Monthly Archives: July 2016

Sudhagad Fort Trek

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The majestic Sudhagad Fort
The majestic Sudhagad Fort

Location: Pali , Pachahapur
Distance from Mumbai: 110 km
Distance from Pune: 120 km
Trekking Duration: 1 day
Trek Length: 2 hours
Starting Point: Pachchapur ( Thakurwadi village)
Best Season to Visit: Monsoon and Winter season
Difficulty Level: Easy
Height: 590 mt (1935 feet) above sea level

A trekker makes his way on the wet stairs of Sudhagad Fort during the monsoon
A trekker makes his way on the wet stairs of Sudhagad Fort during the monsoon

A brief history : The origins of the fort can be traced to the 2nd – century when it was originally called as ‘Bhorapgad’. According to historical records, during the early part of the 15th – century the fort was captured by the Bahamani Sultan and later in the 16th – century it was captured by the Marathas and named ‘Sudhagad’ which means Sweet One in  Marathi.

Trekkers on their way

The Sudhagad fort is one of the most beautiful forts in the Sahyadri ranges and is mostly visited by trekkers for a one day trek as it has a very easy endurance level.Sudhagad is an amazing place to trek during the monsoon and seems like a stairway to heaven. The fort is surrounded by lush greenery and the weather is just beautiful.

Trekkers have a good time at the summit
Trekkers have a good time at the summit

Once at the summit there is a 50 acre plateau with undulating green meadows and is a perfect place to sit or lie down and stare at the beautiful landscape amidst the clouds.

One of secret escape routes at Sudhagad Fort.
One of secret escape routes at Sudhagad Fort.

What to see at the fort:

  • Massive gateways of the fort
  • Secret escape routes within the fort
  • View of the surrounding valleys and mountains
  • Water reservoirs at the top
  • Old ruins
  • Temples of Lord Shiva and Bhoraidevi
  • Tombs

Camping at Sudhagad

Camping Info:

Camping is a good idea at Sudhagad fort only if you plan to trek the Sarasgad fort nearby too otherwise it is not sensible to camp here if you are just trekking at Sudhagad fort. There are a few ancient caves where trekkers can take shelter, but it is strongly recommended to take your own tents along and carry some ready to cook food that can be made easily on a bonfire, also do carry sufficient water.

Trekkers pose for snaps at the iron stairway at Sudhagad Fort
Trekkers pose for snaps at the iron stairway at Sudhagad Fort

How to reach:

From Mumbai or Thane trekkers can board public transport buses upto Pali. From Pali they can take a local transport upto Pachchapur  which is 12 km away. After reaching Pachchapur they can walk up to Thakurwadi village which is 1 k m away and is the base village for the trek.

The best way to reach Sudhagad Fort is by car and the best route from Mumbai is  Mumbai -> Khopoli -> Pali -> Pachchapur village – > Sudhgad Fort

There is no train service available on this route.

For bookings for a Monsoon Trek to Sudhagad Fort  PLEASE CLICK  HERE

Caution: The roads and trails leading to the fort are quite slippery during Monsoon so be careful while venturing on a trek.For more information read: Precautions to be taken during Monsoon trekking.

Prabalgad Fort Trek

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A view of the Prabalgad fort from the base village
A view of the Prabalgad fort from the base village

Location: Panvel.
Distance from Mumbai: 55 km
Distance from Pune : 120 km
Trekking Duration: 1 day.
Trek Length: 1 hour.
Starting Point: Prabalmachi (Thakurwadi) is the base village.
Best Season to Visit: All round the year.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium.
Height: 700 mt (2300 feet) above sea level.

A brief history:

The Prabalgad Fort is situated between Panvel and Matheran at a height of 2300 feet in the Western Ghats. It was built on a rocky plateau and was known as Muranajan during the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate, but was renamed by the Marathas under the rule of Shivaji.

Trekkers make their way up to the summit.
Trekkers make their way up to the summit.

The trek begins at the base village of Thakurwadi, initially it is an easy trek, but as it progresses, it does have a few difficult climbs and can be attempted by beginners.

A huge plateau at the top of the fort.
A huge plateau at the top of the fort.

Once at the summit you will find a huge plateau without any fort structure, but being here is an awesome feeling as you are now at the peak in the middle of a jungle.

A splendid view of the valley and Kalavantin Durg from the Prabalgad fort
A splendid view of the valley and Kalavantin Durg from the Prabalgad fort

From here trekkers can enjoy splendid views of the surrounding valleys, pinnacles and landscapes. They can relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere which is misty and surrounded by clouds.

Trekkers enjoy themselves at a waterfall
Trekkers enjoy themselves at a waterfall

Note:

Do carry sufficient snacks and water and if you are visiting this place for the first time it is advisable to hire a local guide as the trail is confusing and not well marked to the top.

