Morgiri Fort — Local services in Maharashtra

Morgiri fort trek is situated in the Lonavala range of the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The fort was used as a watch tower.

History

The Morgiri Fort Trek is an unknown hill fort that was discovered in the last few years. It is assumed that the fort was built in the era of Shivaji Maharaja. The base of the fort is too small and hence the fort was used to keep a watch on the region below. The fort was under the Peshave Empire and in 1818 it fell to the hands of the British Empire.

Geography

The highest point on the Morgiri fort trek is  3010 feet above the sea level. The difficulty level of the fort is hard. Among the forts that are located in the region near the Morgiri fort , other forts are visited more frequently.  There is an Indian flag hosted on this fort. After climbing a patch there is a water tank but the water inside in it is unhygienic and not potable. Further from this tank, there is a 5 feet high rock patch, above which there’s one more water tank which again has non-potable water. Walking further there are cut rock steps. Once we come across this open area, there are more steps that take us to the top of the fort in 5 minutes.  A cave of Jakhmata goddess can also be found. The water of Pawana Dam, Tung, Tikona, Korigad forts are visible from the top of this fort.

The Trail

The base village of the fort is known as Jambhulne. The steps of this fort are completely in ruins and hence there is an installation of an iron ladder for easy access to the fort. There are rock patches at two places where trekkers are recommended to use a rope. A route between two hills leads up to the mountain. After crossing the ridges and dense vegetation we come across Karvi flowers. Ascending the patch we reach an open ground and from here it takes about 30 min to reach the base of the fort. There are hills to the left and further to that, we can observe the wall of a rock hill which is the Morgiri Fort trek. Keeping the valley to the right and hill to left, we reach the base of the fort. Just above the two feet where the ladder ends there is an iron nail dug in the wall.

How to reach

Reach the Amby valley junction in the Lonavla range of the Pune district. From this junction, there is an INS Shivaji route that path takes you to Amby valley. The distance via bhushi dam to Lonavla is 16 km. Trekkers can reach to this junction by boarding S.T. buses from Lonavla going to Bhamburde village. Proceeding forward we come across a signboard for Essar Agrotech and Club Mahindra. After crossing the signboard, about 1.5 km from the junction there is Jambhulne village where one can be reached by...

Visiting Morgiri Fort is an enriching experience that combines natural beauty with historical intrigue. Nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Maharashtra, this fort, though lesser-known compared to its more famous counterparts like Rajgad or Sinhagad, offers a unique charm that is both tranquil and adventurous.

The journey to Morgiri Fort begins with a picturesque trek through dense forests and undulating hills. The trail, though moderately challenging, is rewarding, especially during the monsoon season when the entire landscape comes alive with vibrant greenery and cascading waterfalls. For trekking enthusiasts, the trek offers just the right mix of adventure and serenity. The path can be slippery, so good trekking shoes are essential.

Once at the fort, the sense of history is palpable. Morgiri Fort, like many other forts in the region, served as a strategic military outpost during the era of the Maratha Empire. The fort's architecture, while now in ruins, still reflects its historical significance. The remnants of strong walls, lookout points, and water reservoirs speak volumes about the fort's past.

One of the highlights of Morgiri Fort is the breathtaking view from the top. The panoramic vista of the surrounding Sahyadri range is nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, the sight of rolling hills and valleys stretching into the distance is a sight to behold and offers excellent opportunities for photography.

Despite its historical and natural appeal, Morgiri Fort remains relatively unexplored, which means fewer crowds and a more intimate experience with nature and history. This fort is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in a serene environment.

However, it is essential to come prepared. The trek, while beautiful, can be challenging, and provisions such as water, snacks, and a first-aid kit are recommended. Additionally, having a local guide can enhance the experience by providing valuable insights into the fort's history and the region's flora and fauna.

In conclusion, Morgiri Fort is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats that offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an avid trekker, a visit to Morgiri Fort is sure to be a...

The base village of the fort is known as Jambhulne. The steps of this fort are completely in ruins and hence there is an installation of an iron ladder for easy access to the fort. There are rock patches at two places where trekkers are recommended to use a rope. A route between two hills leads up to the mountain. After crossing the ridges and dense vegetation we come across Karvi flowers. Ascending the patch we reach an open ground and from here it takes about 30 min to reach the base of the fort. There are hills to the left and further to that, we can observe the wall of a rock hill which is the Morgiri Fort trek. Keeping the valley to the right and hill to left, we reach the base of the fort. Just above the two feet where the ladder ends there is an iron nail dug in the wall.Reach the Amby valley junction in the Lonavla range of the Pune district. From this junction, there is an INS Shivaji route that path takes you to Amby valley. The distance via bhushi dam to Lonavla is 16 km. Trekkers can reach to this junction by boarding S.T. buses from Lonavla going to Bhamburde village. Proceeding forward we come across a signboard for Essar Agrotech and Club Mahindra. After crossing the signboard, about 1.5 km from the junction there is Jambhulne village where one can be reached by...