Kothaligad is a small fort situated to the east of Karjat near Karjat-Murbad Road in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a famous trek in the Karjat area, because of its small height and easy climbing. It is also known as the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base.
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The trek broadly consists of two parts - From start point/base to Peth village and then from Peth till the top. There is a rough road that leads to Peth village from the base. This is not usually motorable although villagers and some folks use SUVs and 2 wheelers to reach Peth village. So better to park private vehicles at the base and begin your hike. This rough road is at a gradual incline till the village. Will take around 1 hour depending on fitness. The village eatery here offers some basic food items. From Peth village, the hike to Kothaligad is steep and rocky taking another 45 mins. At the top there are two cannons, some water bodies and the steps cut into the top spire which is really commendable work. Nice views from the top. Driving from Mumbai takes some 2.5-3 hrs by road...so plan your day accordingly. I noticed that many of these reviews here don't give the true picture of how to reach this place from Mumbai via car. We started driving from thane and took the Panvel, borle bypass route. It takes around 2.30 hours to get there and in Google maps, just put kothaligad fort. It will show you the correct roads to get there. It shows an RZP school pingalas location just before the actual fort village route which is perfect. Now once you reach this location, you will find a small parking spot on the left at a very small incline after you drive for say 200metres. You might also find one two forest guards and a villager at that point. This point is actually the base of the village on the mountains. My very sincere advise is to park your car at this point if you have a low end car like wagon R, alto etc as the drive after this point to the village is very steep and importantly the road is full of stones and gravel. You will unnecessarily risk a vehicle damage as its much too much pressure on the engine and the friction on the tires which is not worth it. But if you have an SUV, go for it and you can drive up to till the base of the village. We started walking from here and reached the village in say 1.5 hours from here with enough breaks and photos in between. It's damn scenic as the village itself is on the mountains, walking is tiring but damn rewarding especially with friends. Then after reaching the village, we took some refreshments and then started trekking to the actual fort which took another 1.5 hours. Now this part is even more awesome as you literally have to walk through thick mountain jungles to reach the fort. At many places, you will need to climb as walking is no longer possible. On the way you can see the remote village life and once you reach the summit, you have a cave where you can relax and a small bhairav temple which feels like natural...
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Location: Kothligad Fort, also locally known as Peth Fort, is located near the village of Ambivali in the Karjat region of Maharashtra. It stands at an elevation of 3100 feet (945 meters) and offers a perfect one-day trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers looking for a relaxed climb with rich history and scenic beauty.
Historical Importance:
Kothligad holds significant historical relevance during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. It was primarily used as a watchtower and a storage fort due to its strategic location. The fort provided a commanding view of the Maval region, keeping an eye on enemy movements and protecting nearby trade routes.
The fort was also used as a place to store ammunition and food grains because of its natural stone caves and rock-cut cisterns that helped in water storage.
Trek Route & Duration:
Starting Point: Ambivali village
Midpoint Village: Peth Village (Base village for rest)
Total Trek Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours one way (Ambivali to the top), depending on your fitness and pace.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Trail Type: Well-marked with gradual ascents, forest patches, open meadows, and stone-cut steps near the top.
Most trekkers usually take a short break at Peth Village, where locals offer tea, snacks, and sometimes even lunch on request.
Landmarks & Must-Visit Spots:
Peth Village: A scenic village at the foothill of the fort, with traditional Maharashtrian houses and warm hospitality.
Rock-Cut Steps: Near the top, beautifully carved steps take you into the fort through a narrow entrance.
Caves & Water Tanks: These natural and man-made caves were used for storage and shelter by the Maratha army.
Fort Pinnacle: The unique chimney-like structure at the top of Kothligad is its most iconic feature. You can climb inside this pinnacle via stone steps to reach the summit.
Panoramic View: From the top, you can see surrounding forts like Rajmachi, Dhak Bahiri, Siddhagad, Bhimashankar, and the vast Sahyadri ranges.
Temple of Lord Bhairoba: Located near the caves, this temple holds religious importance for the local villagers.
Best Time to Visit:
Monsoon: Lush greenery, waterfalls, and misty views.
Winter: Best time for clear skies and safe trekking conditions.
Avoid Summer trail.
Final Thoughts:
Kothligad is not just a trek, it's a blend of history, adventure, and nature. It’s perfect for people from Mumbai and Pune looking for a quick getaway without investing too much time. The trek is suitable for beginners but offers enough thrill for...
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Kothaligad, also known as Peth Fort, is a popular hill fort located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the town of Karjat in the Raigad district. This fort holds historical and trekking significance, making it a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts and history buffs.
Key features of Kothaligad (Peth Fort) include:
Historical Significance: Kothaligad has a rich history dating back to the time of Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha warrior king. It was used as a strategic outpost to guard the region. The fort changed hands between various rulers over the centuries.
Scenic Beauty: The trek to Kothaligad offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Lush greenery, cascading waterfalls during the monsoon season, and the serene atmosphere make it a picturesque destination.
Cave and Temple: At the top of the fort, there is a small cave and an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees often visit this temple, especially during festivals.
Trekking Destination: Kothaligad is a popular trekking spot. The trail is moderately challenging, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The ascent is adorned with steep rock patches and narrow pathways, adding an element of adventure.
Fort Architecture: The fort itself features stone walls, bastions, and a peculiar pinnacle at the summit, which gives it a unique appearance. Exploring the fort's architecture is a fascinating part of the trek.
Night Trekking: Many trekkers choose to do night treks to Kothaligad, reaching the summit in time for sunrise. The starry sky and the first light of day breaking over the horizon make this experience memorable.
Camping: Camping is a popular activity on the fort's plateau. Trekkers often set up tents and spend the night here, enjoying the tranquility and starlit sky.
Accessibility: Kothaligad is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune, making it a convenient weekend getaway for city dwellers.
Remember that conditions can change, and it's essential to check local guidelines and safety precautions before planning a visit or trek to Kothaligad. This historical fort offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Western...
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