DATE : Sunday, February 6th, 2005.

It's a change for GB!

The idea is to go from Borivali National Park to the Caves itself (a trek of around 8 km each way). It is along a motorable road so will not require any cross-country hiking skills. Plus the pace at which we will be covering the distance will be extremely non-threatening so the chance of an accidental "Kokilabehn" style exit is pretty unlikely.

Not only will it give us a chance to prance around in the Open Outdoors, there is the added bonus of a well prepared Guided Tour of the monument itself, highlighting its significance and how (like so many of us) it is absolutely unique in the world.
(More details about this in a note from Shailen, pasted below)

Starting by 8 am we expect to wind up the whole event by about 2 to 3 in the afternoon.

TIME:   
A bunch of guys will be walking up to the caves from the National Park. They meet up at the entrance to the Park at 8 am in the morning. The walk of around 8 km is expected to be covered at a very leisurely pace in about an hour and a half.

For those of you who would rather be dead than see Sunrise on a Sunday morning you can meet up with the Trekkers at the main gate of Kanheri Caves at 10 am. Auto rickshaws are available at the entrance to the National Park which offer a ride up to the caves.

PLACE: 
Depending on when and how you intend to commute to the Caves. For those who are planning to walk up to the caves. Meet at the Main entrance of the National Park (off the Western Express Highway) at 8 am in the morning.

For those coming directly to Kanheri Caves by transport (by Auto, Palanquin or Horse drawn Chariot). Be at the Kanheri Caves Main Gate by 10 am.

Dress Code:    STRICTLY SHORTS.

Refreshments: Lunch will be served - Undyoo & Puris, Patra  and soft drinks.

OTHER DETAILS .   
There is an entry charge at both gates, payable in Cash only (the guards do not accept love and affection as a substitute). Look for guys wearing a "GB" black cap at both the pick up points. Keep away from leopards and guys preening around in leopard print innerwear. They both tend to be man-eaters.

__________________________

A NOTE FROM THE TOUR GUIDE
Dear everyone
As I will be the (un)officially nominated GB expert, I'd like to share my thoughts on what we all will be 'seeing' at Kanheri.

Culturally and historically, the caves fit the bill 'rock-cut Buddhist monastic complex' and are a prominent monument dating from the 'early historic' period of Indian History. There are indications that earliest excavations here date to about 1st century BC. We will therefore try to understand -

1. What are the constituents of this monument
2. What were their functions and how are they architecturally and iconically (ie through sculptures and paintings) articulated
3. How did it all began and when did it 'end' at least in its functionality
4. Why does it exist where it does
5. How was it sustained through nearly seven centuries of its working existence
6. What are the historical, cultural and economic parameters that make it so unique

In short, it will be a tour to broaden our understandings about what 'monuments' are and how they should be looked at. A word about myself: I am currently a faculty member at Oxford and did my PhD on political history of the Deccan 200 BC - 200 AD. The period in which Kanheri flourished is close to my heart so far as research goes and I will be very happy to make it unfold to the best of my abilities. It is indeed a unique monument in many respects and we are fortunate that something so colossal, so antique and historically so significant exists practically in our backyard! My blabberings will (expectedly) last for about 2 hours as we walk through the complex.

Hope you all enoy it....

cheers,
Shailen