Trekking in Maharashtra, India : 150 Forts

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Situated 27 km from Alibaug on the Murud road near Chaul. The fort on top of a hill which is on the coast and across the Revdanda creek. A fairly large beautiful island with full of migratory birds can be seen during the low tide.

From the Alibaug - Murud raod, Korlai village is 2 km away. Within the fort are the mammoth palm groves and the top commands an excellent view of the Chaul and Revdanda creek. This was a former stronghold of the Portuguese and consists of two 1 km plus long walls separated by a distance of 30 to 40 meter (width).







From the main road walk towards the base of the fort. Right side route climbs up through Acacia trees to top. Left side road near the beach leads to a light house with a cannon. From there steps leads to the fort's entrance. The fort has 20 cannons, a tombstone dating 1646 AD by the Portuguese, a church in ruins, underground water tank, inscriptions on fort walls in Portuguese etc. The fort has 3 entrances and the trek takes 2 hour. The beach at the base of the fort is beautiful and having colourful stones. Nearest railway station is Pen on Mumbai - Goa Konkan route.

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Situated 24 km from Alibag on the Murud road near Chaul. The road passes through the Portuguese fort. Near the Rev Danda ST stand, a cannon and to gateways can be seen. It is a little Kerala with full of coconut trees & Beetalnut trees watered by canal system and nice beaches. The fort is thickly populated and majority of area is in private custody.

Inside the fort, road from Star hotel leads to St. Francis Zavier church (in ruins) and to a giant arch way and a huge multi storied tower (can be a church with two cannons lying down). A door way lead sto the beach from where one can enjoy the long fort walls of he fort. The fort has 7 gateways, some gates are used by private persons as their home's entry. A visit to the fort will be really enjoying. Nearest railway station is Pen on Mumbai - Goa Konkan route.



The Portuguese fort is thickly populated and majority of area is in private custody. It is a little Kerala with full of coconut trees & Beetalnut trees watered by canal system and nice beaches. A giant arch way and a huge multi storied tower (can be a church with two cannons lying down). A door way leads to the beach from where one can enjoy the long fort walls of he fort. The fort has 7 gateways, some gates are used by private persons as their home's entry.

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By 0900 am ST bus from Lonavla to Sahara, one can getdown at Aatwan phata (12 km). At Aatwan phata, on left one can see the Mulshi lake. Turn right to a depression and the small track climbs down to a lower plateau. Follow the water nullah (dried) right and take a long traverse of the steep rock wall to the base of Moradi peak. Then find a nullah which climbs down to Mangaon village. The trek takes 3 hour. Travel to Parali and then to Khopoli via six seater/ ST. From Khopoli one can travel to Mumbai.

Lonavla is a popular hill station located 120 km from Mumbai on the Pune highway. It is having nice climate and is well connected by road and rail. Lion's point/Tiger's leap is famous tourist spot 12 km from Lonavla. Many film songs are photographed here. (Pardes - Hindi film, I love my India song).



My friend Tulshi Shinde, Mangaon

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SINHAGAD FORT (1320 m) - From Swargate, Pune to Sinhagad base by bus (24 km). A well defined path leads to Pune darwaza of the fort (1 hour). A TV tower with lots of old construction can be seen on the top. The fort witnessed many battles during the Maratha period. In 1670 AD Tanaji won the fort for Shivaji. One can get down through the Kalyan Darwaza to Kalyan village and then to Kondhanpur. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

RAJGAD (1320 m) - It was the first capital of Shivaji for 25 years. From Swargate, travel to Gunjavne (30 km). A 2 hour trek through the ridge takes to the top. A steep rock face (Bale killa) climb is a thrilling experience. On top, the remenants of the Shivaji's palace can be seen. One can trek to Torna fort as it is connected via a ridge.

TORNA FORT (1403 m) - From Swargate travel to Welhe (35 km). Torna was the first fort captured by Shivaji at the age of 16. It is a 2 hour trek over the ridge. From the twin tower of Torna get down to the ridge for Rajgad. In a one day exhaustive trek one can visit Torna and Rajgad (7 km).





PURANDAR FORT (Wajrangad, 1309 m) : The twin fort having plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. From Swargate, Pune reach Saswad and then to the base of the fort by ST bus (37 km). Purnadar fort was mentioned in 1300 when Alauddin fortified it and it was with Nizam Shahis for a century. Aurangzeb's forces captured it in 1675 and it went back to the Marathas and finally to the British in 1776 with the 'Treaty of Purandhar'. On top there is a church in ruins and Bombay saphire camp, Keadreshewar temple etc with good views. If one is having a private vehicle, can reach the top plateau of the fort by road. Both forts can be covered by 5 hour trek.

