Durg Bhandar lies in Nashik region near in Trimbakeshwar and part of Brahmagiri mountain. Durg Bhandar or Bhandar Durg is more sort of a watchtower. The main attraction here is the deep rock cut steps which goes deep inside from Brahmagiri mountain the fissure and comes out in natural bridge and again goes up the fissure to Durg Bhandar. Apart from this Brahmagiri is also the source of Godavari river which flows towards east and meets Bay of Bengal. Durg Bhandar has a unique shape as it is like a cubicle and seperated from main mountain by the natural rock bridge.
Reaching Durg Bhandar is very easy and one has to first go Brahmagiri then from there the route starts to Durg Bhandar from Shiv Jata Temple. While climbing one can experience the beauty of such structure as well as the history of such a place.
While climbing one is able to see all historic structures, carved idols, caves, steps, temples. The route is very easy, safe with railings provided and refreshments all the way. The climb to Brahmagiri is through rock cut steps which is amazing and beautiful with two entrance gates beautifully carved and big hanuman idol carved in the rock.
Hanuman Idol carved in rock (on the way)
Small caves with beautiful rock cut idols
Entrance gates beautifully carved
After climbing the steps, one reaches the top plateau which is very vast. The Brahmagiri plateau has various view points and temples, a lake and some ruins. The plateau is very beautiful and is a gateway to Durg Bhandar. The plateau is safe to visit as railings are provided.
One can see Harihar, Brahma Parvat and many other mountains from Brahmagiri.
Durg Bhandar at far end and Brahmagiri Plateau.
Brahmagiri is a short trek but requires more steps to climb. However a fit person can do it easily where as aged people will require more time. As many people come here to perform pooja at Godavari main source where there is temple, all age of people climb up.
Way to Durg Bhandar starts from a temple of Shiv Jata where the route passes through the west side of mountain. the trail is easy and well defined. It takes straight towards the rock fissure where the steps are carved.
Shiv Jata Mandir (Start point of Durg Bhandar)
Durg Bhandar as seen from top, shape of a cuboid type with a depression of rock bridge connecting Brahmagiri to Durg.
Start of fissure with rock cut steps going down till the rock bridge. The fissure is around 100 feet deep and is marvelously made. The steps or the fissure is made in such a way that it cannot be seen from anywhere from base and is visible only when one comes near it. A perfect and smart way to camouflage and hide from enemy. No wonder it was such a strong watchtower.
Steps go deep on both the sides of fissure.
The rock bridge is amazing and narrow. One has to be careful on the bridge. It is quite wide to see though but still the drops on the sides are very steep.
Fissure opening on Durg Bhandar side.
On the end of Durg Bhandar there is a bastion which is quite small and was used to guard or keep an eye over the region. Perfect place for Kadelot.
The mountain and fort is very sacred as it lies in Trimbakeshwar and is source of Sahyadri. It is surrounded by small houses and towns of Trimbakeshwar. One can also stay at MTDC which is the start point of the climb.
One can also visit various temples in Trimbakeshwar or at the top of Brahmagiri mountain as the place is bustling with numerous temples. Gangadwar, Gorakshnath Cave lies at the base of Durg Bhandar where as the main source of temple lies at the Brahmagiri plateau.
Durg Bhandar Fort Trek Route Map
thanks for the details.
ReplyDeleteOne ques (as i was confused a bit)
- What are the pts that can be covered in a 5-6 hr walk?
- The steps go up to Shiva Jata temple? From there, if we turn right and walk, do we encounter te stone steps.
I mainly want to go through the stone steps. For this, which path should i take? If i take the easier route from shiva jata, will i see both the series of steps?
Is it ok to take kids on the route (particularly on the rock bridge)?
you can cover every point, yes after the shiv jata temple (just behind it) a path leads you towards the stairs, i have seen people with small kids (5 years old ones too) going to durg bhandar. Avoid taking kids in monsoon for extra safety. route is straight forward, no complications, just go behind the jata temple and take the route aside towards the stairs :)
Deletechc
DeleteCan we stay at Brahmgiri Top in some temple ? this way we can enjoy the natural Beauty of this place also we can get some rest. I/we always try to stay atop if possible even if it is a small trek, this way we can enjoy it more & cook our own food.
ReplyDeleteno since it is a temple region it is not allowed, however you will have to ask the locals or at MTDC at the base whether camping is allowed. You can stay at MTDC below however.
DeleteIs camping possible at bramhagiri
ReplyDeleteWhich month is good to visit the place
ReplyDeleteWhich month is good to visit the place, dec. Jan. Is good ?
ReplyDeleteyes winter is good
DeleteNov to Feb
DeleteExpecting that some body will come out with the History ie in regard to how many centuries it is old ,who were responsible for the cut steps , what may be the purpose ,was there any Kingdom existed earlier etc ..In none of the links these informations are available ..
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ReplyDeleteIn 1752 A.D., Trimbak Suryaji Prabhu conquered the fort of Durg Bhandar and included it in the Peshwa kingdom. In 1818 A.D., the British took over the fort.Durg Bhandar is a part of the Bramhagiri fort but has gained its own identity. It is said that Durg Bhandar was used as a storage place for the arms and ammunitions required for the protection of Bramhagiri This is the maximum history I could come across.
very nice information
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteHow much time is required to trek ?
ReplyDeletearound 3 hours one way
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