Trekking in Maharashtra, India : 150 Forts

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This 14th century fortress is located 16 km from Aurangabad on the way to the famous Ellora caves. Its outer wall is 4.43 km in circumference. It was the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. The fort is on a 200 m high conical hill. The Chand Minar (1445 AD) is a tower 64 m high and 21 m in circumference at the base, and was originally covered with beautiful Persian glazed tiles.



The only means of access to the summit is by a narrow bridge, with passage for not more than two people abreast, and a long gallery, excavated in the rock, which has for the most part a very gradual upward slope. Also at the mid way, there is a cave entrance meant to confuse the enemies.

By the side of Chini Mahal, is placed a massive cannon manufactured during the period of Aurangazeb popularly known as ‘Menda Top’.



The long ascending tunnel rises rapidly and tortuously by flights of steep steps. Opening of it at intervals are chambers for guards commanding the approach. At the head of the tunnel is an iron shutter which runs horizontally on small wheels, covering or uncovering the opening like a trap-door. A most ingenious and effective defense of this tunnel was the provision of a barrier of smoke. At a point about half-way through, where the tunnel passed near the vertical face of the rock a hold was cut through to secure drought for the fire in an iron brazier which installed in a small chamber opening into the tunnel when the fire was kindled the current of air from the hole would waft the smoke up the tunnel and render its passage impossible.

Mughals led several campaigns and captured the fort only in 1633 after a long siege of four months.

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Wasole is 20 km from Wai by bus. From Wasole, the route climb steeply to the first plateau (with two resident families) and then to the fort. The to & fro trek takes 3 hour. A 25 meter deep well at the top with excellent views of the surroundings.

Fort can also be reached from Tableland of Panchgani/ Kate's point of Mahabaleshwar. Trek to Nandgaon, a road leads to Wasole via Asgaon and Chandwadi.



Dhom lake at Wasole road head



Kamalgad fort view from first plateau



Steps to 25 m deep well on top of the Kamalgad fort

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Pratapgad fort is 25 km from Mahabaleshwar on the Poladpur road. The Fort is famous due to Shivaji's encounter with Afzal Khan. Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, the Bijapur commander, here.

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Travel from Karjat to Jamrugh via Kashele and get down at Ambivili by ST. Walk to Peth village (3 km) and then to Bhairoba's cave. Rock hewn steps leads to top. To and fro trek takes 3 hour. The fort is also known as Kothilagad, because it was used as a weapon storage.