A Lost & Depleted City Fort - Riwa Fort 2015

It’s fun sometimes, to pack your bags and head out exploring. To climb new mountains and visit unexplored places. I often look for places and research about lost forts and historical monuments. I look up places around me, that id never have had visited If I didn't know or have this interest in travelling. I recently came across this fort called as Riwa Fort, Google maps seemed to know where it was located. And Wikipedia had a paragraph or so about it. So I was like, what the hell. Let’s go check this out. So before I head out for my day filled with work, meetings and other not so fun things I decided to visit this fort.

I took a cab, but its easily accessible by train too as it is located very close to Sion Station. Took me 15-20 mins from Bandra, but could take lesser by train. So firstly, this is not an easy fort to find. Even though Google Maps has it marked down, it did take me quite some time to locate this fort. I went through circles, a slum, around the talav and finally near an Ayurvedic center is where I located a gate that had stairs going upwards. After being lost for a while, I finally began to ask people where is the god damn fort? I showed them the map too. A few suggested that it must be on the hill. And since nothing else seemed more likely. I started climbing up the stairs. I met this cleaner or chacha (Uncle) of some sort who had flashy red eyes and a stinge of the alcohol he was drinking and pointed towards no particular direction and said haan beta Killa Killa. (Hahahahah!). So the base layer has some plantation circles happening by the center. And the higher you climb (which is not very high.) you begin to see remains of the fort. It’s hardly even a fort. If you like big walls and a lot to see this is probably not for you as there wasn’t much to see at all. There's just a few stairs if at all they count as remains and a Bastian built with black rock which stands tall on the hill. Fort Riwa was built by Britishers after the attack of Siddi of Janjira on Mumbai in 1672 AD. After Siddi’s attack, Britishers constructed chains of new forts around Mumbai. This fort is one of them. It is located quite close to the Dharavi slums and Sion.

Mahim creek divided the main islands of Mumbai from Saashti Islands. Saashti Island was under the regime of Portugese. In those days trade was carried through the Mahim creek and Saashti islands. The main aim to build this fort was to keep an eye on the trade activities in the Mahim creek and also to protect themselves from the potential threat from Portuguese and Marathas from the north. The fort was built by Jerald Augier in 1672 A.D.

So this fort historically seemed to be used only to keep watch, and it being on a hill seems to make that seem feasible. There is a decent view that can be enjoyed from the hill too.

It was a fun getaway, to see whatever it is that remained of the place. I still felt that there was more to the fort. And that you know I was probably at the wrong place or not there yet. I tried going through different paths and realised that this is it. Sometimes even a little bit is a lot, in terms of memories of what is left of places or things. So I sat down then at the basitan and looked into the forest. It felt warm and good. The birds there made a lot of noise, and the peace and quiet really makes you feel like you are home. You can see a lot of the city from the hill, the roads, vehicles and people. Soon I began to head back towards work, leaving the hill, stairs and greenery behind. I could claim that this is a scam for a fort. And probably google and everyone else shouldn’t really call it a fort. But you know what? I don’t really feel that bad. It is what it is. Expectations and how majestic or well kept other forts are shouldn’t come in the way of a new experience. I loved that is so long lost, yet so close to home and how people don’t seem to care for it and yet it stands tall to be loved, seen and explored by people. Would surely love to visit again soon, maybe this time with a group or more people.

Pictures of the Fort  (Riwa Fort 2015):

https://www.facebook.com/thehappygetaway/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1438412399&hash=4409671804596707434&pagefilter=3

This is Happy (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.

Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                      

The Happy Getaway:

https://www.facebook.com/thehappygetaway

https://instagram.com/thehappygetaway/

Twitter: @thehappygetaway

Thank You

Alvin Anthony

A Memorable Monsoon Getaway - Sagargad Fort 2015

I believe the last time I went out camping during the monsoons, was to Ishraghad where the cold monsoon winds, rains, dirt and everything else that does with it made me feel like home. And I believe months later, it was time again to hit the road during the rains, and this time it was Sagargad. It’s a fort situated near Khandale Village, which is 4km’s away from Alibag. Bhramar is group with whom in the last few months, I have gone quite found of. Anup and his troops surely know how to organise an outing and make everyone feel like family.

