Siddhagad or Siddhgad is a high fort in Murbad region of Thane, Maharashtra. Siddhagad is considered to be highest fort in Maharashtra in terms of altitude gain (980m appx asl). Siddhagad is a tall mountain as it seems and is a prismatic shape in structure which looks like pyramid from certain angles. There are caves, rock cut steps, many stone relics, canon in Siddhagad. Also freedom fighters like Veer Kotwal and Hiraji Patil were shot here near Siddhagad waterfall by British officers in 1943.
Siddhagad can be reached from Narivali village or Borwadi village. It is trekked in two parts which is from the base village to Siddhamachi which is a plateau halfway. The prismatic mountain part or ballekilla (Citadel) lies upon this plateau as if its protruding upwards from the plateau. A very beautiful and amazing structure of this mountain. The second part involves the climbing of this strucuture or citadel.
Altitude of Plateau: 580m asl appx
Altitude of Citadel Top: 980m asl appx
Siddhagad mountain is a part of western ghats cut off from the main mountain and seperated by a khind. It is distinctive as a W shape valley. Siddhagad shape can be also be said as a ship type. From a distance it looks like a ship. Also there is a lake called Jambhurde lake which provides good view of Siddhagad mountain.
How to Reach:
1) Narivali village: The trek route from here is about 9km to top and is gradual and well marked and prominent. No chance of losing the way. This village also lies near the road and has good connectivity with public transport.
2) Borwadi village: The trek route from here is about 3.5km to 4km to top. The route is steep but one gains height quickly. However this village is remote enroute siddhagad waterfall. No public transport here, however one can book. Entry tickets are needed from this route. Road is rough and offroad from this route.
Siddhagad has much of its history in oblivion. However its involvement was not much like the other forts. But its daunting and difficult approach might be the reason. British forces used to fire from the opposite hill Damdamiya which is slightly higher over Siddhagad bastion to destroy it. Siddhagad top has a intact bastion, water tanks and ruins of certain rooms and dozens of relics and stone artworks. Also there is a cave midway on Siddhagad balekilla. A saint used to meditate in this cave after a while he migrated somewhere else.
Siddhagad Fort Bastion (East End)
Siddhagad Baba's Cave
Siddhagad top is like a long ridge like walking on a prismatic top edge which is about 650m long and 50m wide with over 1600 foot drops on both the sides. Siddhagad balekilla should not be attempted during monsoon as it can be very risky at the steep slopes.
There are many stone relics, carvings temples at Siddhagad plateau. Also an intact gate or Maha Darwaja.
Siddhagad Fort provides beautiful views of the western ghats and konkan region. The village of Siddhawadi has all the facilities including lights and one can stay here, However most of them have migrated near Narivali and Borwadi. Slowly the whole Siddhawadi will be migrated due to easier connectivity from base. However the village is beautiful and well managed and locals are very friendly.
Shivling Relic at Top:
Ganesh Temple: Ganesh temple is located at Siddhagad machi halfway to Siddhagad top. It has also many old relics, stone carvings, idols and under dense trees. A nice place to relax just after the Maha Darwaja.
Siddhagad Mahadarwaja: Only intact structure of the fort gates. Maha Darwaja is the first entry towards fort. This is the only door to the fort where as the other route from Borwadi has no doors.
Siddhagad Relics: Siddhagad has many old relics and stone carvings depicting ancient stories.
Siddhagad Fort Trek Video
Siddhagad Fort Trek Map Route
Summary
