तिकोना, तुंग आणि कोरीगड

TIKONA FORT

Tikona (also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune. The village nearest to the fort is called Tikona-Peth or Tokono-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle".
fort Tikona can be clearly identified from the new expressway. 
Little is known about the origins of this fort. There is a vihara on the fort datable to circa seventh-eight centuries Malik Ahmed Nizamshah of the Nizam dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657, Shivaji brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur.

We started our trek from the village of Tikona Peth. To reach this village, we had

private vehicles.
A bus at 08:30 a.m. at Kamshet bound for Paund or Morsay is convenient for reaching Tikona Peth. From Tikona Peth the fort can be reached in about 45 minutes. This straight route is quite simple. The whole fort can be seen in an hour's time, as the area is not so big. Turn left to the entrance. In a short while a cave can be seen. About 10 to 15 persons can be stay in this cave. However, it is not suitable for a stay during monsoon. The path going uphill adjacent to the cave takes us to the entrance to the bastion. The steps in this stretch are a bit tiring. One can see cisterns on the right and fortification on the left after passing through the entrance. After taking a few steps straight ahead, a trail climbs down on our right. Here too are a few cisterns. Return back and join the main path, which takes us to a stretch of broken steps. A climb uphill brings us to a Mahadev temple, behind which is a big moat. This moat takes us to the flag-post. From the bastion one can have a view of adjacent fort Tung, Lohgad, Visapur, Bhatrashi hill, Morse hill, Jambhuli hill, Pauna region and Fagne dam. Thus, the whole of Mawal region is visible from fort Tikona.

After That we headed towards Tung Fort....

TUNG FORT

As the name Tung (Kathin) suggests, we may assume that the trek of this fort is very difficult, but it’s very easy. The fort Tung was built to protect the region of Pavan Maval.
This fort was built with an intention to keep watch on transport from Bor Ghat. From this fort we can easily locate Lohgad, Visapur & Pavan Maval.

This fort was not as significant as others in the history. In 1657, it became a part of Swarajya with all other forts situated in Maval region. In 1660, Netaji Palkar was appointed to protect this region. In 1665, Jaysingh invaded this region. Dilerkhan and others destroyed the villages around Tung & Tikona, but were unable to conquer these forts.
Its sharp, conical peak makes Tung Fort a prominent landmark, even from a distance. It has an oval shape, thick walls and numerous bastions. A steep climb on grassy slopes leads to the ruins of a temple at the summit.

As the top of the fort is very small, it takes only 1 hour to see it. Way towards the fort goes along the temple of Maruti. From here we can go further by steps. After few minutes we reach at Hanuman Mandir. Next to this is the main entrance to the fort. Through this we can go at the top. At right side we see Ganesh Mandir. At the backside, we see water trench. From here we head towards citadel. Here we see temple of Tung Devi. Opposite to it is a cave in ground.

Lots of Trekkers do this Trek together so we did, It was simple to do this forts in a single day and because of own vehical we had much time to do one more fort which we desided to do at last minute of 7pm same day. We desided to do Korigad....

KORIGAD

Korigad (also called Koraigad, Koarigad or Kumwarigad) is a fort located about 20 km away from Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500. It is about 929 m above sea level. The closest village is Peth Shahpur.


      Shivaji Maharaj incorporated this fort in Swarajya along with Lohgad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On March 11, 1818, Col. Prother invaded this fort but could not succeed even after prolonged fighting. Finally he succeeded on 14th March, by dropping a cannon ball where the ammunition was stored. Along with this fort the English also conquered Ghangad.

Koraigad appears like a wall from Peth Shahpur. On the top of the fort is a huge plateau. The ramparts on this fort are around 1 ½ kms in length. One can move along the complete top of the fort by walking on the bailey. While coming up from the Peth-Shahpur route, we come across many caves, some cisterns and an idol of lord Ganesh. After entering the Ganesh Darwaaja (Peth Shahpur route), we can see the remnants of the old buildings. Here we can see the temple of Goddess Korai Devi. This temple has been renovated recently. There is a “DEEPMALA” right in front of the temple. The idol of Korai Devi is around 4 feet high. There are many bastions on the Southern side of the fort. There are 6 cannons on this fort. There are two more temples on the fort. There are two large ponds on this fort and ahead of them are two caves.

