Sat, 30 Nov
|Sidhgad
Siddhagad Balekilla hike
A trek to the top of Siddhagad
Time & Location
30 Nov 2024, 11:00 pm – 01 Dec 2024, 6:00 pm
Sidhgad, Uchale Phata, 5G5F+FJF, Sidhgad, Maharashtra 421401, India
About the Event
Siddhagad is one of the highest forts in Thane District, in ancient times this fort along with neighboring Gorakghad is used to keep a close watch on the trade routes from Deccan to Konkan. Â The trails from the Narivali, Urchale leads us to a remote hamlet named siddaghadpada from where the trek starts to the siddhagad which is under the BhimaShankar wildlife sanctuary. The trail in monsoon is very scenic through the forest cover with a gradual ascent, stream crossings, then come the main entrance of the fort, just near the entrance, there is Ganesh temple, behind the temple we see many stone relics as well as a cannon. From the main entrance, the path leads us to Siddhagadwadi where few people live. From here the traverse and steep climb leads us to to the Balekilla
We will be leaving from Neral at late night by a hired vehicle to the base village, Rest till morning hours at villager's house, freshen up and breakfast in the morning at villager's place, start the trek to Siddhagad top, relax near the Ganesh temple at Siddhagad, descent back to the siddhagadpada,, have lunch and return back to Neral Railway Station.
Highlights:
Offbeat hike
View from Siddhagad Balekilla
Siffhamachi
Stone carvings near the Ganesh temple.
Hiking facts:
Grade: Medium
Endurance: High
Highest Elevation: 972M
Total Hike distance: 15KM approx.
Base Village: Narivali
Itinerary:
Reporting time at Neral railway station 11:05 PM (Take 09:26 PM CSMT- Karjat Fast local train in central line)
Transport by hired vehicle to the base village - 1 hour approx.
Rest at villager house till early morning hours.
Wakeup Call - 5:30AM
Breakfast at base village - 30 minutes.
Event briefing and introduction - 15 minutes approx.
Ascend hike to the Siddhagad - 5 hours approx.
Explore the siddhagad & rest at the Bastion - 45 min
Descent hike to the base village - 4 hours.
Lunch Break at Villagers house - 45 minutes.
Return journey to Neral railway station by hired vehicle - 1 hour approx.
Day concludes with good memories.
Price: ₹1000
Inclusive of
Travel from Neral Railway Station by hired vehicle
Breakfast, Veg Lunch
Late Night Stay at Villagers house (carry your own bedding)
First-Aid
Our Expertise
Excluded: personnel expenses like cold drinks, snacks, packaged water bottles.
Registration Process:
Step 1: Book Your Seat
Visit the event website and book your seat by completing the registration process. (Refer to the Manual Payment if you want to pay using UPI/NEFT).
Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form
After payment confirmation, participants will receive a participation disclaimer form.
Fill up the form accurately to provide necessary information.
Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation.
Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation
A WhatsApp group will be created in the evening on the day of the departure.
All registered participants will be added to the group.
This group serves as a platform for communication, updates, and coordination among participants.
Checklist
Clothing and Footwear:
Trekking/Hiking Shoes:
 Sturdy shoes with a strong grip, suitable for the terrain.
Full Sleeve Quick Dry Shirt/T-shirt:
 Quick-dry fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable.
Full-Length Hiking Trousers:
 Protects your legs from scratches and insect bites.
Things to carry in Rucksack:
Water: Â Minimum 3 liters to stay well-hydrated during the hike.
Sleeping Bag/ Blanket & mat: For a comfortable night's sleep.
Cap/Hat: Â Protects your head and face from the sun.
Food Items: Packed Lunch, Fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, and healthy snacks provide sustenance.
Toiletry Kit and sunscreen lotion.
Extra Set of Clothes: Â Useful in case you need to change.
Extra Pair of Socks: Â Keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Flip-Flops: Â During Travel.
Hiking Pole: Provides stability and support, especially on uneven terrain.
Personal Medicines: Â Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.
Identity Proof: Â Carry a valid Government ID proof.
Participation Disclaimer:
Mandatory Disclaimer Form: Accurate details in the online disclaimer form are mandatory. Inaccurate details will require refilling; no exceptions will be made.
ID Card Requirement: Participant must bring an ID card for safety purposes.
Punctuality: Respect the schedule and other participants' time; avoid causing delays.
Parental Consent for Under 18: Participant under 18 years old must have parental consent to participate.
