SAGARGAD -Hill fort near Sea

 Sagargad

Information 

 Type

This is a hill fort with some dilapidated fortification walls and some bastions in good condition.

Location 

This fort is located near Alibag in Raigad district.There is Sagargad Machi village at the half way stage of the route. Sagargad is also termed as Kheddurg

How to reach

There are two routes to reach Sagargad Machi village.The starting points of both the routes are interconnected by five minutes walk on non motorable road. After Sagargad Machi village,there is only one route for the fort.

The base villages of both routes are 2 KM away from each other on motorable road. First route is from Pavele Hanuman  Temple.You can reach here by private vehicle (Mumbai 98 KM and Pune 166 KM) on Mumbai - Palaspe - Vadkhal - Sagaon Maruti Mandir  route from Mumbai and Pune - Lonavala - Palaspe - Vadkhal - Sagaon Maruti Mandir route from Pune.A small road left side of Sagaon Maruti Mandir takes you to Pavele Hanuman Temple.

Second route is from Siddheshwar village.You can reach here by private vehicle (Mumbai 99 KM and Pune 167 KM) on the same route up to Sagaon Maruti Mandir and then while moving towards Alibag taking left turn at Khandale village takes you to  Siddheshwar.

If you are traveling by public transport then you have to reach Alibag first.There are 6 seaters (sharing basis) run between Alibag Bus stand to Karlekhind.You can get down at Khandale and walk 20 minutes to reach at Siddheshwar or you can get down at Sagaon Maruti Mandir and walk 10 minutes to reach at Pavele Hanuman Mandir.

Pavele Hanuman Mandir  - This is less popular route utilized mostly by villagers of Sagargad Machi Village.There is also one Ganesh Mandir near the starting point of the trek.The route begins with steep ascend in soil for first 15-20 minutes and then gradual ascend of 45 minutes takes you to Dutt Mandir of village.This route passes through left side hill of second route.

Siddheshwar  - This is more popular route and utilized mostly by visitors and devotees as the major tourist attractions in Sagargad fort visit (Dhondane Waterfall and Siddheshwar Temple) are nearby this route.A simple walk from Siddheshwar village takes you to the footsteps. Footsteps are wide enough and easy to climb just like a staircase.The route passes through the dense forest and takes you at Junction.It takes half an hour to reach here from Siddheshwar village.A simple walk of 2 minutes leftwards takes you to Siddheshwar Temple and straight route of 10-15 minutes takes you to the Sagargad Machi village.

Sagargad Machi village is a small village on the plateau having few temples and a school.

Both the above routes take you to the Sagargad Machi village and converge in one path towards fort.A simple walk of 1.5 hours in dense forest from village takes you to the fort.The route to the fort offers scenic views of north eastern part of the landscape and Dharamtar Creek. The fort area can be easily recognized due to bastions and wall.Entrance in fort is from left side of the bastion through a dilapidated entrance gate.

Total Ascend/Descend Time - 

Pavele Hanuman Mandir route -

2 hours 40 minutes (Ascending)/ 2 hours 20 minutes (Descending)

60 minutes (Ascending)/ 50 minutes (Descending)- Pavele Mandir to Dutt Mandir and vice-versa 

10 minutes - Dutt Mandir to End of Village (Walk in Village)

90 minutes (Ascending)/ 80 minutes (Descending) - Sagargad Machi Village to Sagargad 

Siddheshwar route -

2 hours 20 minutes (Ascending)/ 2 hours (Descending)

40 minutes (Ascending)/ 30 minutes (Descending)- Siddheshwar Village to Siddheshwar Temple Junction and vice-versa 

10 minutes - Siddheshwar Temple Junction to End of Village (Walk in Village)

90 minutes (Ascending)/ 80 minutes (Descending) - Sagargad Machi Village to Sagargad

Note - This is estimated time.Actual time can very with crowd and weather at that point.

Places of Interest -

Main Fort Area -This is a small fort with not much structures in the main fort. It takes half an hour to watch the fort.The fort area ends at narrow ridge with a small separated pinnacle called 'Vandarlingi'.There is one temple (not well built) with a small built pond and another lake inside main fort.Some small cannons can also be seen on the fort.This fort offers scenic views of Kulaba fort, Alibag city and sea forts Khanderi and Underi along with the coastline of Arabian sea.