KAMALGAD (1378 m) - From Kate's point of Mahabaleshwar get down to Nandgaon, cross the Krishna river to Partewadi and follow the route to the top. Or from Panchgani (Table land) descend to Chikhlun and to Asangaon and then to fort (7 km).

PRATAPGAD (1393 m) - Fort is 24 km from Mahabaleshwar and is famous because of Afzal Khan's tomb. To and fro takes 2 hour .

RAIGAD FORT (862 m) : This fort was the capital of Shivaji, with his coronation as Maharaja was held in the fort. From Mahad reach Pachad by bus. Regular steps (or a ropeway Rs 60) leads to the top. This popular fort has a dak bunglow and hotel are avaiIable for stay and food. The fort can be climbed from various routes. On top, lot of Shivaji's samadhi, thrown,construction (in ruins), seating statue of Shivaji, a memorial for Shivaji's dog, temple, market, palaces, water tanks etc can be seen. To and fro trek takes 3 hour. Nearby Lingana pinnacle (908 m) is a challenge for rock climbers.

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DUKE'S NOSE - Lonavla to Kuruvande by auto (5 km). 45 minute walk takes you to the top of Duke's nose. Rappeling down from here is a great fun as the rockface is steep. Kuruvande village is famous even from the time of Chatrapati Shivaji. On this hilly route Shivaji attacked his enemies and become victorious. 1.5 hour climb down takes you to Chavni village at Konkan. Travel to Umbre/Khopoli by Vikram/auto. Another route takes you to Phalyan, base village of Lion's point. Trek takes 2 hour (tower line) from Duke's nose. Return to Khopoli via Parali.

LION'S POINT trek - From Lion's point one will be attraced by the beauty of a sharp peak : Babita/Moradi hill. By Khopoli - Pali bus get down at Parali and travel to Mangaon by Vikram/auto. A 2.5 hour takes one to top. On the way 25 m rock wall has to be climbed. The final rock dome (15 m) is of rock climb. To and fro trek takes 5 hour. A guide from Mangaon/Phalyan is preferred.

AATWAN PHATA : Lion's point is 12 km from Lonavla and 2 km ahead is Aatwan phata, one can climb down to konkan. At Aatwan phata, on left one can see the Mulshi lake. Turn right to a depression and the small track climbs down to a lower plateau. Follow the water nullah (dried) right and take a long traverse of the steep rock wall to the base of Moradi peak. Then find a nullah which climbs down to Mangaon village. The trek takes 3 hour. Travel to Paraliand then to Khopoli via six seater/ ST. By 0900 am ST bus from Lonavla to Sahara, one can get down at Aatwan phata.

UMBER KHIND - From Lonavla reach Lion's point, a famous tourist spot, by bus/jeep. Just before the Lion's point one can see the transmission lines. Follow the water nullah (in dried condition during summer) near the tower line. The narrow and deep gorge climbs down to Mangaon (6 hour, rope is advised). From the village travel to Parali on the Khopoli - Pali road and then to Lonavla.

BEDSE BUDDHIST caves (60 m) - From Lonavla travel to Kamshet by local train and then to Pawna dam by jeep or bus and get down on the way for caves (3 km).

PAWNA DAM - A beautiful large reservoir which has Tung and Tikona on one side and Lohagad and Visapur on the other side. Access is from Lonavla-Kamshet.

TIKONA FORT (1100 m) - Kamshet to Tikona by Paud bus or jeep (8 km, via Pawna dam). Climb over the ridge near the road to top (1 hour).



TUNG FORT (1077 m) - A sharp peak surrounded by waters of Pawna dam. From Pawna dam get a boat/launch to reach Tung village. A track slowly climbs to the base of the fort. Follow the road and reach the Hanuman temple. A steep climb takes to the temple at the top (1 hour). The road at the base of the fort leads to Essar junction (10 km, 2 hour walk) on Lonavla - Sahara road. Travel to Lonavla by bus. The bus service to Tungi is less frequent.

Fort viewed from other side of Pawna lake

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LOHAGAD FORT (1040 m) - It is a beautiful fort in good condition near Lonavla. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1648 AD. From Malvali railway station walk to the Bhaje village (3 km). One can visit the group of Buddhist caves located at the base of the fort. Climb to the col of Visapur - Lohagad forts. Lohagad fort is at the right side of the col. A broad route leads through the fortifications to the top. A darga, temple and lots of construction can be seen on the fort. Panoramic view of Pawna dam, Tung, Tikona, Visapur and Lohagad forts.