Itinerary Modifications/Cancellations: Participant will be informed in advance about any itinerary changes or event cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
Weather and Organizer Authority: We have the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unexpected weather changes. Team Ramblersindia or the Outdoor leader or the local guide at the site may not be held responsible if the entry is closed by local authorities or governing bodies.
Expense Responsibility: Participant is responsible for expenses not mentioned in the event fees. If extra expense occurs when the location is changed, then every participant had to pay the extra expense incurred that will be notified by our team.
Misconduct and Prohibited Activities: Misconduct will not be tolerated. Strictly no alcohol consumption, smoking, or any kind of intoxication. Participant must refrain from playing loud music or teasing animals during the hike.
Personal Hygiene: Avoid using deodorant or perfume on the event day. Strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles; do not litter plastic.
Facility Information: A basic washroom facility is inadequate. Participant should exercise caution when hiking through forest areas.
Group Coordination and Cooperation: Participant should coordinate, maintain discipline, and work together as a team. Appreciate cooperative behavior with fellow participants.
Safety Disclaimer: While safety is prioritized, Ramblersindia and its hike leaders, hired local guides are not responsible for severe injuries or fatalities.
Eligibility & Participation: All participants must meet the physical and mental fitness levels required for the activity. By registering, participant confirm they meet these requirements and understand the risks involved.
Withdrawal: Participant is liable for any emergency evacuation costs and any legal proceedings arising from accidents or injuries during the hike or rappelling activity. Ramblersindia, along with its hike leaders and hired local guides, will not be held responsible or accountable for any such incidents.
Liability & Risk: Please be advised that if a participant decides to withdraw from the activity at any stage, they will be solely responsible for making their own travel arrangements from that point onward. Our team will not be liable for any transportation, lodging, or other related expenses due to the participant’s decision to exit.
Personal Belongings: We are not responsible for personal losses such as theft or damage to personal belongings. Participant is usually expected to take personal responsibility for their belongings and exercise caution to prevent such incidents.
Payment and Registration: Participant is responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways.
Payment Policy:
Third-Party Payment Gateways: Â We utilize third-party payment gateways to simplify the registration process. The convenience fee, along with the main event fee, is included and will be displayed at checkout. This fee is to be borne by the customer.
Manual Payment Option: Participant has the option to make a manual payment for their ticket. This might involve transferring funds via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) referencing a provided transaction ID or reference. The manual payment option is valid for only one hour from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. This means participants have a limited window to complete the payment process. If the participant fails to make the payment within the specified time frame, the order will be automatically marked as cancelled.
Transaction Confirmation: Participant paying through UPI/NEFT to our current account (where the convenience fee is nil) must provide the transaction reference via email/WhatsApp for confirmation.
Service Availment: Â No concessions or discounts will be provided if participant choose not to avail of specific services offered during the event.
Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, carry forward of the amount is not available. Refunds will be provided as per the refund policy at the time of withdrawal.
Refund Policy:
Refund Medium: Refunds will be processed through the same medium the payment has been made.
Processing Time: Refund will be issued only on the Event Date or Next Business Day. Refunds may take between 3 to 10 working days to be processed. If the amount hasn't been refunded within this period, the paid recipient needs to check with the payment gateway support for assistance.
UPI and Current Account Payments: Refunds will be Issued on the Event Date or Next Business Day, it will be processed within 2 days and transferred to the UPI ID if paid through UPI or transferred to our current account. We will be requesting either the UPI ID or Bank Account Details to process the refund.
Refund can't be issued to the Payment wallet or Phone number; Only UPI ID is valid.
Refund Issuance: Refund will not be issued in cash or coupons unless agreed upon with the participant. A refund will not be processed on weekends due to unavailability of the team.
Exclusion of Convenience Fee: Refund exclude the convenience fee. This is applicable for those who paid through third-party channels or payment gateways, which includes an extra convenience fee. For instance, if the event price is 1000 and the convenience fee is 5%, making the total paid amount 1050, during the refund, only the event fee of 1000 will be considered, excluding the convenience fee.
Refund Percentages: 50% refund for cancellation three days or more before the event. 40% refund for cancellation two days before the event. 30% refund for cancellation one day before the event. 20% refund on the day of the event. No refund for a no-show.
Event Cancellation: Â Full event fee will be refunded if the event is cancelled, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, or cab) will not be refunded.
Schedule
19 hoursItinerary