Salher Fort, Baglan — Local services in Maharashtra

Salher is a place located near Waghamba in Satana tehsil in Nasik district of Maharashtra, India. It is the site of the highest fort in the Sahyadri mountains and the second highest peak at 1,567 metres (5,141 ft) after Kalsubai in Maharashtra and 32nd highest peak in Western Ghats.This was one of the celebrated forts of Maratha Empire. The money acquired after raiding Surat was brought to this fort first on its way to the Maratha capital forts.

History According to a legend, Lord Parshuram did his Tapascharya at Salher Fort. After winning the earth and giving it as donation, he made land for himself to live in, by pushing the sea back with his arrows, right from this place. The twin fort Salota (4986 feet) is very near to Salher.

An ancient and historically significant place like this is also famous for its battles during the reign of Shivaji.

Salher Fort was under Shivaji maharaj in 1671. The Mughals attacked the fort in 1672. Almost one lakh soldiers fought in this war. Many soldiers died in this battle but finally Shivaji Maharaj won the battle of Salher. Of all the face to face battles between the Mughals and Shivaji Maharaj’s troops, the battle of Salher takes first place. Such a big battle was not won before. The bravery and strategy used by the Maratha troops in the battle spread far and wide and increased Shivaji Maharaj’s fame further. After winning Salher, the Marathas also captured Mulher and established their reign over the Baglan region. In the 18th century the Peshwas occupied this fort and later by the British.

Battle of Salher-The fort of Salher was captured by Shivaji in 1671, during his campaign of the Baglan region. This news reached the Mogul emperor in Delhi. He got incensed with this news and said "I have sent lakhs of cavalry but they have come back shamefully, now whom do I send?" The emperor then decided "As long as Shivaji is alive, we are not leaving Delhi". He then called Ikhlaas Khan and Bahlol Khan and sent them with a cavalry of 20,000 horses to attack Salher. Ikhlaas Khan then laid siege of Salher Fort. When this news reached the Maharaj, he sent message to his Commander in Chief Prataprao through his secret agents "Go to Salher with your troops and drive off Bahlol Khan". He also sent a parallel letter to Moropant Peshwa to go from Varghati Konkan along with his troops and meet Prataprao near Salher. As planned, both Prataprao and Moropant rode to Salher from both sides and a fierce battle ensued.

Writings of Sabhasad Bakhar describes it as follows: "There was a fierce battle throughout the day and night, Mughals, Pathans, and Rajput, Cannons, Elephants, Horses and Camel troops fought alongside each other. The battle was so fierce that the dust which was raised by the troops rose up in an area of 3 km and the troops could not recognize who was fighting on which side. The Elephant troops arrived and both sides saw 10,000 troops perish and blood flow like rivers". The Marathas defeated Ikhlaas Khan and Bahlol Khan in this bloody battle, which saw tremendous destruction all over. There were 1,20,000 troops of Raja Shivaji and it returned 10,000 less, lost in battle.

Shivaji’s troops captured 6,000 horses, 6,000 camels, 150 elephants, heavy gold ornaments, gold coins and expensive cloth from the enemy troops. The maratha soldiers showed extreme courage during this battle. Moropant Peshwa and Prataprao Sarnaubat exchanged pleasantries. Suryarao Kakde became a martyr during this battle. He fell after being hit by a cannonball. He was no mere soldier. A soldier who was as brave as "Karna of the Mahabharata" lay dead on the...

As you know it's the Highest fort in Maharashtra. (1567m). So brace yourself 😜. It's huge. There are 3 routes to the fort.

1. From Salherwadi - It's the easiest route and also the longest. It starts from Salherwadi. Ask any villager. Route is broad and in good condition. After walking half an hour, you'll come across rock cut steps. There are 5-6 doors on this route with beautiful view of Salherwadi. This route takes around 3 hour to reach to the cave and another half hour to the top.
2. From Waghambe - This route is shortest and also bit difficult than Salherwadi route. It starts from Waghambe village. Villagers will help you. Climb towards the col between Salota fort and Salher fort. On right side, is Salher and left side, is Salota. After reaching the col, turn right. After 10-15 min you'll reach rock cut steps and doors. From that there is straight way up till caves. This route gives you magnificent views of Salota fort and surrounding. It will take 2.5 hr till caves and another half hour till top. If you want to cover both Salota and Salher fort then this route is recommended. First climb Salota and then Salher.
3. From Maldar village - This route is less traveled than other two. You'll need a guide for this one. This route comes from the opposite side of the col, I mentioned earlier. Means from this route, Salher is on your left side and Salota on right. This route will take same time as Waghambe route. 2.5 to 3 hrs.

Now if you want to cover 2 forts in 2 days or 1 day (Salher & Salota). Then Waghambe or Maldar route is recommended. I'll recommend climb from Maldar route and descend from Salherwadi route. This way, you get to see doors and remnants on Salherwadi route. Or if you have a private vehicle, you can climb from Waghambe route and descend from Salherwadi route. If you have to climb only Salher fort then Salherwadi route is recommended... *Food and accommodation - Coming from Waghambe there are no hotels or shops there. You'll have to carry your food. You can stay in school in Waghambe or Grampanchayat office. In Salherwadi there are 3-4 hotels and a camping site. For stay on Salher, there are caves. Salota is not recommended for stay. No caves or not much space. Water is available on Salher throughout the year. On Salota, water is available in rainy season or might be in winter. Don't litter on fort. Be kind and Enjoy...

Embarking on the Salher Fort trek was an adventure that took me to new heights, both figuratively and literally. Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, India, Salher Fort stands tall as the highest fort in the state, offering a challenging yet immensely rewarding trekking experience. The trek commenced with a steep ascent through dense forests, each step revealing glimpses of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail was well-marked, though the occasional rocky patches added an element of challenge, testing the resilience of the trekkers. The diverse flora along the way, with bursts of colorful wildflowers and the vibrant greenery, added to the natural charm of the journey.

Reaching the halfway mark provided a moment of respite, allowing trekkers to catch their breath and take in the breathtaking views of the Sahyadris. The journey continued, weaving through rocky terrain and meandering pathways until we reached the plateau just below the fort. The panoramic views from this vantage point were awe-inspiring, making the physical exertion worthwhile.

The final stretch involved a steep climb to the summit, where the imposing ruins of Salher Fort came into view. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top was indescribable, heightened by the commanding views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The fort's historical significance, dating back to the Maratha Empire, added a layer of cultural richness to the trek.

Exploring the fort's remnants, including the well-preserved fortifications and temples, provided insights into the region's rich history. The trek leaders shared captivating stories about Salher Fort's strategic importance and the battles fought on its grounds, enhancing the overall experience with a dose of historical context. the Salher Fort trek is a must for adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience in the Sahyadris. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit make it a trek that lingers in the memory long after the descent. Salher Fort stands as a testament to the beauty of the Western Ghats, and conquering its heights is an adventure that leaves an indelible mark...