally reached the point, where we could see the caves and the pass. 

First view of the Pass

We explored the caves first and observed the surrounding area. The mist had blocked the view. We proceeded further towards the pass and there we saw an old stone curved POT on the right side. The pot is used to collect the coin as a toll. On the left-hand side, there are small caves inside there is lord Ganesh idol. We moved towards the cliffside and there is another viewpoint where you can see a beautiful cliff view with many waterfalls. And the clouds rolled down. Everyone enjoyed the views and took many selfies. It's time for a refreshment. There is one eatery at Naneghat village. It is 3 km away from Naneghat pass. and few tea stalls beside the roadside. For big group size, you have to order in advance.  

We sat down on the bench near the cliff view area and had a light snack to refresh ourselves. Luckily the weather was favorable, with no heavy rain. After a good rest, 

Ascending towards Nanache Angatha top

we climb up to the top of Nanache Angatha. One has to climb through a muddy and slippery road to the top.

Summit Point

 View from the top: A Purifying movement

The top of Nanache Angadtha offers 360-degree views as a reward for the hikers as we summit the trek.  We can see the bird eye view of plains, The magnificent view of tall hills like Jivdhan and Varhadi on the left-hand side and towards the right side the picturesque view of Naneghat surroundings areas.  We spent almost 40 minutes enjoying the views. Amit Ray has said that Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind” The mesmerizing view from the top has purified our mind and soul.  We started descending because the crowd was increasing and we have to give others a chance to enjoy the view. The descending was a bit challenging during the rainy season as it was very slippery. It is difficult to maintain balance and walk downwards at the same time. Somehow we all managed to get down without any fall. 

The other attractions near Naneghat are Jevdhan Fort view, reverse waterfall. The reverse waterfall can be seen only during the heavy Monsoon shower. The reverse waterfall is just 20 minutes away from the paved road when you are climbing from the cave. The Jivdhan fort is close to Naneghat but a little harder to hike than Naneghat. The fort plays an important role in providing the safeguard the traders and the travelers who pass through the toll pass. It is said that the fort was destroyed by the Britishers later on. 


          Clifview with multiple waterfalls. Jevdhan Fort  was covered by cloud

We started descending back. I find descending is more challenging because stone steps are very slippery and uneven. One has to walk very cautiously.

The return journey was always quicker and our drivers were eagerly waiting for us at the main entrance gate. We stopped at Tokewade village had a yummy Misal Pao and tea to re-energize ourselves to go back. We return back with happy memories and lots of satisfaction by exploring such a beautiful and historical hiking spot. 

Tips:

  • A good Raincoat/Poncho is a must for this trek
  • A good hiking shoe is a must
  • Put your mobile, purse and other important things in a waterproof bag
  • Do some background research before you visit Naneghat. It is a historical site
  • Respect the culture and the heritage  of  the area
  • Smoking and drinking is not allowed
  • Respect the nature
  • Leave your trail not trash. Carry your trash back to the city
  • Start early, so that you can get more time to enjoy the view
  • Always hike responsibly. 
  • You can further hike to Jevdhan fort from Naneghat. It is a little harder than Naneghat trek
  • There is one Dhaba at Naneghat village and there are two-three tea stall beside the road
  • Naneghat receives heavy rainfall and a high-pressure wind in Monsoon
  • Bring a minimum of a 2-liter water bottle and ready to eat dry snacks or pack lunch
  • You can take shelter in the cave if you are coming for a night trek in winter. The cave can accommodate 30 people but make sure you better pack your sleeping back or any warm Chadar to put on. The temperature dips in the night and brings a rope or key chain to tie the Cave door in the night. 
Watch this short video for the breathtaking  view from the top.



No comments:

ads
Powered by Blogger.