It was a Sunday, and I really wanted to head out camping during the monsoons. I reached a bit late to the bus (Thanks Anup, for holding up and being patient!). But a little later we took off to our base point. It was a good base journey away from the city, as we made stops at various points to pick up other travellers. The bus soon arrived at the base point. And my word, cottages and the greenery really did make me feel like I was home. The rain had just began to make its way through the clouds as we rushed out of the bus into the shed area. We then had some delicious breakfast and hot tea to go with it. Then we had the introductory round where we got to know each other and a little bit of history about the fort. We then started our journey towards the top.

We did experience some marshy land and some slips and falls. We help on to the rocks and the sides so that we could push on.We saw crabs, birds, worms and a lot of other insects on our way. On every base point on our climb to recall the great history and heritage of the fort and its importance. Its a tall climb with a quite decent patch, but the rains sure do make it more thrilling as you climb along. On your way you can smell the fresh green grass and look at the water falls all around the mountains. I believe the monsoons has to be the best time to visit the fort. So a little bit about the history then of the fort. It is speculated that the fort has been standing here since ancient times i.e. Satavahan period around 100 A.D. The fort is also called as Kheddurg in some records. The known history of the fort starts from 1665 when Shivaji Maharaj lost this fort to Mughals as part of the treaty of Purandar. It was given to Angre, naval chief of Maratha forces, along with 16 other forts, so that he won't separate from them and remain loyal to Shahu Chhatrapati of Satara. Later it was lost to British. Some British officers during 1800's built their retreat homes on this fort.

Slowly and steadily we made our way to the top. And my word, it was a beautiful sight. We could see clouds stretched out far and wide. And the breeze hit us like there was no tomorrow. Not a lot of the fort still stands its ground. There is a temple on the top thats still quite holy and has a pleasant feeling about it. There are a few walls and an entrance which resemble the fort and its pride, However not a lot of it still remains. We explored the fort and the greenery spread around. We took pictures, shared snacks and smoke about the mighty sea that could be seen if the clouds would clear up. The Khanderi & Underi fort along with the Kolaba fort are forts that can be seen from the top. However, due to the beautiful clouds we were not able to see much apart from fog.

It was beautiful, the whole experience of trekking during the rains. You don’t feel as tired and you feel washed from all the muck and dirt that you walk through as you walk ahead. You don’t feel as thirsty as the cold rain keeps the body cool. And of course with Anup and the other pleasant company this trip was surely special. We head down after exploring and found our way bag. Yes it did include some slips and falls.but I guess playing football has gotten me use to it. We head down, and enjoyed some delicious lunch. Nothing tastes better than freshly baked home food after a long trek. I also picked up some naturally and herbally grown mangoes for home, which my parents are still raving about. We took the standard group picture, spent a last few moments at the base and then head to the bus and were heading back home. We were quite tired on our way back, most people got some sleep a few others were enjoying music by singing and listening to them. Overall it was a quality experience and Bhramar as expected did not let me down. I think they and their team surely do a great job in terms of overall experience. I can’t wait to head out for a trek again. And surely can’t wait to do it with this lot too in the future.

Pictures of the Fort (Sagargad Fort 2015):

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.909466155783830.1073741840.855590067838106&type=3

Show some love to Bhramar too and Anup:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bhramar/398535046927678?fref=ts

This is Mr. Happy (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.

Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                      

The Happy Getaway:

https://www.facebook.com/thehappygetaway

https://instagram.com/thehappygetaway/

Twitter: @thehappygetaway

Thank You

Alvin Anthony

A Festival Of History - Shivrajyabhishek Sohala 2015

It was a beautiful weekend, heading out to Raigad to witness one of the most proclaimed and celebrated festivals in Pune. It started off from the Rajmachi trip with Mayyur (Wild Rangers, founder and boss.) mentioned he wants to go to Raigad next weekend for the festival and celebration. I had read a lot about it off late. And after visiting Shivneri a few months back, and watching a few documentaries my interest and need for going for this had peaked. I kind of signed right then he mentioned it and confirmed after a couple of days.

So there is twice when they celebrate it, once as per the calendar and once as per their cultural belief. We went for the calendar listed one, as the weekend prior which we missed was when the other one was celebrated. We met at 11:30ish at Dadar, I got into a cab with a few others up to the mini bus where I met the rest. We were small group of around 10 to 12 people or so. We had a young married couple, a few frequent trekkers, a first timer and a variant set of people. The ride to Raigad’s base was fun. I caught up with some sleep and listened to some nice mellow music on the way. It was early hours when we reached the base point where we could see vehicles hoarded up all around the place. I then began to realise how big this festival is and how many people come visit and travel from far and wide for this. The weather was chilly as the early monsoons had begun to kick in (No rain though, throughout this trip. Such is my luck!).

