1. Jungli Jaigad

Location : Koyna nagar near Chiplun. Chiplun is on the Mumbai - Goa Konkan railway route.

Jungli Jaigad (901 m) is a small, little known fort near the Koyna dam. Situated in thick forest infested with wild animals. From Chiplun travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus. Then travel to Navja (11 km) via Panchdhara tunnel and follow the road which leads to Alora in Konkan. The road passes at the foot of the fort. The entry to the fort is through a 1 m wide 15 m long route, cracked by an earthquake. The fort is 500 m long and 30 m wide with no water.





2. Jhungti fort : This is an unknown small fort on the western ridge of the Koyna lake. It can be approached from Dicholi village. Dicholi is connected by ferry from Koyna (4 hour), or a walk through thick forest (10 km) is possible via the Jungli Jaigad route. Ahead of Dicholi, the route to Jhungti is complicated an passes through very thick forest. Above Dicholi two huge volcanic rock fields locally known as 'sada' are to be passed. Cross the Vaghul sada and traverse north wards in thick forest. Walking along the ridge of the ghats, reach a high point 1027 m. From here, turn west, up and down a spur to reach Jhungti, jutting out into the Konkan. No inhabitation on the way except wild animals !.

Enjoy the company of birds and animals. Be with nature.

Eye and mind see beauty every where.

3. Vasota fort (1171 m) is located near at Koyna region surrounded by bear infested jungle. It is inaccessible except by a long and ardous trek. It is possible to visit the fort through thick jungles.

Travel from Satara to Bamnoli via Kas lake (34 km) by ST bus to catch a ferry boat. Cross the Koyna lake to reach Met Indapur. Then walk to Khirkundi village. One can reach Khirkundi village from Tapole near Mahabaleshwar by ferry. Walk westwards through thick uninhabited forest. Climb the forested route to top of the fort (5 km) having water tanks and a temple.

My route : A flat walk towards north take one to rock carved Nageshwar temple - a nose like projection having a route to top. A water tank is near by. One can descent to Konkan at Chorvane near Chiplun via Nagsari pass. The route downwards is over steep and exposed scree. The climb through this route is a challenge even to seasoned trekkers. The area is dry and one can get exhausted due to dehydration. Drink plenty of water and Electoral solution for dehydration. To and fro trek takes 9 hour via Chorvane route.

The western side of the Koyna lake from Koynanagar (near Chiplun) to Tapole (near Mahabaleshwar) has plenty of jungle, infested with wild animals. For the adventurous people it will be a treat to trek through the dense forest. The distance of the trek is 60 km and can be covered in 5 days. Permission from Forest authorities required for the trek.

Location : Koyna region of Satara. Routes are from Satara, Chiplun and Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar to Tapole by bus, to Bamnoli by boat.

Enjoy trekking. Be in the lap of nature.