Ghangad Fort — Attraction in Maharashtra

🚩 जगदंब 🚩 Ghangad fort trek is situated about 30km from Lonavla-Khandala in Maharashtra. It is about 100 km from Pune in Maharashtra state and is an important part of the Pune district. The fort has been restored by Shivaji Trail group with the help of local villagers. Restoration work took place in 2011-12.

History : Very less information is available about the history of the fort. However it is atleast 300 years old. Ghangad fort was used for keeping prisoners. It was also used as a watchtower for keeping watch on the trade route from Pune to Konkan. The Marathas ruled this fort until 1818. The fort was surrendered to British forces after the fall of Korigad on 17-March-1818.

Geography : The Ghangad fort trek is surrounded by Korigad, Telbaila and Sudhagad, but is still deserted and remote. There are two gates on the fort. The main entrance gate has a missing arch. There is a rock cut water cistern on the way to the second gate. The water is available round the year for drinking purpose. There are remains of few dilapidated building on the Balekilla. The top of Ghangad Fort offers panoramic views of the TailBaila, Korigad, Mulshi dam and Sudhagad fort. An interesting and picturesque feature of the Ghangad fort is a huge slab of rock which has fallen off the mountain wall and still rests against it, forming a small tunnel. There is a cave at the back side of the cave which is difficult to reach. There is a water cistern beyond the slab of rock which has a very risky exposed traverse approach.

Trail : The trekking path starts from the hill to the south of the Ekole village. The route is well defined and safe. The trekking route has a dense forest cover. It takes about half an hour to reach the entrance gate of the fort. The flat ground near the entrance or GarjaiDevi temple on the way to the fort provides a good opportunity for accommodation and camping. The fort is approachable in all seasons, however utmost care should be taken during the monsoons as a part of the trail post the entrance is exposed. Recently a group has installed cables that can be held on to while crossing this trail. An iron ladder has been placed recently that gives easy access to an otherwise difficult 15ft rock patch. The cave at the rear side of the fort can be reached by trekking a rather dangerous trail from the left side of the fort. The fort is a must visit for experienced trekkers. The villagers from the Ekole make night stay and food arrangements at reasonable rates.

How to reach : Reach Lonavla by bus or train, and then take a bus to Bhaburde village, which is nearly 40 km away from Lonavla. A 20 minute walk from here village takes you to the Ekole village.

If travelling by a personal vehicle, the fort can be reached by road via Tamhini ghat or via Lonavla. The nearest town to Ekole is Lonavala which is about 30kms away. There are good hotels at Lonavla, now tea and snacks are also available in small hotels on the way at Peth Shahapur. The road becomes rugged in the Saltar pass. One can also visit the Saltar...

Ghangad is an enchanting trek that offers a delightful experience amidst nature's abundant beauty. Located in the heart of the Sahyadri mountain range, this trek might not consume much of your time, but it certainly packs in a fair share of adventure and breathtaking scenery.

The trek to Ghangad presents a perfect balance of ease and difficulty. While the majority of the trail is relatively manageable, there are a few patches where the level of difficulty increases. These sections add an exciting element to the trek, challenging your physical abilities and enhancing the overall thrill. So, if you're an adventure enthusiast seeking a bit of excitement, Ghangad won't disappoint.

There is plenty of parking available but if your are bringing 4 wheeler than your vehicle might not come near the base parking as the road conditions is not good for approximately 800mtrs 1km form the main road. Bike will have no problem

Although the fort's remains are not as extensive as some other historical sites in the region, the remnants that can be found on Ghangad are a testament to its rich history. Exploring these ancient ruins provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a sense of connection with the generations that once called this fort their home. While the fort itself may not be the main highlight, the trek itself and the natural beauty that surrounds it are what truly steal the show.

If you want to witness Ghangad's true magnificence, plan your trek during the rainy season. The monsoon showers transform this already beautiful landscape into a lush green paradise. The hills come alive with vibrant foliage, and the cascading waterfalls add a touch of magic to the entire experience. The mist-covered peaks and the fresh scent of wet earth create an ethereal ambiance that is simply awe-inspiring.

During the rainy season, the trekking trail might become a bit slippery and challenging due to the wet conditions. However, the reward of witnessing nature's raw beauty in all its glory makes it all worthwhile. Just make sure to wear appropriate footwear and carry necessary gear to ensure a safe and...

Ghangad Fort, nestled about 30 km from Lonavla-Khandala and 100 km from Pune in Maharashtra, is a significant historical site in the Pune district. The fort, believed to be over 300 years old, was carefully restored by the Shivaji Trail group with the assistance of local villagers during 2011-12.

Historical Significance: Though details about Ghangad Fort's history are sparse, it is known to have served as a prison and a strategic lookout over the trade route between Pune and Konkan. The fort remained under the Maratha Empire until March 17, 1818, when it was surrendered to the British following the fall of Korigad.

Getting There: To reach Ghangad Fort, you can drive via the scenic Tamhini Ghat road or through Lonavla. The nearest town, Lonavla, is 30 km from the base village of Ekole. While the road becomes rugged near the Saltar Pass, there are several small hotels along the way in Peth Shahapur where you can stop for tea and snacks. The trek to the fort begins from a hillock south of Ekole village, with a well-marked and safe trail winding through a dense forest. The hike takes about half an hour to reach the fort’s entrance gate. For those wishing to extend their visit, you can camp overnight either near the entrance or at the Garjai Devi temple along the route. The fort is accessible throughout the year, and villagers from Ekole offer overnight stay and meal services at reasonable rates.

Exploring the Fort: Ghangad Fort features two gates, with the main entrance gate missing its original arch. Villagers have installed an iron ladder to assist visitors in climbing to the fort's Balekilla (citadel). Along the way, you’ll find a rock-cut water cistern that provides drinking water year-round. Exploring the fort, including its dilapidated structures on the Balekilla, takes about an hour. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Tail Baila, Korigad, Mulshi Dam, and Sudhagad Fort.

Type : Hill forts.

Fort Range : Sudhagad.

District : Raigad.

Grade : Easy.

Time to Reach: Approximately 45...