One Tree Hill Point - Matheran

 One Tree Hill Point 

Information 

 Type

Matheran is a well known hill station in India and unique for many aspects such as proximity with Mumbai and Pune, pollution free weather,prohibition of entrance to vehicle and red soil.There are many points which are tourist attractions.One such popular point is One Tree hill point.

The conventional ways of reaching  Matheran are either by 9 KM Ghat road from Neral (85 KM from Mumbai and 115 KM from Pune) to Dasturi (Entrance of Matheran where you need to park your vehicle) or by toy train from Neral Railway station (not running in rainy season). These ways are crowded in weekends due to the popularity of Matheran.

There are four non conventional hiking or trekking ways to reach Matheran. First from Chowk end (One Tree hill point trek),second from Karjat end (Garbett point trek),third from Panvel end (Dhodani to Sunset Point trek) and fourth from Umbarne to Matheran near Charlotte lake (Shivaji Ladder).

Location 

One Tree hill point is located at the southern side of Matheran.It is far from where you enter Matheran by the conventional routes mentioned (Approx 3 KM).The base village Ambewadi is on the northern bank of Morbe lake.

How to reach

One Tree hill point trek starts at Ambewadi village.You can either ascend from Ambewadi to One Tree hill point or descend in other direction but ascending is easier compared to descending.

In case of ascending,you have to reach Ambewadi village.Ambewadi village (75 KM from Mumbai and 110 KM from Pune)

is a small remote village.You can reach here from Mumbai by road on Mumbai - Panvel -Chowk - Borgaon Vadvihir (left turn from Borgaon) - Ambewadi route.You can reach here from Pune by road on Pune - Lonavala - Khopoli - Chowk - Borgaon Vadvihir (left turn from Borgaon) - Ambewadi route.

If you are traveling by public transport then you have to reach Chowk first.There are 6 seaters (sharing basis) run between chowk to Karjat.You can get down at Borgaon Vadvihir.As there is no regular transport available from Borgaon to Ambewadi (7 KM) you have to wait for any vehicle for Ambewadi.You can also reach Karjat by train from Mumbai or Pune and reach Borgaon by 6 seater from Karjat.There are private auto rickshaws which can take you to Ambewadi from Chowk (12 KM) or from Karjat (13 KM)

The road ends at Ambewadi and the trek starts with the route running parallel to the Morbe lake. Initial half an hour of trek is simple walk on wide soil based path.A paneroma of Irshalgad can be observed in its full stretch from the close proximity in the route.After half an hour of walk, gradual ascend in soil begins and as you move up, the wider view of Morbe lake is visible.The ascending route passes through mostly barren terrain with some  bunches of dense tree pockets.As you move up the ascend starts becoming steeper.After half an hour of ascend the peculiar hill of one tree is visible.The steeper route enters in the gorge.After 2 hours from the start of the trek/hike rock patch begins.The narrow rock patch is the steepest of all.It is advisable to move in a single row cautiously on the rock patch.It is necessary on the rock patch that If someone comes from opposite direction then coordinate mutually so that one person can ascend/descend and other person can wait.One hour of rock patch in the gorge takes you to One Tree hill point of Matheran.

Total Ascend/Descend Time - 

3 hours 45 minutes (Ascending)/ 3 hours 15 minutes (Descending)

30 minutes -Ambewadi to Start of Ascend and vice-versa 

90 minutes (Ascending)/75 minutes (Descending) - Start of Ascend to Start of rock patch and vice versa

60 minutes (Ascending)/ 45 minutes (Descending) - Start of Rock Patch to One Tree hill point and vice versa

45 minutes - One Tree Hill Point to Matheran Railway Station 

Places of Interest -

One Tree Hill Point -This is a famous point in Matheran,located at the southern side of Matheran.This point got it's name as 'One Tree Hill Point' due to a tiny hillock separated from Matheran hill having only one clearly visible tree (some bushes).You can watch a spectacular view of Morbe lake and dam,Irshalgad fort,Karnala fort,Prabalgad fort and Chowk side landscape from this point.There is a small garden near this point.

