Tread on the Historical Path
The Umberkhind Trek that starts from Khandala train station in Lonavala Khandala Region moves to Kurvande hamlet near INS Shivaji.
The difficulty level of the trek considered as easy to moderate, depending upon trekker's experience and adventurous spirit. It is a well-marked trail bypassing the Khandala Lake, taking trekkers uphill gradually.
The best time to enjoy trekking on this trail is in the monsoon season when the rivers bubbles with crystal clear water and abundant greenery of Sahyadris rejuvenates the mind and soul. The Hike will take you through the Kurvande pass and Kurvande Ghat. While passing, have a glimpse at the Chhavni village life. The trail goes down until the Ambar River from here. Hiking on the edge of this stream, you can reach into a war monument. This war memorial is a place where Kartalab Khan, along with Rai Baghan, surrendered to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Incredible History and Nature Mix
While walking through the 16 kilometer Sahyadri trek, you will come across no forts but only historical events' places mixed with natural scenic beauty. Umberkhind Trek is one of the most beautiful treks for those who love to explore the history and feel the event that happened centuries ago. After getting down at the Lokhandwala station, you will reach to Kurvande village, and from there, in 15-20 minutes, You will reach the town from where you can see INS Shivaji fencing which is the starting point of the trek. Walking along the road, which is more of a bullock cart road, you will see Nagphani Hill on your right side. Take the turn towards the left side, as the right-hand goes towards the Nagphani top of Duke's nose. You are walking the lush greenery along the fences on your left side. The route from here is basically of a trail walk where you can stop in-between to gaze at the natural beauty of the lovely valley below. In the past, the Mughal army used to march through this route with their horses and elephant carrying guns and cannons followed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his army of warriors.
The trek offers excitement to trekkers allowing visualizing how the path was once a warpath taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the brave. Walking along the path, you will come across a water stream that offers refreshing clear water to quench the thirst. Keep on walking along the track, and finally, you will come to the Amba River, which is sometimes furious, especially during monsoon. Walk along the Ambar River for 15-20 minutes to reach Chhavni village.
Today, where the battle fought, a board has been placed that narrates the battle story. Trekkers may visit the memorial or Vijay Stambh constructed by the Shiv Durga Mitra trekking group and Chavni village inhabitants. This memorial is a work of art having a picture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the front and on the other side, the history of the battle. Details of people who inaugurated and initiated the work of the Stambh also mentioned.
Historical Background of This Trek
This trek connected with history. Its background dates back to era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which had fought various battles. The unforgettable encounter of Umberkhind had added considerable wealth to Maratha treasury, and the mannerism in which it was fought and won is worth recalling.
