MightyHikers: Mahuli Fort (Bhandar Durg, Palasgad) / (Asangaon)

MightyHikers

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki jai.....

Mahuli Fort (Bhandar Durg, Palasgad) / (Asangaon)

LOCATION: 90 kms from Mumbai, 198 kms from Pune, 52 km from Thane City, 6.4 km from Asangaon.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September or you can travel any time throughout year.

Mahuli Fort

Mahuli Fort, located 2815 ft above sea level, is a popular trekking and rock climbing destination. The nearby pinnacles, including Vazir and Vishnu, contribute to the enduring popularity of the location. The mountain complex consists of a group of two or more hills with common cols and pinnacles.

It is the highest point in Thane District . The forest surrounding Mahuli has been declared a sanctuary. Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, occupied this fortress. The fort has been declared as a protected monument.

Besides an open Lord Shiva temple, there is a small perennial drinking water cristern on top. The location also contains three caves, of which the larger one is sometimes used as overnight shelter, like on similar natural hill forts in the Maharashtrian Western Ghats (Sahyadri Range). There is a stone arch historically known as the 'Kalyan Darwaja', but the dome of the arch is now broken.

Fort Information:

Location Details: Mahuli Fort

Base Village: Mahuli village.

Nearest Railway Station: Asangaon

Fort Height: 2815 ft

Difficulty: Med – High

Surrounding Peaks: Bhandar Durg, Palasgad

History:

In 1635-36, Chhatrapati Shahaji, an Indian military leader of the time, moved with Jijabai and Shivaji Maharaj to Mahuli. When Khan Jaman attacked on the fort, Chhatrapati Shahaji asked the Portuguese for help, who refused and Chhatrapati Shahaji surrendered.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took this fort from the Mughals on 8 January 1658, but lost it in 1661, and later won it back. By the treaty of Purandar of 1665, the Marathas lost these forts again. In February 1670, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tried to conquer Mahuli, but failed, and Manohardas Gaud was then in charge of the fort. A thousand Marathas were killed, most being from nearby villages. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj said to his dead kadam sardar that he was our gold. So he gave the Sonare surname to this family. Manohardas Gaud soon gave up his position and Alveerdi Beg took over. On 16 June 1670, after two months, Moropant Trimbak Pingle conquered the forts and Mahuli, Bhandargad and Palasgad became part of Swarajya. Until 1817, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj dynasty owned the fort but later on it was controlled by the British Raj.

How to reach Mahuli Fort:

By Road:

Base Village for Mahuli Fort is Mahuli village.

By Bus or Auto:

Get down at Asangaon and take an Auto/Bus to Mahuli Village.

Transport By Bus: There are buses running from Asangaon to Shahapur which you can find on the opposite side of the highway, Asangaon station. You will have to get down and change the bus at Shahapur.

Catch another bus from Shahapur to Mahuli, the tickets are priced at Rs.15. There is a bus at 8.00 am from Shahapur and the last buses for Shahapur leave Mahuli at 5 and 6.45 pm. Do confirm the bus timings before starting your trek so that your return journey is planned as well.

Transport By Auto: You can reach Shahapur by sharing an auto for 10 rs/seat from Asangaon or take an auto to Mahuli base directly. It will cost you Rs. 200 to 250 for 3 people.

Remember to collect the contact numbers of the auto drivers so that you will have an alternative if you return to the base later than 6 pm.

Also, fix the price for the return journey or you might be charged higher.

By Train: Asangaon station which is around 6.4 kms.

By Air: Mumbai airport which is around 73 kms.