Irshalgad, is Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra,. It’s the sister fort to Prabalgad, but don’t let that fool you—this trek is not for the faint of heart.
Starting at the Nanivali village (just a quick 2.3 kilometer jaunt from Chowk), you’ll climb a steep ridge and taper to an easy ascent until you reach Irshalwadi. From there, head towards a temple dedicated to a local deity and access the Irshalgad plateau via a west-east axis. Piece of cake, right?
Well, not quite. As you make your way up the pinnacle, you’ll encounter a water tank and a cave (perfect for taking a break and sipping some of that fresh water). But the real challenge lies ahead at the “Nedhe”—a natural rock cavity formed by wind erosion. And let’s just say, you’re going to want to bring your rock climbing gear. While the climb is considered easy by the climbing fraternity, it’s not for amateurs. Many have lost their lives attempting to conquer this pinnacle.
But if you do make it to the top, the views are absolutely worth it. You’ll see forts like Prabalgad, Matheran, Chanderi, Malanggad, Karnala, and Manikgad. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can even continue on to Prabalgad by traversing the 20 kilometer-long connecting ridge.
Just don’t forget to bring a local guide (the trail can be confusing and hidden underneath overgrowth during Monsoon) and remember that Irshalgad isn’t actually a fort, it’s a pinnacle. And a misnomer at that. But it’s a pinnacle with a fascinating history, having potentially been used as a watchtower in the region between Manikgad and Prabalgad. And to commemorate a fallen trekker, all trekkers from the Mumbai-Thane region gather here on January 26th every year.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget (if you survive).
