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Rappelling through a waterfall

September 24, 2012
by Vidyut
0 comments

Waterfall Rappelling at Vihi

Dear Friends,

Presenting anew location in our fifth season of waterfall rappelling opportunities near Mumbai this Sunday, 30th September, 2012.

Vihi waterfall rappelling site

The monsoons are a special time in the Sahyadri, with lush greenery, enchanting weather and streams and waterfalls everywhere. While we take a break from most mountaineering activities in the monsoon, the one that we do a lot of happens to be waterfall rappelling, which is rappelling down a waterfall, right through the water. This is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, and if you haven’t done it yet, it is high time you did.

Rappelling through a waterfall

Here is some information about the trip to Vihi :

Type: Thrilling Waterfall

Height: 150 Feet (Approx)

Region: Kasara

 

Schedule:

Meeting Point at Kasara Railway station at the Nashik End of the Platform on East side at 09:30 hrs

TRAIN INFO: CST (07:05 am), Dadar (07:19 am), Thane (07:47 am), Kalyan (08:08 am), Kasara (09:26 am)

SYMBOL ON INDICATOR WILL BE “N” – Most of us will be in the third compartment from the engine.

Note 1: Please purchase ‘Return’ tickets for Kasara

Note 2: Please carry your own Lunch for the day. Misal will be provided for breakfast in the morning.

Participants waiting at the bus stand

The itinerary for the Event is given below:

  • Meet at Kasara (09:00 am)
  • Introduction (15min)
  • Breakfast outside station (30min)
  • Travel to Vihi (30 min)
  • Instructions (20min)
  • Rappelling starts at 10:35

We should be back at Kasara station at 6.00PM (Subject to prevailing factors)

Top of the waterfall

The cost of this Event would be Rs. 850/-

The above cost includes:

  • Travel from Kasara to Vihi & Back by local tempo or available transport
  • Breakfast
  • 1 Rappel down the waterfall
  • All Equipment & Expertise charges.

Please get in touch with Raka on 9869433342 or 8108833342 to register.

Important Note:  Seats Limited

Registrations will be confirmed only on the receiving of fees. People who pay first will be allowed to do the activity first

Extra Rappel will Cost Rs. 200 and will be allowed only after the entire group has finished.

Frolicking in the water at the base of Vihi Waterfall

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:

  1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried….so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas. Packing items in plastic bags will keep them dry.
  2. At least 1 liter of water. (Compulsory – even more would be better)
  3. A set of Spare clothes.
  4. Ensure that you wear appropriate footwear/clothes.
  5. Lunch for the day
  6. Camera and valuables at your own risk

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

  1. Possession and/or consumption of Alcohol or any intoxicants will result in expulsion from group and no refunds will be issued.
  2. Smoking is permitted with consent of group or at a distance from group in case of *any* objections.
  3. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
  4. Please do not wear any jewellery or gold chains/rings.
  5. Please do not litter – may be useful to keep a plastic bag for trash.

August 17, 2012
by Vidyut
0 comments

Monsoon Hike and Waterfall Rappelling to Kondana Caves

Waterfall Rappelling at Kondana Caves

Waterfall rappelling (abseiling) outings to Kondana Caves, Karjat this monsoon. Waterfall rappelling or waterfall abseiling near Mumbai has caught people’s imagination. Little did we know when we started three years ago that it would become our only work in the monsoons. Last year, we sold batches out. This year, we have planned more!

Rappelling is a means of descending steep vertical faces with the assistance of a rope and specialized equipment. It is a quick and exciting experience. When you combine it with the magic of the Sahyadri in the monsoon, you get to do that exciting descent through a waterfall. You won’t believe how much fun it is, till you experience it.

