पालि → राजगड → मळे - ‘A Lost Way’
In June-18 I planned, to go trek somewhere in sahyadri but many trekking groups was going to same place which I visited before. End of the day I decided go solo. As per the plan Saturday evening I packed my bag with rainwear, map of trail, villages name list with distance, some food and four liter water. I was also planning from last year to do solo and this time Mr.sunday responded to me like this...
I am trying to share my fearless and beautiful experience in my words. I started my journey from swargate bus stand early morning 0440 am. After two wheeler parking quickly I grab sharing auto to katraj, because there was not any msrtc bus to pali before 0930am. I came out on main road and asked to local Auto driver. He was very helpful. He said me you go to cheladi phata then you will find any vehicle to pali.
On katraj stop after asked too many vehicles I got a lift from a truck to cheladi phata at 0520 am. While travel, rain was start lightly, I saw the rain drops shining in light and wetting black road.
When I left the truck time was 0600. At this place some people was doing morning walk one after the one. After waiting half an hour three bikers had turn towards pali road. I try to lift and they gave me lift easily. They were also trekkers. On the way we introduced to each other and share some old experience. Mahesh Puri from A'Nagar and his friends was going to Torna Trek. They also invited to me for join the trek. They left me at maragasne village 0715am.
I saw an old lady while cleaning his utensils and before I ask him something, she asks me where you want to go? Rajgad! After hear my answer he suggest me walk till merawne village, then you will find any vehicle from there. Rain was stopped, wetting road, bird's sound and around the greenery I just enjoyed that atmosphere and started walk towards pali road to 0720 am.
As per my note down I was just 12km away from my starting point. Again a tractor driver gave me lift for 5km. Like this I passed Sakhar, Meravane, Gunjawane, Lavhi villages and after 0950 I left pali road and started walking towards Rajgad. While walking I saw a many trekkers was there eating breakfast. Without any break I continued my walk towards Pali Darwaja. The slippery passage was going through a dense tree. That was a small talent to set your walk on slippery way.
I reached on Rajgad 1130am but I could not see anything even route because of the fog. I discussed with local tea maker guy about the torna route and direction. As per his guidance I was require minimum four hours to reach torna. He told me route has easy but that the rain is much so don’t go alone. I looked at care and love on his face. Without spending much time, I caught the path of straight Sanjivani Machi. I was probably the first of those who came in top. But the trekker’s voice was coming from the base of the fort. Being alone, it seemed like it should not have started in the beginning. But I did not want to cancel the plan. As Torna Marg started from Sanjeevani Machi, I went in that direction. Finding a way into the fog was very difficult. Finally, I was seen written wall 'towards Raigad and Torna'. As the rain increased, my thoughts were changing. But once again I started walking with the tight end mind. At that time I was alone there. Among 1200PM I started my journey towards torna. Dense forest, Bird’s tweet, some trees broken down on way, crab, mud, fog, sled water, cold wind, All of this was a great experience. Here I experienced different relationship with the path. Only one decision has been made in mind that does not leave this way. Rainfall on the trees and the sound of footsteps teach a lot. I was walking with a different confidence. After almost two hours' walk, I heard a sound from the fog, which was ox's bell. So I guess I was near the inhabitant. But because of the dense forest and fog did not look anything. After wind and rain stopped, I shake my raincoat and took a break. After a while, I saw the long mountain range and I took some photos. After an hour walk, I was at the foot of the mountain. I saw a devious road on an average 3km away from me. I thought that after crossing this road, Torna's climb will start. But the make sure I turn to an inhabitant. But the villagers told me that this road does not go to Torna. Then I was realized I lost my way. But I didn't feel anything about it because I was already enjoyed my journey. Villagers suggest me go to malegaon and grab the last bus 0430pm.bus will drop you at Bhor. After that you will find any vehicle for Pune. At that time, time was 0345pm. After 30 minutes walk I reached male gaon. Male gaon was very small village. There were some boys was playing the game opposite a temple. When boys saw me they came towards me. I asked to them where is the bus will come. They said, bus will simply take a turn around this temple, and will go back. After I shared a few chikki with kids, a family was going through a car. When I looked towards the car, it seems like they are coming from his second home and going for pune. They took me lift almost 35km.and left me on Pali Road. That family was professional. After hear my solo experience they wished to me for next trip.
Now time was 0520pm. Here I took a hot tea. According to Tea Maker guide, the last bus was direct to pune at 0600pm. After waiting for half an hour, I got the bus to swargate for last one and a half hour TRAVEL.
I used simple talent while this walk, positive emotions and smile on face and I act normal with every people. That's why everyone helped me unselfishly.
I learn so many things from this trip, faster decision, good attitude and love on route. Just decorate the path and enjoy the journey.