VISAPUR FORT (1084 m) - Reach the col of Visapur - Lohagad and follow the left track. Trek up through the gully. One can climb down to Malvali from the other side of the fort.



RAJMACHI FORT (828 m) - It is an isolated twin fort on the Bohr pass. The higher fort is called Sreevardhan and the lower is Manranjan. From Lonavla to Tungarli lake by auto (4 km). Walk towards left and follow the road. A 10 km walk takes one to the base village Rajmachi. From the col of these forts a narrow track leads to the top. From Rajmachi one can climb down to Ulhas valley to visit Kondana caves. Cross Ulhas river and climb to Takurwadi railway station on the Karjat route. Trek takes 5 hour. From Ulhas valley one can visit BHAIROBA DHAK (10 hour trek from Tungarli lake) rock cut cave reached after a steep climb over rope - a scenic place with pinnacle and a narrow gully.

KOREGAD FORT (931 m) - From Lonavla reach Ambavne by bus or jeep (25 km). Walk towards the fort's centre. A steep route through the forest (well hidden) takes to top. Get down on the other side of the fort through regular steps. Sahara lake city and Mulshi lake (3 km) are nearby.

SUDHAGAD (620 m) - Take Bhambarde bus from Lonavla and get down at TEL BAILA. The twin pinnacle is a prominent landmark. A 4 km flat walk takes you to base of the massif. A narrow track climbs to the base of rock climbing wall where a temple is located. Tel Baila (1015 m) is a tough and interesting rock climbing route. Rope and improvised ladder are advised. From Tel Baila village get down to Konkan via Wazri pass (2 hour) and reach Dondse village. From Dondse village one can visit Sudhagad fort by following a water nullah and cross it at right. Trek takes 3 hour. Huge gateways and temple are at top. From Dhondse travel to Pali by bus. Tanale and Karsambla caves are nearby.

Tanale caves





TANALE CAVES - From Pali to Tanale by bus (30 min). To and fro trek takes 3 hour. 12 Buddhist caves, bioluminescent tree nearby.

SARASGAD - Pali is famous for Ganesh temple. Track on backside of the temple leads to Sarasgad fort (2 hour). Excellent views of the Pali town from the fort.

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PETH (473 m) - Travel from Karjat to Jamrugh and get down at Ambivili by ST. Walk to Peth village and then to Bhairobas's cave. Rock hewn steps leads to top. To and fro trek takes 3 hour.

MATHERAN (768 m) - It is a popular hill station with large number of trekking routes. Neral junction (39 m ASL) is on the Mumbai-Pune rail route. Matheran is 6 hour journey by toy train (13 km) and 30 min. by Taxi. From One tree point one can trek down to Bhorgav via Shivaji's ladder and then to Karjat road in 3 hour. Another trekking route is from Porcupine point to Dodhani village (1 hour) and then to Panvel by bus.

CHANDERI FORT (794 m) - It is a fascinating and intricate looking fort. From Vangani railway station (near Kalyan) travel to Goregaon by auto. Right side road climbs to Chinchavli village (4 km). A right track goes towards a water nullah from a hut and reach the col of Mahasmal-Chanderi. The route is over boulders and is difficult to find. Climb left ridge for the fort. A cave temple is at the base. An exposed and tricky traverse takes you to the centre of the massif. A rocky staircase leads to the top. To and fro trek takes 7 hour.

MAHASMAL (611 m) - From the col of Mahasmal - Chanderi climb right to the base of the pinnacles. Going around reach a narrow col between the second and third pinnacles. Climb the second pinnacle over the scree and boulders. A descent of 10m on the other side and a final climb of 15 m takes one to the top. On descent be careful !

DHAK PLATEAU (708 m) - Karjat to Sandshi by bus or auto. A 10 km climb to the top via Dak village. One can visit Bhimashankar or Rajmachi fort via Bhairoba Dhak cave and Valvande.

BHIMASHANKAR - One of the 12 jyotirlingas is a famous pilgrim centre. Travel from Karjat to Khandas by bus (14 km). 10 km steep climb takes you to top in 4 hour. Shiv temple is on the other side of the rock face. On the way one can see a rocky massif - Padar killa. From the gully between Bhimashankar-Padar killa climb to the top of Padar Killa.

KARNALA (470 m) - Bird Sanctuary with fort on the Panvel-Pen road. Fort has thumb like pinnacle of 50 m, which provides opportunities for rock climbing. Take care of scree and bees.

