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There is no better place on earth than the Sahyadree in the monsoon and no other more dangerous if you underestimate it. This is a large mountain range on the western shores of India and provides habitat to many species that are unique to only him. It is a GOD to much of the population that lives on the Deccan plateau, where it pours water to the rivers that brings life to otherwise flat but high Deccan.

Deccan has been a historically a very important region, that connected the north to the south and the west to the east of Indian Peninsula. India would not have been India, if one of the greatest warriors of Indian history "Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj" [search: Shivaji Maharaj on wikipedia] would not have risen for the safety of the people that were being enslaved by the outside entities and culture that would otherwise be only read through some books. Shivaji Maharaj had his unique style of attacking the enemies, utilizing the rugged mountains and the dense forests. Today there are many forts that tell us the stories of the warriors who fought for the people.

Rajgad is where Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent most of his life and from where he controlled this region. Hiking 2000+ ft to reach to this mountain fort does not come very easy... and especially if you try that in the monsoon. When you reach to the summit where the palace was located, you would wonder if it was even feasible to be built there, and if one could live there and travel so easily everyday. When I climbed the Balekilla (The internal fort inside the fort that is protected and highly secure) in a very slippery conditions with the rain on my head, it was very difficult to not think about the return. The view at the top that gives that shows the rugged peaks and the valleys of Sahyadreee is incomparable and the divine feeling is what one would spend the entire life chasing for...

This is on way to this magical place...

The greens are for richness...

The beautiful pink flowers are for the hospitability...

The black basalt behind all these is for its true power...

I was drenched with exuberance; I hope this picture would pass a little bit of that!!

Regards

+Lalit

Hi Lalit,

I really liked the photo. It says one thing most, - Protect us if you need a protection -.

Pinks flowers are adding to the mood and would have liked little less contrast may be because my Laptop does not show properly.

Thanks for sharing.

Rakesh

indeed a photo full of atmosphere. Many thanks for the detailed explanation - sounds like it's really an exciting area.

- Wolfgang