Titwala Temple- A Divine Visit

I was suppose to go on a trip to  Gangotri and Yamnotri to himalayas but due to certain unforeseen circumstances I was forced to cancel my trip. Quiet naturally I was very upset and frustrated. Secondly the heat  in Mumbai was showing no sign of dying down hence going on trek was becoming a very difficult preposition.

Main Maha Ganpati Idol, Titwala

If you are an Indian and a Hindu you would very well be aware that on the occasion of pooja (prayer) or starting any new venture it is always the Lord Ganesha that we invoke.I therefore decided that this weekend wandering would be somewhere close by hence I decided to make a visit to Siddhivinayak Mahaganpati Titwala Temple. Sunday mornings or Saturday nights are always full of excitement because I am always on a verge of new adventure.

On the way to Titwala on Eastern Express highway, Can some one tell me what mountain is this just after the Toll naka 3 kms 
before the Kalyan Phata

My Journey:


 I left my house at 10.am with my wife,daughter and my father. As we live in Andheri so I took JVL Road via Seepz , passing through Hiranandani Powai township on my right and lovely Powai Lake on my left side of the road taking the Gandhi chowk  I reached Eastern express highway. and moved toward the Thane side.Being Sunday I was lucky that there was no traffic. To reach to Titwala temple one must drive straight till Kalyan Phata( You will encounter 2 toll naka enroute one at thane and the other around 3 kms before the Kalyan Phata.Toll at thane was Rs 30/- one way and the second toll naka I paid 43.50/-return or pay 29 Rs one way).

Take right from here(Kalyan Phata) for Titwala Ganpati Temple

 Upon reaching the Kalyan Phata I took a right turn and after 5 to 7 minutes I came across another toll naka(toll charges 37.50 return and single way Rs 25) From here onwards one should keep driving as the road moves and keep asking for directions to be sure as most of the people know the way to Titwala temple. Moving through the Kalyan city,then Shahad one can see Birla college on your left, keep moving on till you come to see a sign board pointing left to Titwala. 

After taking left from here it is a single road almost no diversions

Take a left turn and it is a kind of single road so no chance of losing the way.This whole drive was about 60 Kms from Andheri East station and took nearly 1.45hrs to reach here at Titwala Temple.

New look Titwala temple with Parking lot adjacent to it

One look at temple and I was surprised to see a sea of change that has occurred here over the years today when we see the Temple it has indeed come a long way since my first visit a decade back. I still very clearly remember that there was this ancient temple with just few vendors outside selling flowers.Few auto riksha and Tongas. but today as the temple stands with all its glory talks a lot about the popularity of this place.

Shopping arcade with small shops on both the sides selling flowers,garlands.

We parked our car in the parking lot (yes today they have a parking lot here) and moved on towards the temple between the parking lot and the Temple today a shopping arcade has been constructed with small shops on both the sides selling flowers,garlands, coconut,prasad thali and many things. 

Couples, families enjoying their boat ride

Joining the parking lot one can have a look at lovely lake ( I was given to understand that this Temple area spreads across 12 acres) in earlier days this lake was not so prominent but today it has been beautified very well , with boating facility in the lake(one can see couple,families enjoying their boat ride.

amphitheater 

Along the lake i.e on the peripheral a lawn has been recreated which has an amphitheater   

View from the lawn adjoining the Temple

New look of the Temple

Akshita my daughter with Pooja Thali all geared to go


We also bought Prasad Thali and moved on. Before entering the temple please let me brush up few historical facts about this temple.

Little History Class for you:


It is believed that this Holy Titwala Ganesh Temple is a very ancient dating back to 11th century and as per the legend by propitiating Ganesh Idol, Consecrated by Sage Kanva, Devi Shakuntala & King Dushyant came together after a long period of disagreement and it was here that Devi Shakuntala & King Dushyant ultimately got married ( I think perhaps due to this reason the folklore gathered wind that those who worship and offer prayers to Lord Ganesh here their Martial discords get cured and those who want to get married get their desired Mate). Upon speaking to a local person I was informed that the remains of the temple were discovered during the reign of Peshwa Madhavrao and it was he who was instrumental in rebuilding the Temple at its present spot. However with the passage of time the reign of Peshwas went into a decline and consequently the temple too got ignored and was once more got converted into ruins.It was only after 1966 onwards the Temple was reconstructed at the same location.


 I think enough of history let us now have a look at the present day Temple.

In earlier days the entrance used to be from right side of this temple.

