WanderLust of Gumtara (Gotara) Fort near Virar
We 4 friends on 5th August 2018, Sunday explored a new place called Gumtara fort, with help of our guide.
↑ The tallest mountain in the photo is Gumtara ↑
Grade: Medium - as it has a quite steep ascent continuously and a slippery terrain in the monsoon.
Altitude: 1925.925 ft.
Distance: One way trek = 3.43 km & total trek = 6.86 km.
Time taken for trek: 3 hours ascent & 2 hours descent in monsoon.
The blog post is divided as follows:
1) How to go (with Google Map & GPS trail)
2) Experience in photos.
3) Expenses.
4) YouTube video.
1) HOW TO GO?
Base railway station: Virar.
Base village: Dugad.
Route: Virar West Bus depot > Ambadi > Dugad Fata > Dugad > Gumtara & backtrack.
↑ Bus time table at Virar west bus depot (just outside platform number 2) ↓
2) EXPERIENCE in photos:
↑ Rock begonia locally known as Khadak ambadi ↑
↑ A signature spider with 4 signatures! ↑
↑ Honey combs ↑
↑ The KARVI plant that blossoms once in 8 years was seen in blossom! ↓
↑ The toughest part of the trek is just before the top of the fort ↓
GUMTARA FORT:
↑ He who charmed the snake away ↑
↑ Clean potable drinking water was available in this water cistern atop the fort, during the monsoon & its guardian ↓
↑ Usgaon lake and dam seen from Gumtara ↑
Indian Moon Moth: The moth with the most awesome nose!
3) EXPENSES:
60/- Rickshaw from home to station & back.
15/- return train ticket.
60/- bus ticket from Virar to Dugad fata.
10/- in shared rickshaw from Dugad fata to Ambadi.
55/- bus ticket from Ambadi to Virar.
55/- snacks.
40/- guide fees (100/- + snacks bought for them).
Total = 295/-.
4) VIDEO: showcasing the beauty of the trek - it is less than 45 seconds.
All done in our usual TTMM way and till next Sunday, ciao.