We got up at 5 am, after managing to catch some sleep fighting the chill that crept in even through our sleeping bags. The thought of an exciting day ahead - trekking through the thick forests again - gave us the energy to make a quick breakfast of upma and tea. After filling our water bottles at the stream, we set out to capture the Vasota fort. Our journey started at 7.30, and we reached atop a few minutes before the clock struck 10 am.

Vasota fort was built by King Bhojraj II of Silhara dynasty. In 1656, Shivaji took control of the fort. There are two forts, the Juna Vasota (old Vasota) fort and the Navin Vasota (new Vasota). Juna vasota, on top of Babukhada, the second largest cliff in Maharashtra is not accessible. New Vasota fort was used to keep British prisoners, till they captured the fort.

(click on photos for a larger view)
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Another exciting day ahead (Photo Credits: Vandana)

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An interesting tree

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Break

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Forest pathway
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Catching a glimpse of the sun in the thick forest

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Remains of an ancient structure on our way up
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Breath-taking views of the forests and the lake. View from Vasota fort

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Some special moments

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(Photo credits: Vandana)
On top. Vasota Fort. The lines translate to "Difficult things are worth doing. If it is normal, everyone can do it"
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Babukhada, the second largest cliff in Maharashtra.

On the edge
Infinite depth
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Almost decomposed head of a bison on top of Vasota fort

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A view of Nageshwar from Vasota

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Right side of the Vasota fort
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Packing up from Vasota base camp

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Water, Earth, Air, Sky. The Fire was within us

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Waiting for bus at Tapola

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Cheers to an awesome trip. Dinner at Mahabaleshwar

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On day 3, after our trek to Vasota fort and return, we left the base camp by 3 pm. A 2 hour boat journey took us from Vasota to Tapola. As we moved from Vasota to Tapola, the density of the forests thinned. From Tapola, we hired a jeep to Mahabalwshwar. Found ourselves getting settled into a small, but neat hotel.

>>Day 4>>