Trekking in Maharashtra, India : 150 Forts

[Perfection]

Mahad to Pachad and to the base of the fort by bus (24 km, Rs 17, 1.5 hour). Capital of Shivaji, connected by a rope way (Rs 140 return), trekking will be more enjoyable (to and fro 3 hour). Rs 5 admission fee by ASI. There are shops all the way to top, which sells Butter milk, Sarbath and Lemon juice. Plenty of space and lot of construction on top - Maha darwaza (main gateway), 7 cannons, Takmak Tok (a view point on a projecting ridge), Shivaji's samadhi, tomb of his faithful dog, Jagdishwar temple, Bara tanki (12 rock cut water tanks) market place, Shivaji's statue in sitting pose (Holicha Mal), Shirkai Devi temple, Gateway, Shivaji's thrown, palace, 8 to 10 water tanks (Ganga Sagar, the largest) etc. The MTDC resort and Deshmukh hotel provides basic accommodation and food on the fort. There is covered shelter for camping at nights too.



The Lingana pinnacle is nearby and it provides a good challenge to the rock climbers. The Jijabhai (Shivaji's mother) Samadhi is one kilometre from Pachad at fort's base.

From Lonavla reach Mahad via Pali, Wakan, Kolad, Indapur and Mangaon. Wakan is 60 km from Lonavla and is on NH 17 (2 hour). Wakan to Mahad is 75 km (2 hour, Rs 45 by ST). Mahad is a small town around the Shivaji statue with a park, temple, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar memorial and a Hanuman temple on the nearby hill. Few caves are located near Mahad on the Mangaon highway. Few lodges provide basic accommodation.

[Perfection]

Arnala is a small Island sea fort near Virar railwaty station. From Virar, one can visit the nearby hill - Jivdani - with a temple on top (3 km). A small fishing village nestles among its intact walls.

The fort is hidden and has three entrances. The entrance has a tiger and an elephant on it's walls. The way to the fort is through a domed gateway. It has wells, good fort walls and a Ketralite Swami lives inside the fort !.

Swami Paramnand Yogesh from Kasarkod, Kerala speaks English and Marathi fluently. If you want any help, call the Swami in his mobile : 9822 775209 or on 0250 - 6803609. So don't feel lonely when you are at Arnala.



There are two watchtowers which are worth a visit. The watchtowers are standing far from the fort near the beach and has an entry. One has to crawl to enter the tower. A walk along the beach at Arnala island is a nice experience. There are two temples and a Dargah in the island.





From Virar, travel to Arnala by bus (9 km) and then take a ferry to the fort. Rs 8 for launch (fibre boat fitted with engine) 1600 h to 2000 h in the evening (return fare). There are morning launch services to the fort. Night stay in the island is not permitted by the locals. Plenty of fresh water is available on the island. Inquire in advance about the ferry timings, which are not regular, specially when the sea is rough. One has to board the launch by walking around waste deep water in the sea. And the waves make the boat to move violently.

The sea at Arnala is very differrent (rough and deep) from that of Alibag. At Arnala, the fish is dried by hanging it on wooden poles. It is a small fishing harbour and the fish market is a good place to see the vareity of fishes. The Arnala - Vasai area houses has one household item in common - the swing made of wood.