Ulysses 360 Degrees

Range: Karjat

Height: 2300 ft

Grade: Difficult

Base Village: Sandshi, Wadhap

Thinking of any place perfect for adventures, you will comes across many place in Sahyadris like the differences of Naneghat, Kokan Kada, Kalakrai etc. where one can also experience the thrill of technical climbing and natural rock climbing. One of them is the fort of Dhak, situated in Karjat region, and is a quite thrilling trek. The fort was discovered by great historian G.N. Dandekar

Sightseeing:
As such no significant structures are remaining on the fort, except good scenery and few water cisterns.

The cave of Bahiri:
An important part of this thrilling trek is the cave, which is situated on the other side of fort, and the way goes through dense vegetation. Walking for few minutes’ leads to a diversion and the way to right directs to a cliff called the cliff of "Kalakrai”. The narrow ridge between the cliff and the mountain descends to a narrow straight path where you come across two caves. One should proceed from here by taking support of the rocks and should be quite careful. Ascending the rock patch where a bamboo and a rope are used to climb to the caves.
The caves as such are sacred as goddess of Bahiri resides here. From the caves, one can have a glance of the terrifying beauty of peaks of Sahyadri. One can also see the beautiful twins forts of Rajmachi, Shrivardhan and Manranjan. Here one can use the cooking vessels kept in the water in the cave. They should be kept back by cleaning after using them. A legend says that one who tries to steals the vessels, perishes.

Kalakrai Pinnacle:
This pinnacle is quite famous and frequently visited by mountaineers. The way to the left of the ridge takes to the cliff, but a rope and rock climbing equipment is necessary.

The Dhak Plateau:
On way from the Dhak village to the fort one can enjoy nice dense forests. Just a little into the climb from the forest to the fort there are water tanks. This water can be drunk also it is a very good spot to camp. Moving further towards the Bahiri caves one reaches a clearing from the forest. From here one can continue straight towards the caves. Also take a right to move upwards to the top of the fort. The view form top is worth, it gives a complete view of the complete region. One can spot Rajmachi, Tata Power project, Bhimagad etc. On the way to top there are a nice round lake. The water here is normally not drinkable.

Ways To Reach:
Wadhap: From Karjat one should aboard the S.T. bus for the village of Wadhap or hire autos. Start climbing from where the electricity poles are seen running up a small hill behind the village. Then walking along the ridge of the hill one reaches a plateau. A way from the plateau leads straight to the Dhak village on top.
Sandshi: From Karjat, S.T. buses ply regularly to Sandshi. Its better to board the bus in the early morning as the midday sun heats the rocks. From here, a guide is required, as the way proceeds through dense vegetation and is quite confusing. After a walk of 2 hours you reach the ridge between the pinnacle on the left and the mountain of Dhak on the right. Way through the ridge leads to the cave of Bahiri. There are rock-hewn steps, and following them is a rope, bound to a bamboo. Here one has to climb safely. Above the cave is the wall of mountain on which the fort of Dhak is situated.
Rajmachi: While going to Rajmachi from Lonavala, you will come across three prominent waterfalls. After passing all waterfalls and cross the stream, you will see  a distinct diversion. The way to the left goes to Rajmachi, and to right is Dhak. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the fort from here, via Kalakri.

Accommodation:
A group of 10-15 people can stay in the cave of Bahiri. Also camping (if tents are carried along) on the Dhak plateau is a good option. One can also stay in the village of Dhak.

Food:
One should make arrangements for foodstuffs. The cooking vessels are available in the cave of Bahiri. Some food can be got at the village of Dhak, but do not bank on it. The local villagers sometimes can be unwilling to share food and water.

Drinking Water:
Water is available at quiet a few places up on the Dhak plateau

Time To Reach:
It takes 3-4 hours from Wadhap to Dhak village. From Dhak village to visit the fort it would take another 45 min. And from the fort to the caves is another 45-50 min.
One can reach from Sandshi to Bahiri caves in 2-2.5 hrs.