After roaming around fort we spend 15-20 min. for see The Aamby Vally from top view....

This is the smallest and fastest fort I have seen in my all treks..... ;-)

Some Pics From Group:

https://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektotiknatungkorigad

माहुली

MAHULI FORT

Mahuli Fort At 2815 ft., It is the highest point in the Thane district. The forest surrounding Mahuli has been declared as a sanctuary. Besides an open Shiva temple there is a small perennial drinking water cistern on top, three caves of which the larger can be used as overnight shelter, like as on many other such natural hill forts of Maharashtra Western Ghats. There is a stone arch historically known as the 'Kalyan Darwaja' but the dome of the arch is now broken.

We reach Asangaon by Kasara train. From Asangaon station by walking or by auto we reach at Mahuli gaon. It is 5 km away from Asangaon station. After get down by train we crossed the national highway (commonly known as 'Agra Road'), walked about 1 km towards Shahpur on the highway. Then turn left on the road going to Manas Mandir (a religious place for the Jain community) don't turn right for Manas Mandir but keep walking straight ahead past a government forest check post, towards Mahuli Village. Walk through the village and reach the Shiva temple right at the base of the fort. From this way we have to go by a ladder. The climb was steeper when we were at the base of the fort. Finally we landed up below an iron ladder that's strategically placed over a tricky rock patch just below the fort walls. from the ladder, we could see the Flag of the Maratha. We climbed the ladder after 4 hours of trekking, we were on top of the fort. 
In another 10 minutes, we reached a couple of caves. Under a tree above the caves, there was a Shiv-Ling along with idols of Lord Hanuman and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We went towards Bhandargad to see the Kalyan Mahadarwaza along with the multiple pinnacles and towards Palasgad to view the Tansa Lake. Also, it was raining heavily. Important thing was we had one printed map which was taken from Google Image Search.

And we desided to find every palce shown in the map.

We had succsessfully found most of the things exclude Kalyan Darwaja and Bandargad/Chanderi.

As I said because of rain it was getting more difficult to find those things so we desided to get down for Village for Lunch.

Overall, it was an exciting, adventurous trek that pushed us to our limits physically.

Note: 

Water is available in reservoirs in front of gatehouses at Mahuli. 

Mahuli is Easy from Asangaon- this is most trodden way.

It is Difficult from Vasind. It will take 6-8 hours from Vasind (Kalyan Darwaaja).

Please do not take vasind route in mansoon

Some Pics From Group :

https://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektomahuligad

लोहगड आणि वीसापुर

                                LOHAGAD FORT

It is situated 52km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet.

Lohgad was one of the most important forts of Satwaahan Period, which takes us to 2000 to 2500 years back. Bhaje & Bedse caves where used by Buddhist monks to stay.
It had been built with a primary intention to keep a watch on Nane Maval, Korbaarse Maval and Andhra Maval. In 1630, the fort went under the control of Adilshah. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648, two years after he captured Torna. Netaji Palkar was appointed to look after the fort and the surrounding region.

Spots :

Vinchu Kata :

      As we enter the Ganesh Darwaaja, we come across an inscription on a rectangular stone. If it is not stone, one has to check every stone there. The words on it tell that the construction was initiated and done by Dhondopant under Nana Phadnis.Between Narayan & Hanuman Darwaaja there are two go downs. These were used for storage of granary. After entering the Maha Darwaaja we come across an old 'Dargah'. Besides the Dargah we come across the remnants of the court. Going towards right we come across 'Laxmi Kothi'. It is a big cave where 50 people can stay. The Kothi has many rooms. On Lohgad Laxmi Kothi is the only place for us to stay. The treasury of Nana Phadnis was kept here. In front of this place are two cannons. Besides the cave are many other caves. On the northern side of the fort is a newly built Dargah. 
Going ahead from the old Dargah towards right there is small a temple of Lord Shiva. Going ahead we come across a small lake besides which there are drinking water reservoirs. This is only place on fort where we can get drinking water. After walking 15 to 20 min we come to a bigger lake, which was built by Nana Phadanavis. The lake is polygonal with 16 sides, and was constructed by Nana Phadnis. 

