Gorakhgad

Gorakhgad is a fort that can be done easily in a day, both from Mumbai and Pune. Though not famous for any historical events, Gorakhgad attracts trekkers due to its inviting pinnacles, which offer good opportunities for rock-climbing. This region of Gorakhgad and Machchindragad has a dense forest cover.
Fact File
Location: Karjat, Raigad
Distance from major cities:
Mumbai - km
Pune - km
Villages at Foothills: Narivali, Mhasa
Altitude: 3223' (982 m)
Latitude: 19°11'32"N
Longitude: 73°32'23"E
Best time to visit: Throughout the year. Best during the monsoon {mosmap lat='19.191866'lon='73.540077'zoom=6}
topHistory Fort Gorakhgad is quite small in size. It was had strategic importance during the reign of Shahaji Raje. However, no major battle is recorded to have taken place here. It was used in Shivaji,s era to patrol the nearby region and was used as a stopover station during the journey to Junnar via Naneghat. Though small in size, there is enough availability water and a lot of space for accommodation. The fort gets its name from Saint Gorakhnath, who performed
his Sadhana (meditation) at this place.
topAttractions
Two cisterns can be seen just after emerging through the entrance and the path climbs up further ahead. Further, a small step-way descends down to the large caves that are carved out in the main rock of the pinnacle. Nature,s grandeur can be appreciated here with the magnificent view of two large frangipani trees leaning over the valley and the excellent sight of Machchindragad. There are in total fourteen cisterns on the fort, however, only the three tanks
near to the cave have potable water. The trek to Gorakhgad is not complete without reaching the top of the pinnacle. Facing the cave, proceed ahead towards your right. Just after a short walk some steps can be seen on your left, which lead to the top. The climb along this stepped way in the rock needs to be carried out with utmost care. The top of the fort is very small. There is a small Mahadeo temple with Nandi. A wide region ranging from Siddhagad and achchindragad
up to Ahupe Ghat and Jeevdhan in the Naneghat area towards north can be seen from the fort-top.
topReaching There
- By Air -
Mumbai is the nearest airport well connected by flights from all over.
- By Rail -
Karjat is the nearest rail head.
- By Road -
Regular ST buses ply from Kalyan for Dehri - the base village.
topTrek Routes
- Ahupe Ghat Route (Grade : Easy) -
- Dehri Route (Grade : Easy) -
Right from Dehri village can be seen two prominent pinnacles. The smaller one is Machchindragad and bigger one is
Gorakhgad. It is possible to camp in the Vitthal temple in Dehri. Just behind this temple is a walkway that takes us to the
fort entrance, which is carved-out in the rock. This way one can reach the fort in about two hours.
- Siddhagad Route (Grade : Medium) -
It is also possible to reach Gorakhgad from Siddhagad. This trail through the dense forest is well known among trekkers and can be followed to combine the trek Siddhagad and Gorakhgad. To reach Siddhagad, one can travel from Murbad to
village Narivli that lies at its base. Stay on top of Siddhagad and start the descent early in the morning. One way going along the stream enters inside the forest. Proceed towards right on this way, which leads to a waterfall and then to a small plateau. This plateau has a small Mahadeo temple and two tombs. The way ahead from this point onwards is along a vertical rock-wall and hence enough care should be taken while walking. Thus we reach the entrance dug out from the
rock. It takes about three hours to reach Gorakhgad this way.
topAccommodation
With the right camping gear one can lodge at the Cave which can comfortably accommodate upto 25 people.