Train timings

Station Time
#0(km) Start -> Mumbai_CST 05:40
# Dadar 05:58
# Ghatkopar 06:15
# Thane 06:35
# Dombivili 06:57
# Kalyan 07:07
#100(km) End -> Karjat 08:00

 

Schedule:
26th August, 2012
Train Schedule:

 

08:15 AM Breakfast and Introduction at Karjat Station

08:45 AM Our representative will escort you till Kondhana Cave

10:00 AM Rappelling starts

Extra Rappell will be charged Rs. 250, but will be allowed only after everyone has finished their first chance.

 

Top of the Kondana Caves waterfall

Things to carry:

Identity proof (must)    A bottle of water (at least 2 Ltrs)
Towel/napkin, Extra Pair of clothes  Camera (Optional)

Sports shoes is compulsory    Medicines those if u require usually

 

Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments

Double pack your valuables in plastic bags. And please no sling bags or Jholas

Contribution per head Rs. 800/-

Please get in touch with Raka on 9869433342 or 8108833342 to register.

Inclusions:

  • Transport from Karjat Rly Stn to Stn
  • Breakfast
  • Fees for expertise and equipments
  • Snacks

*Pls note that Tighar To Karjat Rly Stn transport is not included

 

Policies:
* Consumption of any kind of drug or alcoholic products is strictly not allowed.
* Participant consuming such products will be asked to leave the group without any kind of refund.
* All the participants have to abide by the rules and regulations of the firm and the organizations team.

Visit our photo gallery by clicking on this link:

Top view from the Waterfall Rappelling site at Mahuli Fort

August 17, 2012
by Vidyut
0 comments

Waterfall Rappelling at Mahuli Fort

Dear Friends,

Presenting our fifth season of waterfall rappelling opportunities near Mumbai for 2012.

Waterfall Rappelling face at Mahuli Fort

The monsoons are a special time in the Sahyadri, with lush greenery, enchanting weather and streams and waterfalls everywhere. While we take a break from most mountaineering activities in the monsoon, the one that we do a lot of happens to be waterfall rappelling, which is rappelling down a waterfall, right through the water. This is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, and if you haven’t done it yet, it is high time you did.

Here is some information about the trips to Mahuli Fort:

Top view from the Waterfall Rappelling site at Mahuli Fort

Type: Challenging Waterfall

Height: 120 Feet (Approx)

Grade: Medium

Endurance: Easy

Region: Asangaon

 

Schedule:

Meeting Point at Asangaon Railway station at the extreme Kasara End of the Platform @ 08.45hrs

How to get there: Please see that you take the 07.16hrs Kasara Fast Local (Symbol on Indicator: N) from Dadar Station (Central) and alight at Asangaon.

Note 1: Please purchase ‘Return’ tickets for Asangaon

Note 2: Missing the train would mean taking the 7.32AM Asangaon Fast from PF.4 which reaches Asangaon @ 09.00hrs

Note 3: Please carry your own Lunch for the day.

The itinerary for the Event is given below:

  • Train from Dadar to Asangaon (1hr, 45min)
  • Introduction (15min)
  • Rickshaw to Mahuli (15min)
  • Hike to the waterfall (45min)
  • Breakfast & Instructions (30min)
  • Rappelling starts at 10:45

We should be back at Asangaon station at 6.00PM (Subject to prevailing factors)

The cost of this Event would be Rs. 850/-

Beginning the waterfall rappel at Mahuli Fort

The above cost includes:

  • Travel from Asangaon to Mahuli & Back by rickshaw
  • Breakfast
  • 1 Rappel down the waterfall
  • Evening Tea and Snacks
  • All Equipment & Expertise charges.

Please get in touch with Raka on 9869433342 or 8108833342 to register.

Important Note:  Seats Limited

Registrations will be confirmed only on the receiving of fees. People who pay first will be allowed to do the activity first

Extra Rappel will Cost Rs. 200 and will be allowed only after the entire group has finished.

