Siddhagad Balekilla hike

Siddhagad is one of the highest forts in Thane District, in ancient times this fort along with neighboring Gorakghad is used to keep a close watch on the trade routes from Deccan to Konkan. The trails from the Narivali, Urchale leads us to a remote hamlet named siddaghadpada from where the trek starts to the siddhagad which is under the BhimaShankar wildlife sanctuary. The trail in monsoon is very scenic through the forest cover with a gradual ascent, stream crossings, then come the main entrance of the fort, just near the entrance, there is Ganesh temple, behind the temple we see many stone relics as well as a cannon. From the main entrance, the path leads us to Siddhagadwadi where few people live. From here the traverse and steep climb leads us to to the Balekilla

We will be leaving from Neral at late night by a hired vehicle to the base village, Rest till morning hours at villager's house, freshen up and breakfast in the morning at villager's place, start the trek to Siddhagad top, relax near the Ganesh temple at Siddhagad, descent back to the siddhagadpada,, have lunch and return back to Neral Railway Station.

Highlights:

• Offbeat hike
• View from Siddhagad Balekilla
• Siffhamachi
• Stone carvings near the Ganesh temple.

Hiking facts:

• Grade: Medium
• Endurance: High
• Highest Elevation: 972M
• Hike distance: 11 KM approx.
• Base Village: Narivali

Itinerary:

• Reporting time at Neral railway station 11:05 PM (Take 09:26 PM CSMT- Karjat Fast local train in central line)
• Transport by hired vehicle to the base village - 1 hour approx.
• Rest at villager house till early morning hours.
• Wakeup Call - 5:30AM
• Breakfast at base village - 30 minutes.
• Event briefing and introduction - 15 minutes approx.
• Ascend hike to the Siddhagad - 5 hours approx.
• Explore the siddhagad & rest at the Bastion - 45 min
• Descent hike to the base village - 4 hours.
• Lunch Break at Villagers house - 45 minutes.
• Return journey to Neral railway station by hired vehicle - 1 hour approx.
• Day concludes with good memories.

Price: ₹1000
Inclusive of

• Travel from Neral Railway Station by hired vehicle
• Breakfast, Veg Lunch
• Late Night Stay at Villagers house (carry your own bedding)
• First-Aid
• Our Expertise

Excluded: personnel expenses like cold drinks, snacks, packaged water bottles.

Registration Process:
Step 1: Book Your Seat

• Visit the event website https://www.ramblersindia.com/event-info/sbh1 and book your seat by completing the registration process. (Refer to the Manual Payment if you want to pay using UPI/NEFT).

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form

• After payment confirmation, participants will receive a participation disclaimer form.
• Fill up the form accurately to provide necessary information.
• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation

• A WhatsApp group will be created in the evening on the day of the departure.
• All registered participants will be added to the group.
• This group serves as a platform for communication, updates, and coordination among participants.

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