Nature and Adventure awaits you. Let E&A guide your journey through peaks, trails, and untamed beauty.
E&A continues to inspire generations of adventurers with its legacy of exploration, leadership, and passion for the outdoors. What started as a student-led initiative has grown into a symbol of mountaineering spirit and community collaboration in India.
Join The Explorers & Adventurers (E&A)
Where Every Step is a New Adventure & Experience
Embark on thrilling expeditions, mountaineering challenges, scenic hikes, and rock climbing adventures designed for all age groups. With over five decades of experience, E&A offers safe, expertly guided outdoor experiences that connect you with nature and your inner explorer.
Create unforgettable memories. Conquer new heights. Discover the adventurer in you with Nature.
Our Journey Together
The Explorers & Adventurers (E & A)
A Legacy of Adventure Since 1971
The Explorers & Adventurers (E & A) was born in 1971 at Elphinstone College, Bombay, thanks to the passion and vision of a group of enthusiastic students: K.R.S. Mani, M.S. Shankaran, D.K. Bose, Jogesh Shelat, Gopal Sharma, and Hassan Qureshi. With strong support from the college's then Principal, Mrs. Kamal Wood, and dynamic faculty members like Dr. H.S. Naidu, B.C. Sharma (Hindi Dept.), and the late Mrs. Rama B. Dandekar (Botany Dept.), the group quickly grew into a vibrant community.
The Association's guiding motto — “saf-aat T4?” meaning "Lead me from the High to the Higher" — was coined by Sanskrit Professor
Dr. V.K. Kshirsagar (now former Principal of Rajaram College, Kolhapur).
Early Growth and Popularity
The inaugural hike to Tungareshwar was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd of students. Within just a year, E&A became one of the most active bodies on campus. So impressed was the Principal that she approved a grant of ₹1,200 for equipment and other expenses.
Monthly hikes quickly became the norm, and participation grew steadily. A memorable event was the rappelling demonstration held during the college's annual day, where students showcased various abseiling techniques under spotlights — leaving the audience spellbound.
City-Wide Influence
E&A's popularity soon spread beyond Elphinstone. Colleges like St. Xavier’s, H.R. College, and others in South Bombay sought guidance from E&A veterans. In 1972, students including M.S. Shankaran, Bomi A. Balsara, P.K. Shetty, and Prof. L.D. Rajkule (late) were sponsored by the University of Bombay for a Basic Mountaineering Course at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling. Till then, only K.R.S. Mani was a trained mountaineer.
The first Himalayan trek to the Pindari Glacier, led by K.R.S. Mani, was a milestone, involving future founding members like F.H.J. Taleyarkhan, Ashok Merchant, and Gopal Sharma.
Recognition and Expansion
By the mid-1970s, E&A had earned recognition from Bombay University and top adventure organizations like Climbers Club, Girivihar, and the Maharashtra Trekking & Cultural Society. K.R.S. Mani went on to hold leadership positions in several of these bodies, facilitating broader student participation.
As founding members graduated, they continued pursuing their passion independently. On one such Western Ghats hike, the idea of formalizing E&A as a registered society and trust was born. After much planning and drafting of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, E&A was officially registered on 26th June 1975.
Founding Members of the Registered E&A:
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Shri K.R.S. Mani
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Shri M.S. Shankaran
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Shri F.H.J. Taleyarkhan
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Sorab D. N. Gandhi
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Shri Ved Vyas Malik
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Ashok R. Merchant
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Shri Jogesh J. Shelat
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Bomi A. Balsara
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Shri Gopal Sharma
🤝 Join Our Legacy
For over five decades, The Explorers & Adventurers has built a legacy of courage, exploration, and lifelong friendship — empowering over 500+ members to chase summits, cross valleys, and discover who they truly are in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or an experienced climber
Nature Awaits You. Come Explore With Us.
Highlights & Snapshot of past events...
🚶♂️ The Early Days: A Movement Takes Shape
What began as weekly Wednesday Walk-Ins at the college canteen quickly evolved into a vibrant community. These gatherings became a hub for:
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Planning treks and mountaineering expeditions
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Building lasting camaraderie
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Introducing new members to adventure sports
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Fostering the spirit of esprit de corps
From college hikes to Himalayan adventures, E&A’s activities expanded rapidly — and so did its influence.
🧗 Rock Climbing, Training & Youth Engagement
E&A pioneered Rock Climbing Training Courses (RCTC) that equipped hundreds of young climbers, including police personnel, with the fundamentals of safety and technique. With a focus on accessibility, these courses were offered at nominal costs over five Sundays.
We also launched Youth Adventure Camps (ages 12–18), training over 300 students between 1982 and 1995 in courage, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. Backed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, these camps became an annual highlight.
🏕️ Expeditions & Achievements
Over the decades, E&A has led numerous high-altitude Himalayan expeditions, including:
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1977 – First E&A Expedition: Mt. Mukarbeh
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1978 – First Indian ascent of Mt. Ali Ratni Tibba
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1979 – First All-Women Expedition: Mt. Kalindi & Mt. Thelu
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1981 – Mt. Nun (24,310 ft) attempt
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1990s – Peaks climbed: Mt. Golap Kangri, Mt. Sri Kailash, Mt. Satopanth, Mt. Jogin II
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1995–96 – Expeditions to Nanda Devi East, Panchchuli & Chandrabhaga
E&A also supported members in participating in national expeditions and international collaborations like the 1993 Indo-Nepalese Women's Everest Expedition, where our member K. Saraswati served as Logistics In-Charge under Padmashri Bachendri Pal. This historic expedition set 7 world records and won the National Adventure Award.
🌿 Nature, Conservation & The E&A Roost
In 1985, E&A launched its Natural History Wing to promote environmental education through wildlife safaris, nature trails, and ecology camps.
To support its growing inventory, E&A Roost — our official equipment base — was inaugurated in Vasai in 1995. This marked a major milestone, providing a permanent space for our operations after 20 years of relying on member homes.
🌏 Exchange Programs & Cave Explorations
Our efforts toward national integration included a youth exchange with Mizoram, exploring the Kuang Chera Caves for the first time — a unique milestone in E&A’s history.
🏅 Recognitions & Affiliations
E&A is proudly affiliated with:
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Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)
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National Adventure Foundation
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Bombay Sports Association
Our members have trained at premier institutes like HMI Darjeeling, NIM Uttarkashi, and have gone on to lead or contribute to national and international expeditions.
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We Want to Hear You
Reach out to us for any inquiries about our services or upcoming events. Your passion for adventure is our priority, and we look forward to connecting with you.