Achla

Achala is a tiny peak which marks the beginning of the Satmala sub-range of the Sahyadri. It lies to the North of Nasik and very close to the famous Saptashrungi shrine of Vani.
Fact File
Location: North of Nasik
Distance from major cities:
Mumbai - 270 km
Pune - 270 km
Nasik - 60 km
Villages at Foothills: Pimpri-Achla,

Altitude:4320 ft (1317 m)
Latitude: 20°25'6"N
Longitude: 73°50'4"E
Best time to visit: Throughout the year. Best during the early monsoon (June) and post monsoon (Sept - Dec) {mosmap
lat='20.418808'lon='73.834133'zoom=6}
topHistory
Not much known about the history of this fort as no battle was fought here. It probably has been used as a watch tower.
topAttractions
- Temple : A small temple on the way atop, with a small idol of unknown God.
- Rock cut steps : Steps hewn out of rock to reach the top of the fort.
- Pond : Only source of portable water upto February. It is dry in the summer.
- Panoramic View : The fort offers good view of the surrounding peaks. Ahivant, Saptashrungi, Markanda, etc. are prominantly visible.
topReaching There
- By Air -
Nasik is the nearest Airport. But it has only one flight from Mumbai. Thus it is suggested to fly to Mumbai or Pune and
drive down.
- By Rail -
Nasik Road is the nearest rail head.
- By Road -
From Nasik regular buses ply to Vani. From here Pimpri Achla is 12 km. ST bus takes you here in 30 min.
topTrek Routes
- Pimpri - Achla Route (Grade : Easy) - 1 hr
Alight at Pimpri Achla village and walk in the direction of the col between Achla and Ahivant. It is a half an hour climb up to the col. From here the route to the left leads us to Achla. Follow the route towards the left. It leads to rock cut steps which take you to the top of the fort.
- Bhilwadi Route (Grade : Easy) - 1 hr
Bhilwadi is a village at the foothills of Ahivant fort. If one wishes to visit Ahivant first one can decend to Bhilwadi village and clamber up the well defined pathway leading to the top of the fort.
topBus Timings
Nasik to Vani - Every 1 hour
topAccommodation
Achla is a small fort and can be completed in one day. No accommodation atop the fort. One can lodge at the village if really required.