We walked the street to the base point of the mount, we grabbed some hot chai and bottles of water for the way up. The walk up was really pleasent, with stairs and patches of the mountain all along. There were kids, oldies, parents, trekkers. A whole lot of people walking and walking to see the fort and its pride. Shivaji Maharaj was surely a mighty ruler, and the ways his forts are shaped is truly a testimony to this. Shivaji Maharaj had seized the fort in 1656, then the fortress of Rairi, from the royal house of the Chandrarrao Mores, a junior or Cadet dynasty to descended from the ancient Maurya imperial dynasty. The last More king was a feudatory of the Sultan of Bijapur. Herenovated and expanded the fortress of Rairi and renamed it Raigad (the King's Fort). It became the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. In 1765 the Raigad Fort, along with Malwan in present Sindhudurg District, the southernmost district of Maharashtra, was the target of an armed expedition by the British East India Company, which considered it a piratical stronghold. In 1818 the fort was bombarded and destroyed by, using cannons.

After reaching up we had some nice breakfast in the form of upma. We then began exploring the fort. Being there for the first time, I was really fascinated with all the people, colours and noise around. The place was buzzing. We head from the entrance to the right end, and then to the main tower and base area where the function was on. Towards one side was talks, speeches and a more silent and civil session being conducted and towards the other side of the gate. Oh people were going bonkers. Swords, pagdis, dhol’s, colour and a lot of happy faces. It was festive. I think, I have never experienced celebration of this capacity ever before. The minute I stepped in with Arpit, Kapil and the others towards the crowd we were great by the color yellow being showered all upon us. My hat, camera, bag, you name it. And you’d think one would be annoyed. But I loved it. We went closer to the dhol, moved our hips a bit to all the music. Then moving forward we saw the market place and the throne.

We could also see the procession including a mimic of Shivaji his family and the congregation heading towards the celebration. I felt it was beautiful. I’m a big theatre fan, and this was just heartwarming to see. We then head to the temple(Jagdishwar Temple). Arpit protected our shoes, as we went quickly in. I liked the temple, peaceful and well tucked away. Then we head to Tak Mak Tok that gives you a beautiful view of the entire mountain range surrounding Raigad. Its a beautiful spot. Have to recommend you going there during the rains, I cant imagine how green and beautiful it must be then. We then took a halt around the point where we found some place. Grabbed a bite, chilled out a bit waited for the others scattered to catch up. We then took a group picture and head towards the bottom. Oh the crowd. I believe it was around 3, and the program had ended probably. As we all started heading down, the whole mob of people rushed downwards. All of a sudden the heat began to kick in too. And all the small stalls around yes had lemonade, but all of them ran out of water. It was surely a rush to the bottom. I believe the organiser could do a better job with people management, I know its hard to control such a lively crowd. But there were kids, old people, and woman. And I felt with a bit of organising a 1 hour or so path wouldn’t take 2 or more hours to cover. However on a whole it was good organising, I believe the people who make this happen year in and out do a fabulous job and some things can't really be prevented.

After losing, finding and again losing the others all of us finally reached the base point. Water never tasted this good, after reaching the bottom. We soon, with a bit of struggle (Mayyur we need to use Google locations more!) found the transport and head back. This was a beautiful experience. Usually treks or trips I do don’t include a whole lot of people or crowds. So this was different. And I seemed to love it. I surely will visit again and will make it a point to take a sword and orange flag along. I love how people are so passionate and in love with things they believe and adore. A lot to learn for me from this experience. And a lot of good people to meet too. We were soon in the bus heading home playing antakshari and longing the site of home.

Pictures of the Fort & Festival (Shivrajyabhishek Sohala 2015):

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.901750296555416.1073741839.855590067838106&type=3

Show some love to Wild Rangers too and Mayyur:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildrangers/

This is Mr. Happy (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.

Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                        

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Twitter: @thehappygetaway

Thank You

Alvin Anthony

A Pathway Of Bright Fireflies - Shrivardhan Fort 2015

Fireflies, weekend, trip, forts and a lot of history. It was a beautiful post summer start monsoons period and a night trail scheduled to Rajmachi, a beautiful village on a hill top. When I initially came across it I was super excited. And then, I asked my friend who I haven’t met in nearly a year (I know man Sid, we need to do this more often!) Siddharth if we could make it. After a lot of cribbing and all of his +1’s backing out, cause I alone am not good enough for him (Hahaha.) He finally decided to come with me even though he’s really been the one who was asking me about my trekking plans and wanting an invite (Hahaha, kidding man. You are my broo.) I then spoke to Mayyur (Wild Rangers Founder, and my new treks organiser buddy. Great guy!) and confirmed us both. And there was no point throughout my week when I did not look forward to going for the trip. I love the wait, and the excitement that comes with planning your next trip. Its something people should do more often. It will really light up your week.

It was finally Saturday and time to go! I met Sid to catch a train. I got a little late (Okay, maybe a little more than little.) we missed the Chennai Express (No not the movie, it's a name of train! I know right? What are the odds.) we took the next one, luckily Wild Rangers, know people do happen to get late, so did give us some options of later trains. After reaching we soon took rickshaws and reached the base point. We started our walk after the round of intros. 36 people or so I think it was the group, and people from different walks of life a few first timers and many regular trekkers. It was a dark cold summer night, and you could feel the warm breeze pass you by. We initially started seeing a few fireflies. And then we saw so many, way too many. There were patches there lighting up trees and bushes with these beautiful beings. You’d never see light in such a pure form. Its like a glimpse of beam and then bam gone and back again. I have never really seen fireflies before and this was surely a special part of the trip. A must go too if you are a nature lover.

It was a lot of walking and climbing nearly 15 kms from the base point (This is what Mayyur claims.) took us roughly around 5 hours with short halts for snacks and getting some air. Its not that hard of a path initially. The last few kilometers however is quite a task, with rocky sides and uneven levels. Also steep rising paths, so one needs to really climb and strain their legs to be able to proceed. Still I’d say this would be between a medium and easy trek and just requires a good amount of endurance. We walked and walked, we could see the beautiful mountains sleep and the thin silver cloud linings cover their beautiful peaks. The night past us by, and early we reached sat down, and Mayyur points at spots where we could crash. And bam, we were gone. There’s nothing like a good few hours of sleep after a lot of walking. We then soon woke up in a few hours and started our walk towards the fort post breakfast. Its a nice walk with a good patch initially with stairs from the village, there’s also a temple that comes on the way. There’s then the rocky patch and a bit of a climb. Shrivardhan Fort is one of the two hill forts that constitute the Rajmachi fortification, the other being Manaranjan Fort. At 3000 feet above the group it was the taller of the two peaks. Other than a rampart there is no visible construction. It was probably used at a watchtower for the Sahyadri region. There are two water tanks at the top of the hill but one of them has an iron pillar in it. It is built in Maratha style, and the entrance of the fort is semicircular in shape. A cave, belonging to the Buddhist period can be seen there. The fort provides picturesque views of Lohagad, Visapur, Tungi and Korigadh. A temple, dedicated to Shri Bhairavnath, is located between Shrivardhan and Manoranjan forts.

Once we reached up, and explored it surely seemed like a mighty well kept fort of that time. Spread across the entire top of the mountain it seemed to showcase what our culture and traditions are about. There are flags and major end points and patches with pillars, stairs and remainings from the past. A great place to visit if you love history and architecture.  Also Note to all people deciding to go to the fort during summer, do take a lot of water. Cause there is not much water up there, and the heat really does get to you after a point. So yes, don’t forget. (Sid, back me up.). We ended up drinking water from one of the water tanks. Yes Mayyur did try to filter the particles (Oh my, as I type I realise what circumstances tend to make you do.) with a cloth. And did taste okay, which I think anything would taste like at that point. So then we had it, I’m still alive so is Sid and the others who had it, and we didn’t fall ill. But really you don’t want to be taking that risk. So take care.

