Mahipatgad

Location
Mahipat is situated east of Khed. One has to reach Khed by road or rail (~200 km). From Khed, one has to reach Dahivali by road.From Dahivali, Mahipat top is about 4 hrs trek



Precaution
Fort has dense forest at the top. Finding the fort structures/ remnants cold be a big fight if you don't have proper map or a guide. Better to. take guide from the base who knows the fort well.


Sight Seeing
Mandir is in good condition and about 20-25 people can easily stay. Tank seen in the snap hold water which might need a bit of filtering using a cotton cloth.
Pareshwar mahadev mandir

Transport
Kalyan - Khed (road/rail, ~ 200 km) - Dahivali (road, 25 km)

Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level : 3100 ft (945 m)
Region - kokan

Vajragad

Location
On the north of Saptashringi and to the west of Dhodap fort, is situated this fort with a big plateau. Not very frequently visited by trekker's, this fort has seen many battles in the history.

Precaution
Though Vajragad has many 3-4 cisterns, they don't hold potable water, especially in summer. So better to take enough water from base village itself.

Sight Seeing: We enter the fort through this nice darwaja. Fort has 3-4 water cisterns, a Hanuman mandir and a ancient remnant below ground level with a staircase (covered with mud though).

Transport
Kalyan to Pune (road/rail, ~ 150 km)- Narayanpur (road, ~ 40 km) (Vehicle like jeep can reach upto the level of Purandeshwar mandir now).

Type : Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 4444 ft (~1355 m)
Region Pune

Rohida

Location
This fort is situated very close to Bhor - a historical sansthan. Reaching Pune, one can catch a ST going to bhor and then to Bazarwadi, which is hardly 4-5 km from Bhor.

Precaution
No special precaution is needed.

Sight Seeing
The top is quite barren and doesn't hold too many remnants. However, ancient Rohideshwar mandir, different styled bastions (Korigad also has similar construction of bastion), water reservoirs (water not potable though) is worth seeing.

Transport
Kalyan to Pune (road/rail, ~ 150 km)- Bhor (road, 50 km) - Bazarwadi (road - ~ 5 km)

Type : Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level ~ 3650 ft ( ~1110 m)
Region Bhor

Rasalgad

Location
This small fort is located about 20-25 km east of Khed. One has to reach Khed and then catch a bus to reach village Nimani. The frequency of bus is very low and hence, one may have to travel by local transport.


Precaution :No special precaution is needed.


Sight Seeing
On the way up, one can see a Maruti idol painted with Shendoor just before the top 3-4 cannons are randomly placed on the fort top. Villager's have maintained Zolaidevi mandir in good condition and have even brought electricity in the mandir. Few remnants can be seen on the eastern part of the fort and a Shivlinga and Nandiis found on the south eastern part
Fort has 2 such darwaja's (gates) and both are in good condition. Rasalgad darwaja Plenty of potable water is available on the fort. 4-5 such water tanks are there on the top.


Transport
Kalyan to Khed (road/rail, ~ 200 km)- Nimani (road, ~ 25km)


Type-Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level-
Region: Kokan

Korigad

Location
Small and flat top, easy climb makes this a comfortable 1 day trek for the trekkers from Mumbai / Pune.
A thick forestation at the base, enough potable water from the lake on the top and from the cistern situated half way and easy climb attracts many enthusiasts to this fort. Amby valley developed at the base of Koregad by the SHAHARA group is the new attraction of many. Wonderful view of the small bungalows of Amby Valley, Tung fort is a pleasent sight to watch from the top. To reach Korigad one has to reach Lonavala by rail/road. From Lonavala local transport(Jeep/Tempo) can be used to reach Shahpur village. From Shahpur summit can be reached in 11/2 hours.
Sight Seeing
Two nice lakes on the arid, flat top really takes one by surprise. Ganesh temple and a cave is situated half way and a temple of Koraidevi is situated on the top.

Transport
Reach Lonavala by train or S.T. Then by a local vehicle (Jeep/tempo) reach the village Shahpur (~25 km).

Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 3050 feet

Region Lonavala

Kulang gad

Location Standing in the front yard of Igatpuri bus stand, the attractive sierra - dominated by this very fort in the east - is a sight to enjoy! Offering the highest climb from the base village in the entire Sahyadri ranges, this fort offers one of the greatest panorama from its top. Igatpuri, being the main station after theThal ghat, can be approached either by rail or road. Catch the 1st bus (at about 8.30 am) for village Bhavli, and then walk for
about 2 hours to the base village Kurung wadi. Take some rest and then get ready for a really wonderful 3 hours trek then on.
Precaution Kurung wadi is the last place for getting potable water till you reach the top, so get your bottles filled with water in Kurung wadi itself. Take some rest, for here on you will have to cover a fairly steep climb for about 3 hours at least! Just when
your feet start talking, you get to see some wonderfully carved steps in the rock....with a steep wall of rock on one side and a deep valley on the other side! This patch has to covered with enough care, for by this time you are very tired and might just lose your concentration.So be careful! During the trek like this just rmember one thing.Nothing is dangerous if you take enough care!.
Sight Seeing
The panoramic view offered from the top of Kulang is one of the best in the Sahyadris. One can see the forts in the Kalsubai range, Baleshwar range and hills right upto Naneghat and Dhakoba


Transport
Reach Igatpuri by train or vehicle. From Igatpuri reach village 'Bhavli' by bus or vehicle (1st bus from Igatpuri is at ~ 8.30 am). Walk for about 2 hours till Kurung wadi.



Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 4820 feet
Region Igatpuri

Sudhagad

Location :Located in the vicinity of Pali and endowed with about 50 acres plateau atop, Sudhagad offers a wonderful and a easy trek. Sudhagad, situated at the height of about 600 meters is well fortified by steep cliffs. Due to its qualities Sudhagad was actually proposed by Naro Mukund to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to make it the capital of Hindavi Swaraj. Shivaji Maharaj visited Sudhagad to survey it, but he chose Raigad because of its central location.
Sudhagad fort is situated in Sudhagad taluka, Dist:- Raigad. The central place of Sudhagad taluka is Pali, well known for its Ganpati Mandir which is one of the eight Ganpati Mandirs popularly known as Astavinayak. Pali can be reached in two ways from
Nagothane. Nagothane can be reached by Konkan Railway or S.T. buses. Nagothane-Pali distance is about 10 K.m.and frequent S.T. bus service is available, also six seater rickshaws are available
Karjat or Khopoli .Karjat or Khopoli can be reached by central railway. S.T. buses are available from Karjat and Khopoli to Pali.
Also there are two ways to reach the summit of Sudhagad from
Pachhapur-Thakurwadi S.T. buses are available for Pachhapur-Thakurwadi from Pali. The first bus to Pachhapur-Thakurwadi leaves Pali at 7:15 a.m.One and half hours trek from Pachhapur- Thakurwadi will take you to the top. Dhondse S.T. buses are available for Dhondse from pali. The first bus to Dhondse leaves Pali at 8:15 a.m. This way to summit takes more time than the first way.
Precaution
Take adequate amount of water supply from Pali itself , water supply may be obtained at Pachhappur-Thakurwadi but it is difficult to ascertain whether its potable or not especially in the monsoon. Potable water is also available at the top of Sudhagad.
Sight Seeing
There are lots of places to visit on and around Sudhagad. On Sudhagad one can enjoy the echo's at Echo Point, nearby there is a Takamak Tok, in ancient times it was used to punish the convicted person by pushing him from it into the valley, but in present times it offers us with a mesmerizing panoramic views. Pant sachiva Wada is the place where a night stay can be made, Bhorai devi's temple- where one can take the blessings of Bhor provinces kuldaivat and Mahadarwaja greeting you on the way to Sudhagad from Dhondse. It's said that Sudhagad's Mahadarwaja is an exact replica of Raigad's Mahadarwaja. There are many lakes and pond's atop Sudhagad. One can even include Tailbaila,Ghangad and Thanale caves in the trek.

Transport
1) Kalyan - Pali - Pachhapur / Dhondase or 2) Kalyan - Nagothane - Pali- Pachhapur / Dhondase or 3) Kalyan - Khopoli - Pali - Pachhapur / Dhondase
Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 2030 feet
Region Lonavala

Rajmachi

Location
As the train to Pune leaves Karjat and runs slowly up the Borghat, one enjoys some great hills of Sahyadri to the left. This particular section of Sahyadri is commanded by a pair of citadels of Rajmachi - Shrivardhan and Manoranjan. Rajmachi has quiet a lot of significance because of its vital position - keeping an eye on the Borghat, and the beauty that it offers has mesmerized the trekkers for since long.
Nearest Railway station to Rajmachi is Karjat. First bus to reach Khandpe from Karjat is at about 4.30 am (Bus for village Sandshi. Get down at Khandpe). 3 hours trek from Kondivde will take you to the village Udhewadi. From here 30 min trek will take you to the top.
Precaution
Take enough water from the village Kondivde itself as there are no water sources in the way, however there is abundant water in village Udhewadi and also on the top.
Sight Seeing
Rajmachi consists of two citadels(Balekilla)1) Shrivardhan 2) Manranjan. One might even see the caves, old temples and monuments on the way to the top which is another 40 minutes from the village Rajmachi. One can even observe the wonderful reflection of Rajmachi(Shrivardhan) in the pond in the Rajmachi village. Also try to see the Kondane Caves which are about one hour distant from Kondivde and away from the main path to Rajmachi.
Transport
Kalyan to Karjat by road/rail, Karjat to Khandpe by bus (~ 15 km) , Khandpe to Kondivade walk (~ 15 mins) OR Karjat to Kondavane (by rickshaw)

Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 2710 feet
Region Karjat

Matheran

Location
Matheran truely is Maharashtra's one of the most beautiful and well maintained hill station. The availability of road and railway have made it accessible to all people irrespective of their age. Also the ban on motor vehicles inside Matheran have helped to preserve its beauty and keep intact its natural touch. The presence of hotel's and lodging boarding facilities have made it possible to have a multi-day stay in Matheran and thoroughly enjoy nature's beauty. Due to ban on motor vehicles in Matheran the modes of transport in Martheran are limited to horses and rickshaws (pulled by humans), however seeing the various points in Matheran by walking is a real pleasure!
Matheran is situated in the Matheran range of sahyadris at a height of 2516 feet. To reach Matheran one has to first reach Neral. Neral is well connected to Mumbai by rail and road. From Neral, Matheran can be reached by a narrow gauge railway or by taxies. Railway function normally in summer and winter season. Taxies leave you at Dasturi Naka, where after paying tax you can proceed towards Bazarpeth. Train directly takes you to the bazarpeth. One can even reach Matheran by foot.
Precaution
No special precaution is needed at Matheran, however beware of the leach's which are found in abundance in Matheran!.
Sight Seeing
Matheran has 38 points at which one can get a glimpse of nature's beauty. However to cover most of these points requires at least one night stay in Matheran. Point seeing in Matheran is quiet easy due to the presence of sign boards and map. Maps are also easily available in Matheran and can be used to plan your point seeing. Given below are few points which shouldn't miss.......
King George point
A must visit point in monsoon as it offers a beautiful view of the waterfall formed by the water overflowing from Chharlott Lake. One can even reach he mouth of the waterfall with care. Strong wind prevents the water from falling down and throws it back.
Chharlott Lake
It's the only water source atop Matheran and it provides water to entire Matheran.
Panorama point
Although quite far from Bazarpeth, it gives you a panoramic view (that's why it's named as Panorama point) of the Sahyadri ranges.

Transport
Kalyan to Neral by train, Neral to Matheran by vehicle/train/walk

Type Hill Station
Height above mean sea level 2530 feet

Region Karjat

Kothli Gad

Location
This small fort (~1500ft.) is situated to the east of Karjat & is one of the famous treks of Karjat area, because of its small height and easy climbing. It has a large cave, good enough for a night stay. Another interesting feature is the pinnacle which is carved from inside, made into a staircase to reach at the top. It is also called the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base.
To get to Kothligad one has to first reach Karjat. Karjat can be reached by central railway local trains. Karjat to Ambivali (base village) S.T buses are available, first bus from Karjat to Ambivali is at 8:15 a.m. From Ambivali top of Kothligad can be reached via Peth in two and half hours.
Precaution
One should not face serious water problem since water could be taken either from Ambivali or Peth village.
Sight Seeing
The cave and the carved pinnacle is worth seeing.From the top of the pinnacle look out for Bhimashankar towards north, Dhak Bahiri & Rajmachi towards south-west.
Transport
Get down at Karjat by train. From Karjat catch a bus (1 st bus at ~ 8.15 am) for Ambivali (~ 25 km). From Ambivali a trek of about a 1 ½ hrs will take you to village Peth, from which a ½ hr trek will take you to the top
Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 1550 feet
Region Karjat

Harishchnadra Gadh

Location
It is one of the ancient forts in Western ghats and is a dream trek to be undertaken atleast once (some of us might have visited Harishchandragad four-five times) Harishchandragad situated at the top of Malshej Ghat is about 91 Km. from Kalyan. Kalyan is a main railway junction and one can easily reach kalyan by railway. From Kalyan one can board a state transport bus going through Malshej Ghat. S.T. bus will drop you at Khubi Phata, from Khubi Phata its an hour walk to Khireshwar, the base village. Actual climbing is from Khireshwar to Tolar Khind (about 1 hour climbing. After Tolar Khind there is a rock patch. Precaution and easy steps see you through it. Once the rock patch is gone it is a simple walk up and down small hills to the caves. Harishchandragad is necessarily a two day trek , one can do the overnight stay in the caves, which are clean and well maintained
Precaution
Carry ample amount of water from Khireshwar. After Khireshwar there are no water sources in the way till you get to the caves. The best season to visit Harishchandragad is winter especially the months of December and January. One should carry warm clothing's as its really cold at night. Lunch, dinner and snacks are also available at the top.
Sight Seeing
The major attraction of Harishchandragad is Kokan Kada . Its beyond description, one should actually see it to experience the nature's architecture. Konkan kada should be visited in the evening as well as morning. In evening one is enchanted by the sunset where as in the morning one can experience the divine feeling of being in the heavens. Taramati and Rohidas , the two peaks atop Harishchandragad, are also worth visiting as they offer beautiful views of the sahyadri ranges. The ancient temple of Lord Shiva atop Harishchandragad is also good sight for observing. An ancient temple and the caves present at the base village Khireshwar are also worth seeing.
Transport Kalyan to Khubi Phata by bus and then Khubi Phata to Khireshwar (4 km) walk

