Korigad Fort Trek
Korigad fort trek is an easy level trek located about 20 km from Lonavla in Pune district. The topmost point on the trek is about 3028 ft above sea level. The actual date of it’s of construction is not known but likely predates 1500.
History
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha ruler incorporated Korigad, Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. It is mentioned that this fort was taken over by the Pant Secretary in the year 1700. The Peshwas later captured it and was used for government detention.
On 11th March 1818, Colonel Prother of the British Empire tried to take over this fort by laying a seige. The siege was prolonged yet he had no success. He finally succeeded by igniting the ammunition by a cannonball. Korigad fort fell in the hands of the British. Korigad get’s it name from the temple of Goddess Korai whose temple can be seen inside the fort.
Geography
The fort stands tall at 3028 ft above sea level, over 660 ft higher than the neighboring valleys. There are two lakes on top of the fort and they are said to be not fit for drinking.
Rock cut steps lead you to the fort. The fort has a huge plateau on top where the two lakes reside. There is a temple of Koraidevi and many other temples of Vishnu and Shiva. One of the temples has been recently renovated with a 3 foot high tower of lamps.
The fortifications of the Korigad fort trek is almost intact. One can walk around the entire perimeter of the fort on these walls. The entrance of the fort is still intact and is massive. It is called the Ganesh Darwaza. There are several bastions on the south side of the fort. There are six cannons on the fort. The largest one is Laxmi Toph and is located next to the temple. There are remains of other buildings on the fort as well.
There are a few caves on the way to the Korigad fort trek where water has accumulated. The water in these cisterns is potable. There are a few caves next to the lakes on the fort as well. One of these caves has a water cistern which has potable water.
From the top of the fort one can see Nagfani Tok, Tung, Morgiri, Mruggad, Tikona, Rajmachi, Dhak, Matheran, Prabalgad, Karnala, Manikgad and Mulshi reservoirs.
The Trail
Peth-Shahpur is the base village or the nearest village to the fort. The trail can not be missed. There’s a sign post marking the start of the trail as well. The short mud trail leads to the rock cut steps which take you directly to the top of the fort.
How to reach
It is recommended to take your personal vehicle here. It can be parked near the village.
If travelling by train, one can reach Lonavala by Indrayani express. From Lonavala, shared rickshaws, private cabs and buses going towards Aamby Valley can drop you here. State Transport (ST buses) are also available from Lonavala. Take any ST bus going towards Ambavane/Bhambhurde or Aamby Valley and get down at Peth-Shahapur.