Siddheshwar Temple and Waterfall- There is a lord shiva temple and an old monetary.The lord shiva temple has thatched tiled structure.There is a small waterfall behind the temple which carry loads of water in rains but mostly dry in summer and winter.This place is more crowded in Rainy Season by trekkers and Waterfall lovers.

Accommodation -

This trek can be completed in a day and hence accommodation is generally not required.If someone wants to stay then they can either stay in Siddheshwar temple (10-15 people) or they can stay in Sagargad Machi village.People in the village are very kind and helpful and can accommodate in their houses.

When to visit -

You can visit Sagargad throughout the year except in the summer because there is no shed on the main fort.Hikers prefer Rainy season to visit this fort as this fort offers scenic views in rains and also waterfall behind the Siddheshwar Temple becomes another attraction.

Experience and Photos

My Experience 

I visited Sagargad on with a trekking group with friends on 21 July 2008.We started on 6 a.m from Mumbai in a private bus and reached Siddheshwar village on 10 a.m. after having a breakfast and Tea.It was a nice day where weather was playing the game of hide and seek with showers and sunshine one after another.When we reached at the base black clouds were looming in sky.It was pleasant to see waterfall carrying loads of water making a sound at the calm place.The volume of sound started increasing as we moved ahead on a broad soil based way.We came across a stream on our way but decided to move ahead.After walking for some time we came across the steps.Steps are easy to climb and after 15-20 minutes climb we reached on plains from where the waterfall is clearly visible.We observed one peculiar thing that rain was heading towards us from west and in no time it started showering on us.We walked for some time on plains,listening the sound of water.We reached at Siddheshwar Temple on 11 a.m.We took darshan and waited for 10-15 minutes when it was still raining.We headed towards the fort and after 5 minutes walk came across the village.The village was nothing but 20-25 houses and a school at that time.The way ahead became narrow and after walking for half an hour the eastern end of the landscape and Dharamtar Creek was visible in fog.It stopped raining but the fog was still there when we reached near the fort.We reached at the entrance of fort on 11.45 a.m.

We entered the fort and watched the fort for 15-20 minutes.Due to fog we could not see coast line of Alibag initially.We reached at the tip of the fort,a small pinnacle called Vandarlingi was in front of us separated from the Sagargad fort.The view from tip was beyond the words.We rested on the plains of the fort and enjoyed the view of surrounding green blanket and tiny houses of Alibag with passing clouds and peeping sun at the background,feeling the cool breeze coming from west.The nature wasn't letting us return but we had to return.We started our return journey on 12.30 p.m.

We reached at Village Sagargad Machi on 1.15 p.m. Our group had arranged lunch at the school.The lunch was tasty and simple.We had our lunch and came outside.An excellent view of Arabian Sea and tiny Khanderi & Underi forts caught our attention.Khanderi fort can be identified by its peculiar shape of number '6' and Underi fort with its elliptical dome shape.After lunch we started descending from Siddheshwar way on 2 p.m.The journey from fort to base was in bright sunshine.We reached at the stream mentioned earlier on 2.30 p.m and cooled down ourselves in water for some time.We reached at starting point on 3.00 p.m and headed ourselves back to Mumbai.

Things to Carry

One Day Hikes - A pair of trekking shoes,Haversack,,A pair of changing clothes,Water (at least 2 litres),Torch with pair of batteries,Small scissor or knife,Easy snacks,Medical Kit (Electrol Powder + Tablets on Vomiting, dizziness fever,body pain etc +Bandage and instant relief spray or medicine on bruise + cotton piece),Other regular medicines (optional), Napkin, Towel, Handkerchief ,other things which you find necessary.

Multiple Day Hikes - Things mentioned in One Day Hikes +Sleeping Mat or Sleeping Bag,Toothpaste and brush,Ready to cook food packets and tea bags,other things which you find necessary.