During earlier days the entry to the temple was straight from the front.But now the devotees not only from Mumbai and nearby places but also from far places come here to worship so the Temple gets very crowded especially if its tuesday,Chaturthi or Jayantis to over come this chaotic situation the Temple management has built a Steel barricades which look like a maze but at the end you reach your destination.

Steel barricades

 I had taken few pictures of this barricades (Actually the Temple authorities are very strict about taking photographs, but cant help it for my readers benefit i managed to sneak few pictures). This entry to the temple starts from the left side of the temple where one is ushered into this big hall consisting of unending barricades.

Waiting in the queue for the Darshan of the Idol

 we slowly moved with the people in the queue
This queue takes you straight to the Holy Sanctum where the Idol of Lord Ganesh is. I have never understood why devotee love to push each other so much while taking Darshan.( Arre boss Bhagwan kahi jane wale nahi hai...). After taking the darshan I moved from the right side and into the hall on the ground floor.The temple is actually divided into two floors.The ground floor is marble fitted where the devotee can sit and then there is a loft kind of floor above this which is made of wood , On the first floor there is overlooking window from where the devotee can observe the Ganpati Idol on the ground floor.One can also have pradikshana on the first floor.while doing the pradakshina on the top one can a bird view of the lake behind the Temple. 

Birds view from the Top of the Temple

The walls of the temple are covered with different photos most of which I could not comprehend.At some places the prayers are painted, As far as the ground floor is concerned just before the Ganesh Idol section there is an enclosure for the Royal Mice which was gold plated this time.( Hindus believe that when you whisper your desire the same is communicated to Lord Ganesh and that wish gets fulfilled)Just next to the left side of this hall is another hall which contains numerous mandaps where the satyanarayan pooja is done.

Hall full of Mandaps for Satyanarayan Pooja

The pooja can be conducted by paying small donation at the temple. One need not do an advance booking for the pooja. It can be arranged then and there immediately, the only limiting factor is timing (between 7.00am to 11.00pm) On the right hand side of the the main entrance (now exit) is the sacred Shivling.

On the left from here is water cooler and on the right you can see the well

We had our darshan and came out of the temple. Just in front of the exit of temple on the left side there is books/souvenir shop, in the front there is a well and on the right side water cooler. The whole complex is well maintained.The devotees sit here and rest.Next to the Satyanayan pooja hall on the left side of that there is a big empty hall where the pilgrims have lunch and rest.

Garden adjoining the temple

From the Temple we moved towards the back of the temple to have a closer look of the lake and the garden adjoining it. I noticed that a long passage with seating arrangement is there where you see varied type of crowd ranging from couples,families having lunch,few people taking nap, small kids running around.

Walking passage

Behind the temple there is  a Dharamsala(Rest house) which also has a mangalkaryala(wedding Hall)

Dharmasala and wedding hall

This was our final look around of the temple complex. From here we also went to visit   Vithoba-Rukmini  temple which is very near to this temple.

 Vithoba-Rukmini temple is under going major reconstuction so it is quite possible that the next time you go you will be waiting for new surprise.

Exterior Shot of Vithoba Temple ,Titwala

Interior of the Vithoba Temple still under reconstruction

There is a big hall and a Holy sanctum which house the Idol.There is also a veiwing gallery on the first floor. There is a rod coming out from this sanctum. It is  said that sounds of Bhajans going on in the Temple of Pandharpur can be heard from this tube. Indeed I could also listen to these bhajans .

Here I am trying to listen to the sounds of Bhajans

This was my last sojourn at Titwala and I prepared for my journey back home.


 Before closing my blog I want to inform my readers that there are many small hotels and lodges so accommodation is not a problem. Monsoon is one of the best time to come here because the greenery en route is beautiful and eye pleasing.

Titwala Ganesh Mandir Timing:

• Daily 5 Am to 13 hours and 14  to 21 hours
• Temple Close for 13 to 14 hours and 14  to 14:30 hours for Arthi Every day.
  (Only the Sannithi Doors  of Ganapathi will remain closed.Temple  remains open)
• Temple remains open at 4 pm to 23 hours For sankashti, chaturthi.
• For Angarika chaturthi temple is open from Monday Midnight to Tuesday Midnight

How to reach titwala ganesh mandir for those coming from Titwala Station: 


On the central line towards Kasara (Fast / Slow is ok), get down at Titwala Station. The Titwala temple is at a distance of about 2.5 km and can be reached either by Tanga (for Rs.20 if 6 person either Rs 30 Individual, Return Rs.25 ) or by Auto (for Rs. 10, Return Rs 8) in around 5 to 10 mins.