Type Hill Fort

Height above mean sea level 4510 feet
Region Malshej

Salher

Location
Situated in a wonderful Baglan district of Nashik at the border of Maharashtra and Gujrat, Salher takes a pride of the highest fort in Maharashtra and the second highest peak (after Kalasubai). The Dholbari range in which Salher is situated and Selbari range is the northernmost part of the Sahyadri.
Precaution
1. Water could be a big problem until you reach the top, especially in the summer when temperature reaches at its high level. So, have your bottles full of water from base village itself. Once you reach the top, a small water cistern (not the big water tank as shown in the snap) provides you potable water.
2. Don't drink water from the big water tank (see snap). It's meant for the cows and buffalos.
3. Flies could be troublesome at times. So just be careful.

Sight Seeing
1. Salher has a great, rocky staircase and it's a real joy to watch it from Salota. Having walked the staircase, the big darwaja comes in front. Opposite to the darwaja is a rock carved script.
2. Parashuram mandir is situated on a hillock (about 30 min. from cave). It's the highest point of the fort.

Transport
Kalyan to Nashik (road/rail, ~ 130 km)- Satana (road, 73 km) - Taharabad (road, 23 km) - Vaghamba (road, 20 km)

Type Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level 5140 ft (1543 m)
Region Nashik

Karnala

Location
Karnala is situated about 12 km from Panvel. Karnala fort actually is a part of "Karnala Bird Sanctuary" which hosts varirty of birds.
Precaution
1. Beehives are often seen on the pinnacle and Honey bee's, if disturbed, can be troublesome.
Sight Seeing
1. This is a very small fort, which probably was built to keep a watch on surrounding Kokan region. It's peculiar, thumb shaped pinnacle is a attraction for all.
2. Fort has 2-3 Darwaja's (Gates) in a good condition and bastions as well.
3. Fortification is in good condition in some parts of the fort.

Transport : Kalyan to Panvel (road, 35 km)- Karnala base (road, 12 km)

Type : Hill Fort

Height above mean sea level : ~ 1410 ft (~ 429 m)

Region : Panvel

Sinhagad

Location
This a very famous fort known in the vicinity of Pune. From Pune, it is easily seen because of the TV tower's on the top of the fort. One has to reach Pune by train/ road and then to Sinhagad by road (~ 25 km).
Precaution
No special precaution is needed.
Sight Seeing The fort is famous for the story of Tanaji Malusare, a trustworthy sainik of Shivaji Maharaj, who climbed up the fort from where no one could have imagined. He ultimately bought the fort in Swarajya but had to sacrifice his life. His Samadhi is foud on the fort.
Lokmanya Tilak, a great Indian freedom fighter also spent some time on the fort and his bunglow can still be seen.
Rajaram maharaj's (Son of Shivaji Maharaj) samadhi also can be seen on fort
Transport : Kalyan to Pune (road/rail, ~ 150 km)- Sinhagad (road, 25 km)
Type : Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level : 4320 ft (1317 m)
Region : Pune

Mulhar

Location
This fort lies in the Dholbari range and surely is unusual in regards to its construction. Abundant water, nice temples, good caves to stay and panoramic view from the top makes this a wonderful trek.
Precaution
No special precaution is needed.
Sight Seeing
Having climbed for an hour from the base, one espies ancient Ganesh temple with a clean water tank in front of it. This spot is called as Ganesh machi.
Further 20 min walk will take you to Moti tank with crystal clear water beneath a fluorescent algae layer.
From the top one can see Salher, Salota, Takara on South-West, Nhavi, Tambolya, Mangi, Tungi on the north, Dhodap, Saptashringi etc on the eastern side.

Transport
Kalyan to Nashik (road/rail, ~ 130 km) - Satana (road, 73 km) - Taharabad (road, 23 km) - Mulher (road, 10 km)

Type : Hill Fort
Height above mean sea level : 4284 ft (1286 mt)
Region : nasik