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25
Dec

Rajgad Fort Trek, Pune ([7] – cont’d)

:: Rajgad Fort Trek, Pune (cont’d)

The trek to the Rajgad Fort, started off with inspiring notes. Every stage along the way was amazing, and offered beautiful views, excitement, and adrenaline rush. Reaching the Maha Darwaza (ie Main Gate) to Bale Killa (ie little fort), was arduous (and though graded as medium, is not that easy). Enthused by our progress and the promise of more, we continue on.

I’ll be adding more of them here, as and when I get the chance, but, do have a look.
(Viewing on larger screens recommended)

Click any picture below to view this album

Machis (sorry, don't know the name of this one) are lookouts - and were strategically built to keep watch from the massive, 1400m high Rajgad Fort

Machis (sorry, don't know the name of this one) are lookouts - and were strategically built to keep watch from the massive, 1400m high Rajgad Fort

 
In this album:
The most photographed view of Rajgad Fort's machi, though bereft of greenery in this season A panned out view from the steps of the Maha Darwaza The group cautiously climbs the steep steps that take us nearer to the top at Bale Killa (isn't that a great sky!) Overlooking the hillside from the steps as we climb - that's where we came from!!

Stairway to heaven?! Surely, humans weren't the first species here! Another view of the most photographed view of Rajgad Fort's machi; great contrasts! Another view of the most photographed view of Rajgad Fort's machi

Bale Killa - finally at the top! Sadly, these ruins are all that remain today... Bale Killa - finally at the top! Sadly, these ruins are all that remain today... The trademark saffron flag of the Maratha empire flies atop the ruins with pride even today The ruins of Balle Killa as they stand, more than 500 years later

The ruins of Balle Killa as they stand, more than 500 years later Wonder where this pathway lead (back in the days) Views from the top at Bale Killa Views from the top at Bale Killa - as it would've been back in the day

See more albums of more Destinations, Rajgad Trek, cityscapes and abstracts in the Galleries

22
Dec

Rajgad Fort Trek, Pune (cont’d)


:: Rajgad Fort Trek, Pune (cont’d)

The trek to the Rajgad Fort, started off with inspiring notes, and as we began our ascent, lovely scenery and vistas kept us hooked along the route. The climb to the base was exhilarating enough, and, we now continued onward.

I’ll be adding more of them here, as and when I get the chance, but, do have a look.
(Viewing on larger screens recommended)

Click any picture below to view this album

One of the three machis i.e lookouts (sorry I don't recall which one now)

One of the three machis i.e lookouts (sorry I don't recall which one now)

 
In this album:
Stunning views of the expanse of the fort greet us as we continue our ascent Stunning views of the expanse of the fort greet us as we continue our ascent A jet trail adds a dash of excitement to the blue contrasts against the ramparts of the fort Stunning views of the expanse of the fort greet us as we continue our ascent

Winding trails along the cliffside, lead us to the top... Stunning views of the expanse of the fort greet us as we continue our ascent Zooming in on one of the machis (lookouts) One of the three machis i.e lookouts (sorry I don't recall which one now)

The vast expanse of the fort along the ridges is seen in the distance, as we trek along Extremely rocky and steep climb to the top adds to our adventure... Strategically being at the end of the flank helps me to take in more of the spectacular views :) Strategically being at the end of the flank helps me to take in more of the spectacular views :)

First view of the Maha Darwaza at Bale Killa The ascent to Bale Killa is steep - and a pause to look back over the shoulder reveals the stunning view it offers A rest to catch our breath after a gruelling climb at the steps of the Maha Darwaza Avid trekkers are seen proceeding towards one of the other machis!

See more albums of more Destinations, Rajgad Trek, cityscapes and abstracts in the Galleries

19
Dec

Rajgad Fort Trek, Pune ([5] cont’d)

:: Rajgad Fort Trek, Pune (cont’d)

The trek to the Rajgad Fort, started off with inspiring notes, and as we began our ascent, lovely scenery and vistas kept us hooked along the route.

I’ll be adding more of them here, as and when I get the chance, but, do have a look.
(Viewing on larger screens recommended)

Click any picture below to view this album

As we make it to the top, the first glimpse is a beautiful expanse...

As we make it to the top, the first glimpse is a beautiful expanse of the fresh water pond that serves as a source of clean drinking water to the residents, even today

 
In this album:
We ascended via the 'chor darwaza', an exhilarating climb! We crawled up through this tiny 'window', the chor darwaaza,... All that's left now are ruins of the fort, centuries later Another group had also made it to the top, and like them, we too took a well deserved rest

As we sat for a little rest in the cool climes at the top, we took in the beautiful view of the fresh water pond around us. A closer look at the only remaining ramparts of the erstwhile fort and seat of Maratha empire in the 1600s. A panned out view of the expanse at the top, even as we still have more to explore... The clear blue skies of the winter season make stunning contrasts to the dried, yellow grass around.

The wild flowers and the calm surroundings make it an amazing experience! The large group gets ready to continue their expedition... As we move on, we realize, there's much more to the fort than we imagined/saw so far! As we wait for the group members to join us, we take in some breathtaking views!

Stunning flora and a super-zoom camera make it a perfect setting! Stunning flora and a super-zoom camera make it a perfect setting! Stunning flora and a super-zoom camera make it a perfect setting! After some rest, the group resumes the trek to the summit

See more albums of more Destinations, Rajgad Trek, cityscapes and abstracts in the Galleries

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