EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY – Starting 1st Jan 2021 Till 31st Mar 2021
Group size – 10 members
- Destination: Youth Hostel Malavli – Lonavla – Pune from 1st Dec 2021 to 31st Mar 2021
- Duration: 3D/2N
- Package: Boarding + Lodging, In-Programme Transportation, and Guide
- Fees: INR 2999/- per person.
- Food: Simple healthy sumptuous vegetarian food.
- Accommodation: Twin sharing non-AC rooms
Brief Description of the Places of Interest
Karla Caves
The Karla Caves, Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells, are a complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves at Karla near Lonavala, in Pune District, Maharashtra, India. It is just 10.9 Kilometres away from Lonavala. The shrines were developed over the period – from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. The oldest of the cave shrines is believed to date back to 160 BCE, having arisen near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan.
The group at Karla is one of the older and smaller of the many rock-cut Buddhist sites in Maharashtra but is one of the best-known because of the famous “Grand Chaitya” (Cave 8), which is “the largest and most completely preserved” chaitya hall of the period, as well as containing unusual quantities of fine sculpture, much of it on a large scale.
Visit to SAMPARC (Orphanage)
SAMPARC is working in the States of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. SAMPARC is imparting its service since 30 years for child care, education and rehabilitation through Children’s Home, Education to poor children through Community Education Support Program, Skill development to rural school dropouts through Industrial Training Centre and Vocational Training Centre; Schools, & Junior College with hostel facility for poor, rural & tribal students
Lions Point
This is a viewpoint midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley which overlooks a deep valley and mountains known for its roasted corn and onion fritters. This point does not have any lions but is named so because it is associated with the Lions Club of Lonavala.
Narayani Dham
Narayani Dham is a temple constructed in 2002 in honour of the Hindu Goddess Narayani. It is at a distance of 2 km from the Lonavla railway station. The temple has idols of Durga Mata, Salasar Balaji (Hanuman) and Ganapati housed in a marble structure.
Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort (Killa) is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats). It consists of two twin fortresses Shriwardhan and Manaranjan, with a wide machi (plateau) surrounding the two Balekillas. Udhewadi is a small village of about 60 households (as per 2011 census report) situated on the machi, at the southern foot of Manaranjan Balekilla of Rajmachi Fort.
Wax Museum
It is a wax statue museum which contains statues of celebrities and politicians. This museum is 600 meters from Lonavala railway station.
Koraai Gad
It is a hill fort located about 20 km South of Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500. It is about 923 m above sea level. The planned township of Aamby Valley is built over the fort’s southern and eastern foothills. The closest village is Peth Shahpur, about 1 km (0.62 mi) north of the fort.
Programme Itinerary
KARLA CAVES, ORPHANAGE VISIT, LIONS POINT KHANDALA, NARAYANI DHAAM, RAJMACHI FORT, LONAVALA WAX MUSEUM, CAMP FIRE, KORAIGAD, LONAVALA MARKET
Fees: Per person INR 2140/- (inclusive of in-camp transportation, stay, meals, and guide) YHAI MEMBERSHIP MUST (INR 170/- Inclusive of 9% CGST)
Day – 1: FRIDAY
- Reporting 10 am – Trekking programme briefing, introduction & breakfast
- 11 am – Training at Karla Caves
- 3:30 pm – SAMPARC orphanage visit – Bal Asha Ghar – tea and snacks
- 5 pm – Acclimatisation Walk at Lions Point and Lonavala Narayani Dhaam
Day – 2: SATURDAY
- 6 AM – Trek to Rajmachi Fort Trekking (Packed Breakfast at destination).
- Lunch at YHM
- 3:30 pm – Visit to Lonavala Wax Museum
- 7 pm – Back to YHM (Rest & freshening up)
- 8 pm – Dinner
- 9 pm – Campfire and Culture activities fire & coffee
Day – 3: SUNDAY
- 8 am – Trek to Koraai Gad & Visit to Lonavla Market Khandala
- Lunch at YHM and departure
Things to carry
- Keeping COVID-19 pandemic in mind everyone has to ensure about their health and fitness and must carry a medical certificate containing information about their body temperature and oxygen levels along with them. (Compulsory).
- Carry your YHAI membership ID or receipt along with you or a photo of the same in your phone.
- Carry one government ID (ADHAR CARD or its Xerox or in the phone) AAROGYA SETU APP SHOULD BE THERE IN EVERYONE’s PHONE.
- Good grip quality shoes – Must (Please check soles of your shoes and get them stitched if necessary). Use the shoes at least for 10 days before the programme so that there is discomfort during the trekking.
- Personal Medication
- Torch / Headlamp
- Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.
- Toiletries (Napkin, face wash, tissue paper etc.)
- Cap, goggles, sunscreen, moisturizer, mosquito repellent etc.
- Carry a small bag to carry your water bottles and medication on the trek.
- Camera (Optional). Carry on your own responsibility.
- Winter wear (Jackets, warmers or sweaters) – (as per season )
- Extra Pair of Clothes (as per schedule)
- Slippers (optional – at the end of day/trek so that your feet can relax)
- Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments.
- Pack your bags to save them from getting wet.
Advisory
- Leader’s decision will be final & binding to everyone till the completion of the trek.
- You’ll not be allowed in the camp if your body temperature and oxygen levels are not fit as per the COVID rules.
- Alcohol is strictly not allowed on the trek.
- Smoking is not promoted but in case someone can’t control it urges he / she should smoke away from the group & not without disturbing trek schedule.
- Everyone is expected to follow safety protocols defined by the leaders.
- Leaders have been given rights to take disciplinary actions up to the extent of removing participant.
- Polluting trek route of the destination is strictly prohibited & any participant found doing so may have to face disciplinary action.
- Any expenses and tickets are to be borne by the participants
Cancellation and Refund policy
50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 days prior to the event date.
No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 4 days.
No show – No Refund.
In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.