We soon head down, had some nice nimbu pani and the temple point. And then head down further and reached the village. We enjoyed some nice desi lunch. Oh the red spicy thing, and papad, bakhri, rice and baji, what else could man really need? (Loved it.) We then had to make a choice to either end the trail by taking a cab back to the station or descending back down towards Karjat and visiting the Kondana Caves. So since I did do Kondana Caves recently, and because Sid needed to get to a friends function we did decide with quite a few others to call it a day, even though it wasn’t a easy decision and we really wanted to cover the entire trip with the group. I don’t regret the decision one bit though it was what seemed best to do in the circumstances. And I did check with Mayyur about the Caves after, apparently the heat go to the rest and it wasn’t as much fun at all. (Of course I wasn’t there. But still :P). So that was the end a ride back in a car from the path we walked all night filled with conversations. Then a bus to the station and a train ride back home.

This was quite a quality and well planned trip. Props to Wild Rangers and all those who were involved in making this happen. I am really looking forward to my next trip.

Pictures of the Fort  (Shrivardhan Fort 2015) :

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.896658600397919.1073741838.855590067838106&type=1

Show some love to Wild Rangers too and Mayyur:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildrangers/

This is Mr. Happy (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.

Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                        

Do Follow & Support:

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Twitter: @thehappygetaway

Thank You

Alvin Anthony

 

Breaking Into A City Fort - Sion Hillock Fort 2015

I’d like to bifurcate forts into two kinds of places based on where they are located, either a city fort that’s located within the lifeline of a city like Mahim Fort, Wadala Fort, Bandra Fort and also Sion Fort. And Forts like Lohagad, Shivneri, Peb and others that are on hill tops and away from cities either near forests or villages. Sion Fort being a city fort has a view of buildings, offices and streets. It was located on a hill, and I was told by many that it's not really even a fort (Which, I’ll beg to differ with.) it's just a big garden. I still did decide, to make time on a weekday afternoon (Oh, the heat. Evenings and early mornings I guess are better times to go at.). Also, this was a solo trip I decided to do, because it was really spontaneous.

I first took a cab to the base point of the fort. There's a street vendor lemonade guy right at the entrance of the fort, that makes really nice chilled lemonade for 5 bucks a glass. The fort/park timings are usually from 6:30 to 12:30 in the mornings and 4:30 to 8:30 or so in the evenings. I was there at 11:30, and to my surprise the gates were closed. I was so bugged and pissed off, and wanted to hurt someone. But the lemonade guy told me how there are new guards who mess around and close the gates very early and open it late and don’t take care of the place as well. He told me if i’d still like to go I could climb up the wall and jump the gate and go (How exciting!). He mentioned how there a lot of students and kids who break in and play and study in the park and around the fort. I realised how this was my calling to break into forts and live the thug life. I soon began to lift myself and climb  the wall at the side of the gate. Soon I was in, breaking into a fort for the first time ever. I climbed the stairs that took me to the larger entrance and the park. It was a very well maintained park with good tracks and seating arrangements. I saw a lot of youngsters studying for exams and kids running around. There was also a lot of birds chirping and squirrels running around. I soon began to climb towards the fort. There is huge entrance like structure at a height that you’d see stairs guiding towards. Also, there is a guide down from the top for during rains for a waterfall to be formed and water to stream downwards. I climbed the stairs spent some time at the entrance, which was windy and bliss.

Soon, I could see the fort, from a distance as I walked towards it. The fort was built under the regime of the English East India Company, between 1669 and 1677, atop a conical hillock when Gerard Aungier was the Governor of Bombay. It was notified in 1925 as a Grade I Heritage structure.When it was built, the fort marked the boundary between British-held Parel island and the Portuguese held Salsette Island that lay to the north across the creek. The hillock is situated 500 metres from the Sion railway station. At the base of the hill is the Mumbai Circle office of the Archaeological Survey of India, and a garden – the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Udyan. There is a lot of cement and other attempts to try and help the fort to survive, as it looks to be depleting. You can see a lot of Mumbai from the height. And the fort is really beautiful as it has its old and lost vintage feeling about it. It has a lot of rooms, and entrances. It looks mighty from the bottom and has various openings for cannons and attacks to be done from.

It was a great solo trip to do alone. I think I should backpack and head out myself more often. It surely is a more self reflecting and beautiful experience and a change from groups and heading out with fellow travellers. I think the Sion Fort, may not have the charm of a village or a hill top fort. But surely is well kept and has an essence and life of its own. It is one of the most loved and adored forts of Mumbai. Yet there are a lot of people that still do not know about the fort. Its a shame that there are such beautiful historical figures right next to us and we still do not take out the time or make the effort to go visit them or consider it to be cool.

