Aundha Fort, or Avandha Killa, is a fort situated in Aundhewadi village between Nasik and Ahmadnagar in Maharashtra.
This hill fort is no easy feat to conquer, with an elevation of 4,400 ft and broken stone cut steps leading to the top. It’s like a stairway to heaven, only instead of an angelic choir, you’ll be greeted with panting and sweating.
But fear not, dear travelers, for the Avandha Fort is worth every step. It’s a part of the Kalsubai Range, which sounds like a fancy menu item at an Indian restaurant but is actually a north-south range of the Sahyadri mountains. And let’s not forget the breathtaking views from the top. You can see the Patta Fort, Bitangad, Alang, Madan, Kulang, Kalsubai, and the surrounding area. It’s like having your own personal drone, only without the annoying buzzing sound.
As regards to history, the fort was captured by the Mughal army in 1688 and later by the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire in 1761. And by 1818, it was under the British Empire’s reign. Currently, the fort is in ruins and under the administration of the Government of India. So, don’t expect to find any luxury accommodations or room service up there. But hey, roughing it out is half the fun of traveling, right?
There are two ways to reach the Aundha Fort. The first one is the anonymous route, which sounds a bit sketchy, but trust us, it’s legit. You can take a bus from Igatpuri to Bhagur and get off at Kadwa Colony station, which is about an hour and a half away. From there, you’ll pass through the colony and a bitter dam before reaching the nameless village. And no, that’s not the name of the village, it’s literally nameless.
Once you’re there, you have two options to reach the fort. The first one is a tiring path through a vertical ridge, while the second one is less strenuous but more time-consuming. So, choose wisely, my friends. It takes about half an hour to reach the plateau of the fort, and from there, you’ll climb the stone-cut steps to the top.
The second route is via the Patta Fort, which is a popular trek among many travelers. You can take the first route back to the plateau and follow the path leading to the Patta Fort. Just look out for the saffron flag flying from the plateau ahead, and you’re good to go.
All in all, the Aundha Fort is a must-visit destination for all you adventurous souls out there. So, grab your hiking boots, water bottles, and sunscreen, and get ready for a trek to remember! And remember, half an hour is enough to see the fort, but the memories will last a lifetime.
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Patta Fort
Patta Fort, or as the locals like to call it, Patta Killa or Vishramgad, is located between Nasik and Ahmadnagar…