Photos   

                 Map of Sagargad

        Start of Trek from Siddheshwar 

Pavele Mandir (Start of Trek)

             

Sagargad (Left),Ganesh Mandir (Right)

    

    

Steps to Sagargad Machi 

                  Dhondane Waterfall

         Bastions and Walls of Sagargad

                 Vandarlingi Pinnacle

                Sagargad Machi School

Dharamtar Creek on the Way to Sagargad

Note - 

1)You are requested not to litter on or near the fort,temples,sculptures,caves and historical monuments.Please keep the sanctity of our historical heritage.

2) You are requested to avoid listening high pitched volume audios while passing through the forest instead listen the chirping of different birds.

3) Please carry a garbage bag/s with you depending upon the size of group.Carry the garbage with you while descending and throw garbage in dustbins placed in base villages.

4) Walls of caves,temples and other monuments are not right surfaces to showcase your artwork.

KALSUBAI - Everest of Maharashtra

 

Kalsubai 

Information 

 Type

It is the tallest peak in Sahyadri mountain range with the height of 1646 m (5400 ft.).The top of peak is very small in terms of area and nothing to visit except a small Kalsubai Temple.

Location 

Kalsubai peak is located on the hill near village Bari which is in Ahmadnagar district. Bari is 14 KM from Bhandardara.

How to reach

There are two routes to reach Kalsubai peak.First route is from Bari (Jagirdarwadi) and other route is from Indore village.The route from Bari is popular one & straightforward whereas Indore route is unexplored and unpopular.

You can reach Bari village,155 KM from Mumbai (Mumbai-Shahpur-Kasara-Igatpuri-Ghoti-Rajur  route, 21 KM from Ghoti on Ghoti - Bhandardara route) and 170 KM from Pune (Pune-Narayangaon-Ozar-Otur-Kotul-Rajur-Ghoti route,25 KM from Rajur on Rajur-Ghoti road) by private vehicle or state transport bus.

In case you are coming by public transport from Mumbai,you can reach Igatpuri either by train or bus or jeep from Kasara (local train up to Kasara).You will get state transport bus from Igatpuri towards Sangamner or Rajur which takes you at Bari. Bari is 33 KM from Igatpuri.

In case you are coming by public transport from Pune,you can reach Sangamner by bus (Pune - Nashik bus) and then reach Bari by another bus towards Ghoti or Igatpuri.This is longer route compared to that mentioned earlier but best one due to bad frequency of buses & the only one time change of vehicle.

The public vehicles halt on the main road and you need to walk almost a kilometer to reach at Jagirdarwadi (starting point).Initial path of trek is through fields with negligible ascend that takes you to Base Kalsubai temple.It takes around half an hour to reach at this temple.There are few more routes which take you at the temple.The left side route from base Kalsubai temple heads to Kalsubai peak.The gradual ascend on soil path begins and it takes 25-30 minutes to reach near first ladder.This part of trek becomes muddy in rainy season hence you need to use good quality shoes. The first ladder is approx. 30-40 ft.tall.There is fixed railing on, before and after every ladder for support.After first ladder, 20-25 minutes path of steeper ascend containing zig-zag steps take you near the second ladder.There are two parallel ladders (8-10 ft. tall) placed on the either sides of rock.The zig zag steps continue for next 30-35 minutes.You can enjoy spectacular view of surroundings and tiny houses of Bari village.You reach third ladder which is approx. 40-50 ft. tall and steeper compared to first two ladders.You have now reached at the top of the hill which you could see from Bari.The Kalsubai peak is on the top of hillock which you will now climb.The gradual ascend of 20-25 minutes take you at plain area.The final ladder and small hill can be seen once you reach at plains.A simple walk of 5 minutes take you near ladder.The final ladder is approx.30-40 ft. and steepest of all.After ascending the final ladder, 5 minutes walk take you to the rocky terrain of Kalsubai Peak.

Bari route -

2 hours 30 minutes (Ascending)/ 2 hours 10 minutes (Descending)

30 minutes (Ascending)/ 30 minutes (Descending)- Bari to Base Kalsubai Temple and vice-versa 

110 minutes (Ascending)/ 90 minutes (Descending) Base Kalsubai Temple to Plain area before final ladder and vice versa

10 minutes (Ascending)/ 10 minutes (Descending) -Plain area before final ladder to Main Kalsubai Temple

Note - This is estimated time.Actual time can very with crowd and weather at that point.

