Trek that

To create awareness about Mumbai's forts, a one-day trek will be organised on April 8. Professional photographers will tag along to help amateurs document our heritage

The summer vacations are on. And aspeople plan trips to exotic and popular destinations in andoutside India, YouthHostels Association of India, Kandivali unit, is organising a trek with a difference on April 8. Catering to adventure lovers, photographers and history buffs, this one-day activity hopes to reacquaint Mumbaikars with the city's many forts. And to help amateur document them, professional photographers will tag along to capture these monuments in the best light.

"People usually headoutside Mumbai in search of new forts, but how many know about the forts that are situated within city limits?" says Sanjeev Vengurlekar, one of the trek leaders, adding that this would be the best time to visit the forts as the government has carried out restoration/renovation work at most of them.

The trek will commenceat 6 am on April 8 at Sion Fort. The team will then head to Sewri Fort before visiting Bandra, Mahim and Worli Forts. Vengurlekar says,"We are currently studying the forts so that we can give trekkers all thenecessary and related information."

Ask Vengurlekar which fort is least visited, andpat comes the answer, "All of them." And talking about their importance, heelaborates that Sion fort once acted as the city's boundary. "Also, you get a beautiful view of Mahul creek, the refinery and an aerial view of some portion of Mumbai from top of the fort," he says.

And for those who head to catch the flamingos at Sewri, he adds, "From the Sewri Fort, you can see theflamingos without disturbing them. But most peopledon't even know that itlies on the way. And standing at Worli, Mahim, andBandra Forts, you realise that you are on the coastal line. It is an awesome feeling. Really."

The trek takes place on April 8, call 9869174605 for details.

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