Accommodation -

This trek ends/starts at/from Matheran which is a very popular hill station.There are enough hotels and homestays in Matheran.There are many hiking locations near Karjat.One can stay at Karjat and can visit as many hikes as you can do.There are hotels available in Karjat.

When to visit -

An ideal season of trekking in this region is rainy season where the weather supports trekking or any physical activity and you could see lush green landscape & foggy atmosphere.Trekking can also be done in Winter especially for photography as the spectacular views of valleys, lakes and forts can be clearly captured due to absence of moist & humid weather. Summer season is rarely preferred for this type of trekking.

Experience and Photos

My Experience 

I visited this trek with a trekking group on 1 July 2018.I took local train of 6.20 a.m. from Dadar for Karjat.Usually the trains heading towards Karjat early in the morning are crowded in weekends as large number of trekkers travel in the same train for various treks/hikes in Karjat region.Huge number of trekkers boarded at Dadar and I hardly had space to stand.The train kept on filling more and more in the next stations.I reached Karjat on 8.30 a.m.I met some of the trekkers from my group at Karjat.Our group arranged private vehicle for Ambewadi. We reached at Ambewadi on 9 a.m.After the introduction and breakfast & tea,we started our hike on 9.30 a.m.The weather was just like weather required for hiking. There was light rain when we were traveling from Karjat to Ambewadi.The rain stopped when we reached Ambewadi.The majority of road from Borgaon Vadvihir to Ambewadi (7 KM) pass on the bank of Morbe lake which offers picturesque sights of lake at one side and tiny villages & lush green landscape with small hills (including forts like Sondai) at the other end.We started our hike on 9.30 a.m. with simple walk in soil path witnessing beautiful view of Irshalgad and in weather where rain stopped & bright shining Sun playing hide and seek with clouds. We reached at place on 10 a.m.where gradual ascend started.The catchment area of Morbe lake started unfolding as we continued climbing.I was witnessing the beauty of nature while hiking.I saw a rare picture of Irshalgad in front left side and Karnala fort at the back right side in one camera frame which I captured.It looked like two students sitting in a grand classroom of unimaginable length with one student sitting on first bench in left row and other student sitting on last bench in right row. It feels delightful for any trekker when he/she could capture multiple forts in single frame.We reached at small plains on 11.30 a.m. after the climb which got steeper from when we started.We decided to take small break.Due to bright sunshine and clouds,the weather was highly humid and we were sweating.One tree hill is clearly visible from this point.After the water break we resumed on our remaining hike.The route ahead pass through small dense forest.We reached at the base of gorge like structure on 11.50 a.m.This gorge like structure is formed by the Matheran hill and One tree hill.We started climbing rock patch.Fortunately there was no rain and we reached at One tree hill point on 12.50 p.m.We officially reached at Matheran. When we reached at One Tree hill point, strong winds & rain splash welcomed us.We captured a picturesque view of Morbe lake and Irshalgad fort from One Tree hill point when it stopped raining. Due to rain the weather was enthusiastic for hiking and the cool breeze was making it even better.After clicking few selfies and watching beautiful views from point,we had a cup of tea & biscuits at the nearby tea stall.On 1.30 p.m.We started our walk in the Matheran red soil towards restaurant for lunch witnessing the sweet sound of various birds. Most of the good quality restaurants are lunch are available near Railway Station.The walk from One Tree Hill Point to Matheran Railway Station is of 3 KM.The road from One Tree Hill Point to Matheran Railway Station for first 20 minutes pass through a bunch of old style bungalows which are sold or not in use from many years on a lonely path.We saw some people approaching towards One Tree hill point on ponies.Everyone visiting Matheran have to face an unpleasant smell of pony's poop but that is only one thing which you can unnotice or become habitual after some time.As Matheran has a good covering of large number of trees,we never had any problem of shed even in the sunny afternoon.After reaching near Matheran market, we came to know about the amount of crowd on Weekends on Matheran.We reached our restaurant on 2.30 p.m.We had our lunch and headed towards Dasturi for Taxi to Neral.In Rainy Season the railway service is usually inoperative so we walked on tracks to reach Aman Lodge Station (station 2 minutes from Dasturi where all the motorable vehicles are parked and from where taxi service is available to and from Neral.We got our taxi and reached Neral on 4.30 p.m.We then took train from Neral for our homes.There is always rush on Neral Station on Rainy season weekends so you (travelling towards Mumbai) can take Karjat train & travel in opposite direction to Karjat & then towards Mumbai in same train for high probability of getting confirm seat.

