24-Jul-2011 : Irshaalgada

From Trek - Irshaalagada Jul 11

Irshaalagada is a small fort near Prabalagada. Today, let us look at our interesting visit to the fort during monsoon (rainy season in India). We will see the scenic landscape made more beautiful by the greenery around. We will also see the beautiful village Irshaalawaadi on the maachi of the fort. We will also see the difficult patches on the last phase of the ascent. This fort is worth visiting for the beautiful landscape around and for rock climbing. Hope you will find this narration interesting and useful.


Location and getting there:

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Irshaalagada is easily accessible from Mumbai, Thane, Pune.


From Pune, take expressway upto Khopoli. Exit expressway in Khopoli and come on NH4 (Old Mumbai Pune highway). Proceed towards Mumbai. Soon after, we reach Chowk.


From Mumbai or Thane, reach Panvel. Proceed to Shendung and then Chowk along Old Mumbai Pune highway.


Chowk is a station on Konkan Railway. Here we exit the highway and proceed to Karja. This village is nearly 4-5 kilometers from the highway. It is the base village for Irshaalagada.


This journey is possible by public transport. However, to manage time better, it is advisable to arrange for own transport.


History:
There is no recorded history about this fort.


Trek:
We started from Pune by a private bus at around 7:00 AM. Unfortunately, the bus developed some technical problem. The driver was apprehensive about driving in that condition. Finally, by 8:00 AM, we were coasting on Old Mumbai Pune highway. It was not raining at the moment. However, everything was wet. The Earth wore green. It was a pleasant sight. By 9:30 AM, we reached Khopoli. The bus stopped for breakfast. The driver took time out for repairs. (Pun intended.) Finally we were back again on the Old Mumbai Pune highway. We soon reached a place called Chowk. Here we exited the highway towards Karja village. At last, we were in Karja by 11:45 AM.


The present village is situated on the bank of Morbe dam. It must have been resettled by the dam, as the houses were relatively better arranged. The bus was parked outside the village along the bank of the dam. Our further journey was to be on the feet.


Irshaalagada was partially immersed in the clouds. For a few moments, we could see the saddle shape of Irshaalagada. Suddenly I was remineded of Madhu-Makarandagada.


We started our trek Just outside the village, the slope is gradual. Soon after we reach to mini forest primarily consisting of Teak trees. Now we encountered first steep incline. When we looked back towards the dam, it was an enchanting sight. The black clouds had gathered. They could empty anytime. It was just like a huge umbrella overhead. Now we were walking on a narrow ridge. From both sides, we could see the tree cover. It looked like evergreen in the rainy season at least! Then came another steep incline. These sections do not have too many rocks. Hence it is difficult to get a grip. In wet conditions, due to mud; and otherwise due to lose soil.


By 12:00 noon, we were walking on the plain ground. There were paddy fields. Soon as reached Irshaalawaadi village. It is a small village comprising of 10-15 huts. Big trees covered entire Irshaalawaadi village. This village was very beautiful. I am thrilled to imagined how it would be in winter. One of the most beautiful places to stay! We halted in the village. The village is not commercial at all. We cannot expect to get any provisions here.




After about 10 minutes of rest, we took left turn and continued along a narrow pathway. There are chance to get lost here. During monsoon, as there is a green cover everywhere, a lot of traces are covered. Hence we need to be careful. There were trees along the route. Now we climbed a steep slope. Due to mud, this was negotiated very carefully. Immediately, thereafter, there are lose rocks. Not sure if there was any construction during earlier times.After walking a little further, we come to a plateau. The wind was blowing. It was difficult to balance. The grass was inclined due to constant wind. As we walked a little further, we come to the opposite side of Irshaalagada from Irshaalawaadi. On one side, the big wall of Irshaalagada and on the other side, depth of the maachi. Soon, we reached the rock patch.

The rock patch is of medium difficulty. However, it was wet. Hence one needs to be very careful. Rocks do not have grip when wet. We saw that another group was descending down. Hence we had to wait there. From here, the path to Nedhe includes a couple of patches and some scree. The leaders setup the rope. One by one, we started to climb the first patch. That was relatively easy. Next we come to the second patch. There is a wooden stair. However we are supposed to climb it without holding it. This patch was negotiated with the help of our leaders. Next came some section with scree. As it was wet and there were absolutely no holds, it was little tricky. After negotiating with this section, we came right in the Nedhe. It was 1:30 PM.




Any further ascent needed technical equipment. We were to have our lunch here and descend back. It took another half an hour for the entire group to come up to Nedhe. The place here can accommodate only 30-40 persons at a time. In between, the clouds were kind enough to give a glimpse of the top. There are a couple of plaques in the memory of climbers who perished here. This place appears to be regularly visited by climbers.


Prabalagada and Matheraan can be seen in the North. Karnaala can be seen on the West. Maanikagada can be seen on the South. However, none of this was visible at the time.


After having lunch, we decided to start the descent. It was 3:00 PM now. The descent had to be more careful. Soon, it started raining heavily. Slowly, but surely, all of us negotiated the rock patch. Of course with the help of our capable leaders. On the way, we collected "mineral" water flowing from virgin streams. This should the real mineral water. All minerals dissolved in it. Purified by the rocks. Soon, we reached Irshaalawaadi, and continued our march towards Karja. It was still raining heavily. Some of us slipped on the grass! Nothing to laugh at. But slope, grass, and speed all combined. Now, the rain receded. We took some photographs. By 5:00 PM, we were back in Karja. But it was almost dark by then. There was no rain in Karja at that time. But up there, it must be raining for sure.


By 5:30 PM, we left Karja. Were back in Pune by 8:30 PM.


Another memorable monsoon sojourn! That is all I can describe this trek. The fort is technically not a fort. It must have hosted some soldiers. There is no trace of any construction. There is no place for any construction. Getting on the top is so difficult, even in the earlier times that only a handful of persons would be stationed here. It is said that there are water tanks on the top.



While descending, I saw this beautiful flower of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). It is only seen during monsoons, in wet conditions. It saps soon after it is plucked. Its complexion can vary slightly. Sometimes, it is darker. Other times, it is almost white. We use turmeric so much. But I have seen the plant and flower in the wild until recently. And It is one of the most beloved flower for me.