We set out from Mumbai to the base village of Kondivade, keen to meet with Mrudul Mody of Pugmarks. The 68-year-old was in the midst of the last leg of a survival camp that he was conducting for eco-volunteers within the Kondana (or Kondane) Caves near Karjat. This veteran of many adventure camps and jungle camps had devised the six-day intensive training programme.

Pic Courtesy/C Gangadharan Menon

Rock-cut adventure
He had handpicked 15 young volunteers who joined us at Kondivade. Soon, they started to pack essentials required to survive the two days: tents, sleeping bags, mats, ropes and harnesses, provisions and stoves, and water. The climb to the top was arduous as these are located halfway up the road that leads to Rajmachi fort.