Things to Carry

One Day Hikes - A pair of trekking shoes,Haversack,A pair of changing clothes,Water (at least 2 litres),Torch with pair of batteries,Small scissor or knife,Easy snacks,Medical Kit (Electrol Powder + Tablets on Vomiting, dizziness fever,body pain etc +Bandage and instant relief spray or medicine on bruise + cotton piece),Other regular medicines (optional), Napkin, Towel, Handkerchief ,other things which you find necessary.

Multiple Day Hikes - Things mentioned in One Day Hikes +Sleeping Mat or Sleeping Bag,Toothpaste and brush,Ready to cook food packets and tea bags,other things which you find necessary.

Photos -

Some backside / backdrop photos are faint , hence request you to zoom and see.

Map of One Tree Hill Point Trek (Click & Zoom)

 Irshalgad from Ambewadi Village

        

Way to One Tree Hill Point

                

Morbe Dam and Manikgad(backside)

     

Landscape on the way to Matheran 

      

Morbe Lake and Ambewadi village

       

One Tree Hill (Left side) captured on the trek route

                

Irshalgad (Front left), Karnala (Right Back thumb shaped )

     

Rock patch to One Tree hill point

        

Irshalgad and Morbe lake from One Tree hill point

        

                One Tree Hill from One Tree hill point 

     

No need of Caption

One Tree Hill Point (Way towards Matheran)

         

 

Note - 

1)You are requested not to litter on or near the fort,temples,sculptures,caves and historical monuments.Please keep the sanctity of our historical heritage.

2) You are requested to avoid listening high pitched volume audios while passing through the forest instead listen the chirping of different birds.

3) Please carry a garbage bag/s with you depending upon the size of group.Carry the garbage with you while descending and throw garbage in dustbins placed in base villages.

4) Walls of caves,temples and other monuments are not right surfaces to showcase your artwork.

SAGARGAD -Hill fort near Sea

 Sagargad

Information 

 Type

This is a hill fort with some dilapidated fortification walls and some bastions in good condition.

Location 

This fort is located near Alibag in Raigad district.There is Sagargad Machi village at the half way stage of the route. Sagargad is also termed as Kheddurg

How to reach

There are two routes to reach Sagargad Machi village.The starting points of both the routes are interconnected by five minutes walk on non motorable road. After Sagargad Machi village,there is only one route for the fort.

The base villages of both routes are 2 KM away from each other on motorable road. First route is from Pavele Hanuman  Temple.You can reach here by private vehicle (Mumbai 98 KM and Pune 166 KM) on Mumbai - Palaspe - Vadkhal - Sagaon Maruti Mandir  route from Mumbai and Pune - Lonavala - Palaspe - Vadkhal - Sagaon Maruti Mandir route from Pune.A small road left side of Sagaon Maruti Mandir takes you to Pavele Hanuman Temple.

Second route is from Siddheshwar village.You can reach here by private vehicle (Mumbai 99 KM and Pune 167 KM) on the same route up to Sagaon Maruti Mandir and then while moving towards Alibag taking left turn at Khandale village takes you to  Siddheshwar.

