Whenever there is a talk of mountains and mountaineering, people ask me a usual question; ‘Living in a large city like Mumbai, how did you get interested in the mountains?’ My reply is same, ‘Because of the Sahyadri range, which is almost at my backdoor’. Same can be said of many young and old mountaineers from anywhere in Maharashtra. The proximity of the Sahyadri range is the greatest gift to city-folks. They take holidays there, their water supply come from these mountains, fresh air, rains and climate is controlled by the range. There are many lucky ones, like me who trek in them and enjoy its steep ramparts, historical forts leading to better health, enjoying countryside and indulged in sport. Once you found a trail in the Sahyadris it will be difficult to keep away.

There are several other aspects of the range which you discover as you trek along. In fact the Sahyadris has made contributions to every aspect of human life, particularly in Mumbai and Maharashtra; art, history, literature and music. It almost seems like a dream that such a great range exists right near to us.