Rajesh Satpute

First of all, congratulations to Hanumant Chondhe of Mulshi Taluka. This is the first time someone is undertaking such an initiative in Mulshi, and it is truly satisfying that this person is our friend.
Even though my profession is law, I am unable to be present in the office all seven days of the week. The reason is my passion for trekking. For the past 12-13 years, my weekly routine has been five days of work and two days of trekking.
Although Junnar Taluka has been declared a tourism taluka, it is primarily due to its caves, forts, and historical significance. However, Mulshi should be seen as a richly endowed tourism taluka due to its mountain passes, biodiversity, traditional mountain routes, and forts. While the eastern part of our taluka is well-developed, the western part, which belongs to the Sahyadri range, is an ecologically rich area with beautiful seasonal waterfalls, streams known as Supan Whal (locally called Plus Valley or Kundalika Valley by tourists), Ring Waterfall, the path leading to Devkund Waterfall through Sawlya Ghat, Andharban, Telbaila, Ghangad, Kailasgadh, Koraigad, temples, deities’ shrines on hilltops, and numerous mountain passes. It is crucial to preserve this rich heritage today. Through this article series, I am making a small attempt to present Mulshi tourism as I see it.
Nowadays, trekking is generally classified into hardcore trekkers who trek during summer and those who emerge like frogs during monsoon. Although the two seasons are different, trekkers often do not distinguish between them. During the monsoon, tourists travel extensively to experience the rain and have fun, and in this social media era, they create beautiful reels to gain popularity. However, true trekkers do not focus much on this. The experience of trekking in the same location during summer and monsoon is entirely different. Therefore, how you experience nature and your journey within it is very important.
The Tamhini Ghat, connecting Mulshi Taluka to Konkan, is well-known among tourists. However, as a trekker, I have always been more fascinated by the hidden mountain routes in this region. Mulshi Taluka has several incredible mountain routes, many of which I have explored solo or with friends. This article series shares information about these routes and my experiences.
Dev Ghat: Lingya Ghat : Nisani Ghat
Village at the top of the pass: Dhaman Ohol (Mulshi Taluka), Village at the bottom of the pass: Umbardi (Mangaon Taluka)
Duration: 3-4 hours (Water is available along the route, but since finding water tanks is difficult, it is essential to carry at least 3 liters of water and some food.)
Guide: Required (It is convenient to return via Lingya Ghat or Nisani Ghat.)
Type of trek: Moderate. If returning via another route, ensure a sufficient water supply or refill water in Umbardi.
Although this mountain pass route starts from Dhaman Ohol, the path from Tamhini to Dhaman Ohol is extremely beautiful, passing entirely through dense forests. Along the way, there are abundant Karvanda (Carissa carandas), Alu (Colocasia), Shindolya, and Jambul (Syzygium cumini), making a trek in late May a unique experience. Since there are thorny bushes along the path and the temperature rises while descending into Konkan from the pass, it is essential to take proper precautions. Ideally, if the trek is started early in the morning, it is convenient to return via Lingya Ghat.
The Dev Ghat route seems to have been a transportation route in ancient times, as some remnants are still visible. Additionally, the presence of an old mansion belonging to the Koli king at the bottom of the pass confirms this. Dev Ghat is not a straight path; it initially heads west from behind the village, moves north along the cliff near Lingya Ghat, and later takes a winding route westward again. Since the trail is not well-trodden, there are plenty of trees and bushes along the way. Before beginning the descent, one reaches a vast plateau known as Durgadi. To its north, areas like Deep Dara, Salanal, Mandap, Palna, and Chandicha Hol can be seen. Beyond that lies Kinjalya Mountain, and adjacent to Durgadi is a step-like formation called Chaura. The trail from Chaura directly descends into Konkan, leading to the remains of the Koli king’s mansion. Due to the overgrown path from Durgadi to Chaura, carrying a sickle or similar tool is advisable. On the southwest side of Chaura, there is a water tank that was once used for drinking water, but it is currently not in use, so it is better to avoid drinking from it. The stream near the Koli king’s mansion has a perennial water source, but if it is dry, the village of Umbardi is not far away. Even in the peak summer, this water source sustains travelers, wanderers, and animals, while the ruins of the mansion stand as testimony to the wealth of the Koli king. The historical remains at the bottom of the pass are worth visiting, with numerous hero stones, carvings, idols, and memorial stones highlighting the significance of the site. The Koli king’s settlement was located at the source of the Kalnadi River, and historical records indicate that the independent royal family of Jawhar (Palghar), founded in 1343 by Devaram Mukane alias Jayaba of the Mahadev Koli community, originally came from Umbardi.
On the way back, one can take an auto-rickshaw from Umbardi towards Vile MIDC. However, as the distance is considerable and a vehicle may have been parked at Dhaman Ohol, it is preferable to avoid taking an alternative route via Vile.
After visiting Dev Ghat and the ruins of the Koli king’s mansion, one can also visit the ancient Mahadev temple in Umbardi village. Alternatively, after exploring the ruins of the Koli king’s mansion, one can take the Lingya Ghat trail from its southern side. If the trail is unclear, one can seek guidance from the local Thakar community in Umbardi before starting the ascent. Avoid taking the wrong path or attempting to climb a sheer cliff recklessly.
Lingya Ghat is equally beautiful, and before reaching the top, a rightward trail leads to the base of Kurdu / Vishramgad, while the left trail continues to Lingya Ghat. The path to Kurdugad takes a left turn after a short distance, known as Nisani Path.
Lingya Ghat features a stunning waterfall, especially breathtaking during the monsoon. A prominent rock formation rises in the middle of the pass, which locals believe gives Lingya Ghat its name. Remnants of the old trail can be seen while ascending Lingya Ghat. Once at the top, the Bombay Point offers a spectacular view of the Konkan region, with an especially beautiful sunset. From there, the trail directly leads back to Dhaman Ohol.

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