Picture this-
You are pursuing Masters of Computer Application career wise.
Also picture this-
You are a hobbyist photographer, explorer and a traveller.
You are a co-leader at Adventure Geek organizing trekking, camping and other adventure events around Mumbai.
So which image of you appealed to you right away? I don’t think that requires an answer- it is a given.
But guess what?
“What if we told you, there is someone who doesn’t choose among these images- but finds the time and drive to be ‘everything at once’- just like the song?”
Meet Mayur Agarwal – our Uncommon traveller. He is as they say ‘all of the above’.
Team The Uncommon Box is delighted to share the travelogue of this young man, on a special trek to Harishchandragad in Maharashtra.
Harishchandragad – “A trek to remember”
I don’t know how to limit my words and write an experience about this beautiful, legendary and a grand trekking place – Harishchandragad.
“After I took up photography and exploring, I decided to go on an adventure spree on every weekend to live my life as if there’s no tomorrow.”
After trekking to various places at Maharashtra what came on my to-go list was Harishchandragad, may be due to its elevation and because, I had heard that it is a dream trek on the itinerary of every avid trekker who loves the Sahyadris and likes to explore the beauty of nature.
The people there can speak only in Marathi and broken Hindi and since I can speak in Marathi I connected with them in no time. After having sumptuous breakfast of kanda pohe and chai, I started my trek with lots of excitement and expectation from the place.
The Trek:
It was an easy 2 hour trek with exotic mountains surrounding all the sides of the village which immediately reminded me “Wall of the North” from the television series ‘Game of Thrones.’
What caught my eyes after half way was the exotic temple of Harischandreshwar housing the idol of Lord Ganesha. To the left of the temple is a well-built lake called “Saptatirtha” and near that is a temple-like construction where there were idols of Lord Vishnu.
“Recently these idols have been shifted in the caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar.”
To the right was the Kedareshwar cave with the famed Shiva which is currently supported on one pillar! 3 pillars have broken.
“It is said and believed that when the 4th one breaks, the Kali Yuga (a period of time in Hindu mythology; the one we are currently living in) will come to an end.”
Did I wade through and stand beneath that pillar? Positive! 😀
After taking a short break near the temple, I started trekking for the final destination i.e. Konkan Kada. The first sight of this destination unfolding slowly right in front of my eyes didn’t made me believe its existence. It is a semi-circle overhanging cliff offering serous jaw dropping view of vast fields and mountains far away. The sunset to the eastern part was worth watching and the rush of winds made it difficult to even stand.
“The blue sky suddenly was set on fire with the riot of yellow and orange colour.”
I had taken a group of trekkers so we happened to pitch our tents and have our dinner of bhakari, vaangi bhaji, thecha, pickle and dal rice beside the campfire.
“Trust me, having dinner at 4000 feet with a blazing campfire, moonlit sky and twinkling stars is much better than any rooftop candle light dinner!”
The sunrise in the morning was equally beautiful. We were reminded of our illustrations in childhood when we used to draw the sun rising through two mountains with small huts and lake.
After watching the sunrise, I had my breakfast and began our descent with a wonderful experience and expectations which marked reality. It was such an incredible trek- with moments that took our breath away. For sure, I shall return when these mountains call me again! Join me if you hear the call too!
Being bitten by the travel bug means you are on the constant search for the next place to explore and discover. Mayur follows his passion and inspires others with his example. There are countless places to see in this world. It is time you got started!
You can follow Mayur on these links:
Instagram | Adventure Geek (FB)
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