15 January,2014 11:45 AM IST | | The GUIDE Team
In case you didn't make the cut or missed the bus for the Mumbai Marathon this Sunday, we've handpicked two exciting, outdoorsy events -- a fort trail to Sindola and a bird race near Dombivli that are bound to get you on a high
Let's race with birds
Bird lovers get set for a fantastic bird-spotting race at Dombivli and surrounding areas. The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and NYASS Trust has organised Dombivli Bird Race, which requires participants to identify as many bird species as possible on the day of January 19. The event is open to all bird and nature lovers from Mumbai and Thane.
Pic/Sameer Markande
Falling under the Thane district, the quaint township is surrounded by the Ulhas River, which is home to some of the rarest species of birds including sunbirds, orioles and barbets among others. The river and availability of vegetation also attracts plenty of migratory birds here. Yet, off late this hotspot of birds has been under danger due to habitat destruction and excessive sand mining in the area.
The Dombivli Bird Race aims to raise interest in identifying and observing birds as a hobby, and at the same time creating awareness among people to preserve the natural habitat. The event will have separate drawing and essay competition for school children as well.
ON January 19, 5 pm onwards
At Anand Balbhavan, Ramnagar, Dombivli (E).
CALL 9821194054
EMAIL nyass.info@gmail.com
Trek to Sindola Fort
Located in Malshej Ghat, the Sindola Fort, unusually, doesn't have any rich history or any lyrical expressions praising the fort. So, why make the effort? For the view from the top of Sindola Fort is simply rewarding. Located at a height of 1,128 metres above sea level, the construction of the fort is believed to be as old as the nearby forts of Hadapsar and Nimgiri, built around the fifth century.
PIc courtesy/Vrangers
The vantage point offers ruins of bastions and couple of water cisterns, and an idol of the Hindu god Ganesha. The climb is rated as one with medium difficulty and can be taken up by seasonal trekkers. The cost of the trip doesn't include food or water, and participants are requested to bring their own supplies. The trekkers will catch the 6.50 am ST bus from Kalyan to Khubi Phata.
On January 19, 6.50 am
Meeting Point Kalyan ST bus depot
CALL 9702878447 / 9892219155.
Fee Rs 400
LOG ON TO www.vrangers.com
