Surgad Fort

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Surgad, the hill fort is in Maharashtra.

This fort was originally built by the Shilahar kings, but it’s had more owners than a beach house in Cabo. The Nizam of Ahmednagar took over for a while, and then Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stepped in to spruce up the joint. Not to be outdone, Shankarji Narayan Sachiv captured the fort during Rajaram’s reign. Then Bajirao I got in on the action, using the fort as a prison.

You’ll find the fort near the village of Gherasurgad, and there are two trails to get there. One trail takes you through a gully, and the other one…well, it also takes you to the fort. So, you know, it’s not like one of those choose-your-own-adventure stories. Both trails are well-marked, and there’s a Hanuman temple along the way if you need to take a rest.

Once you get to the fort, you’ll see that it’s not exactly brand-new. In fact, the entrance is almost completely destroyed. But don’t worry, you can still get in. The upper end of the gully is enclosed in ramparts, and there are rock-cut and rock-carved stairs to lead you up. You’ll also find two Tekdis (hillocks) on the fort, and they span about 12-15 acres from the south to the north. There are plenty of remnants on this hill, including a bastion with panoramic views of the area. You can even see other forts like Ghosalgad, Avchitgad, and Mirgad from here. And if you’re lucky, you might find a few rocks that have been carved into the shape of a throne. You can sit on them and pretend you’re the king or queen of Surgad. We won’t judge.

There are also a few water cisterns carved into the stone, and the water is potable. So, don’t worry about getting dehydrated on your trek. And if you’re feeling thirsty for more history, there are inscriptions on the fort that tell the story of its construction. There’s even a Samadhi on the hill that you can check out.

Of course, the fort isn’t the only attraction on this trek. The surrounding area is filled with dense teak wood forests and a stream that you’ll need to cross. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot an 8-foot-long cannon near the valley or a broken one inside the Ansai temple.

Overall, the Surgad fort trek is a must-visit for anyone who loves history, nature, and a good workout. Just make sure you have plenty of water and a good pair of hiking shoes.

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