Here is a list of all the things that need to be carried for the trek:

  1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried….so that one has ones hands free while trekking. Please do not carry sling bags or Jholas. Packing items in plastic bags will keep them dry.
  2. At least 1 liter of water. (Compulsory – even more would be better)
  3. A set of Spare clothes.
  4. Ensure that you wear appropriate footwear/clothes.
  5. Lunch for the day
  6. Camera and valuables at your own risk

Few rules that we would like people to follow:

  1. Possession and/or consumption of Alcohol or any intoxicants will result in expulsion from group and no refunds will be issued.
  2. Smoking is permitted with consent of group or at a distance from group in case of *any* objections.
  3. Each member will be responsible for his/her own safety and baggage.
  4. Please do not wear any jewellery or gold chains/rings.
  5. Please do not litter – may be useful to keep a plastic bag for trash.

September 16, 2010
by Vidyut
6 Comments

Harishchandragad trek and Kokankada Rappelling

In this year’s post-Christmas glow, add in the sparkle of adventure on the biggest rock face in Maharashtra.

Wide Aware announces a three day high adventure experience to charge your spirit – valley crossing and rappelling on the tallest rock face in Maharashtra – the Kokankada.

Yep, you got that right. This is the tallest rock face in Maharashtra – a breathtaking exposure of 1800ft under your fragile body held to safety by a rope and altitude of 4671ft above sea level. You do a 1200ft long valley crossing and then descend by means of a series of rappels to the base of the face. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this. Seats limited, so get in touch with Raka immediately if you are planning on coming – 09869433342.

The schedule is as follows:

Day 1: Kalyan to Khireshwar by tempo and trek to the top of Harishchandragad

Assemble at Kalyan and reach Khireshwar for lunch. Begin the 4-5 hour trek to the top of Harishchandragad and reach at the top of the fort by the evening tea.  Harishchandragad is one of the more challenging of the most popular hikes in this region. The fort has historical significance and a temple of Harishchandreshwar with a stone water tank in front of it. Accommodation is in caves. A short orientation walk later, settle into your cave for the day, and have an early night post dinner in preparation for the next days excitement.

Day 2: Valley Crossing across the Kokankada and Rappelling down from Bhavanidhar

After an early morning and breakfast we have a quick instruction session with the equipment and techniques explained for both the long and technical activities to follow. This is followed by the traverse. Kokankada is in a C shape, and the traverse is set across its two ends. Thus, during the valley crossing, you have the highest exposure possible in Maharashtra, without actually flying. The wind, the sheer scale of the surroundings, and most of all, the swaying rope holding our life safe present an unforgettable physical and emotional challenge. This is followed by a long rappel down the rock face – so long that you have to do it in stages to be able to maintain technique and safety. This day is an experience in the insignificance of man in front of a mountain, as well as the determination in man that makes him conquer one. We spend the night under the sky at the base of the Kokankada.

Day3: Trek back to road head and return to Mumbai

Wake up to nature, and hike for an hour or two back to the road  head. From here, the tempo will take us back to Kalyan. Expect to be back by evening.

Dates: Three day batches starting everyday from the 25th to 27th December 2010

Minimum Age: 15 years.

Charges: Rs. 3,5valley-crossing00/- per head (inclusive of travel – Kalyan to Kalyan, stay and food, adventure activities – equipment, instruction and safety support).

Booking procedure: Call/SMS RAKA on 09869433342 or VIDYUT on 09892469127.This will reserve your seat for 2 days till you complete your payment. Registration will be confirmed only after complete payment and we are not responsible for any availability problems in case of delayed payments.

Payment information:

Choose whatever option is the most convenient.

  1. Courier a cheque (payable in Mumbai) made out in the name of “Wide Aware” (Address: A32/501 Yogi Park, Yogi Nagar, Borivali West, Mumbai 400091)
  2. Deposit cheque into our HDFC Account (Name: Wide Aware, HDFC Bank, Current account no: 02278310000028, Branch: Nehru Road, Vile Parle East)

Please do not deposit cash into the account without first speaking with us. Please inform Raka whenever you initiate payment – whether it is a cheque sent by courier or depositing a cheque into the account. This email needs to clarify the mode of payment, amount and participant names, ages and total number of participants.

