It has been years that I started trekking. 

My first memory of the trek dates back to 1991, when a group of school buddies decided to go for a one day monsoon trek. The most enthusiastic girl in the class was our leader. It was muddy trail, and by the time we returned almost everyone from the group had become an experienced trekker.

It took a while for me to understand what this business was. But it was that day when I got high with my insignificance on this earth. A pinnacle as proud as a nose of Duke, told me that to respect is the only way to appreciate the Mother Nature.

Several years have passed by; Trekking has become most integral part of my day today life. But the love for this place is ever growing.

Every year when the sky clouds with a promise of monsoons and greener earth, every wanderer gives a shout to the other, "Hey, his nose awaits us". The plans are made, dates are fixed. Every other commitment is compromised and the wanderers set out on a rainy day to reach the ultimate monsoon destination.

This year the time has come, just few hours away in the morning...  And I can proudly say as I start my day today, "I know where I am heading.”

The place which has given me so much to cherish, The place which has added a purpose to my life, The place which has gifted me at least one friend every time I visited."

Here's to Dukes... My First Sanctuary... May your nose stand firm eternally...

As Richard Bach says: “Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.”

When you know you have found your flock, you are ready to fly with them anytime. The simplest thing you can do for someone is just be their friend.

The birds with lenses wanted to do a photography tour of Induri Fort; Chakan Fort... another bird wanted to surrender at Bhamchandra Dongar And I was just enthusiastic about wandering. So there was a perfect exploring plan which was ready to be executed.

On a Saturday morning, we left the city and rode on old NH4 towards Talegaon. 

After a long time, I managed to catch a breakfast at McDonalds, Chinchwad. A Veg Muffin started one of the best days of my life. 

After one more snacks break, we reached Talegaon.

On Talegaon - Chakan road, at Village Induri, there is a small fortification built on Left hand side. This fortification was built by Khanderao Dabhade during 1720s. The river Indrayani flows by western side of the fortification. There is a temple of Kadjai Devi inside this fort. The Entrance marks a grandiose Royal History. There is a NagarKhana atop the entrance. Although it is all ruins, we had a good time there.

Our next destination was Bhamchandra Dongar... Very less people know this place and so it is still much serene. The rout to the cave is very simple. There are a some carvings. ( I do not know the historical information).  On Talegaon - Chakan Road, there is a village Sadumbre on left hand side. Ahead of this village, there is another village - Shinde Vaasuli. This hillock is on the outskirts of this village. 

After some memorable moments captured in photos, we left towards Chakan, Via Ambethan. After having lunch at Ambethan chowk, Chakan. We visited the ruins of Chakan fort.

Just to make it a complete circle, we rode to Alandi. There is only one word for Alandi... AWESOME!!! 

For me, Alandi was a cosmic experience, just sitting at the steps of ghat was so fulfilling, peaceful. I could feel completely in sync with the entire universe.   I attained my long lost inner peace.

Idea Floats… Four Jump in, one jumps out…

Long lost friend is roped in… He pulls two more…

A small group…

Six set out on a Sunday early Morning…

Highway Ride… Punctured Tyre…

Street food & tea for breakfast…

Final Destination… Walk in the Mud…

Bike Ride in mud, to test the brand new tyres probably…

Random Questions.. Out of context answers… 

Ladders up the hill… All fog, zero visibility…

Lots of Rain… Aloo Mash & Roti from the Tiffin

Hogging Pithala Bhakari…

Lots of Rain, Lost Avenues and Just a few snaps...

Too many waterfalls… Only One making its point clear!

And we reach base… Bike is washed & we start for pavilion.

Some tea cups…

With a promise to ourselves & friends that we will return soon…