Korigad Fort Trek, Lonavala, Maharashtra

Korigad fort is situated in Lonavala in Peth Shahapur, Ambavne village in state of Maharashtra. It comes under Pune District. This fort is situated at Paunmaval plateau which is at 700m above sea level where as The top height of the fort is around 930m above sea level. It lies at the edge of Deccan plateau so one can see the deccan as well as konkan very clearly.

Also this fort is called in various other names such as (Kuvarigad/Koraigad/Koari/Kunwari/Koraigad)

(District Pune, Dist. Maval/Mulshi) Type: Giridurg Altitude: 929 m

History of the Korigad Fort. (Source: Korigad)

1) A.D. On the death of Mahmadshah Bahmani (the head of the Bahmani Empire) in 1482, in his will he made Malik Naib (originally Malik Hasan and his title Naib), the trustee of the Bahmani kingdom, as the chief vizier of his son, Sultan Mahmud. Later, Malik Naib gave his son Ahmad the responsibility of establishing Jahagiri. He was sent from Daulatabad to Jutrar. He etc. S. In the campaign of 1482-83, he conquered the forts of Shivneri, Chavand, Lohgad, Tung, and shifted his march to Koar (Korigarh). A.D. In 1490, Ahmad overthrew the Bahmani Sultanate and established an independent Nizamshahi. Then Korigarh came under Nizamshahi. Later in AD The fort was under Nizamshahi for 146 years till 1636.

2) A.D. In 1636, Shah Jahan of Delhi and Muhammad Adil Shah of Bijapur captured the Nizamshahi and divided the territory of the Nizamshahi when Korigarh came under the control of Adilshahi.

3) During the Nizamshahi, Korigarh's mulkha was called Paud Maval or Korbarse. Dhamale was Deshmukh at that time. After the decline of the Nizamshahi, even if the Adilshahi came to power, the countrymen there as well as Korigarh and

The fort of Ghangad belonged to Damale Deshmukh.

4) AD In 1647, Chhatrapati Shivaraya sent Dadoji Konddev to Maval to bring Korigarh to Swaraj. Dadoji fought with Damale Deshmukh or Musaddegiri and brought the fort into Swarajya.

5) AD In the Treaty of Purandar with Mughal Sardar Mirza Raje Jaising in 1665, twenty-three forts were given to the Mughals and out of the 12 forts that were under Swaraj, Kuwari (Korigarh) was under Swaraj. 

6) AD After the death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689, the Mughals took over most of the Maratha forts, including Korigarh. Where Shakavali mentions "this year Kul Gad Mogle took".

7) Aurangzeb ordered Mansur Khan (Alibeg), the Fort and Faujdar of Junnar, to capture Korigarh. Alibeg gave this responsibility to his son Muhammad Kazim. Kazim, with the help of military officer Rayaji Bahulkar, fitted the fort's keeper Sonaji Farjat and tied the fort with a mala (a rope made by tying a knot in a tree branch at a particular place to climb up) and the Mughal army entered the fort. A fierce battle took place in the fort. Girjoji Nimbalkar and Dinkarrao died a heroic death. Finally, on 12 November 1695, the Mughals attacked the fort.

8) On the orders of Shankaraji Narayan Sachi, Navaji Balakawade brought Korigarh back under the control of the Marathas. (The year must be before 1700 AD as Navaji Balakawade died in 1700.)

9) A.D. In 1713, Korigarh, the western gateway of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, was captured by Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre. On 28th February 1714, Kanhoji Angre became the mandalika of Shahu Maharaj. Korigarh was taken over by Shahu Maharaj as per the agreement reached. 

10) Sardar Awase was in charge of Paud Maval during the rule of Peshwa, he also rebelled against the British, at that time Korigarh was taken over by the British, but Awase negotiated with the Peshwas and returned to Korigarh.

11) In AD 1818 Lt. Col. Prother moved his march towards Korigarh after taking over the forts of Lohgad, Visapur, Rajmachi, Tung and Tikona. Britishers had to make concerted efforts to conquer Korigarh. Finally, on 17 March 1818, the British captured Korigarh.

Trek Route to Korigad

Trek route to Korigad is very easy. It can be graded as very easy trek. It takes around 45 mins to trek which is around 1.5km hike from the deccan base. One can park vehicles at base in Peth Shahapur near highway and start the trek which passes through jungles and meets up with the stairs at the base of Korigad. The route is very easy, wide and marked. No chance of getting lost. 

Other route is from Ambey Valley village where a tar road goes straight at the base of the fort from where stairs start. 