Vinchu Kata

Viewing from the fort this portion looks like scorpion’s sting and hence it is called 'Vinchu Kata'. As named, this portion was to keep a watch on the surrounding region. Ample quantity of water is available in this area. This 'Vinchu Kata' was used for keeping a watch on the nearby area. Here we can see some cannons.

Bhaje Caves :
     Bhaje caves are near Malavali. The ancient Viharas and Stupas of Buddhists indicate that they were Heenyana Buddhists. Mahayana Buddhists carved idols of Buddha. Here we can find 8 more Stupas. There is a temple, which is Surya-Mandir or Temple of Sun. the chariot of Sun God is carved here. The constructions here are more than 2000 years. The wooden planks used here have not degraded yet. The place is now under the care of ASI.

How To Reach :
      We were get down at Malavali(On Mumba- Pune Train Route) station near to Lonavala. After crossing the Express-Highway & reaching Bhaje village we get straight route to Lohgad. After walking for 1.5 to 2 hours & turning to right from `Gaimukh Khind` we will reach to Lohgad. Turning to left we reach to Visapur. At the base of the fort we have a village called Lohgaon. We can reach to the top of fort by stairs. We will come across four doors while reaching the top. The first one is called 'Ganesh Darwaaja', second one is called 'Narayan Darwaaja', third one is called 'Hanuman Darwaaja' & fourth one is called 'Maha Darwaaja'. Out of this Hanuman Darwaaja is the most ancient of all the doors.

While returning from Lohgad We were desided to visit Visapur Fort also...

Notes :       

In Laxmi Kothi nearly 50 persons can be accommodated.

Food is available at Lohgaon and we can also carry our own food.

Drinking water is present throughout the year.

VISAPUR FORT

It is located in Pune district, 2.5 km from Malavli Railway station. It has an elevation of 1084 meters above sea level. It is built on the same plateau as Lohagad. Lohgad is related to many significant historical events. Much of it is known. Unlike that, much less is known about Visapur. In spite of being a very big fort, protected by a highly impregnable fortification and presence of a large plateau, less is written about it.

The mountain of Visapur is significant, as Bhaje caves have been carved out in the same mountain. The destruction caused by Mughals and English is clearly evident from the injuries on the Bhaje caves. These beautiful caves could have been bombarded by cannon balls, because much of their part has been broken.

Carving of Hanuman

Spots :
The main of this fort is the strong built on a large plateau, to make it one of the strongest forts. A large plateau of this size is found on many less forts. It is difficult to fire cannons on the fort due to its position. We can see the injuries of destruction caused by Mughals and British on Bhaje caves, but this has not affected Visapur much. On this same plateau we can see a huge stone wheel. It was used for grinding the mixture of lime, jaggery & lead. This mixture was used as cementing material for building purposes. The wheel was driven by bulls, and is the big one of its kind.
The ruins of a large stone-built house are known as the Peshwa's palace. In addition to a huge carving of Hanuman, there are also several temple dedicated to him scattered all over the place.

How To Reach:
The route is from just before Lohgaon. From here after reaching Gaimukh Khind we go towards left, which takes us to Visapur fort. This way also takes us through jungle and is much better. This must have been the main entrance, as it is in front of the main door to Lohgad. Moreover well-cut steps are seen here.

Notes:
There are two caves, which can accommodate 40 to 50 persons.

We have to carry our own food. Also available in base village

The lake water on the fort is suitable for drinking.

Some Pics From Group:

https://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektolohgadandvisapure

नाणेघाट

NANEGHAT

Naneghat is a mountain pass near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. During the reign of the Satavahana(200 BCE–190 CE), the pass was extensively used as a trade route between Kalyan and Junnar. Literally, the name nane means "coin" and ghat means "pass". The name is given because this path was used as a tollbooth to collect toll from traders crossing the hills.

