Height: 2815 feet
Range: Shahapur
District: Thane
Grade: Easy
As we drive on the Mumbai-Nashik highway, as we approach Shahapur-Asangaon, we can see the long range of pinnacles on the left. This range consists of 3 forts, Palasgad, Mahuli and Bhandargad, and other pinnacles. Mahuli is a very famous spot for trekking and waterfall rapelling during the monsoon.
History: In 1485, Leek Ahmed, the Nizamshah conquered Mahuli fort along with other forts in the Konkan area. In 1636, in the efforts to save Nizamshahi, Shahaji Raje took shelter at Mahuli fort along with his wife and Shivaji. The Moghuls attacked the fort under the leadership of Khan Jamaan. Shahaji fought hard, but in vain.
Later, in 1658, Shivaji won back the fort from the Moghuls, but in 1666 returned it to them under the Treaty of Purander. Since it was considered as 3 seperate forts (Palasgad, Bhandargad and Mahuli), Shivaji saved his 2 forts as he was supposed to surrender 23 of his forts under that treaty.
In 1670, Shivaji led a surprise attack on the fort in the middle of the night with 1500 soldiers, but the alertness of the Rajput Killedaar Manohardas Gaud foiled Shivaji's plans and 1000 maratha soldiers got killed. Manohardas understood that Shivaji will once again attack the fort. He left his post and Allaviddi Beg became the new Killedaar. On 16 June, 1670 Shivaji and his soldiers charged and attacked the fort and conquered it.
In 1818, The fort passed over from the Marathas to the Britishers.
Ways to reach: Reach Asangaon railway station on the Kasara line of Central Railway. From the station, start walking towards the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. After walking for about 10 mins, we come across a petrol pump on the left. One can have light snacks in the restaurant here. A further 5 mins walk, and a path enters towards the village and the famous Manas Temple of the Jains. From here, Mahuli village is at a distance of approximately 4 kms.
The Climb: Reach the Mahadeo Temple near Mahuli village. From behind the Mahadeo temple, the route begins. Avoid a bifurcation just ahead of the temple that goes to the left and gets you to a Ganesh temple. Take the narrow straight route off the main road, which after 15 mins comes across a big stream. We have to cross this stream. The road to the left that goes along the stream leads you to the waterfall. After you cross the stream, the path turns left and then gradually climbs up to a plateau in an hour. Then it runs along the ridge and reaches the massif. A further climb of an Hour takes you to the iron ladder, about 10 feet high. Climb the ladder and you reach the top. A further walk of half an hour takes you to the ruins and further ahead, the cave.
Climbing time: 3 hours from the Mahadeo temple.
Takes about 1 and a half hour (max) to reach Mahuli village from Asangaon station.
Fascinating Spots: After climbing the 10 feet Iron ladder to reach the top, we come across a couple of water cisterns. Further ahead, the route bifurcates. Right one goes towards Palasgad and the left route goes towards Bhandargad. On the way to Bhandargad, we pass through a forest and come across the ruins of a palace and a lake. Further ahead, we reach Jamun Bag, and this leads to a ridge, which leads to Bhandargad. On the right, about 500 feet below is the Kalyan Darwaza. One can ascend through Kalyan Darwaza by Rock climbing. It is possible to climb down and up the ridge to Bhandargad, from where the Pinnacles of Bhatoba, Navra and Navri make a fascinating view.
Forts Visible from the top: To the East - Ajoba
To the South east - Harishchandragad, Bhairavgad, Naneghat, Jeevdhan, Gorakhgad, Siddhagad, Bhimashankar
To the South - Matheran
To the South west - Mallangad
To the West - Vajreshwari and Tungareshwar
To the North West - Kohoj
To the North - Tansa lake
To the North East - Alang, Kulang, Madangad, Ratangad
Accomodation: The gatehouses on top of Mahuli can accomodate a few people. However it is advisable to complete the trek in one day.
Food and Water: Carry your own food. A couple of cisterns near the bifurcation are sources of clear water.
