When monsoon comes knocking or rather pouring, everyone in Maharashtra heads off to Lonavala of other nearby green regions. Maharashtra has a relatively thick green cover and with the onslaught of the monsoon season it just gets greener and is made more beautiful with the mist that rains bring along. Thus, folks head out to enjoy themselves and one great way of doing this is with treks. Maharashtra has a number of treks to enjoy with the belt of Sahyadri Hills, a lot of them are simple one day treks making for good weekend trips. A number of these were originally forts when they were constructed. Sharing with you some of the most beautiful fort treks in Maharashtra!
Click here to read about Fireflies Treks in Maharashtra!
Rajmachi
Built by the Satavahanas, this fort’s rule changed many hands. It was taken over by Shivaji Maharaja who expanded it further. It then found itself under the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Followed by him the fort fell under the command of the Marathas.
There are two routes from which you can take this trek. The easier path is from Lonavala, the other is from Karjat. It is essentially a one-day trek with the option of camping out, should you wish to. The path is rocky and made picturesque with the streams and waterfalls that keep passing you by.
Lohagarh
You are walking into prison! Oops sorry, I meant when constructed back in 1564, this fort was intended to be used as a prison. Due to its military prowess when Shivaji took over it, he used it for storing treasure. Interestingly, the hill fort was constructed such that it resembled the fangs of a scorpion. However, over time a number of additions were made to the fort.
At a height of 3,400ft, the trek requires you to cover a distance of 5kms which usually takes people about 2 hours. In recent years, heavy rainfalls have even seen water cascading down the elaborate stairway which certainly makes it quite a stunning sight but also quite the adventure!
Click here to read about Korigad Fort Trek in Maharashtra!
Tikona
Captured by Nizam Shahi Dynasty in 1585, this fort too went under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was the location for a number of wars including the war between the Britishers and Marathas in the year 1818. This was in fact, the last war that occurred at this fort.
The pyramid structured trek acquired its name from this very structure as the word “Tikona” in Marathi signifies the triangle shape. Taking an approximate time of 1 and a half hours one way, the trek top leads you to a height of 3,500ft.
Harishchandragad
You can explore the Malshej Ghat area and trek to this fort. This is one of the oldest forts in the Sahyadris. A 14th century sage named Changdev who was held in high regard is said to have meditated in the caves of this trek. In addition to the view from the peak top, the trek thus also offers a cave to explore and a temple to pay respects at.
The trek commences from Pachnai village and takes about 2 and a half hours one way. The area also has activities such as rappelling and valley crossing available on demand.
Prabalgad
The history of the fort traces the number of dynasties it came to fall under. Built as per the Bahmani Sultanate style of architecture, the fall of the fort from the hands of its leadership actually saw the gradual crumbling of the sultanate thereafter. Interestingly, the fort has three rivers passing through it, Patalganga river, Gadhi river and even Ulahas river. Its changing hands made the fort undergo a number of ruins, for instance, originally comprising two gateways and eleven towers, today the fort is only left with four towers.
However, the ruins did not ruin the beauty of this trek. About 3kms from Vardoli village, the trek treats you to a green carpet like sight once you reach the top.
So, where are you headed in the next monsoon season in Maharashtra?!
Click here to read about Bhairavgad Trek, another amazing fort trek in Maharashtra!
