Me, Myself & My Journey

If someone had asked me a year ago, "Do you know anything about Ratanwadi Village or Ratangad fort?", my answer would have been "No". But now, whenever I hear the name, beileve me, I still feel the Adrenaline rush! The journey, the rains, the greenery, the streams, the hills, the waterfalls, the forest, the ladders, the caves, the fort... Oh god! It certainly is not for the kids! It all started with a forward mail! The first time I saw the pictures, I was shocked! Is this in India!... That too... near pune!! Just 5 hrs from Mumbai!!! Anyways I knew it in my heart that I have to go to this place! No matter where it is! Googling for "Ratangad Fort" provided Terabytes of information that even Shivaji Maharaj himself would not have known about his fort! As usual, I Begged , Brainwahsed and even Threatened my friends to come with me on this trek. As usual, my friends didnt disappoint me! Some went absconding, Some got deadly diseases, Some went to coma! But ...

Getting There & Out: Delhi to Haridwar :- MUSSOORIE EXP from Old Delhi Railway Station (10:15 PM) Haridwar to Joshimath :- Board any bus going to Badrinath/Joshimath (220/-) from the GMOU Bus Stand near Haridwar Railway station. It will be evening by the time you reach Joshimath and the last gate between Joshimath and Govindghat closes at 4:30 PM. After the last gate you cannot go to Govindghat. You have lot of accommodation options available there. So no need to worry. Stay in any hotel in Joshimath and go to Govindghat the next morning. Joshimath to Govindghat :- Shared Jeeps (15/-) or Buses are available from Joshimath. The first gate opens at 6:00 AM. So make sure to reach the taxi stand before that. You will reach Govindghat before 7 AM. Govindghat to Ghangeria :- 13 Km You can either hire a horse (easiest way) or walk 5 hrs and reach Ghangeria. If you walked, then forget any further activities that day. Just take rest and get ready for the next days trek. Ghangeria to Va...