Adventures in India

Wide Aware has announced its first monsoon hike to Kondana Caves on the 18th of June 2006. All travel is by Sumo, food will be provided, a nature expert will be present to help expand our knowledge of the world we will wander in, and plans are in the offing for a rain dance in the afternoon, in case the rain we want does not happen!
Set in the valley of the Ulhas, at the foot of the magnificent Rajmachi, is this charming group of 8 Buddhist caves of the Hinayana Buddhist tradition and a small tank of water. While most of them are simple Viharas and caves in less than superb condition, the highlight of this settlement is the enormous Chaitya we first see as we approach. A massive doorway with intricate carvings, a stupa flanked with the pillars typical from that era and interesting sculptures of dancing men and women are the highlight of this location. The style of carvings, and the octagonal design of pillars suggests that this cave may have been created some time around  200 BC - 100BC.This cave group brings to life a world of its own in the monsoons, when the unrelenting rain and misty weather turn it into a world of rich green visions from a period when it may have been inhabited. A waterfall forms a curtain of water isolating this world in our imagination further from the rest of the region as we view it through a veil of water.We will leave Mumbai (meeting point will be announced as per the convenience of the majority of participants) at 6am sharp (that is really sharp). We reach the Kondivade village by 8:30am to a huge breakfast and set off for the caves, accompanied by a nature expert. This will be an easy hike-and-nature-trail. We have some time for rest and exploration at the cave, and may include waterfall rappelling at an additional cost if interest and weather support. We return for a late, but huge lunch, followed by some free time to digest it. We are planning a rain dance, if all bookings go well, and this will be confirmed soon. We head back home around 5pm or 6pm (no later) and plan to be back in Mumbai around 8:30pm (depending o­n traffic)The cost for this outing is Rs.800/- per head, to be paid at least week in advance. Please book seats early to avoid disappointment.