Ganpati Bapa Morya !!!

Thank You

Mandapeshwar Caves a Forgotten Legacy

Mandapeshwar Caves

Friends this weekend I am taking you with me to Mandapeshwar Caves. What prompted my visit to this place was a small article which I read few days back in the DNA newspaper,whereby it was reported that the Maharashtra government wants to give Mumbai a face lift by beautifying 17 destinations.The tourism department has sanctioned Rs5.5 crore for the development of Kanheri Caves, Gilbert Hill, Bandra Bandstand, Mandapeshwar Caves, Powai lake, Juhu Chowpatty, Mahakali Caves, Aarey Colony, Aksa beach, Jogeshwari Caves, Film City, Erandel beach, Essel World, Madh Island, Manori Chowpatty, Gorai Chowpatty and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The expenses incurred for development of Mandapeshwar Caves along Dahisar add up to Rs1.05 crore. This includes building outer boundary walls, storm water drainage, roads, main entrance at the caves and beautification of the area. Similarly, Rs85 lakh have been set aside for development of Gorai jetty, Rs1 crore for Aarey Colony beautification, and Rs1.35 crore for Aksa beach. With respect to the rest of the spots, work is under way and will be reviewed to ascertain the exact expenditure.

Locals loitering around

Mandpeshwar Caves was nearby so I went there to check out on my own and collect the first hand information for the benefit of my readers.

To know a place more intimately it is always necessary that we must understand the history behind the same so let us first dwell upon the history of these caves


History
The Mandapeshwar caves are also known as mandapeshwar Leni in Marathi is an 8th century rock cut shrine dedicated to lord Shiva located near Mount Poinsuri in Borivali.Originally these caves were on the banks of Dahisar river but later the course of river changed

Four pillars of the Cave

The name of the neighbourhood was derived from this temple. it is believed that the name of Mount Poinsur, on which the Saint Francis D'Assisi High School is situated, is a corruption of the name Mandapeshwar.


The Mandapeshwar Caves are smaller and lesser known as compared to the Kanheri Caves in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park,Borivali.
The ruins of an old Portuguese - built church stand on top of the caves. 

Ruins of the Church on Top

During the time of the Portuguese this temple was  converted into a church.After them owners changed hands and it was used as a  monastery by Buddhist monks.The immaculate Conception Church is located to its south end .Few would know that Mandapeshwar Caves just like Mahakali,Kanheri and Elephanta caves were all well connected by the trade route that existed in and around Mumbai nearly 2000 years ago

Veiw from with in the cave

.These caves in ancient times were used by traders and Buddhist Monks who traversed down these stretches while on their way to Konkan and Sopara.In fact the Dahisar  river running adjacent to these caves was earlier used for navigation.They would go from here to Gorai and onward to their journey"says Anita Rane Kothare , Professor ancient India Culture, St Xaviers College.

Caves on the left side

Be it be Mandapeshwar  caves or Mahakali caves each one has a distinct features which set them apart from others.According to the committee on the caves report "The caves of Mandapeshwar resemble a many - layered palimpsest with plans of one generation superimposed by another" The original Brahminical caves dedicated to Shiva are of 8th Century A. D.  The Mandapeshwar caves perhaps have the most tumultuous history of all the Mumbai caves, or so it would seem from the scars the wall still bear. A hindu temple, it was targeted by the Portuguese, who asserted their religious beliefs over it by literally building a monastery and a church dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception on top of the cave temple. If you watch closely you will realize on a wall sultpure was damaged and Holy cross was superimposed at that place.

Holy cross superimposed on the wall

A monastery was raised over a rock for the education of the children of the converts. This went on until the middle of the eighteeth century when the Marathas ravaged the place during the battle of Bassein. After the desecration of the church, the Marathas uncovered the Brahmanic sculptures in the caves, which the monks had covered with plaster and worshipped them again.But even the marathas could not hold control over Bassein for long.Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the British defeated Marathas and conquered Bassein. Instead of repairing the desecrated church, the Catholics of the neighbourhood fitted the caves with a statue of Mother Mary, a cross and a pulpit and used it as a cave chapel from 1818 for about seventy years. In 1888, a few gentlemen from Bandra rebuilt the church as it stands today. One important factor here is that Kanheri and Mahakali Caves are Buddhist Caves while Mandapeshwar is a Shiva Cave.The Archaeological Survey of India has declared Mandapeshwar caves as nation Heritage monument.