MANIKGAD (572 m) - Travel from Panvel to Vashivli by ST and get down at Vadgaon phata. Trek to Manikgad village and then to fort in 1.25 hour. Manikgad lingi and Sankshi fort are nearby.

HAJI MALANG (800 m) - Travel to Vavanje by bus from Panvel. Trek to darga of Haji Malang. The Malangad is visible to a long distance. Above the darga there are many opportunities for rock climbing . A thrilling climb takes you to top of the pinnacle via rope bridge. To and fro trek takes 6 hour. Tavli hills (800 m), a group of three pinnacles, is nearby. Tavli caves at the base of the pinnacle can be reached by a tricky and exposed traverse. Another approach is from Kalyan by bus.



MAMA BHANJA - From Thane reach Wagle estate by bus, it has good rock climbing opportunities.

MUMBRA - Near the railway station there is an interesting place for rock climbing, temple.

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BHAIRAVGAD (866 m) - From Kalyan travel to Morroshi (after Vaishakare). From Malsej Ghat road the pinnacle can be seen. A track at the right side of the road climbs to the base of the pinnacle. To and fro trek takes 3 hour. A formidable rock climb takes to top.

HARISHCHANDRAGAD (1427 m) - Kalyan to Malsej by bus (2 hour). On Malsej ghat get down for fort. The road over bund leads to Khireshwer (3 km). A broad path leads to a gully and a flat long walk takes to base of the fort. It is a remote fort with water reservoirs, temples and caves. There is a cave with large 'linga' at the centre of water. Konkan Kada, a huge semi circular wall of 300 m, is the main attraction. Light objects when thrown are lifted by strong winds. To and fro trek takes 8 hour (5+3).

SHIVNERI (1080 m) - This fortress was the birth place of Shivaji (1637 AD) located 3 km from Junnar. Large arch and minarets of a mosque are visible from a long distance. From the two storied temple one can get down through a steep route (located at the middle of the fort/behind hotel Ashiana on main road). To and fro trek takes 2 hour. From Junnar one can visit the nearby ruined fort. Lenyadri caves are nearby - Astavinayak, pilgrim centre. 12 huge radio telescopes are near Narayangaon.

CHAWAND (990 m) - By Ghatghar/Anjanavale bus reach Kukudeshwar from Junnar. An easy steep climb leads to top (Steel ladder is visible from the road). Ancient temple and water cisterns are on the summit. To and fro trek takes 1.5 hour.

JIVDHAN (1147 m) - Reach Ghatghar from Junnar by bus . A flat walk (3 km) takes one to a ridge at the left side of the fort. From the base of the rock wall left side exposed route leads to the base of Vandar lingi pinnacle (60 m). A steep rock climbing route to the top for professional climbers. Traverse on right side leads to blown away steps of the fort (15 m). It has good foot and finger holds for climbing up. From the top one can see Nane ghat and Vandar lingi pinnacle. To and fro trek takes 3.5 hour.



NANE GHAT/PASS (832 m) - It is a prominent nose like projection when viewed from Malsej road. Nane pass has inscriptions, water cisterns and caves on the way. From Ghatghar walk on the unmettaled road to the pass. A broad route climbs down to Konkan (Vaisakhare on Malsej road, 20 km).

GHORAKHGAD-MACHINDER PINNACLES - From Kalyan/Karjat reach Mhasa by bus (30 km). Travel to Dehri by jeep (10 km). Walk towards the pinnacles over the ridge at right. Ghorakhgad has a huge cave and water cisterns at the base. A steep rocky staircase leads to the temple at top. Excellent views of Machinder and Siddhagad (984 m, access from Nariveli ghat). Trek takes 6 hour except the final rock climb on Machinder.

MACHINDER PINNACLE - From the base of the Ghorakhgad traverse to the col of the pinnacles. Climb over the ridge steeply to top. Final stage (20 m) is rock climb with rope over loose rocks. Go prepared for the climb and be careful while descending.

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MAHULI (762 m) : There are two formations - Mahuli and Chanderi. The pinnacles can be seen from Asangaon station. Chanderi is tricky and steep with good views of imposing pinnacles. Travel from Kalyan to Asangaon station by train (Kasara). Reach Mahuli village by auto (5 km). A track on the right side climb up the gully in the east face, reaching the saddle at 600 m. The fort has a large plateau having a water tank and excellent views of Tansa lake. To and fro trek takes 4 hour.

Bandaragad fort is near and can be reached by basic rock climbing. Palasgad is at the same plateau.