Pictures of the Fort (Sion Hillock Fort 2015):

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.893067357423710.1073741836.855590067838106&type=1

 

This is Mr. Happy (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.
Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                        

Do Follow & Support:

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Thank You

Alvin Anthony

 

A Landscape Of The Old & Forgotten - Bassein Fort 2015

It was a sunny weekday afternoon, and I was wrapped up with work like every other day. I then began to look at options that I could bagpack to in quick time, in and around Mumbai. It’s hard sometimes to keep up with the weekly “Go to a new place” routine, when your work schedule doesn’t permit you to travel too far or invest too much time (Note to self: Need to travel full time, to keep up with this.) But then again, If I don’t get out and travel I’d probably feel gloomy for the entire week ahead, so not doing it was really not an option.

So Bassein Fort (Vasai Fort) is a fort that I have heard a whole lot about since my childhood, but have never visited or been to. I have heard stories about how big and mighty it use to be and is, about the churches and sea facing walls, the Portuguese and their mighty rein during the historical times and of the founding and building of the fort. Since this wasn’t that far me in terms of distance and I could cover most of it in nearly half a day (As per what Sheldon said), I decided to pack my bags one weekday and go. Me and Sheldon head out to explore and cover the Vasai Fort, one of the most unvalued and tucked away Forts of Maharashtra (And oh so beautiful.).

If I often wake up early, especially If I'm really excited to head out trekking or have work to do. However because of working late the previous night, I kinda met Sheldon an hour later than what we had planned (Sorry man!). And during summers, since the heat picks up really quickly an hour is really expensive to lose on. Luckily we did reach there soon, after taking a fast train. We first took a rickshaw midway and then changed rickshaws again. The rickshaw driver soon left us at the entrance at the fort, as to my luck and since Sheldon had been to the fort before he knew his way around and we needed to do next. We soon began to walk deep inside the green bushes and forest like paths taking us deeper into the fort. There were ruins all around us, and birds, trees and a feeling of being close to history and the past. We walked closer to the shore, as we came across large doors and damaged towers. Some say the weather got to it, others say with time the walls began to perish. However, it did look like it was depleting. We soon reached the shore (Oh, going to any kind of water body during the summer is bliss!). We could see boats, crabs and fishes all around. I even picked up a small pot I found on the shore. We were then told that we can’t take pictures. That’s right a beautiful sea view and you can’t even take pictures because of security reasons yes (Merchant trading rules). We were a little bummed out, but I still did manage to sneak around and take a few pictures anyway (Such a criminal I am nah? I know.).

We also saw a small Hanuman temple, it's tiny and you wont miss it on your way to the shore. It was closed when we met. But it seemed beautiful right in the middle of the forest and fort to find a temple. We then climbed up a small path, and could see the sea view from the high facing fort walls. We continued to trail around on the walls. Then we climbed up to what seemed to be a watch tower or bell tower of sorts. It was beautiful carved. And I believe the Archaeology Preservation Community are trying and doing a great job by restructuring and cementing the walls (Trying too hard at some places, but it's surely give and take. And I am happy to see we are trying to preserve and safeguard these places.). We spotted a few love birds around (Couples, yes) whom Sheldon did try to scare away. But we just pretended that they weren’t there and kept exploring. We soon started discovering the various churches (There are 7 apparently in the fort.)

According to Historian Joseph Gerson Da Cunha, during this time, Bassein and its surrounding areas appeared to have been ruled by the Chalukya dynasty of Karnataka. Until the 11th century, several Arabian geographers had mentioned references to towns nearby Bassein, like Thana and Sopara, but no references had been made to Bassein. Bassein was later ruled by the Silhara dynasty of Konkan, and eventually passed to the Yadavas of Devagiri, before being conquered by the Muslim rulers of Gujarat. The Treaty of Bassein was signed by Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat and the Kingdom of Portugal on 23 December 1534 while on board the galleon São Mateus. Based on the terms of the agreement, the Portuguese Empire gained control of the city of Bassein, as well as its territories, islands, and seas. At the time, the cession of Mumbai (or Bombay) was of minor importance - but retroactively it gained a crucial importance when the place passed from the Portuguese to the English in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, and became a major trade center - making this the treaty's most important long-range result.

