Tandulwadi (Monsoon Trek)
Saphale
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All About It
- 1 Days
- Difficulty - Moderate
Alexa, play ‘All Along The Watchtower'
Tandulwadi Fort is one of the lesser-known forts in Maharashtra. While the fort derives its name from the village. ‘Tandul’ means rice and ‘Wadi’ means ‘village or locality. In the monsoons, the village can be identified by emerald blankets of paddy bordering the roads and houses.
The fort was built by the Gujarat Sultanate in the 16th century. It served as a watchtower for many empires since — the Portuguese took over later that century, they lost control of it to the Marathas, who finally lost it to the British. We (India) finally got it back after independence.
Although the trek is a little challenging, the view at the top definitely makes it worth the climb. Catch glimpses of the Vaitarna and Surya rivers, Kohoj and Takmak forts, and watch out for mud crabs and wood spiders throughout the trail.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Base village: Tandulwadi
Summit height: 1524 ft
Time taken to climb/descend: 3-4 hrs climb / 1.5 hrs descent
Total distance of trek: 5 km
Duration: 1 day
Meeting point: Virar Stn (7:30 am)
Departure point: Virar Stn (7:00 pm)
7:00 am: We rendezvous at Virar station, on the east to be precise. We board our privately booked vehicles and start our journey to the beautiful rice fields of Tandulwadi Village. But before that, we make a quick breakfast break.
9:30 am: We reach the starting point and begin our hike. As we climb higher and higher, the mountain slowly unravels the beautiful views all around us.
1:00 pm: At the summit, witness the remains of what was once an important watchtower on the western front of many empires. We will also, eat lunch with a glorious view of the confluence of the Vaitarna and Surya rivers.
2:00 pm: After exploring the rock-cut water tanks, cisterns, and ramparts all around the fort, we come back to the present and begin our descent.
4:00 pm: After we reach the village, we start our journey back to Virar station in our private vehicles.
5:30 pm: That’s all folks! We leave you back at Virar station, where it all began. Say goodbye to your new friends, and say hello to your sore muscles.
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Vagabond Experiences
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Vagabond started out as a project by four friends with a disdain for the ordinary. The idea was simple; take people out of their comfort zones. Not like Roadies, but just enough to bond them together through beautiful and authentic experiences. Happiness, as they say, is only real when shared. And share we did. The company was founded in 2014. As fresh Bachelor of Arts degree holders, companies were lining up to hire us fine gentlemen; we’re kidding. Fueled by entrepreneurial zeal, we started with small events in the city like heritage walks through Bombay’s old quarters. As musicians and travellers ourselves, we decided to marry these two loves of our lives. That is how the idea for the first Fields of Sound™ came about. Since then, it has only been onward and upwards for us. Since 2014, we’ve made friends like family through our journey. Our little ‘Vaga’-Fam. It’s safe to say, it’s been quite an adventure. One we would like you to join :)
Inclusions
-Private taxis from Virar station to Tandulwadi and back
-Breakfast
-Refreshments
-Trek guide charges
-Vagabond EMs assistance
-First Aid assistance
Exclusions
THINGS TO CARRY
-Snacks (non-perishable)
-Rainwear (rainjacket/poncho)
-Packed lunch
-Drinking water (minimum 2 ltr)
-Sturdy shoes with grip
-Slippers (optional)
-Sweets/Glucon D (optional)
-Trekking pole (optional but very useful)
HOW TO REACH
Catch a Mumbai local train on the western line heading towards Virar. Please DO NOT miss the 5:21 am, 5:29 am, or 5:36 am Virar Fasts from Churchgate station. Feel free to board this train from any other station of your convenience. If you miss these trains, you will be late and will NOT be able to join us for the trek. Meet us at Virar Stn by 7:00 am. Plan accordingly.
Policy and Terms
-Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will incur a 20% cancellation fee.
-Cancellations made within 3-6 days prior to the event date will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
-Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will receive no refund.
(Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website)
Terms and Conditions
-All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
-Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
-By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
Frequest Questions
Q: How difficult is this trek?
A: Vagabond's trek to Tandulwadi would be graded as a 'Moderate' level trek. That being said, we're climbing a mountain during the monsoons. It's slippery and gets challenging at certain parts.
Q: What's Vagafam?
A: Vagafam is a loyalty discount for those who have joined us on a minimum of 3 experiences in the past. If you have travelled with us 3 times before, reach out to us and you can start availing of the Vagafam discount going forward.
Q: Are there any washrooms during the trek?
A: Unfortunately not. The only washroom is at Virar station when we start the trek, after which we will make one more washroom stop before reaching the village.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: We have had multiple trekkers in the past bring their dogs for this trek. However, a few things to keep in mind are... You will have to travel back and forth in a private vehicle. There are stray dogs we'll encounter throughout the course of the trek.
Q: What about lunch?
A: As there is little or no way we can provide lunch on the trek, you are expected to carry your own packed lunch. We will, however, provide you with some lip-smacking breakfast at a local restaurant before we start our climb.
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