Places of Interest -

Main Kalsubai Temple - Kalsubai temple is a tiny temple (Approx 10 ft tall) at peak.It has an idol of goddess Kalsubai.The space inside the temple is so less that only one devotee can take the darshan at a time.The original temple which was painted with red & saffron earlier was repainted with Saffron,red & yellow colors and renovated.It is now beautified with small Ganesha painting on the top of tiny temple entrance and painted lotus carvings on either sides of the entrance.

Kalsubai Peak - The small area of the peak has rocky terrain.You can watch a 360 degree spectacular view from top.You can watch the landscape near Indore village and hills northwards,fort range of Alang,Kulang and Madan westwards,Bhandardara lake southwards and landscape near Bari village & our route eastwards.

Base Kalsubai Temple - Considering the limited space at the top of peak and limited capabilities of every person to hike the steep climb the villagers built a small Kalsubai temple at the base approximately half an hour from village Bari.This is a proper temple with thatched roof unlike the main temple and has idols of goddess.It is called as Kalsubai Nivasini Temple.

Accommodation 

This trek can be completed in one day and hence accommodation is generally not  required.The best choice is to reach Bari early morning and return to Mumbai or Pune same night.If someone wants to visit multiple forts in one trip then they can stay at Bari village or if someone wants to visit Bhandardara and forts near Bhandardara in one trip then they can stay at Bhandardara.

In weekends (Rainy season and Winter) there are lot of small stalls of Tea, Snacks,Breakfast,Water bottles etc.on the way. In weekdays, you can carry water from village.Breakfast and lunch are available in village (For breakfast and lunch you need to confirm them in advance)

When to visit -

You can visit Kalsubai in any season but preferable to visit in Rainy Season and Winter due to pleasant and delightful weather conditions.

In Rainy Season you can enjoy the experience of being above the clouds.In case of very heavy rain visibility at the top is very poor.One must take care while trekking in such condition as there are 4-5 ladders.

In Winter you can watch spectacular views from peak due to better visibility.

Kalsubai being highest peak of Sahyadri  and Maharashtra is in the bucket list of most of people staying in Maharashtra (especially Mumbai, Pune and Nasik) resulting in turning huge crowd in weekends.As there are three long ladders in the way (where it is recommended that only one person can move either up or down) ,it creates long queues on the either sides of ladders.It is recommended to visit Kalsubai on weekdays or on Saturday instead of Sunday if you have choice.

Experience and Photos

My Experience 

I visited Kalsubai twice with a trekking group.First time I visited on 15 August 2011.We started our journey from Mumbai on 11 p.m (14 August) in a private bus and reached Bari village on 5.00 a.m.(15 August).We ensured to have enough sleep in the standstill bus after reaching Bari village.It is a good practice to reach base village early morning and start trek early.It was raining outside.The darkness unfolded slowly and Sun came out.A misty morning ,lush greenery of surrounding fields,mixed sound of chirping birds,falling raindrops and blowing winds welcomed us in Bari.

Such life which is far from the Urban world calms you and motivates you to start your day with fresh mind.After completing our morning rituals,we gathered near a school for flag hoisting along with school children.After flag hoisting our group arranged breakfast and tea.We had our breakfast & Tea and prepared to start the trek.We started on 8.30 a.m.It was still raining.There are small streams on the way in rainy season. The muddy path took us near base Kalsubai temple on 9.00 a.m.The mountain of Kalsubai,which was in complete fog early in the morning now started showing its ornaments as the Waterfalls.We moved ahead listening to chirping birds and gusting winds.We were enjoying our journey in the presence of the spectacular surrounding views through passing clouds.We had no clue of time.It was raining continuously and fortunately for us it was light rain.When we climbed third ladder,we took rest for a minute. It was thick fog around us and we decided to move slowly.We moved ahead and could not even realize when we reached at the top.It was 11 a.m.I took darshan in the main Kalsubai temple and took rest on the nearby rocks.Even after wearing windcheater I was feeling chilly weather.All of sudden hails started falling and sound of teeth followed the sound of hailstones.The hailstorm lasted for few minutes.We decided to descend on 11.30 a.m.There was no rain in the return journey but weather was pleasant.