We saw a chimney tower, that was used for cooking a couple of water storage spots. And also there was another temple (This one was open!) that I stepped into quickly, explore and took some blessings from. We soon met a few locals climbing trees and grabbing some mangoes, they were kind enough to give me two, and tell us a bit about the fort and about themselves and their village (The Vasai Village). He happened to live close to my place earlier (Mt. Mary’s) when he was a kid (Raju). He told us even a day wasn’t enough to see all of the fort. That’s when I said my goodbyes and got really anxious to cover as much of the fort as i could. We soon saw another Church that was left in ruins that we were told Sunday masses still happened at (A Jesuit church, could say so with the IHS logo at the front and because I was schooled at a Jesuit school of St. Stanislaus). We explored (I lied down) the church for a bit. Was very beautiful and peaceful. Was very well crafted. We then explored the compounds and could see graves of various soldiers, and other people around the church. I met a really adorable doggy too, who was hurt and been taken care of by the villagers, I could see his wounds were being medicated by them. We soon head towards the last church on our path.

Sheldon’s trip was made. As I have mentioned on my previous posts, the man loves birds and is always looking around to click and see a new bird on his trips. Guess who we met? A Kingfisher. Yes a beautiful, peaceful calm and colorful Kingfisher. He sat down all quiet, all ready to be taken pictures off. We looked at his beautiful wings and eyes, it was surely a treat. We then explored then next church it had a huge compound and well crafted interiors. I never felt like leaving, even for a single moment, but we had too so that we could come again and relish the beautiful fort and all its might. Its huge, it keeps going on and on. Raju was right, it is a magical fort that is long forgotten by many, yet for those who have visited it will always hold a special place of importance in their lives.

The trip then came to an end. Its good to do trips and alone, and with 2 or 3 people sometimes. Exploring with Sheldon was fun like always. Enjoying conversations, and sharing travelling experiences. (And me bugging him cause I wanted to go and see more places, or spend more time at places.) Can’t wait for the next trip. Surely am looking forward to it.

Pictures of the Fort & Temple (Bassein Fort 2015) :

https://www.facebook.com/thehappygetaway/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1433141999&hash=-8815666137905326921&pagefilter=3

This is Mr. Happy (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.

Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                        

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Thank You

Alvin Anthony

A Green & Unsettling Morning - Maharashtra Nature Park & Mahim Fort 2015

It’s not quite often that you're told that there’s no point of visiting a Fort, because it's been taken over by slum dwellers and localities. Cause it’s dirty, locked up and damaged, you’re asked not to waste your time or even bother dropping by. But I never like just “listening” to things, and treating them like experiences. So I locked on a day the 3rd of May to do a trip to Mahim fort (Nearly just 15 or so minutes away from my place) to see for myself, if it’s really true what people say and to have an experience of something so upsetting myself.

Also, after my recent visit to Kaneri Caves, and the nature park my sudden interest for visiting nature hotspots and reserves, has suddenly peaked. So I decided to pool my Fort visit with dropping by at Maharashtra Nature Park (Best decision ever!) close to Mahim and Dharavi. So I called Sheldon told him, “Let’s go, broo.” And like everyone else he didn’t seem interested or pro the idea of volunteering to come to Mahim Fort. He was all in for the park though. (But don’t worry, I made him come around coming to both places. Haha!). It was a sunny Sunday morning, it started off with my taking a rickshaw and heading to the park. The minute I got out, I see this really adorable dog, making faces at me who then I hug and pet. Later I entered, and soon Sheldon joined me, we payed the gate pass entry fee (Rs. 20 or so.) and were then inside the vicinity of the green long forgotten reserves of nature.

The minute we entered, we first found a squirrel nibbling on a thread. When we turned our eyes up we saw a beautiful parrot hiding away in the leaves. It was bliss, the feeling like being in a jungle, even though you're in a city. The peace, the hot summer breeze, the chirping of birds and the blue skies. It is quite unfortunate, that people don’t really appreciate nature and its beauty as much anymore. I was really disappointed, that even though I live so close to the park, this was my first visit, and that it took me a lot of looking up to do, to be able to know about the park. Its an amazing place for bird watching, morning walks, meditation, butterfly watching and just cutting off from the fast life and reminiscing the green pure world. We kept following the trail and ended up completing the walk through the park the other way round (This is maybe, why they should start giving us maps at the start I guess.) We walked through the short and narrow path, explored through various plantation patches, and saw a lot of woman and other workers cleaning, and maintaining the park, which was comforting to see. As you walk towards the end of the park, you’ll see a huge banyan tree and it merging into a small open locality of sorts (Quite, dirty and unclean the last patch.) that will make you a little sad, cause you wouldn’t really want the beautiful protected natural patch to end. The park off lays the Mithi River, which is quite dirty and not well kept. We were able to walk aside the river as one of its paths lays directly aside it. It was good sharing conversations, looking for birds and butterflies.