Present Tense(Now my Story) After checking out all the history possible of the above place I was excited to go and have first hand look. I took my motorcycle and zoomed to Borivali west ,passing the Bhagawati hospital within 5 minutes I was standing right in front of this famous Mandapeshwar caves.Standing in front of the caves you see the Immaculate Conception Church on your left hand side. 

Open ground in front of Caves

There is an open ground in front of the caves which is used as a playground and parking area by slum dwellers from the slum near it. One look at the caves and I felt let down because these caves still looked quite neglected . No doubt there is a big playground in front of the caves but not at all maintained. However I was told by one of the local person that this palyground earlier was in very bad shape encroached by slum dweller,beggars,and drug addicts but thanks to one of the local NGO that the ground got cleared of  the filth and encroachment. Earlier it was Portuguese who were abusing this holy sanctum and today it is locals. I was looking as to where that 1.05 crore was spent for restoration work and sadly I couldn't find any major improvement. It seems that whole sanctioned amount was absorbed by the 4 stairs that has been constructed in front of the caves (sic).

Stairs constructed as a part of restoration(1.05 crores ?)

I then entered the Caves there are around four pillars and as you enter the caves right in front of you is a small room which has shiv ling inside. I wanted to take the pictures of the interior of the Caves but the caretaker didn't allowed me to do so. I had read so much about the statue of Shiva in Natraja Pose but again was disappointed to see half destroyed statue of shiva. Parvati marriage statue is simply not presentable. next to the main cave there is a small caves on the left side but there was not much to be seem. I was told by one local that in earlier days there used to be some tunnel through those doors in the caves but personally I couldn't find much.

Ruins at the top of the Caves

After seeing the caves I moved towards the right side of the caves where a little climb took me to the top of the caves. Here I saw the ruins of old church totally neglected in other words nothing short of bhoot bangla I should say.

Ruins on top of caves caption

 Behind these ruins one can see the big football ground on the right side and a graveyard just adjoining this ruins.

Football ground behind the caves

 I have never seen a past and the present so close together.The purpose of this blog is not to demean any authority or community but just a humble attempt to bring awareness among people that there is so much heritage in the city that should not be wasted away like this.Some attempts should be made to redeem these heritage. Please do visit once these caves perhaps you may be inspired to do something.How I wish that our trekking community who do so much wonderful job of cleaning the forts,water tanks and many  more efforts to come forward and restore these caves to its earlier grandeur.

Thanks to all - aashish chawla

How to reach: 


There are number of buses going from Borivali west station. Bus no 203,205,207 can be taken and one can get down at Technical institute stop or Shivaji Nagar stop as these caves are between these bus stop.

Trek to Kaldurg Fort, Palghar

It was a co-incidence that Merwyn and I chatted on the facebook and then and there we decided to work out a trek this Sunday. Both of us got busy with our google search analysis to find a suitable place to trek. Unanimously we decided that we will go to Kaldurg Fort in Palghar. We decided that we will meet up at Andheri station at 4.45 so as to catch local train to Virar station.

Gearing up to catch the local train

I was woken by the sound of alarm from my mobile phone, but I was wandering why the alarm ring is sounding like phone ring and next moment I realized that it is not alarm but in fact my mobile phone which is ringing. I quickly stole a glance on wall clock it dawned upon me that I have overslept and my friend Merwyn has already arrived at the Andheri Station and here I was lying in my bed. I picked up the phone and told him Buddy I will be at the station within 20 minutes. I jumped out of my bed, dashed to the bathroom and quickly got ready, dumping few bottles of water, biscuits etc  into my bag and fled to the Station.

We had planned to catch 4.54am or 4.58am train to Virar from Andheri but thanks to me we ended up taking 5.19 fast local to Virar (Thankfully it was a fast train so there was a possibility that we may be able to catch Virar – Dahanu MEMU).

MEMU TRAIN

 Luckily for us and thanks to Western Railway punctuality we reached Virar station at 6.10 and both of us dashed from the platform no 2 to catch the MEMU. It was a small mercy that the MEMU was not so crowded so both of us got the place to sit though it is another matter we got a seat in a compartment full of fish baskets and the stink accompanied us till Palghar Station.

Fish bundles in MEMU train

 It was very necessary for us to catch this 6.15 am train because the next train was at  7.45 am so it could mean a delayed trek.

Memu is nothing but a kind of local train to Dahanu Road. The journey from Virar to Palghar is of hardly 35 mins there are only 3 stops between Virar and Palghar. The train journey though short is pleasant specially when you are passing over the Vaitarna river with fisher folks fishing and dredging .

