Makrandgad — Local services in Maharashtra

Makrand Fort, also known as Makrandgad, is a historical gem nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. This lesser-known fort, perched at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for trekkers and history enthusiasts alike.

The trek to Makrand Fort is an exhilarating experience. The journey begins from the base village of Hatlot, and as you ascend, you're treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri range. The trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers. The route is dotted with dense forests, cascading streams, and vibrant flora, adding to the trek's allure. Monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are particularly picturesque, with lush greenery and flowing waterfalls enhancing the scenic beauty.

Upon reaching the fort, visitors are greeted by ancient ruins that whisper tales of a bygone era. The fort's history dates back to the Maratha empire, and it served as a strategic lookout point. The remnants of old fortifications, water tanks, and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva evoke a sense of historical significance. The fort’s summit offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Konkan region and neighboring peaks like Pratapgad and Mahabaleshwar.

While the fort is not as well-preserved as some of its more famous counterparts, its rugged charm and untouched beauty make it a unique destination. The tranquility and isolation of Makrand Fort provide a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In summary, Makrand Fort is a hidden treasure that promises an enriching experience filled with adventure, history, and natural splendor. Whether you're a trekker, history buff, or nature lover, a visit to this fort is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Maharashtra's...

Despite being a tourist destination like Mahabaleshwar and a famous Fort place like Pratapgad, this fort has remained neglected by amateur hikers; however, it has remained in the love of the Sahyadri fort-loving hikers. It is on the main ridge of the Sahyadri and its height is more than four thousand feet. The path from Hatlot village to this fort tests your willpower. While going to Pratapgad from Mahabaleshwar, just one kilometer before the Pratapgad fort, the path to the village splits on the left. After crossing this path, the path then goes to the right. On this path is the historical bridge over the Koyna river built by Chhatrapati Shivaji. After going a little further from there, the fort leading to Kasrud ​​and Hatlot splits on the right. We reach Hatlot village through a winding path through a very small village in the Sahyadri hills. From there, after crossing the stream behind the village, the climb to Makarand fort begins on a straight, steep climb. After about two hours of climbing, there is a slight flat area. Here, on the left, you can see the path from Ghonaspur (Ghonaspur village on the Mahabaleshwar-Tapola road can also be reached here) village and the spacious Mallikarjuna temple below the last ridge of the fort. The small temple on the fort and the path leading to the water tank are very exciting. The vast and magnificent view of the Sahyadri valleys seen from above gives an impression of samadhi solitude. Since we have climbed so much from Hatlot village, even while descending, the legs and knees are literally tested. The pleasure of the shade provided by the dense forest on this path is indescribable! महाबळेश्वर सारख्या पर्यटकप्रिय स्थळाच्या व प्रतापगड सारख्या प्रसिद्ध दुर्गा शेजारी असूनही हौशी भटक्या कडून उपेक्षित राहिलेला हा किल्ला; सह्याद्री दुर्गप्रेमी भटक्या मंडळींच्या प्रेमात मात्र राहिला आहे. सह्याद्रीच्या मुख्य धारेवर असून याची उंची चार हजार फुटापेक्षा जास्त आहे. या गडाची हातलोट गावाकडूनची वाट आपल्या इच्छाशक्तीची परीक्षा पाहते. महाबळेश्वर वरून प्रतापगडला जाताना अगदी प्रतापगड फाट्याच्या अलीकडे एक किलोमीटर वर, डाव्या हातास पार गावाची वाट फुटते. या वाटेने पार पार करून पुढे ती वाट उजवीकडे जाते. याच वाटेवर छत्रपती शिवरायांनी बांधलेला कोयना नदीवरील ऐतिहासिक पूल आहे. तिथून थोडे पुढे गेल्यावर उजव्या हाताला कसरुड व हातलोट कडे जाणारा फाटा फुटतो. सह्याद्रीच्या कुशीतल्या अत्यंत छोट्या छोट्या गावातून वळणावळणाच्या वाटेने आपण हातलोट गावात पोहोचतो. तिथून गावाच्या पाठीमागचा ओढा पार करून, सरळ उभ्या चढणीच्या वाटेने मकरंद गडाची चढाई सुरू होते. जवळपास दोन तासाच्या चढणीनंतर थोडीशी सपाटी प्रदेश लागतो. इथे डावीकडून घोणसपुर (महाबळेश्वर तापोळा रस्त्यावरील या घोणसपूर गावातूनही इथे पोहोचता येते.) गावाकडून आलेली वाट व गडाच्या शेवटच्या कड्याच्या खाली असणारे प्रशस्त मल्लिकार्जुन मंदिर दिसते. गडावर असणारे छोटेखानी मंदिर आणि पाण्याच्या टाक्या कडे जाणारी वाट अत्यंत रोमहर्षक आहे. वरून दिसणारा सह्याद्रीच्या दऱ्याखोऱ्यांचा विराट आणि भव्य देखावा तितकाच समाधिस्त एकांताचा भास देतो. हातलोट गावाकडून इतकी चढाई केली असल्यामुळे उतरताना सुद्धा पाय आणि गुडघे यांची अक्षरश: कसोटी पाहिली जाते. या वाटेवर घनदाट जंगलातून मिळणाऱ्या सावलीचे सुख...

Makarandgad (or Madhumakarandgad) is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Believed to be comprised of twin peaks, Madhu and Makarandgad, the fort has thus derived its name.

Situated n the district of Satara, the fort rises to an elevation of 4000 feet from the ground There are freshwater cisterns and tanks of water in the fort. The top of the fort is more of a plateau than a hill, and has a Mallikarjun Mahadev temple. The way to the fort has a huge Gamdevi temple. The fortifications sre all gone, and not much remains to be seen. The dense orests of Javli surround the fort from all sides. The beautiful backwaters of Koyna and Shivsagar dams can be seen easily from the top, along with the peaks of Pratapgad and...