Sangli trekkers rappel down 100-foot waterfall at Koldurg fort
Young members of the Durgam Sahyadri trekkers' group from Tasgaon-Sangli are rappelling down a waterfall near Shukrachari village, the first such activity in the Sangli-Satara region.
The area around Koldurg fort in the Sahyadri hills, a favourite of young people who combine fort treks with adventure activities, has become a draw these days. The reason is waterfall rappelling. Young members of the Durgam Sahyadri trekkers' group from Tasgaon-Sangli are rappelling down a drop of about 100 feet at a waterfall near Shukrachari village.
Koldurg fort lies on the border of Tasgaon and Khanapur talukas. In the monsoon the fort turns green. At this time the waterfall in the fort's area draws visitors, and people are descending it with the help of ropes. Coming down through the stream of the falls, the young participants get the thrill of rappelling along with trekking.
In an adventure sport such as rappelling, courage alone is not enough. Proper training, physical fitness and the use of safety equipment are just as important. Helmets, harnesses and safety ropes are being used in this activity. Under the supervision of expert guides, participants climb and descend the waterfall on ropes, which is what is called rappelling. Safety rules are therefore being given special importance.
Among young people who explore Sahyadri forts, mountain passes and waterfalls, interest in such adventure activities is growing by the day. Little-known places such as Koldurg, described as "Untouched From Human Life", also offer a chance to view them as destinations for eco-friendly adventure tourism.
Since rappelling is an adventure sport, it needs strong physical ability and proper guidance. The organisers say that older people or those with physical problems should not take part in such an activity without an expert's advice.
This is the first time waterfall rappelling is being held in the Sangli-Satara region, so it is being seen as significant for local adventure tourism. Photographs and videos of the campaign are being shared on the social media page of the Durgam Sahyadri trekkers' group. Young people are increasingly drawn to this daring fort trek in the Koldurg area.