Registrations strictly on first come first serve basis, as the batch size is limited.

May 17, 2013
by Vidyut
0 comments

Two day Workshop for Women as agents of change

As awareness rises in the country on issues of gender inequality, the solutions we seek remain the traditional solutions that don’t work. Each woman goes through her own struggle wading through very similar sets of prejudices and limitations. Reinventing the wheel, so to say.

This programme aims to create a space for women to learn to find more and more functional ways of BEING. It is planned as a facilitated experiential learning workshop with some outdoor activities.

The goal is to create a space for empowering women and providing them with tools of change. To provide them with a safe space to learn how to be different in a way that addresses their own interests. How to pick battles to fight, how to win them, how to minimize resistance, go around blocks, keep flowing, what to do when out-powered, a laboratory to discover ways to remain progressing on goals of self-actualization.

Areas to touch as subjects may include:

  • Sexuality, sensuality and morality
  • Personal power
  • Trust and skepticism
  • Finding choice in a narrow world
  • Driving change in people around. Evolving the dialogue around women.
  • Engaging and empowering others to drive change

Please note that this list is indicative and may vary depending on participant needs.

Target participants: activists, women who wish to lead the evolution on more functional gender equality, women who would like to become more effective at engaging with the world as equals.

Qualifications: None needed other than being a woman.

Dates: 22nd and 23rd June 2013

Location: Near Mumbai

Fees: Rs.8,000/- per head.

Registrations on first come, first serve basis as per date of completion of payment. Kindly use form below to apply along with a brief note on what you would like to learn or see happening, as a woman- whatever comes to mind. You will receive an email with account information for payment.

 

 

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Kokankada from the foot of the cliff

November 15, 2012
by Vidyut
0 comments

Republic Day adventure 2013

Thank you for your encouraging response! The original three batches are now full and a few more have been added due to your enthusiastic participation. Do join in! Details of batches below.

Announcing the third consecutive year of high adventure at Kokankada, the tallest rock face in Maharashtra. An adventure we took on to bring a difficult to organize adventure experience within reach of the common man continues the cause.

Kokankada is a massive cliff on one side of Harishchandragad, one of the ancient forts dotting the Sahyadri. Its dramatic facade has lured local mountaineers for decades and inspired many mountaineering adventures ranging from humble treks to challenging climbing expeditions out to tame that forbidding beauty.

As the nature of mountaineering itself undergoes a change with comforts taking priority over ambition, we have brought together a group of climbers to keep alive a taste of that raw adrenaline laced experience with annual adventure trips that any reasonably fit person without previous training can undertake, where experienced mountaineers train you to descend the rock face using a technique called rappelling.

Another reason for doing this is that the scale of the Kokankada takes a technical activity like this beyond the reach of even trekking enthusiasts because of its rigorous requirements in skill, labor and equipment, which also translates to expensive. This effort makes it possible for a large number of people unknown to each other to share the costs and efforts that make setting up and safely executing such an adventure activity possible in the form of two day trips.

Batch Info for Jauary 2013:

  • Batch 1 : 24-25 (Thu-Fri) – FULL!
  • Batch 2 : 25-26 (Fri-Sat) – FULL!
  • Batch 3 : 26-27 (Sat-Sun) – FULL!
  • Batch 4 : 27-28 (Sun-Mon) – FULL!
  • Batch 5 : 28-29 (Mon-Tue) – AVAILABLE!

Batch Info for February 2013:

  • Batch 6 : 1-2 (Fri-Sat) – AVAILABLE!
  • Batch 7 : 2-3 (Sat-Sun) – AVAILABLE!