After climbing the stairs one comes across a resting point where there is a Ganesh temple and a small cave.

One can rest here for a brief period of time and then continue to climb the stairs till you reach Mahadarwaja or Ganesh Darwaja of the Fort. On the way one can see small caves and a water tank from where you can even drink water as it is quite clean.

After entering the Mahadarwaja, one can enter the vast plateau at the top of Korigad. It is a huge plateau of around 34 acres. The fort is entirely fortified and most of the walls are still intact. One can almost walk the whole perimeter of the fort on walls. The vast plateau is mostly empty with 2 to 3 big lakes and temples. The housing or wadas are in ruins now and the stones are all scattered.

Korigad Fort Perimeter Walls and Bastion.

Korigad Fort Perimeter Walls and Bastion.

Korigad Fort Perimeter Walls and Bastion.

There are small underground caves and bunkers on the west side of the fort that one can easily see.

One can keep walking and reach the west gate, which is also a darwaja from where Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre came up and captured the fort. Going further one can reach the south bastion of the fort.

West Gate of Korigad Fort

Thick walls of Korigad fort.

Also there is a Mahadev temple, Korai Devi temple and a Vishnu temple on top of Korigad.

Korai devi temple

Old deep mahal and stone idols on top of Korigad.

On the south bastion of Korigad there is a chor darwaja or thief door which it descend to Ambavne village. The chor darwaja has stairs which opens on the base of the fort. Also one of the chor darwaja is blocked by rock debris. This is the third route to gain access to the fort.

Korigad is best visited in monsoon for to see its lakes waterfalls and lush greenery whereas to explore the fort winter season is good as during monsoon it is covered under dense fog. There are total 6 canons on the fort. They are kept in Mahadev temple at entrance where as the big ones are kept facing the west at the west end of the fort. The biggest of the canon is named Lakshmi Tof.

Other Information regarding Korigad (Source: Internet)

One interesting story associated with Korigadh revolves around its capture by Dadoji Konddev, a trusted lieutenant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Legend has it that when Dadoji Konddev arrived at Korigadh to bring it under Maratha rule, he found it to be heavily fortified and defended by Damale Deshmukh, the local ruler. Despite facing significant resistance, Dadoji was determined to succeed in his mission.

In a clever and daring move, Dadoji devised a plan to deceive the defenders of Korigadh. He decided to employ a strategy that played on the superstitions and beliefs of the enemy.

Under the cover of darkness, Dadoji and his men stealthily approached the fort. Instead of launching a direct assault, they initiated a series of mysterious and eerie activities around the fort. They set fire to haystacks to create smoke, mimicked ghostly sounds, and even used torches to cast eerie shadows on the walls of the fort.

Terrified by these supernatural phenomena, the defenders of Korigadh began to believe that the fort was haunted by malevolent spirits. Fearful for their safety, they abandoned their posts and fled from the fort, leaving it virtually undefended.

Seizing the opportunity, Dadoji and his troops swiftly entered the fort and claimed it in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The clever ruse orchestrated by Dadoji Konddev not only enabled the Marathas to capture Korigadh without a prolonged battle but also became a legendary tale of strategic brilliance and resourcefulness in Maratha history.

Also it is said that the Jewellery after 1818 from the Korai devi temple was given to Mumba Devi (Godess of Mumbai) (Source: Harish Kapadia Book)

KORIGAD VIDEO DOCUMENTARY

KORIGAD TREK SUMMARY

Korigad Fort Trek Route and Map

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel valley is situated at the top of Kasara Ghat near Igatpuri Hillstation. This valley is encountered when descending the Kasara ghat which is at the start point of the descent. There are small shops and parking area where there are lots and lots of monkeys. One can park the vehicle and can get into the valley to enjoy and relax the waterfalls as well as cherish the beautiful views. The camel valley can be a stop and go visit point. 

This was earlier used as a film shooting location for certain movies like Asoka. The valley is shaped such that during monsoon it will be covered throughout dense fog as the air funnels up the valley. Most of the time during monsoon months it is covered in dense fog and the views cannot be seen during monsoon. Hence best time to visit camel valley to see views is post monsoon whereas to enjoy the rain and fog, monsoon is best. Hence this is also known as fog city.

The waterfall which is located in this valley is multistage waterfall where it breaks into 3 stages from top to bottom which has an overall appx height of 1000feet or 300m. The longest drop is at first stage which is 100m and more. Camel valley waterfall receives its water from the nearby Talegaon mountains and flow all the way to join Bhatsa river which eventually drains into Bhatsa dam. There are many private hotels and resorts built above the waterfall. The waterfall is best viewed after monsoon due to low visibility in monsoon. There are small hills one can walk from parking lot to get the glimpse of waterfall from opposite hill. 

