Tailbaila Fort Trek, Lonavala, Mulshi, Pune, Maharashtra

Tailbaila lies in Mulshi region of Pune in Maharashtra under Paun Maval. It is a distinct mountain structure which is a dyke formation. Tailbaila or Telbaila is actually a watch tower rather than a fort. Tailbaila is peculiar by its protruding twin wall structure amidst the flat plateau.

Base Village: Tailbaila

This can be accessed via Lonavala through Saltar Pass or Bayaji Khind (Road after the pass is rocky) or via the Mulshi. Tailbaila is a small village where people main activity is farming. Nearest village is Bhambarde. Tailbaila is a beautiful location with big plateau and deep valleys along with the dyke structure. 

Tailbaila is done in two parts:

1) short 1.5 km hike till the temple (situated at the V cut between two dykes)

2) rock climbing to the top (with professional groups)

One can also family trek till the temple in monsoon to witness high speed winds and beautiful clouds.

It is a short 1 hour climb till the temple. The artifacts of temple were earlier at the top but due to its difficult approach it was brought down till the khind and new temple was built. Local priest comes here daily to light up.

There are 4 routes to climb till top, 2 on the right dyke and 2 on the left dyke, where as the traditional route is on left or south dyke where the steps are blown off and one must use safety gears on all 4 routes. The climb is easy but descending the same way is dangerous without safety attachments. One can go up but might not be able to come down. It is better to go with professional groups with proper equipment's as climbing with rope is easy and rappelling down is fast and safe. Bolting in done on all four, some are rusted some are new. 

Temple is situated at the khind with two fairly big water cistern which can be used for drinking.

Waghjai Ghat Mandir Idols enroute Thanala Caves.

Tailbaila was used as a watch tower to track movements on Savashini Ghat and Waghjai Ghat.

There are two traditional routes from Tailbaila Plateau:

1) Savashini Ghat: this route takes you to Sudhagad Plateau.

2) Waghjai Ghat: this route takes you to Thanala Caves.

Routes are easy to find and marked.

Some locals also provide home food and accomodation.

WATCH TAILBAILA VIDEO