The 2023 Rajgad Pradakshina (37th year)

An unique experience

Rajgad is located in the Velhe taluka, Pune district in Maharashtra.

Join us in our popular annual adventure on Rajgad fort in Pune district. This is our 35th year of this program. This beautiful fort was home to Chhatrapati Shivaji for 25 years and was witness to many historic events. The fort atop the hill has strong, heavy walls that are an architectural marvel. Best way to appreciate this extraordinary medieval stronghold is by trekking below these massive, awe-inspiring fort walls. This program presents a great opportunity to do just that.

The Rajgad pradakshina offers unique and impressive views of the imposing fortifications and bastions. Started in 1986, now in its 35th year this program has thrilled and touched thousands of people. Most have fallen in love with this marvelous place, made friends and went back with tonnes of happy memories.

Places to see on Rajgad

True to its name this king of forts has lot to offer to the visitors–

• Padmavati maachi – largest of the three maachis with temples, sadar, ruins of palace and other monuments
• Balekilla (the citadel) – Highest point on the fort with grand panorama all around. Ruins of old palaces and habitations.
• Suvela maachi – Towards the rising sun, unique hatti khadak and distinctive bastions
• Sanjeevani maachi – beautiful view and rare example of two-layered fortification.

Key Information

Dates: 26th - 28th January 2023
Grade: Medium
Starting point: Gunjavane 
Stay: Tents
Charges: See below
Transporation: Available (see below)

Program

1. 26th January
   • Reach Gunjavane in morning and hike to Rajgad
   • Sight seeing (गड दर्शन)
   • Talk by expert historians
2. 27th January
   • Pradakshina
3. 28th January
   • Hike down to Gunjavane and further to your destinations

Grade: Medium

The program involves following physical activities:

• hike for about 2-3 hours on first day
• sight seeing on fort (typically between 2-4 km walk)
• pradakshina of about 20km on second day (with option of exiting at about half way in case of difficulty)
• hike down of about 2 hours on the last day

Program Charges

Charges include:

• Tea, breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner on the fort
• Stay in tents
• Guided trek (pradakshina) around below the fort walls
• Talks by historians, authors and experts
• Gad darshan with experts (guided tour of sights on Rajgad)
• Tea and breakfast at Gunjavane on arrival
• Lunch at Gunjavane on last day

Our bank details

Bank Name:     Union Bank of India
Branch:        Malad (West)
IFSC Code:     UBIN0531804
Account Name:  The Nature Lovers
A/c No:        318002010010443
A/c Type:      Savings

Important:    Put participant name in the remarks/description/narration field.

Registration

• Once you have made the payment please fill the registration form online.
• Registration is online - Click Here for the registration form
• Registration confirmed only upon payment.
• You can pay by online bank transfer (see below for bank details). Please send us your payment details including transaction reference (screenshot is fine) to our email address: thenaturelovers1986@gmail.com

How to reach

The starting point for this program is at the Gunjavane village at the base of Rajgad Google maps link.

We arrange buses from Mumbai to Gunjavane and back at the cost of Rs 1600.

Participants joining from other parts of the state can reach Gunjavane by

• State transport buses from Pune (Swargate) to Gunjavane
• Local 6 seater service from Nasrapur that is on the Pune-Bangalore highway.
• Drive to Gunjavane (See Google maps link above)

Accommodation and facilities

This is a trekking event in a remote place and some of the normal facilities are not available. We try to make the program as comfortable as possible but the remoteness of this high mountain makes it difficult to provide all facilities that we take for granted in the cities. But, that is part of the outdoor experience.

• Space on the mountain is at a premium. The stay will be in shared tents. Bring mats, sleeping bags/chadar/blanket.
• Bring enough cold weather protection. Temperatures can sometimes drop to single digits at night.
• This is an eco-friendly programme. Kindly bring your own plates, spoons, bowls and mugs.
• It is essential to keep hydrated. Water bottle is a must. Water in the cisterns is clean and drinkable. We also filter and disinfect the water.
• Normal Maharashtrian food will be served.
• Toilets are tented.

Things to bring

• Backpack (most other type is very uncomfortable to carry while hiking)
• A carry mat (foam insulation sheet), sleeping bag, blanket, chadar etc
• Sweater, warm jacket, head scarf, cap
• handkerchief, towel, pancha
• Good quality canvas/hiking shoes
• Full pant, full shirt (comfortable track suits etc) for pradakshina
• Odhani, scarf for pradakshina
• Water bottle (1 ltr)
• Torch with new batteries
• Personal medicines
• light weight plate, bowl, mug, spoon

Rules and regulations

Safety is of highest priority. So, it is essential to understand the rules and regulations prescribed for safety of all and to respect the historical monument. Kindly read all the rules and regulations carefully.

• Do not deviate from the Pradakshina route.
• Obey the instructions by organizers and group leaders.
• Decision of organisers will be final and binding.
• Smoking and consumption of alcohol is absolutely not allowed on this historical and sacred place.
• Loud music of any kind is not allowed. its an opportunity to listen to the nature’s music.
• You are entirely responsible for cameras, binoculars, jewellery or any other expensive items that you bring.
• Avoid any kind of body lotion, deodorants, perfumes or any other strong smelling items. These can attract bees and other insects.
• Children under 18 years of age must have written permission from their parents.
• Maintain cleanliness on the fort at all times. Carry all your trash and deposit them in designated dustbins.
• We take all possible care and precautions, but things are not always predictable in the mountains. The nature Lovers organization and volunteers will not be responsible for any mishaps due to the inability of participants to follow the instructions.
• Organisers reserve the right to deny permission to any participant and ask them to leave the program, if they fail to follow the instructions or behave in irresponsible manner.
• The program fee and bus charges are non-refundable.

Contact

For any queries please contact us at: thenaturelovers1986@gmail.com