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
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| Travelling on the Expressway |
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| 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
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| Making our way through |
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| Approaching the summit to climb the rock patch |
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| Getting covered by approaching Clouds |
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| View from the patch |
Post patch
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| Climbing towards the caves |
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| The path we traversed to reach the caves |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| View from the top |
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| Harshada and Varsha |
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| Other ladder system on the side of Matheran face |
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| 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.
