A JUNGLE TREK
A boat ride, an escape into the woods, and a picnic in a secluded fort: there arefew better ways to explore the Western Ghats. On a remote outpost of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary within the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, stands the ancient Vasota Fort that once belonged to Shivaji. Its weathered walls beckon to nature lovers and history buffs who are game for a scenic river-crossing and a challenging trek (organised by Tapola Boat Club: 00-91-9421583469; ` 4,500 for boat transport with six people, guide fee & misc: upto ` 450, forest permit: ` 30/ person; Oct – Apr, closed for 15 days every year during the tiger census).
A boat ride, an escape into the woods, and a picnic in a secluded fort: there arefew better ways to explore the Western Ghats. On a remote outpost of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary within the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, stands the ancient Vasota Fort that once belonged to Shivaji. Its weathered walls beckon to nature lovers and history buffs who are game for a scenic river-crossing and a challenging trek (organised by Tapola Boat Club: 00-91-9421583469; ` 4,500 for boat transport with six people, guide fee & misc: upto ` 450, forest permit: ` 30/ person; Oct – Apr, closed for 15 days every year during the tiger census).
Cocooned by steep hills, this intriguing battle fort is only accessible by water. Beginning at the riverside village of Tapola, you embark on a leisurely cruise down Koyna River’s backwaters. From morning to dusk Shivsagar Lake, a huge reservoir, teems with watersports enthusiasts of all ages (Tapola Boat Club: 00-91-9421583469; 8.30am – 6.30pm; activities from ` 100; located at the end
of Mahabaleshwar-Tapola Rd by the lake). Speedboats zoom around you for a short distance and then fall back, leaving you peacefully adrift in the shadow of the fort.
Dense green forest on the hills all around conceals rich flora and fauna that reveals itself by and by. Large animals, like sloth bears, bison, boars, hyenas, and tigers, are known to roam here. Your boat is moored at Vasota Fort’s base, from where a trekking route (around three-kilometre long) winds upwards in the shade of thick shrubs and impossibly tall trees like palaquium ellipticum. The constant chirping and trilling of birds and insects is a cheerful soundtrack to your adventure. Endemic butterflies like the Tamil lacewing flutter across your path as you ford spring-fed streams inhabited by bronze frogs that bask boldly on the smooth stones.
You’ll be tempted to drink straight from the cool, clean, running water – but don’t ditch your water bottle just yet. Vasota is a worthy test for the fit trekker. The trail is broad but steep, and lets you work up a good sweat before.
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