Costs will work out to Rs.2,950/- per head. Seats will be limited due to the time consuming nature of the activity.

We recommend that you book your seats at earliest to avoid disappointment. Contact Raka on 8108833342 or 9869433342 for more information or to reserve a place for you.

January 29, 2011
by Vidyut
1 Comment

Phililippe Ribiere – challenge the challenge

Allied-Petzl is organizing a unique event to prove the words “everything is possible”. Philippe who is one of the best climbers in his category, being physically challenged yet passionate about climbing, with a positive attitude towards life, shows us how his quest to challenge his abilities proved that everything is possible.

The event will comprise of a presentation by philippe of his life journey and his passion for climbing along with a climbing session on the artificial wall.
Make sure you don’t miss this special event.

ALLIED – PETZL TEAM

Free entry for all visitors

Date: 01 Feb 2011, Timing : 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Venue: Arun Samant Climbing Wall, Nadadeep Highschool, Jaiprakash Nagar, Road No.4, Walkable distance from Goragaon stn, Goragaon (East), Mumbai.

For more details kindly call us:
Ram Vengurlekar: 9930992329 / Kishor Chavan: 09930992328

See you there!

December 9, 2010
by Vidyut
0 comments

Better planning of outdoor programmes

Was just looking at the programmes from this year and the ones being planned in the future. I realize that we have a lot of stuff that is seasonal. Has it snowed at the Rohtang Pass, or is the pass open, is it raining for the waterfall rappelling to be successful? Weather seems to be a large and neglected part of our planning, and I am wondering if there is something more that I can do.

I am currently considering a service that provides live weather satellite images to check for any critical weather information that we can use prior to the actual trips. For example, last year, we had to postpone the Kokankada rappelling because of rain. Another application that comes to mind is checking to see if we need to provide any additional instructions to participants.

Don’t know what direction this will take our planning in, but obviously, whether it works out or not, you guys will find out :D

October 16, 2010
by Vidyut
2 Comments

Free style excursion to Lohagad Fort

Wide Aware has organized an “agenda free” trip to the Lohagad fort. This comes after some conversations on earlier programmes where participants wished they had more free time to “chill out” or do other things and generally enjoy the locations.

We have some really old photos of Lohagad from an ancient camera, and Raka was raring to have a go at it with his new digital SLR and thought to make a outing of it.

This trip to Lohagad has been announced for the 13th and 14th of November 2010.

Lohagad is a historic fort near Lonavala with interesting fortifications and a dramatic landscape. The beautiful setting is nicely supported with a cave for us to stay in. The idea is that we will be going on the fort and staying there doing what ever we want. Photography, nature observation, studying the architecture, sketching or painting, interacting with the locals, or just finding a nice shady spot and reading a book or having a nap. There are no activities planned. Do what you like. We will provide you with the organization.

Food will be arranged in a local restaurant (if it can be called that) at the base of the fort, but we can carry along some supplies to keep tea happening through the day.

We will be staying in a cave, and you will have to get bedsheets for yourself.

Suitable for art and photography enthusiasts, history buffs, nature lovers and whoever would like to have a weekend out of civilization, but doesn’t want to “do” anything.

Age is no restriction, but children below 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Difficulty level: Easy

Fees: Rs.1900/- for those who register in October. Rs.2000/- for those registering in November.

September 9, 2010
by Vidyut
0 comments

Monsoon outing with J P Morgan

Here are some videos from a monsoon outing with a trek to Kondana caves and waterfall rappelling.

You can see the photos here http://www.wide-aware.com/photos/index.php/adventure/Waterfall-Rappelling/J-P-Morgan

General timepass in the water

Climbing through the grassy trail.

Coming up…..

All in all, a fun day. And it didn’t rain, which Pradnya said was good. “We were able to enjoy better. If it had rained, it would have been more trouble to climb”.

And now, people predict that monsoon withdrawal is likely to get delayed. What next? Watch this space. :D

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