Soon we reached the end of the park. We stepped into the library for a bit, where so old books related to nature, environment and the wild life. There is also an art gallery, that has exhibitions put up on a monthly or so bases (Mention in local newspaper listings, usually as per the authorities there.) There is also an open space with steps, a stage and plants where a environment themed poetry session was on when we were there. It seemed like a great place to hold small sessions and activities. The authorities told us that it can be taken up for show and events related to environment and nature. (Surely gonna make a note of this, you should too!) It was a nice visit to the park, they usually open up at 7amish on the weekends, which I’d suggest will be the best time to visit the park and take photographs too, if you like too. Sheldon, loves watching and clicking birds, so he was a little let down (Actually a lot more than little.) that we just kept seeing crows, and didn’t catch glimpses of other birds. But on a whole, I felt it was a lovely morning.

We soon done with the park and head out to the fort. After not a lot of convincing Sheldon agreed to come show me where the fort was too. We first cabbed it out to the bridge and then went to the small beach like opening that Mahim offers towards Mahim Creek. (Mumbai being a mixture of 7 Islands, this beach and Creek have a lot of significance for how Mumbai came up and together in the early days.). Your soul will not wither away, it will wander aimslessly seeking happiness and peace all day.In 1516, Portuguese officer Dom Joao de Monoy step foot in Mahim Creek and conquert the fort. The fort was a site of frequent turmoil between the Portuguese and the Ali Shah, before the island of Mahim was taken away from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat by the Portuguese in 1534. In 1661, the Portuguese offered the island of Mahim as dowry to Charles II of England. It was later strengthened by Sir Thomas Grantham and became a strategic defense tower against possible Portuguese and Maratha attacks. According to older records, the fort had 100 soldiers and 30 cannons at that time.

You’d think a Fort with history, culture and some amount of significance, will be taken care off and be kept well. But the insides of me hurt and cried. Cause it was dirty (filthy) and not cared about. If you like Forts, you’ll wonder why people don’t care. I understand people face problems, and at times this is the way out. But it's just upsetting to see the way it's maintained and not even cared about. The closer you walk to the fort you’ll smell feces and garbage. You’ll see people walking around doing their chores, kids playing cricket (which is fine!) and you’ll find clothes hanging to dry everywhere. The entrance is blocked with a huge ladder and the dwellings of people on both levels of the fort. No, you won’t even be able to enter. The lady there told me that people live all across the fort there is a thin staircase to climb during low tide, but the people won't let you go see the fort. The entire, fort has now basically become a colony where people reside. I am all for poverty, finding your space and making do, but at the cost of a historical fort being tucked away and hidden. I am not sure. A lot of people will say “I told you so.” But for me the problem here is deeper, I know. You know. But what can we do? Write letters? Try talking to these people? Try doing something ourselves? Well I don’t know the next step. But I promise you I will get back to this in time, and make sure that something is done at least from my end to change the present situation. Even if it is in a little way. Cause I don’t like our country being looked down at, but because of instances like these I see why we give people an opportunity to look down at us, and for us to look down at ourselves. I am sure, there should and will be a better alternative to this. You’ll find a bamboo loading and moving area at the beach near the fort, which is still okay cause it doesn’t dirupt the fort directly like the people there do.

So a solo, or two man trip is always fun (Thanks, Sheldon.). It was nice to head out to the park and fort. Have a beautiful and bitter taste of life and its challenges. And realise that knowing isn’t good enough, you need to go out there feel, experience and do  your part. Hoping to do more short halt trips and exploration escapades in the future.

Pictures of the Fort & Park (Maharashtra Nature Park & Mahim Fort 2015) :

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.885080161555763.1073741834.855590067838106&type=1

This is Mr. Happy Captain (Or you can call me Al) signing off, until next time.

Have a great day, and an adventurous weekend! :)                                                                                                                                                 

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Thank You

Alvin Anthony