Fisher folks fishing and dredging .

Palghar Station:
 It was 6.55 am when we reached Palghar Station. I was told that one can see Kaldurg  Fort from the Palghar Station towards the eastern side and I noticed that infact you can actually see it very clearly perhaps this was the reason that when I saw the fort from the station I started to go to the east side of Palghar station when Merwyn reminded me that there is nothing outside  the Palghar east side.One has to take Tumtum and ST Bus from Palghar West. Strange! I thought. So my dear readers when you have to go to Kaldurg Trek get down on the west side of Palghar Station.

We had a quick breakfast of Batatawada at the station and then moved on to the Auto stand which is just outside the station. You will see lots of tumtum and ST buses .

Tumtum 

 From here we have to go to Waghoba Khind or Waghoba temple for which we can take a share a tumtum or ST buses going to Manor and get down enroute at Waghoba Temple. As we wanted to start our trek as early as possible so as to beat the heat we didn’t wait for the ST Bus and instead jumped into the first Tumtum we saw. 

Tumtum is nothing but a 8 seater auto for transporting people and it is a wonder how they cramp 13 to 14 people in that compact space. We too were stuffed into this tumtum with the fellow passenger almost breathing over us. Thankfully this journey was hardly of 20 minutes when we saw Waghoba temple. 

Waghoba Temple

The Temple is on the  right hand side if you are going to Manor from Palghar Station. We got down at the temple and paid the auto guy. This short trip cost us only Rs 15 per person.The temple is easily noticeable as there is a huge sign board of Waghoba 

Inside the Waghoba Temple

Waghoba Temple :

 The first thing I noticed at the Waghoba Temple was cluster of 15 to 20 monkeys!! Just ready to pounce on you, here I must caution my readers that one must be very careful with these monkeys because they are aware that travelers carry food with them so they are ready to jump on you. I went inside the temple and had a darshan of Shivling and proceeded to start our trek.

Shivling at Waghoba Temple

Kaldurg Fort Trek starts from this temple, in other words this is a base. Before coming on this trek I had goggled information about this fort and most of the blogs mentioned that there is a possibility of losing your way due to thick bushes and forestation hence I was little apprehensive before the trek matter of fact I told Merwyn that we will hire a guide from the village to take us up, but upon reaching here I realized that there is no village only a solitary temple with a small shop adjoining it. The shop has different kind of dry snacks like chips, biscuits cold drinks. The idea of guide was tossed out our mental window and I understood that we are on our own. The trek starts just from the right side of the temple and for a landmark you can see a water hand pump on the right side of Waghoba temple.

Water Hand Pump

Trek begins:

The first thing that I noticed about this trek was that as soon as we started to climb the initial ascent was quite steep and add summer weather to that one can start panting in first 15-20 mins but thankfully the initial portion is kind of a climb within the trees and shrubs so you are not exposed to direct sunlight. As we were climbing the constant hum of trucks and motorcars from the highway could be heard.

Climb Through The Thick Forest

While climbing on our right side we see a lovely lake and a picturesque landscape.

Lovely lake and a picturesque landscape.

 As we were trekking during the summer time the lake seems to be half filled but I can very well imagine as to how beautiful it would look during the monsoon,

Half filled lake

 we kept climbing taking micro breaks to have sip of water in between. Here again a little tip for my readers Please don’t underestimate your thirst on one hand and summer trek on other hand so do carry at least 3 ltrs of water.

We were very clear about our water management , both of us was carrying at least 2.5 ltrs of water each and we had decided that till we reach halfway mark we should manage in 1 to 2 ltrs of water because we don’t want to be stranded on the top of the mountain with no supplies of water . We had decided that at any given point of time during the trek if our water reserve is  less than 2 ltrs of water we will turn back.

Clouds shielding us from the sun

Merwyn sitting on the
 Black Basalt Rock at the Plateau.

 Luckily for us the Sun god was kind on us and clouds were ever so helpful that they kept shielding us from the sun and in 45 minutes we had reached first plateau. It is nothing but a small portion of flat land consisting of black basalt Rocks.

Kaldurg Fort Behind Me

 Sitting on the rock here one can have a good bird eye view of highway and nearby surrounding area. Both of us rested here for 10-15 mins . had enough water so as to keep us hydrated . Standing here on this plateau with your back to highway one can very clearly see Kaldurg fort.Merwyn and me had a small photo session here

Giving up the Trek at halfway:

 The heat was gradually getting intense and though we had come halfway through I was still not getting the hang of the climb as the route was not well marked. Once or twice we almost went on a wrong route but backtracked again to follow the proper trail. Looking at the Kaldurg Top from the Plateau it looked very far and secondly what was worrying me was that we were not very confident about the route way up.

