Kothaligad is a small funnel fort near Karjat (Maharashtra).
The fort is also called Peth Fort because of its vicinity to Peth
village. Unlike other funnel hill forts, the pinnacle or the funnel is carved
from the inside, forming a circular staircase that reaches the top.
Kothaligad is accessible via a moderate 5.6 kilometre - 3
hour trek starting from the road head at Ambivali village.
The climb from Peth village to Kothaligad fort is steep yet
beautiful. The trail ascends along the north - south axis of the plateau and
this route provides a bird's eye view over Bhimashankar plateau and rock walls.
One the way you can come across rice fields and farmers
using traditional methods of agriculture. Its a beautiful place to be, where
simplicity and hard work is a way of life ! Their only abundance is the natures
raw beauty that they are surrounded with.
As per
the locals, this is not a fort but a sort of a lighthouse from where directions
were given to know the advancements of the enemy.This was also considered a
watchtower to keep a vigil on the Mawal area in the greater province of the
Marathas.
The fort was a watch post for soldiers guarding the Bhor
Ghat, which was an important trade route between Pune and Kalyan.
You can see a few waterfalls while going but unfortunately
non of the waterfalls come across your path directly, you can only see then at
some distance.
The way to the top is narrow and steep. You walk through the
dense plantation to reach the steps and the caves. The cave has a small temple
and you'll find villagers selling lemonade and tea there during the monsoon
season. From here the steps begin to reach the top. The steps are an
engineering marvel considering that there were no modern equipment available
with the Maratha Warriors while building this fort or watch tower.
Well the steps are carved through the mountain and tall
steep steps take you towards the peak.
From the top the view is simply amazing with clouds
surrounding you and waterfalls painting the surrounding beautifully.
The fresh greenery around you surely adds to the beautiful
experience. Its a feast for a nature lover like me to appreciate natures beauty
at its best.
It surely is a
beautiful site, one should spend some time just sitting there and seeing nature
at its best, and appreciating the work of God.
Once you reach the top, you can have a great view of Karjat
and Bhimashanker. In the monsoon, this is a wonderful trek and, especially
during the weekends, you will find people coming in big groups for this
trek.The best view for me was when I reached a pleateau. The fresh air and
absence of traffic made me feel great.
Behind the fort is the highest plateau stretching from Kusur
to Bhimashankar. number of waterfalls flow from here into the valley.
The best time to visit Kothaligad is during the monsoons.The interplay of clouds and waterfalls along the plateau walls is the best in
this season.
How to Reach
· Board State Transport bus for Ambivali via
Kashele from Karjat Railway station on Central Railway or from Mumbai-
Pune route.
· The distance from Karjat to Ambivali is about 30
Kms. From Karjat you will get bus for Ambivili around 8:30am.
·
If you miss bus at 8:30 am next bus is at 9:45
am which will leave you at Kashele, from where you will have to take local
private transport to reach Ambivili.
· While returning you will get bus at Amibivili at
5:30pm, which will leave you at Karjat by 6:30pm.
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