If you are traveling by public transport then you have to reach Alibag first.There are 6 seaters (sharing basis) run between Alibag Bus stand to Karlekhind.You can get down at Khandale and walk 20 minutes to reach at Siddheshwar or you can get down at Sagaon Maruti Mandir and walk 10 minutes to reach at Pavele Hanuman Mandir.

Pavele Hanuman Mandir  - This is less popular route utilized mostly by villagers of Sagargad Machi Village.There is also one Ganesh Mandir near the starting point of the trek.The route begins with steep ascend in soil for first 15-20 minutes and then gradual ascend of 45 minutes takes you to Dutt Mandir of village.This route passes through left side hill of second route.

Siddheshwar  - This is more popular route and utilized mostly by visitors and devotees as the major tourist attractions in Sagargad fort visit (Dhondane Waterfall and Siddheshwar Temple) are nearby this route.A simple walk from Siddheshwar village takes you to the footsteps. Footsteps are wide enough and easy to climb just like a staircase.The route passes through the dense forest and takes you at Junction.It takes half an hour to reach here from Siddheshwar village.A simple walk of 2 minutes leftwards takes you to Siddheshwar Temple and straight route of 10-15 minutes takes you to the Sagargad Machi village.

Sagargad Machi village is a small village on the plateau having few temples and a school.

Both the above routes take you to the Sagargad Machi village and converge in one path towards fort.A simple walk of 1.5 hours in dense forest from village takes you to the fort.The route to the fort offers scenic views of north eastern part of the landscape and Dharamtar Creek. The fort area can be easily recognized due to bastions and wall.Entrance in fort is from left side of the bastion through a dilapidated entrance gate.

Total Ascend/Descend Time - 

Pavele Hanuman Mandir route -

2 hours 40 minutes (Ascending)/ 2 hours 20 minutes (Descending)

60 minutes (Ascending)/ 50 minutes (Descending)- Pavele Mandir to Dutt Mandir and vice-versa 

10 minutes - Dutt Mandir to End of Village (Walk in Village)

90 minutes (Ascending)/ 80 minutes (Descending) - Sagargad Machi Village to Sagargad 

Siddheshwar route -

2 hours 20 minutes (Ascending)/ 2 hours (Descending)

40 minutes (Ascending)/ 30 minutes (Descending)- Siddheshwar Village to Siddheshwar Temple Junction and vice-versa 

10 minutes - Siddheshwar Temple Junction to End of Village (Walk in Village)

90 minutes (Ascending)/ 80 minutes (Descending) - Sagargad Machi Village to Sagargad

Note - This is estimated time.Actual time can very with crowd and weather at that point.

Places of Interest -

Main Fort Area -This is a small fort with not much structures in the main fort. It takes half an hour to watch the fort.The fort area ends at narrow ridge with a small separated pinnacle called 'Vandarlingi'.There is one temple (not well built) with a small built pond and another lake inside main fort.Some small cannons can also be seen on the fort.This fort offers scenic views of Kulaba fort, Alibag city and sea forts Khanderi and Underi along with the coastline of Arabian sea.

Siddheshwar Temple and Waterfall- There is a lord shiva temple and an old monetary.The lord shiva temple has thatched tiled structure.There is a small waterfall behind the temple which carry loads of water in rains but mostly dry in summer and winter.This place is more crowded in Rainy Season by trekkers and Waterfall lovers.

Accommodation -

This trek can be completed in a day and hence accommodation is generally not required.If someone wants to stay then they can either stay in Siddheshwar temple (10-15 people) or they can stay in Sagargad Machi village.People in the village are very kind and helpful and can accommodate in their houses.

When to visit -

You can visit Sagargad throughout the year except in the summer because there is no shed on the main fort.Hikers prefer Rainy season to visit this fort as this fort offers scenic views in rains and also waterfall behind the Siddheshwar Temple becomes another attraction.

