Siddhagad Fort Trek, Murbad, Thane, Maharashtra

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

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

Gorakhgad Trek, Dehri, Murbad, Maharashtra

Gorakhgad is a small mountain with high steep rocks with carved steps all the way till top. This is situated near Dehri village at Murbad, Maharashtra. Gorakhgad is actually a pinnacle with its counter pinnacle Macchindragad in front of it. A small temple is situated at top of Gorakhgad. Gorakhgad is an easy trek with routes well marked and starts from an Ashram at the base near Dehri village. This fort was mainly used by sadhus for meditation and the steps looks like it has been formed by the monks for laying route like the other stepped carved pinnacle.

After a certain climb from the Asharam one reaches a temple at the base of pinnacle after which the climb to the Gorakhgad caves start.

Initial climb after the jungle route leads to the first step of series on the pinnacles with the main gate painted in orange. The steps are steep but safe with holes.

After the steps climb comes the main gate which has internally carved steps to top just like Kothaligad Fort and Harihar Fort. This is a peculiar feature of most stepped carved pinnacles.

There are many water cisterns for water harvesting at those times ranging in small to big.

Macchindragad can be seen clearly through Gorakhgad, however the route to it is broken from Gorakhgad while one can still go through other routes but locals say no one should go as there is a belief that Macchindranath does not like any one being around and some mishap may occur. Gorakhshnath and Macchindranath are the disciple and master.

Gorakhgad is a beautiful place to spend some time with close to high Western Ghats as well as a short trek. There is a cave where one can even stay at night where most people do as the cave is quite big.

Gorakhshnath temple is situated at the top of pinnacle which starts from the other end of Gorakhgad where route goes beside the caves. The second series of steps are quite steep than the first two but holes for hand are given for gripping. Beautiful scenes can be seen from top of the temple.

Mountain Adventure Quote - Henry David

Parking space available for all vehicle at Ashram

GORAKHGAD TREK VIDEO