Ready for a wet dream?

Slicing through the mist as you make your way up a hill, is nothing short of a dream. The rains are days away, and so are a series of monsoon treks. The Guide picks 5 of the best

Slicing through the mist as you make your way up a hill, is nothing short of a dream. The rains are days away, and so are a series of monsoon treks. The Guide picks 5 of the best

WILD ESCAPES

The group that operates out of an office at Wadala, is all geared up for their first trek to Visapur Fort, located at a height of 3,500 feet above sea level, and situated between Lohagad and Bedsa Caves.

The panoramic view includes that of Sinhagad, Tung and Tikona forts, all dating back to the Satavahana era.
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The group will make it to Lohagad fort soon after traversing vantage points, huge balconies and doors, surrounded on all sides by lakes.
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Visapur Fort
On: June 28
Cost: Rs 920 per person, inclusive of food and transport

Lohagad Fort
On: July 12
Cost: Rs 1,200 per person, inclusive of food and transport
Call: 66635228 or log on to www.wild-escapes.com

NATURE KNIGHTS

They live by the motto, "We honestly attempt to live, rather than survive." And they want to take you along for the ride.

Their treks start next weekend with a hike to Karnala Fort, a hill fort in Raigad district, about 10 kms from Panvel.

This fort was of strategic importance since it overlooked the Bor pass that connected the Konkan coast to the interior of Maharashtra, and was the main trade route between these areas.

The group will then head to Kohoj fort situated in North Konkan region of the Sahyadris. Most of the fortifications are in ruins and the peaks and rocky formations on the summit bear an eerie resemblance to human figures.

Karnala fort
On: June 28
Cost: Rs 1,200, inclusive of transport, trek, and buffet meals

Kohoj Fort
On: July 12
Cost: Rs 950, inclusive of transport, trek, and buffet meals
Call: 9821081566 / 9619182010 or mail asif@natureknights.com. Log on to natureknights.com

JUNGLE LORE

Jungle Lore wants you to join them in exploring the uncommon, unexplored and untouched forts of the Sahyadris.

The three year-old organisation believes in travelling with a purpose. Their first trek of the season begins tomorrow at Manikgad Fort.

The dome-shaped hill fort to the South of Chowk near Karjat, offers a panoramic view of Prabalgad, Matheran, Chanderi, Karnala, Lohagad and Visapur forts.

Unlike most common trekking destinations, Manikgad is free from the influx of tourists and your chances of spotting a wild boar or leopard are pretty good.

Their next trip is a nature trail and jungle walk through the Yeour Hills. This is a cool time to spot spiders, snails and amphibians.

Jungle Lore is taking a couple of field experts along to help you understand and experience the change in landscape that stays only for the first few showers.

Look out for the Pink-striped Trumpet Lilies that are the first to emerge and disappear.

Manikgad Fort
On: June 21
Cost: Rs 750, includes travel and food

Nature Trail and Jungle Walk @ Yeour Hills
On: June 28
Cost: Rs 850, includes travel and food
Call: 9987126233 / 9833246740. Log on to www.junglelore.net and www.junglelore.ning.com

CAMP FIRE INDIA

Camp Fire India is one of the oldest trekking and adventure camp organisers in Maharashtra. They specialise in rock climbing, pinnacle climbing, rain rappelling, waterfall rappelling and valley crossing.
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They start off this monsoon season with a 2-day, 2-night trek to Bhimaji Kathi, Pratapgadh.

Walk through a thousand-feet high waterfall, cross deep valleys, and explore the Pratapgadh fort, which has been witness to the historic encounter between Afzal Khan and Shivaji.

Trek to Bhimaji Kathi
On: August 1 and 2
Cost: Rs 850 (which includes food and expert help), plus Rs 650 (travel)
Call: 9869474343 or log on to www.campfireindia.org

NATURA

Natura includes a group of adventure professionals, outdoor educators, experiential trainers, mountaineers and naturalists who work on the "leave no trace" principle, and make sure none of their activities degrade the environment.
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The group will first head out to the Thanale Caves, one of the last few serene and undisturbed tracts in Maharashtra.

The Caves of Thanale believed to be 2,200 years old, can be reached via a 2-hour trek from Thanale village.

Thanale
On: July 12
Cost: Rs 1,500 per head, includes professional charges, equipment charges, food and travelu00a0
Call: 65259195 / 30602095 or log onto www.natura.co.in

Compiled by Aastha Atray Banan and Shikha Shah

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How High Above Sea Level Is The Vispaur Fort?
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