Gorakhgad Fort — Attraction in Maharashtra

Gorakhgad Fort is a lesser-known trekking destination in the Maharashtra region, offering a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Here's a detailed review of Gorakhgad Fort:

Overview Gorakhgad Fort, situated near Dehri village in the Thane district, is a popular destination for trekkers and history enthusiasts. The fort is named after Saint Gorakhnath, who is said to have meditated there. The trek to the fort is known for its challenging trails, panoramic views, and rich historical background.

Trekking Experience Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult The trek is about 3-4 hours long, depending on your pace and fitness level. The path is steep and rocky, with sections that require climbing, especially towards the summit. There are railings and carved steps in some places, but caution is still needed.

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and Winter (June to February) are the best seasons to trek, as the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are lush green. Avoid trekking during the peak summer months due to the intense heat.

Trail Highlights: The initial part of the trek passes through dense forests, providing a cool and shaded path. As you ascend, you encounter rock-cut steps and steep climbs that add to the adventure. The fort has a small cave at the top, which served as a shelter for trekkers and ascetics. The summit offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range and surrounding valleys.

Historical Significance Gorakhgad Fort has historical importance, dating back to the time of the Marathas. The fort was used as a watchtower and a place for saintly meditation. Though it doesn't have significant architectural structures like some other forts, its strategic location and natural defenses make it an interesting site.

What to Carry Good trekking shoes with a strong grip Plenty of water (at least 2 liters) Snacks and energy bars A first-aid kit A raincoat or poncho during the monsoon season A flashlight if you plan to start early or return late

Safety Tips Trek in a group or with an experienced guide. Be cautious while climbing the steep sections, especially during the monsoon when the rocks can be slippery. Start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and to have enough daylight for the trek.

Nearby Attractions Dehri Village: The base village itself is quaint and offers a glimpse into rural Maharashtrian life. Siddhagad Fort: Another trekking destination nearby for those looking to extend their adventure.

Conclusion Gorakhgad Fort is a rewarding trek for those who enjoy nature, history, and a bit of adventure. The challenging climb, combined with the stunning views from the top, makes it a memorable experience. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a history buff, Gorakhgad Fort offers a unique and...

The fort is named after saint Goraknath, who used to perform penance here. It was used in the era of Shivaji Maharaj, mainly as a stopover point from Junnar via Naneghat. The adjoining Machindragad peak is named after the teacher-disciple relationship of Machindranath and Gorakhnath. History of Gorakhagad can go back up to Satvahan Dynasty. No major battle is recorded to have taken place here.

Experience:

One fine day after the Peb fort trek, I was running through my list of Treks near Mumbai for another adventurous trek and decided to go for another medium grade trek to Gorakhgad, situated at a distance of 100-120 Kms from Mumbai. The reason behind selecting Gorakhgad for the trek was because of its history, entrance, rock climbing and the famous caves. I also invited Adarsh for the trek as he impressed us on the Vikatgad trek. Since we didn’t want to waste our holiday of republic day, we all agreed to 26th January.

So on the 69th Republic day, we woke up at 4:00 AM. It was chilling at that time. Soham and I boarded our regular train for the treks and reached Dadar station by 5:40 AM. Adarsh was also supposed to board the same train but he came by the next train. Since for Gorakhgad nearest railway station is Kalyan, train timing was not an issue. All the trains halt at Kalyan station. In spite of being a national holiday, there was a huge crowd at this morning hour. As soon as Adarsh showed up we ran towards the platform 1 of central railway and boarded the 5:58 AM Ambernath slow train. We all had a seat. After a small talk of 10 minutes, Soham and I were asleep. By 7:10 AM we were at Kalyan station. From there we alighted towards the Bus depot which his 5 minutes away.

Now, one has to first reach Murbad. There is a bus to Murbad after every half an hour. We asked for the bus to a Conductor and he pointed to the bus on the bus stop number 2. According to my information, we need to board the bus naming Murbad on it. But on this bus, some other board was kept. The...

Trek Diary - गोरखगड गोरक्षनाथांच्या साधनेचे हे ठिकाण म्हणून त्याचे नाव गोरखगड, अशी आख्यायिका आहे. शहाजी राजांच्या काळात या गडाचे महत्त्व होते. पण या गडावरती कुठल्याही प्रकारच्या लढाईचा उल्लेख नाही हा गड फक्त देखरेखीसाठी नाणेघाटाच्या पाहण्यासाठी केला जात असे.The Gorakhgad Fort is located in the Sahyadri Mountain Range in the Thane District of Maharashtra. It is nearly three hours away from Mumbai City and is one of the tougher treks located near the city of Mumbai.While very little is known about the history of the Gorakhgad Fort, what we do know is that the fort was said to be of great importance during the reign of Shahaji Raje and during the time of Chatrapati Shivaji, the fort was primarily used as a stopover point for the journey between Junnar to Naneghat.The fort itself seems to be built to serve two purposes, first, as a surveillance point and second as a pit stop for travellers.The strategic location of the Gorakhgad Fort and its twin Macchindgrad Fort was ideal for surveillance. These forts served the purpose of protecting the route between Junnar to Naneghat.In fact, the two forts Gorakhgad and Macchindgrad are named after a teacher and his disciple respectively. Sant Gorakhnath was known to meditate at the spot where the Gorakhgad Fort was built and the twin fort of Macchindgrad built on a nearby peak was named after his disciple.The Gorakhgad Fort trek is a popular trek located near Mumbai, primarily known for its challenging inclines and the opportunity for trekkers to do some rock climbing.The trail is also famous for its 360 degree views of the Sahyadri Mountain Range and it’s jaw dropping and adrenaline pumping 80-90...