Experience and Photos

My Experience 

I visited Sagargad on with a trekking group with friends on 21 July 2008.We started on 6 a.m from Mumbai in a private bus and reached Siddheshwar village on 10 a.m. after having a breakfast and Tea.It was a nice day where weather was playing the game of hide and seek with showers and sunshine one after another.When we reached at the base black clouds were looming in sky.It was pleasant to see waterfall carrying loads of water making a sound at the calm place.The volume of sound started increasing as we moved ahead on a broad soil based way.We came across a stream on our way but decided to move ahead.After walking for some time we came across the steps.Steps are easy to climb and after 15-20 minutes climb we reached on plains from where the waterfall is clearly visible.We observed one peculiar thing that rain was heading towards us from west and in no time it started showering on us.We walked for some time on plains,listening the sound of water.We reached at Siddheshwar Temple on 11 a.m.We took darshan and waited for 10-15 minutes when it was still raining.We headed towards the fort and after 5 minutes walk came across the village.The village was nothing but 20-25 houses and a school at that time.The way ahead became narrow and after walking for half an hour the eastern end of the landscape and Dharamtar Creek was visible in fog.It stopped raining but the fog was still there when we reached near the fort.We reached at the entrance of fort on 11.45 a.m.

We entered the fort and watched the fort for 15-20 minutes.Due to fog we could not see coast line of Alibag initially.We reached at the tip of the fort,a small pinnacle called Vandarlingi was in front of us separated from the Sagargad fort.The view from tip was beyond the words.We rested on the plains of the fort and enjoyed the view of surrounding green blanket and tiny houses of Alibag with passing clouds and peeping sun at the background,feeling the cool breeze coming from west.The nature wasn't letting us return but we had to return.We started our return journey on 12.30 p.m.

We reached at Village Sagargad Machi on 1.15 p.m. Our group had arranged lunch at the school.The lunch was tasty and simple.We had our lunch and came outside.An excellent view of Arabian Sea and tiny Khanderi & Underi forts caught our attention.Khanderi fort can be identified by its peculiar shape of number '6' and Underi fort with its elliptical dome shape.After lunch we started descending from Siddheshwar way on 2 p.m.The journey from fort to base was in bright sunshine.We reached at the stream mentioned earlier on 2.30 p.m and cooled down ourselves in water for some time.We reached at starting point on 3.00 p.m and headed ourselves back to Mumbai.

Things to Carry

One Day Hikes - A pair of trekking shoes,Haversack,,A pair of changing clothes,Water (at least 2 litres),Torch with pair of batteries,Small scissor or knife,Easy snacks,Medical Kit (Electrol Powder + Tablets on Vomiting, dizziness fever,body pain etc +Bandage and instant relief spray or medicine on bruise + cotton piece),Other regular medicines (optional), Napkin, Towel, Handkerchief ,other things which you find necessary.

Multiple Day Hikes - Things mentioned in One Day Hikes +Sleeping Mat or Sleeping Bag,Toothpaste and brush,Ready to cook food packets and tea bags,other things which you find necessary.

Photos   

                 Map of Sagargad

        Start of Trek from Siddheshwar 

Pavele Mandir (Start of Trek)

             

Sagargad (Left),Ganesh Mandir (Right)

    

    

Steps to Sagargad Machi 

                  Dhondane Waterfall

         Bastions and Walls of Sagargad

                 Vandarlingi Pinnacle

                Sagargad Machi School

Dharamtar Creek on the Way to Sagargad

Note - 

1)You are requested not to litter on or near the fort,temples,sculptures,caves and historical monuments.Please keep the sanctity of our historical heritage.

2) You are requested to avoid listening high pitched volume audios while passing through the forest instead listen the chirping of different birds.

3) Please carry a garbage bag/s with you depending upon the size of group.Carry the garbage with you while descending and throw garbage in dustbins placed in base villages.

4) Walls of caves,temples and other monuments are not right surfaces to showcase your artwork.