Last minute of the plan we desided to a night trek to Naneghat so we started 22nd may midnight means 23rd...
At 12.30am we took a bus from Kalyan Bus stand to Naneghat, we were very excited about this trek; within 2hrs we reached base of Naneghat. We began with our trek, for the first half hour it’s just a plain walk…greenery everywhere with a dark..after walking for half hour we came across a small stream and after crossing this stream we found out two ways (Right and left…but both the path after climbing up for around 1 1/2hrs merge into one path) to reach our destination…so we choose to move ahead with the right side direction…like every trek we were enjoying this trek but slowly the path got steeper and we found it little tough to climb the route…we started taking more breaks as we were tired…
The route passed between the trees, mountains & waterfalls…after climbing for 2 hrs we took a break As we started moving ahead the path got much more steeper as the path is made mostly of rock cut steps that have been made by people who used to use this for trekking purpose…finally after climbing for 3 ½ hrs we reached the Naneghat Cave @ 5 am the cave can accommodate 40-45 people and can be used for overnight trekking….

As soon as we reached the cave we saw a big group were already there in the cave but we got a small corner for rest as we all were very tired… after taking rest for around 2hrs we went to visit the surrounding area in the morning…then we climbed at top of the mountain and from there we got a clear view of the nearby forts and the plateaus…

At the beginning of the pass there is a big pot embedded made up of rocks…this pot was used to collect coins from the traders who used to pass from this route…hence it got the name as “ Naneghat” - Nane means “ Coins” and Ghats means “Pass". There is a small Ganpati murti carved in a small cave and also a Shivling near the temple…coming down was easier but it was difficult to balance ourself as our legs were unstable due to tiredness…but after few minutes we were fine…while coming down we took the other route…within 1 1/2hr we reached down to the stream…here we took rest for few minutes just to freshen up ourself…

It was one of the memorable trek so far…from here we got a bus to Kalyan station…we were happy to visit this place and had a wonderful experience --

Some pics by group :-

https://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektonaneghat

कोथळिगड (पेठचा किल्ला)

Kothaligad (Peth)

Kothaligad is a small Fort (1500 ft) is situated to the east of Karjat in Maharashtra. Kothaligad is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base. This fort though small in stature has a vast historical background. This fort was more of a ‘defense station’ than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage. Peth gained importance during Sambhaji’s era.

To get to Kothligad one has to first reach Karjat. Karjat can be reached by central railway local trains. Karjat to Ambivali (base village) S.T buses are available, first bus from Karjat to Ambivali is at 8:15 a.m. From Ambivali top of Kothligad can be reached via Peth in two and half hours. This was our night trek because of high summer heat. We had rented a jeep from karjat station. 

The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. It looks like a filed surface. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well-sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading the pinnacle. From the top of the pinnacle look out for Bhimashankar towards north, Dhak Bahiri & Rajmachi towards south-west. The cave on the fort is the best place to spend a night. There are many a cisterns and tanks on the fort, but the one near the cave is drinkable.

Some pics by group : - 

http://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektokothaligad

पदरगड

PADARGAD

Height:-2202ft.

Base:-Khandas(from karjat)

Approach:-on the way to bhimashankar

Difficulty:-Difficult(one rock patch-need rope)

Water:- not available

Padargad is a small fort near the peak of bhimashankar at an height of 2202'. It is difficult to climb and there is a rock climb. One should carry a rope

We went there about 7 people. We all started from Dombivli station and took a last local train for karjat(1.54am, midnight) and reached there at 2.57am something. We had booked one private vehical in Karjat. We had to go to Khandas(the base village). 

 After that the real trek began. It is a regular path as it is the path leading to bhimashankar too. The path went on level ground for a while and then began to ascend. We walked a lot till we reached a ganpati temple. Due to this temple this ghat is known as ganapati ghat. Then then there was another steeper ascent to a plateau at the end of which there was well. From here padargad looks beautiful.

  Then  we took the path which branched off from the main path just after the well which led us to padar fort. The path to padar went into a jungle. Another path branched off and it emerged out of the jungle to a gully ascending steeeeply to the fort. There were a few boulders and there was a small tree supported scree patch. At the end of the gully,there is a chimney. Few of the group went up to trace the routewhich had a rock patch. We were stuck in the chimney for 45 mins at least. The chimney was tackled by a small climb(difficult for some of our members as anybody hasnt any experiance of chimani climbing). It was a bit difficult. At the end of the climb was a scree patch the rope took us to the top of that patch. From here We could see peth fort clearly and the peak of bhimashankar too. We noticed that we had climbed a lot! The route ahead was simple but not easy. We could spot some steps here. There was another very small climb (fortunately in the shade-we had come on to the other side of the fort face. After that broad and big steps lead us to the top plateau.

