Padargad Fort is located in Karjat, Maharashtra.
This little-known fort is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires some serious rock-climbing skills to reach the top. But trust me, the adrenaline rush and breathtaking views are well worth it!
The journey will start at Khandas village, the starting point for the trek. The path led through the dense Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, where one follows the white arrows marked on the rocks and trees. After a gradual climb through small stones, one will encounter the infamous chimney climb. This climb requires coordinated support from your back, legs, and hands to navigate through the two parallel rock walls. It’s like playing Twister, but with your life at stake. Don’t worry though, you don’t need ropes, but carrying one is advisable if you want to avoid a literal cliffhanger situation.
Once you conquered the chimney climb, the path led to a small rock patch before reaching the summit. The fort is small in size but packs a punch with its two distinct pinnacles and stunning views of nearby mountains. You can find a few water cisterns and caves on the trek route, which come in handy for thirsty trekkers. Plus, the locals call the fort ‘Kalavanticha Mahal’ due to its unique pinnacles, making it a must-visit for those seeking an offbeat trekking experience.
The fort’s history is shrouded in mystery, but according to the locals, it was used as a lighthouse to keep a watchful eye on enemy advancements. It was also a watchtower for the Maratha Province, constructed by Aurangzeb while capturing Kothaligad Fort.
To reach the base village, Khandas, you can easily catch a train to Karjat or Neral stations on the Central railway line. From there, you can hire a six-seater rickshaw to take you to Khandas village. Alternatively, you can take an ST bus to Kashele village from Karjat and then hire a six-seater rickshaw from Kashele to Khandas village. Just be sure to catch the last bus from Kashele to Karjat, which leaves at 6:00 PM, unless you want to spend a night under the stars.
All in all, the Padargad fort trek was an adventurous and challenging experience, but the stunning views and thrilling chimney climb made it all worthwhile. So if you’re feeling up for a trek that’s off the beaten path, then Padargad is the fort for you. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and a few extra ropes, just in case. Happy trekking!
Little history is known about the fort. The locals say that it is not a fort but a sort of lighthouse from where the directions were given to know the advancements of the enemy through the Ganapati Ghat road. It can be called a watch tower to keep a vigil on the Mawal area in the greater province of the Maratha. Records say that this fort along with Tungi fort was constructed by Aurangjeb while capturing the Kothaligad Fort.