What to see at and from the fort:

  • View of Pinnacles
  • View of the surrounding valleys and mountains
  • View of Kalavantin Durg
  • View of the Matheran hill range
  • Irshalgad Fort
  • View of Ulahas, Gadhi and Patalganga River
A group enjoys an overnight camp at the Prabalgad Fort
A group enjoys an overnight camp at the Prabalgad Fort

Camping Info:

Trekkers planning a twin trek to Prabalgad Fort and Kalavantin Durg can opt for camping but make sure you get your entire camping gear which includes tents. Trekkers can also opt for an overnight stay at the hotels at the base village of Prabalmachi.

How to reach:

Prabalgad fort can be reached via Panvel. From Mumbai and Thane, there are several S.T buses and other means of transport to reach Panvel.

Once trekkers reach Panvel they can again board an S.T. bus or take any other local transport (share auto rickshaws) and reach the base village Thakurwadi which is 15 km from Panvel.

Trekkers can also catch a local train to Panvel and from there on  board an S.T. bus or take any other local transport (share auto rickshaws) and reach the base village Thakurwadi which is 15 km from Panvel.

For bookings for a Monsoon Trek to  Prabalgad Fort PLEASE CLICK  HERE

Caution: The roads and trails leading to the fort are quite slippery during Monsoon so be careful while venturing on a trek.For more information read: Precautions to be taken during Monsoon trekking.

Raigad Fort Trek

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A birds eye view of the Raigad Fort
A birds eye view of the Raigad Fort

Location: Mahad, Raigad District
Distance from Mumbai: 170 km
Distance from Pune: 150 km
Trekking Duration: 1 day.
Trek Length: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Starting Point: Pachad village is the base village
Best Season to Visit: All round the year.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium.
Height: 820 mt (2700 feet) above sea level.

A green cover during the monsoon season
A green cover during the monsoon season

A brief history:

The Raigad fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj and was made his capital in the year 1674 when he was crowned King of the Maratha Empire. Since then the fort had an interesting history and many legends associated with it. Later during the 18th century the British laid siege and destroyed the Fort.

Trekkers enjoy themselves at a waterfall as they trek the Raigad Fort.
Trekkers enjoy themselves at a waterfall as they trek the Raigad Fort.

In present times, the Raigad Fort is known for its immense beauty and waterfalls and remains a paradise for trekkers, hikers and campers from Mumbai and Pune. This fort is strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and is inaccessible from three sides.

Trekkers make their way to the summit.
Trekkers make their way to the summit.

The fort rises at 2700 feet above sea level and is located in the Sahyadri mountain range and trekking here is a great experience. There are a series of 1750 steps that will take you to the top of the fort.

Steps leading to the Raigad fort
Steps leading to the Raigad fort

A trek here is completely safe and many trekkers even opt for a night trek which is a great experience. While trekking at Raigad trekkers need not worry about food and water as it is easily available at the many shops at the base and the top of the fort.

The Rope way leading to the top of Raigad Fort
The Rope way leading to the top of Raigad Fort

For tourists who are with family and children and are not interested in trekking they can opt for the ropeway which will take them directly to the top of the fort within 5 minutes.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Raigad fort.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Raigad fort.

Note:

Trekkers should be aware that Raigad Fort is much more than a tourist attraction and is considered a holy place by locals and many others from different parts of Maharashtra since it is home to the Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj hence trekkers are advised to be sensitive to the emotions attached to this fort.

An old Canon at the fort belonging to the Marathas now lies idle
An old Canon at the fort belonging to the Marathas now lies idle

What to see at and from the fort:

  • Market Place
  • Holicha Mal
  • Hirkani Buruj
  • Tak Mak Tok Point
  • Jagdishwar Temple
  • Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj
  • Throne of Shivaji Maharaj
  • Queen’s Palace
  • Meena Darwaza
  • Ropeway

and many more attractions.

Camping Info:

Raigad fort is ideal for camping as there is a lot of open space where trekkers can pitch their tents or alternatively stay in one of the hotels or resorts at the base or top of the fort.

Camping at Raigad Fort
Camping at Raigad Fort

How to reach:

On a daily basis, there are many S.T. buses plying from various locations in Mumbai and Thane for Raigad. A journey by bus will take you about 4 hours hence start early in the morning. Trekkers can also travel by private cars and cabs and can reach Raigad within 2 hours.

For bookings for a Monsoon Trek to Raigad Fort PLEASE CLICK  HERE

Caution: The roads and trails leading to the fort are quite slippery during Monsoon so be careful while venturing on a trek.For more information read: Precautions to be taken during Monsoon trekking.