Here was nothing atop the fort excepting a few dry water tanks. A small cave was also siuated here. This fort is also known as 'Kalavanticha Mahal'. There was a big pinnacle and another smaller one atop. The cave was on the face of the bigger pinnacle. The view was great from here one could see peth, bhimashankar, sidddhagad clearly. We done this trek without any rope but it is necessary to have one experienced guide for both the big patches. 
We took rest in caves and after some cam clicks we headed back to down for lunch which we already booked to some villager on the way from khandas. after luch we came back to khandas(base village) @hired jeep for return to sweet home with lot of new experienced of CHIMANI CLIMB.....

Some pics :- 
http://www.sahyadriskada.com/trektopadargad

सिद्धगड आणि गोरखगड

Siddhagad 

This hill fort had tallest hight to climb in all forts in Maharashtra is about 910 meters.
  

Siddhagad

Team :
Purushottam, Shivaji, Bhushan, Siddhesh, Prashant, Vishal, Dhananjay & Amay    

 Our story to Siddhagad : 

We started our trek on Saturday morning meeting at Kalyan station at 5:30 am. From their we took a bus at 6:00 am for Murbad which reaches at 7:00 at Murbad from their we took a bus at 7.15 for Ghasai and get down at Narivali at 8:00 am which is the base village of Siddhagad.

There is a tea stall at the Narivali bus stop of Mr. Yaswant Bhamade who provide refreshment for the trekkers. We kept our luggage at his place took the breakfast in the morning and started for our journey to Siddhagad at 9:15 am.

Temple at Siddhwadi

There are marks on the way to reach Siddhagad in between there is Siddhawadi where one can stay while climbing. We reached Siddhawadi at around 12:30 pm in afternoon. We decided to take our lunch over there.  Started to walk at the top at 1:15 pm From Siddhawadi it took 1hr and 45 minutes to reach at the top i.e. we reached around 2:45 pm at top which is known as ‘Bale Killa’. We stayed over there for ½ hr. and started stepping down at 3:15 pm it took us heardly 45 min to reach siddhawadi i.e. by 4:00.

Bale Killa

 

We had our lunch at 4:15 pm rested for while and again started our journey towards Narivali village where we kept our luggage. We started moving by 5:00 pm, so that it should not get darker in the jungle while stepping down. It took 2½ hrs. to reach Narivali i.e. 7:30 pm. we have decided to stay at Narivali for the rest.

Gorakhgad 

About : 
Gorakhgad is a small fort at Dehri village near Murbad. Named after Saint Goraknath, the fort is at a height of 2150 ft above sea level. This fort is made with dike like pinnacle at the bottom of Sahyadri range. Fully stone curved steps to top telling its age is more than 1000 years. It was had strategic importance during the reign of Shahaji Raje. However, no major battle is recorded to have taken place here.The fort gets its name from Saint Gorakhnath, who performed his “Sadhana” in this place.

Gorakhgad

Our story to Gorakhgad : 

Mahadeo temple with Nandi

After rest at Narivali Village we started our journey 6:30am for Gorakhgad. We had breakfast at around 7:00 am and we took our luggage and moved forward for Dehri village. The treat we received from Yashwant Family during our stay was very nice. From Narivali it took hardly 20 min. to reach Dehri. One can also walk which takes 1 hr. to reach Dehri. At 7:45 we left Yashwant house and reach Dehri by 8:10 am. After going Dehri there is one shop were we have to registered our names who all are visiting Gorakhgad. We decided to have a lunch in afternoon over that place only, so we decided to kept our luggage at his place only and start towords Gorakhgad. It takes only 3hrs to reach at top.

The best part of Gorakhgad is not complete without reaching the top of the pinnacle. Facing the cave, move ahead towards your right. Just after a short walk some steps can be seen on your left, which take you to the top. The top of the fort is very small. There is a small Mahadeo temple with Nandi. A wide region ranging from Siddhagad and Machchindragad up to Ahupe Ghat and Jeevdhan in the Naneghat area towards north can be seen from the fort-top. By 1.00pm we are at the same place where we registered our names for lunch. 

Happy Trekking....

Some Pics From Group : 

http://sahyadriskada.com/trektosiddhagadandgorakhgad