Kaldurg looked very far from the Plateau 

 At this point both of us gave up the thought of further climb because both of us felt the top is too far, heat is also getting intense so let us call it a day and retreat.

Merwyn looked disappointed because earlier also he had tried but had to give up, He told me that his earlier team had gone further from here and had lost their way ahead in a little distance and hence decided to turn back.

Wilderness of tall dry grass 

Further to make the matter worse there was not a single soul throughout our climb so I was left wondering  as to what will happen if both of get lost in this wilderness. I was not so much worried about getting lost but I was more worried what happens if the water we have gets over due to extension of trek time. Here I want to mention that a trekker always have this bad habit of pushing and backing themselves, we too did the same thing we decided we will move little further and if we are not comfortable then we will retreat. We decided that we will place markers so as not to lose our way. I took some stones and made a small mound so that when we come back it will be a kind of trail marker for us as we were not carrying any chalk or paint for marking.

Trekker on their way again

Trekker on their way again:

Anyway backing ourselves we started to move forward and were surprised to note that the climb here was little easier but the only problem was that the trail was getting more and more dense and at times the branches and shrubs were so much entangled that making the way through it  seems to be a task. Tip for my readers: Don’t wear sleeveless T shirts as there are lots of thorns and narrow way between 2 shrubs.One can see lots of Cactus plants too .

Cactus plants 

 At few points we had to bend holding the branch and moving forward but once we came out of this maze of wilderness the route became little marked and we could see the trail, at one point the trail was going in 2 directions however we chose the one going towards the Fort. We placed few sticks on the other trail because we felt that while coming back we could make a mistake and can go down the wrong trail hence this precaution.

View from first enclave

Finally we were into the last stretch of the climb and soon we reached a small enclave where both of us rested for a while. The view from here was very beautiful; one can see lake, lovely clouds and over all this there was a gentle cool breeze which made us forget all our anxiety and tiredness.

View of Kaldurg top from first stone enclave

 Kaldurg top is hardly a stone throw away from here.After resting for a while and absorbing the beauty of nature we moved toward the top.

View From Kaldurg Top

Kaldurg Fort Top:

There is nothing much on the Top to expore except another stone enclave but little larger than the earlier one with a dry water tank. Another thing on reaching the top I noticed was that how people have made graffiti on the stone proclaiming their love for their girlfriend /boyfriend, Name of club.

Graffiti on the stones

 It is indeed a shame that our heritage is been ruined in such merciless manner. This sheer nonsense hurts me. It is my humble request to my readers to refrain from such practice and if they see some one indulging in such nonsense to discourage such people and if need be confront them.

Empty but littered with beer bottles and plastic bags water tanks

Secondly we noticed that all the three water tanks were dry and littered with empty bottles of water and beer etc.  It would indeed be noble thing if trekking group come together and take initiative for cleaning these tanks as there is no water source at the Top if these water tanks are cleaned the rain water so collected in it can be effectively be used.

Not much fortification at the Top

There is not much fortification at the Top but the cool breeze is abundant in supply. There were lots of holes at the top whose purpose or significance I didn't understand.

Holes in the ground

 We rested on the top for a while and took some picture shots and soon started our return journey.

Descent from the Kaldurg Fort:

Because the climb was steep naturally the descent would have the same problem. Further due to loose pebbles and mud getting down was little trickier at least for Merwyn , However slowly and steadily we descended  Fortunately for us the markers that we had placed while climbing were very helpful while returning, At one point we decided to take a different route but after walking for some time we realized our folly and back tracked and followed our regular route. By the time we reached Waghoba temple the time was 11, 45 am.

Both of us went to the hand pump and had a refreshing face wash, Luckily for us an ST bus for Palghar was passing by which we hailed and both of us hopped in it and was on our way back to Palghar Railway station . Upon reaching Palghar we checked the timing of return train, it was at 2.45 pm and right now the time was 12.45 so we decided to have our lunch and then waited on the platform for the MEMU to come. The MEMU arrived at 2, 45 packed with no place to sit, Standing we came to Virar and from where we took train to Andheri. It was 5,00pm when I reached home.

Finally one more weekend well spent,

 Kudos Weekend Wanderer!!!

Merwyn and me