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

Bhaja Caves, Lonavala, Maharashtra

Bhaja Caves is a group of 22 rock cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC located in Lonavala region in between the khind of Lohagad and Visapur forts. These are buddhists caves like Karla, Kondana, Lenyadri, Bedse, Pandavleni, Ajanta, Ellora. This is a group of caves which is small to moderate in size unlike other buddhist cave. Kondana caves in Karjat being much smaller. The overall length of the total 22 caves is spread around 230m.

Bhaja caves lies at the base of a khind between Lohagad and Visapur Fort. Rather Bhaja caves lies at the base of Visapur Fort. One can even trek to Visapur fort from Bhaja caves.The striking feature of this cave is the 14 small stupas constructed beside each other which is not to be known in any other caves.

From the main parking road, Bhaja caves lies at an height of around 120m with an overall altitude of 730m above sea level. Bhaja caves can be reached via stairs climb. The climb is short of about 15 to 20mins. Total length of climb to reach the caves from main road is 400m. One can find local refreshments provided by local people like lemon, kokam, tak juices. During monsoon one can combine the caves along with the waterfall which flows aside it.

Bhaja caves has most of its shape intact and like any other Buddhists cave, it also has a Chaitya hall, viharas, water tanks. These caves also have multi storey form where stairs are provided from outside. The largest part of the cave is its Chaitya hall. In one particular cave there are multiple carving of god and goddesses along with a room with verandah and shelves.

Chaitya Hall

This is the spacious hall and has a big stupa of about 3.5m in diameter with a relic on top. The hall has 27 pillars which is octagon in shape. The height of each pillar is appx 12 feet. The chaitya hall has ground plus 1 floor rooms on its both side as shown in above pictures. The main façade of Chaitya hall is appx 12m in height and 8m in width. The arch of Chaitya hall has wooden shafts to support. The length of the hall is appx 18m long. Chaitya hall was supposed to be the meditation hall of monks where they used to gather and pray towards the stupa. This hall is supposed to be earliest surviving Chaitya hall compared to other Buddhists caves.

14 Stupas Group

The most distinctive feature of this Bhaja caves is its group of 14 stupas which is not seen in other caves of Buddhists. This is considered to be erected in the remembrance of the deceased monks. There are inscribed writings on the stupas which are the names of the monks who died in Bhaja. There are 5 stupas carved inside a cave and 9 stupas carved outside the cave. Only one of the stupas has intact relic on top.

Cave with Verandah and Carvings

This cave lies at the end of the Bhaja caves length. This is the only cave with verandah, windows, viharas, shelves with arches and detailed carvings of god and goddesses. This cave is intricate.

The last cave has waterfall during monsoon. The water tanks on these Bhaja caves are quite deep about 12 or more feet. The water tanks are also carved ingeniously with small opening on rock face and then goes quite deep below. 

Multi Storey Caves

Bhaja caves also shows magnificent piece of architecture in making multi storey caves. The caves beside the main Chaitya hall are multi storey with ground as well as first floor. The floors are connected externally via rock cut stairs.

There are multiple deep water tanks in caves but there are two tanks which are being gifted from a warrior whose name has been carved on the rock, These two tanks are still used to drink water. The water is still cold and sweet.

Bhaja Caves Features

The caves carved in Bhaja caves are similar to the caves in any other Buddhists cave with stupas and viharas. Different door carving styles were also used.

Surrounding region of Bhaja Caves

Bhaja caves lies in East West facing direction. The face of Bhaja caves is such that if a straight line is drawn normal to cave, that line will divide the country into perfect North and South India till East. The caves lies in the forest of Lohagad and Visapur division. One can see the Visapur wall as well as Lohagad Vinchukata from Bhaje. The village of Bhaja can be seen clearly with open fields. The region is also home to beautiful waterfalls during monsoon.

Panoramic View of Bhaja Caves

How to reach and where to stay

Bhaja caves is easily accessible and safe. The caves are well guarded by security guards. There is an entry ticket for tourist. 25INR for Indian. The place can be reached easily by a car or bus. One can come down the ghat from Lohagad khind to Bhaja caves as shown in above pictures or one can come from main highway of Mumbai Pune highway. From main highway two roads diverge 180 degrees. One going Karla and other Bhaja. Plenty of options to stay at highway hotels. MTDC Karla is the best place to stay. 

TIMING OF CAVE: Morning 9 till Evening 5:30

ENTRY FEE: 25INR (Indian) 300INR (Foreign) (As of April 2022)