While we were about to reach at Bari, first time we had sight of bright Sun peeping through the clouds.We reached Bari on 1.30 p.m had our basic lunch in the house at Bari on 2 p.m. and returned to Mumbai.

My Second experience was entirely different due to different weather and huge amount of crowd gathering on that day (not from our trekking group).I visited Kalsubai after 8 years on 23 June 2019.We went with the trekking group. We started our journey from Mumbai on 11.30 p.m. (22 June),reached Kalsubai on 6.00 a.m. (23 June).It was drizzling.The face of village changed drastically.The village which was 15-20 homes 8 years back now turned into big modern day village.I saw large no. of tourist buses parked near our bus.I realized that it would take longer time compared to my earlier visit.We started walking on the road inside the village Bari.I could not recognize the school as it was renovated and modernized.We reached at one village home, had tasty breakfast and tea arranged by our trekking group and came outside.We had a group of 30-40 trekkers. It was bright sunshine when we started on 8.00 a.m.There is approx. 300-400 trekkers from different trekking groups on that day.We reached at base Kalsubai temple on 8.30 a.m. crossing small stream in the soil based path.There were some passing showers in mostly sunny morning.While ascending we saw a long queue.I estimated that we reached near first ladder.We had to move with snails pace while we actually start climbing the ladder.After climbing the ladder I saw huge crowd moving up.We waited for 10-15 minutes behind the third ladder as there was long queue on either sides of ladder.As the space at the Kalsubai peak is limited and there was huge crowd moving up , we decided to wait on the plains behind the final ladder.It was sunny day and we hardly had any rest.We finally reached Kalsubai peak on 11.45 p.m.It took 3 hrs.45 minutes to reach the top.I took darshan. We saw spectacular views of following -

South side -  Landscape near Bhandardara lake (We could not see Bhandardara lake due to clouds)

East Side - Landscape near Bari village and our trek route

West Side - Landscape and Hills  but could not see Alang,Kulang and Madan  forts due to clouds

North Side - Landscape near Indore village and nearby hills

There were some clouds in the air just like cotton floating in the air. side area was not clearly visible due to passing clouds.We took rest for half an hour more and started descending on 12.30 p.m.We reached at the base Kalusbai temple on 2.30 p.m. and Bari village on 3 p.m.We then had our lunch in one of the village houses on 3.30 p.m. and we left Bari on 4 p.m. 

Things to Carry

One Day Hikes - A pair of trekking shoes,Haversack,,A pair of changing clothes,Water (at least 2 litres),Torch with pair of batteries,Small scissor or knife,Easy snacks,Medical Kit (Electrol Powder + Tablets on Vomiting, dizziness fever,body pain etc +Bandage and instant relief spray or medicine on bruise + cotton piece),Other regular medicines (optional),Napkin,Towel,Handkerchief ,other things which you find necessary.

Multiple Day Hikes - Things mentioned in One Day Hikes +Sleeping Mat or Sleeping Bag,Toothpaste and brush,Ready to cook food packets and tea bags,other things which you find necessary.

Photos -

                Map of Kalsubai

              Bari Village Miestone

                   Kalsubai Board

              Bari Village School  (2011)

        Kalsubai Hill with Waterfalls (2011)

           Kalsubai Temple (Old) (2011)

       Base Kalsubai Temple Board (2019)

1st Ladder towards Kalsubai (2019)

      

Final Ladder towards Kalsubai (2019)

     

View from Kalsubai Top (North side)

      

     View from Kalsubai Peak (South side) 

         Views on the way to Kalsubai 

         Kalsubai Peak (Rocky Terrain)

       Kalsubai Temple (Renovated) (2019)

Note - 

1)You are requested not to litter on or near the fort,temples,sculptures,caves and historical monuments.Please keep the sanctity of our historical heritage.

2) You are requested to avoid listening high pitched volume audios while passing through the forest instead listen the chirping of different birds.

3) Please carry a garbage bag/s with you depending upon the size of group.Carry the garbage with you while descending and throw garbage in dustbins placed in base villages.

4) Walls of caves,temples and other monuments are not right surfaces to showcase your artwork.