Trek to PEB - Vikatgad - Ek Tharaaratmak Bhatkanti

Trek to PEB - Ek Tharaaratmak Bhatkanti

It was August of 2012 and peak monsoon was showering on all of us. In came an email from the trek community in office and this time the plan was for PEB - also known as Vikatgad. Vikatgad , also known as Peb Fort, is a fort located 19 km from Karjat, in Raigad district, of Maharashtra. This fort is in continuation with the Malanggad, Tauli Hill and Chanderi fort of the Matheran Hill Range. The trek path to Vikatgad is along deep ravines and cliffs. Its closeness to Matheran and Neral attracts many trekkers on weekends. The forest department and local villagers are doing plantation and some restoration works on the fort. The altitude of Vikatgad is 640 meters^[1] (2100 feet) above sea level.

Beginning of the journey

We had the usual means of travel for PEB, we had decided for a bus which could carry around 30 odd participants. We started early and I was the last one to be picked-up at around 6.45am IST. We decided to travel via the express highway to cut short the time needed to reach PEB

Travelling on the Expressway

The introduction session

We had breakfast at the usual spot in Karjat bypass and then we were off to the base village of Anandwadi. Post alighting and packing what is necessary for the trek, then team were given the instructions for the trek.

Instruction time

Canal Crossing

Ensuring not disturbing and damaging any paddy

Post crossing couple of canals, we followed the trail of the electricity Giants which travel along the length of the route leading to the climb of PEB fort.

Path leading to the 1st patch

To reach the 1st patch for trek along the PEB, we have to climb around 100 to 200fts of rocks through the waterfall route. The waterfall route is not easy and can pose difficulty during rains due to on-going water and climbing within.

Making our way through

Approaching the summit to climb the rock patch

Getting covered by approaching Clouds

At the patch

The pass through the patch was not easy and we had to first figure out, how we intend to help others climb. So first a team of experienced climbers were trying to figure out the way we want to help and make the patch easy for climb.

View from the patch

Post patch

Clicking pics post the patch climb. From this point onwards the next stop is the caves, but the route to the caves is very narrow and one has to be careful while walking along in a single line.

At the caves

We reached the caves of the PEB fort where we intended to have our lunch and team gets some breather before the final push. Our next plan was to climb via the ladders the summit of PEB and from there visit the PEB temple atop and then move towards the ridge joining the Matheran hill.

Climbing towards the caves

The path we traversed to reach the caves

Dry Caves the need of the hour for all of us

While others were having lunch and have a bit of rest, part of the team had moved ahead to plan for the route as we were coming up to the ladder section, the ladder was not firm and moving while one climbs on it and that added to the thrill of the trek.

The Ladder Patch

The rain was relentless and we had to move ahead. As soon as we wrapped up the lunch and everyone were fresh for the next patch we started making our way towards the ladders. The ladder patch is more like a catchment area to store water on the fort. Hence you find a stone wall built around to conserve water.

Team ahead planning the climb

For around 100 to 200 ft the climb after the ladder too was not easy and it was sear climb which was banked at around 70 degrees and needed careful climb as if one slipped all slipped.

Narrow climb after the ladder section from where we made through

Top of PEB fort
We reached the top of PEB fort in an hour as we had to clear everyone from the ladder as well as the tricky climb that followed. 

View from the top

Harshada and Varsha

Traversing to Matheran Hill

Once you complete seeing the temple atop the PEB fort, the way out is either return via the same route or one has to traverse to connecting Matheran hill and then reach the Top Train Tracks. We had already planned to return to the base of Matheran by traversing.

Other ladder system on the side of Matheran face

Traversing to Matheran Hill

The traverse was very risky and slippery and we all had to be very watchful of where we are standing. We had kept clicking pics and talking limited. To reach the last ladder system, one has to walk through till before the Kadyavarcha Ganapti and then climb the ladder to the toy train tracks.

As you climb the last ladder, you find this bell hanging over the arc which kind of symbolizes that the route is complete.

We decided to not climb further and use the train track route to walk down towards Nerul. While walking through all these scenic track, you get to see a lot of waterfalls.

After walking for 5-6 kms you come across the main road that goes to and fro from Nerul to Matheran. With this it was and end to a very adventurous trek with lots of rain and thrill all around the way.

Thats all folks for today, until next time, enjoy reading.

Abhijit More

Pune