Kasara Ghat also known as Thal Ghat is a ghat section in the Western Ghats near the town of Kasara in Maharashtra. It is one of the 4 major ghats that joins Mumbai to deccan and lies on Mumbai Nashik route.

The 3 stages of Camel valley Waterfall as seen from opposite side of the waterfall hill.

Kasara Camel Valley mountains

Dense fog engulfs the whole valley with visibility barely few meters.

While climbing up the Kasara Ghat from Mumbai to Nashik side, on one side of the road is this unique style of enclosed well built by Ahilyabai Holkar. Earlier this well was a respite place for travelers going up and down the hill. It was built in such so that the evaporation is minimized unlike open wells. The well never dries up. Still now it is being used as a water source and some tankers come here to fill up the water. This is actually historic well. It is bound to be missed by most of the travelers as it is aside the road.

Camel Valley Waterfall Video

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka waterfalls prior called Vihigaon falls is located in Kasara Budruk in Shahapur taluka of Thane district in Maharashtra. It is named Ashoka after the film Asoka which was filmed here as well as camel valley of Igatpuri a dance scene of San Sanana song. This waterfall is beautiful as huge volume of water flows through it during heavy rains. The water fall is easily accessible and there is ample of parking space at the top. Ashoka waterfall can be reached easily from either Nashik via Igatpuri or Mumbai.

Ashoka waterfall is actually quite beautiful to see when there is heavy rain. The pool of the waterfall is very safe and only waist deep for an average person. The waterfalls can be enjoyed even during moderate to high flow. Earlie the falls was accessible via rock trekking but nowadays it is renovated and stairs are made all the way down to the falls from the top parking area.

Ashoka waterfalls receives its water from the Kasara hills and eventually flows to the middle Vaitarna dam. A small dam is also constructed on the top where locals use the water regularly. Waterfall is well maintained and also publicly safe for all and family. There are eatery local stalls at top of the falls.

Also note some locals will randomly ask for money just for a sort of extra income.

HOW TO REACH

1) Take Kasara trains coming from CST station on Central Railway. Alight at Kasara then one can take share taxis to the Vihigaon Ashoka falls.

2) Once can drive their private vehicle till the falls. If coming from Mumbai side then one has to climb the Kasara ghat going to Nashik side up to a point where the road turns left towards Vihigaon side leaving the Kasara Ghat and passing through a small underpass. If one is coming from Nashik side, one has to descend the whole Kasara Ghat and then climb up again up to the point where road goes left towards Vihigaon

PARKING FEE: Rs 20/40 2wheeler/4wheeler and big buses have higher. 

However the locals are not much into it. they will have receipt but will not provide and say I don't know how to sign or write. So pay and take the receipt and write yourself the details or else the money will go straight to his pocket. Parking area is big but the roads are little offroad but manageable. 

ENTRY FEE: 30Rs / Person (They provide proper receipt)

CHANGING ROOMS: There are small washrooms but no water and also a changing room for ladies at the top in parking area.

TIMING OF ASHOKA FALLS: 9 Morning to 5 Evening

CLOSURE OF ASHOKA FALLS: Usually the falls are closed for 2 months July and August and then reopens on first week of September due to heavy rains. For people visiting on July and August, it is advised to confirm before visiting. From September its all open.

ASHOKA WATERFALL VIDEO

Madap Waterfalls, Chowk, Khalapur, Khopoli, Maharashtra

Madap waterfall lies in Chowk region of Khalapur in Khopoli of Maharashtra. Madap waterfalls is a beauty hidden inside the Madap hills close to Mumbai Pune expressway. Madap waterfalls is easily accessible which lies amidst a small mountain of Madap where a quite big village is situated at the top of Madap hill.

Madap waterfall has a height of around 40m appx. The water comes through various sources in Madap hills and falls into a quite wide pool full of rocks which are slippery. However the waterfall pool is just waist deep and quite safe to relax. But during heavy rains huge volume of waterflows through this and should not be crossed or swim under. Also the water falls through an overhang rock cliff with less space behind the falls. There is no route to top from besides the falls as the cliffs are very steep and slippery. Also there is another waterfall nearby with no pool but good for rappelling.

HOW TO REACH MADAP WATERFALL:

There are two ways to reach Madap waterfall.

As shown in the map below there are Route 1 and Route 2. However one has to first reach express city near Madap. (building project). From Mumbai head for Chowk village and proceed. From Pune either from Khopoli or Khalapur one can head to express city and Madap.

