Are you looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than Kothaligad, the marvel of architecture nestled in the famous Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary near Karjat.
Also known as Peth fort, this small yet impressive structure rises to a maximum altitude of 2,033 ft and was primarily used as a watchtower & ammunition depot by ruling armies.
But don’t let its history scare you away! The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Padargad, Malanggad, Siddhagad, Chanderi fort, Bhimashankar & Matheran plateau in clear weather. And with its location less than 100 kms from both Mumbai and Pune and well-connected by road and railways, it’s the perfect all-season trek for any adventurer.
Once you reach the top of the fort, you’ll be greeted with caves carved into huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, where you can also find a water cistern. But the real gem is the spacious Bhairoba cave with its flat floor and well-sculpted pillars. And if you’re brave enough to venture into the smaller cave behind the idols, be careful of the bats!
But Kothaligad’s history is just as fascinating as its architecture. In November 1684, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered his warriors ‘Abdul Kadar’ and ‘Ali Biradarkani’ to capture the forts belonging to Sambhaji’s empire. Maratha Sardar Naroji Tryambak was hiding in the valley to prevent them from approaching the fort. But when another war broke out, the Marathas lost and Naroji was killed, with his head hung in the middle of the road. The Mughals renamed the fort as ‘Miftahulfateh’, meaning victory key, after receiving the golden keys of the main door as a symbol of their victory.
But the Marathas weren’t done yet. In April 1685, 700 of them attacked again, with 200 climbing the fort with the help of rope ladders. Battle ensued, but the goddess of victory favored the Mughals once again, and the Marathas lost the fort. It wasn’t until November 1817, when Maratha Sardar Bapurao and Bajirao II fought with the British and won the fort back. But their victory was short-lived, as the British recaptured it the following month.
Despite its bloody history, Kothaligad is now a peaceful and stunning trek that offers breathtaking views and a chance to explore some impressive architecture. So pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to trek back in time at Kothaligad!
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