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PLACES
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HELVAK
Helvak (Patan T; 17° 20' N, 23° 40' E; RS. Karad 34 m. SE; p. 599), is a village on the north of the Karad-Kumbharli pass road, thirteen miles west of Patan, at the point where the Koyna river turns at right angles from its southerly to an easterly course. From the west flows a small stream up the valley of which the Kumbharli road climbs till the edge of the Sahyadris. The ascent is not more than 300 feet in four miles and the incline moderate. At the village of Mendheghar just opposite Helvak is a small Public Works bungalow which serves well for a resting place. Carts on their way to and from Ciplun usually halted here and during the busy season the number of carts was the same as at Patan. In the angle formed by the Koyna river was a large flat space given up in the rains to rice fields and in the fair weather to a camping ground for carts, when temporary shops for grain and other necessaries were formed under booths, and the scene was one of constant bustle and activity. The cultivators of the neighbouring hill villages brought down bundles of firewood usually karvi which they sold to the cartmen partly for their own use, but also in considerable and increasing amounts to the return cartmen who took them as far as Karad or even further and sold them for ten times what they gave in Helvak. The cultivators above Helvak also brought down rafters and poles on to Karad. The wood was sold at Helvak by auction and probably was taken east either by return carts or by water. At Nechla village three miles west of Helvak is a fine stretch of virgin forest worth a visit. At Khemse
on the edge of the Sahyadris is a District Local Board dharmashala. Hunting in these parts is prohibited. Animals still to be seen in the vicinity of Helvak are deer and hare always, wild pigs, boar and fox occasionally and tigers rarely.
Weekly bazar is held at Helvak every Wednesday. Helvak has lost much of its importance as a market place. All the local trade has shifted to Koynanagar, the new township established for housing the staff and men working on the Koyna project.
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