Route 1:

From route one there is motorable road till the river crossing point. But this road is very rough and narrow for barely one car. No problem for bikes though. You can drive till the crossing point and park there after which you have to cross the river on foot and go till the second small bridge. Not much parking space is available for 4 wheeler but ample space for 2 wheeler. This route further goes up the top of hill to Madap village. From crossing point it is a km walk till the falls. However the river crossing is very slippery and when flow of water is high it should not be crossed and route 2 should be used. For 4 wheeler best option is to park at the Express city main road and walk upto this point or take route 2 if no crossing is needed. 

Route 2:

Route 2 goes further into the city and then from there you can enter rice fields to walk upto the small bridge which joins with route 1 and walk till the falls. Good thing about this route is the river needs not be crossed.

Route 1 and Route 2 eventually meets at the small bridge point after which it passes aside paddy fields and then a second river crossing point where an upstream short trek to the falls needs to be done. However if it rains heavy the upstream part should not be done as volume of the flow is very high. One can be swept away or get locked inbetween. 

Google Map Link

MADAP WATERFALL MAP ROUTE

MADAP WATERFALL VIDEO

Sonara Waterfall, Vitthalgaon, Shahapur, Maharashtra

Sonara waterfall is a beautiful waterfall with its unique fall structure from an overhang. However to reach the waterfall, ones vehicle needs to be in good condition as it is inside remote from Shahapur in Thane.

How to reach Sonara Waterfall:

To reach Sonara waterfall one can go either from Murbad or from Shahapur. Murbad route is 5km longer. However the road conditions to Shendrun village which is at the highway from both the big cities are bad at the intervals. Road is very wide though. Recommended route is via Shahapur. From Shendrun village the road is good till Alyani village as shown down in the map. From Alyani as you enter Vitthalgaon village the road narrows to a single car lane with lot of potholes and roughness. However for 2 wheelers there is no problem but for 4 wheeler it will be difficult to maneuver. If two vehicles come face to face there is no chance. Avoid taking 4 wheelers to visit this falls or park somewhere near Alyani, but gist is avoid 4 wheelers. SUV's Jeep is a big no here as the roads are not wide that enough. 

As shown in the map where the road ends, from there it is a simple 15mins walk to falls which is visible from road too. Not much of a hike. 

Waterfall is very safe and easy to reach, however the rocks are slippery. The pool is small with a single protruding rock in middle. One can easily reach the top of waterfall and enjoy there which also provides good views of the surrounding. It is a simple and enjoyable waterfall but the road conditions for vehicle to go there is rough and very narrow from Vitthalgaon. No issue for 2 wheelers.

Sonara Waterfall Map

Sonara Waterfall Video

Subhedar Waterfall, Uchale, Siddhagad, Murbad, Maharashtra

Subhedar Waterfall is located at the on route to Siddhagad fort. The route is fairly simple and easy to reach. The waterfall is big and very beautifully located inside the dense forests of Bhimashankar. The waterfall is known as Subhedar Falls. However there is one more in Karjat but it is a different and smaller one.

This waterfalls comes a little detour on the Siddhagad fort trekking route. Two wheelers can go upto a small village further inside (Rs20 parking) the main Uchale village which is on the main road. However 4 wheelers need to be parked at the main road or little inside (no charge). It takes around 30 to 40 mins walk from the Uchale village main road till the Subhedar waterfalls. 

There are multiple ways to reach Subhedar, either from Narivali or from Uchale village. The route from Uchale village is shorter and more distinct. One can also see the Siddhagad, Gorakhgad and Ahupe ghat enroute. The walk is straight upto the Dhapadpada a small village after which there is a short 5 mins climb upto the plateau till the hut as shown in video. From the hut straight goes to the fort and a slight right goes to the falls. The Subhedar falls is visible from the village itself.

Uchale village is on the main road where ST bus and tumtums also arrives. There is a famous vadapav right at the entrance. Tuljha Bhavani vada pav center. He gives one of the tastiest vada pav along with his specially made chutney. One can also place order for home cooked non veg foods. His dishes are very spicy (zhanzhanit). If you want less please tell him before.The route goes right aside this vadapav center to the falls.

The waterfall is safe but during heavy rains the level of the water rises quickly. Also there is a small pond nearby the falls where local children jump to swim. However the pond is deep and should not be explored by non swimmers.

The local villagers are very friendly and they will guide you if you are facing any problem. The Tuljabhavani vada pav person is also very helpful and guide you. 

His name is Bharat Bhoir - 9011160519 / 9527268355 

Subhedar Waterfall Map Location