KULANG (1473 m) - Kulang offers one of the highest climbs from the base. From Igatpuri to Bavli (8 km) by Manveda bus. Follow the road 1 km and take the left track which climb to Kulangwadi (2 hour, one way). Reach the base of the col of Kulang and chota Kulang. Left track leads to a ridge. Climb the ridge via carved steps to top (4 hour trek from Kulangwadi to fort and back). Excellent views of Madangad, Alang and Kalsubai. A huge cave and water cisterns are on the fort.

MADANGAD (1473 m) - The fort has a huge hole at the right hand top. Reach Kulangwadi as in Kulang and approach the col of Alang and Madangad (Shiv Khind). From the col follow the right exposed track to the bottom of the rock climbing wall. After a 13 m rock climb with rope steps leads to top. Excellent views of Alang and Kulang. A cave at good condition at the top. The trek from Kulangwadi to fort and back takes 5.5 hour.

ALANG (1482 m) - Three fourth of the fort has to be traversed in atleast three times. From the col of Alang and Madangad (Shiv Khind) descend on left to the forest. A flat traverse to almost end of the fort and a small rock climb takes one to the next level of the fort. Another long flat exposed traverse takes to the other end of the fort near Madangad. A cave can be seen here and the track climbs to the top. The summit has water cisterns and a temple.

PATTA (1390 m) - Travel to Konkanwadi phata via Taked by Sinnar bus (30 km, 1145 am). Trek to fort via Konkanwadi. Follow the easy 'kachha' road to the temple, 2 caves, a cave cum water tank, a small tunnel and to the top plateau. There is a Muslim style (domed) construction in fairly good condition and few water tanks. One km flat walk leads 12 water cisterns in series and two fairly large caves near the summit. The summit is having an grant view of Avandh fort (1322 m), windmills and lakes.

KALSUBAI (1650 m) - This beautifully shaped peak is the highest peak in Maharashtra. By Bhandardara bus get down at Bari (792 m). An easy route gradually climbs to top. Three iron ladders on the way makes the climb easy. The top is rocky with a fantastic view. A small temple of Devi Kalsubai at the top is legendary and receives many pilgrims. For a change, climb down to Udhavne village on the other side. To and fro trek takes 4 hour.

GHANCHAKKAR (1536 m) - It has many ridges and walls on all sides. By Sangamner bus get down at Randha falls after Bhandardara and walk to Katalpur. A long climb over the barren slopes to top. To and fro trek takes 4 hour.

AJOBA (1378 m) - From Bhandardara lake reach Kalthembe via Muthkel (10 km). Track leads to base of Ratangad and then to col of Kathra. Descend to Kumshet village and reach the base of Ajoba. A zig zag tricky route leads to top. Kathra (1410 m) is between Ajoba and Ratangad fort (1300 m).

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ANJANERI FORT (1303 m) - Nashik to Trimbakeshwar by bus (30 km). ST stand to Anjaneri village and then to fort (5 km).

BRAHMAGIRI (1303 m) - Near Trimbakeshwar. Regular steps leads to the temple at the top. Trek takes 1.5 hour. Harhar fort (1123 m) and Fani Dongar are nearby.

DHODAP (1454 m) - From Nashik/Lasalgaon to Vadala bhoi (50 km) by bus. Then to Dhodambe by truck (7 km). Walk to Hatti village and then to Sonar's village at the upper Plateau (10 km). The top can be reached by a 70m rock climb.

IKARIA PINNACLE (1454 m) - Near Dhodap and it is purely rock climbing route.

CHANDWAD - From Lasalgaon railway station, ahead of Nashik, get Chandwad bus (20 km). A temple is on the ridge and the way leads to top. Access to the fort requires a 13 m rock climb with rope.

INDRAI KILLA (1373 m) - Proceed on Mumbai - Agra NH 3 from Chandwad and follow a cart road on left. 8 km walk and a steep climb takes one to the fort. Caves and temples are at top. Sade Teen is nearby.

RAJDHER FORT (1093 m) - From Indrai Killa proceed to Rajdher village and then to backside of the fort. A 100 m rock climb with rope takes one to top.

HADBI CHI SHENDI - A thumb like pinnacle (75 m), 5 km after Manmad railway station. Reach Katarwadi village and climb to the base of the pinnacle. Climbing the pinnacle is difficult due to unsafe rocks and steepness.



SALHER (1617 m) - Highest fort in Sahyadri. A huge cave and water cisterns just below the top and a temple at the top. From Nashik to Tahirabad via Satana and then to Mulher. Mulher fort can be climbed in 3 hour. Reach Vaghambe by bus and walk towards the col of Salher and Salota. Regular steps leads to top. From the col a rocky staircase leads to Salota.