Padargad fort trek is located in Karjat, Maharashtra. It used to be a small fort used for vigilance in the past. It lies close to the Bhimashanker trek route in the Karjat area. It is not frequented by trekkers thanks to it’s height and the difficult trek route.
History
There’s very less documentation available about the history of this fort. According to the locals it is not actually a fort but a sort of lighthouse from where the directions were given to know the advancements of the enemy through the Ganapati Ghat road. It was a watch tower to look over the Mawal area in the greater province of the Maratha. According to historical references, Padargad and Tungi fort were constructed by Aurangzeb while capturing Kothaligad Fort.
Geography
The Padargad Fort trek lies just beyond the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The locals call this fort ‘Kalavanticha Mahal’ due to its 2 rock pinnacles. It stands tall at 2202 feet (671 meters) above sea level. The fort is in complete ruins and is very small in size. One can find a few water cisterns and caves on Padargad trek route.
Two differently sized pinnacles is the distinct feature of this trek. There is a plain flat land between them. The top of the fort gives astounding views of the nearby mountains. Siddhagad, Kothaligad and Bhimashankar top are clearly visible from the top. There is a big room on the left side of the bigger pinnacle.
Trail
The starting point for the trek is Khandas village. The path to the Ganpati ghat leads to the small hamlet Padarwadi, From Padarwadi a narrow path to the south leads to the pinnacle of Padargad.
As the Padargad trek lies in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the trek route passes through a dense jungle and the path is marked with white arrows on the rocks and trees. One comes on a gradual climb of small stones after the forest patch. The trek offers an exciting chimney climb of about 10 feet. The chimney is actually 2 parallel rock walls at a distace of about 2 feet. There is a big boulder on top of it with some empty space. You need to climb upward with the co-ordinated support of your back, legs and hand. The chimney climb does not need ropes but it is advisable to carry a rope on this trek. There is a small rock patch beyond this point. One can find potable water until the month of January in one of the 4 water cisterns on the top of the fort. It take about 4 hours to reach the top.
How to reach
Khandas, the base village can be easily reached from Karjat or Neral stations on Central railway line. One can hire a six seater rickshaw easily from the station to Khandas village.
If travelling by an ST bus, one can reach Kashele village from Karjat and then take a 6 seater rickshaw from Kashele to Khandas village. The last bus from Kashele to Karjat is at 6:00 PM.
What is the Padargad fort trek known for?
Padargad fort trek is widely known as a difficult trek thanks to the presence of a small chimney climb and two exposed rock patches. Two differently sized pinnacles is the distinct feature of this trek and makes it look unique from the ground.
What is the difficulty level of the Padargad fort trek?
Padargad fort trek is a fairly difficult trek. It involves a chimney climb and has two exposed rock patches. It is not advisable for a beginner trekker and should be accomplished only by experienced trekkers. Carrying ropes for this trek is advisable.
What is the height of the Padargad fort trek?
Padargad fort trek lies just near the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The height of the fort is about 2202 feet. In terms of metres, it is 671 metres above the sea level.
What is the best time to visit the Padargad fort trek?
Padargad fort trek is not advisable to be visited in the monsoons as it involves a chimney climb and two rock patches which is very risky. The best time to visit is in the winter months from November to February.
Is potable water available on the Padargad fort trek?
Though there are multiple water cisterns, there is no water source on the fort. One can fill their bottles at the well near Ganesh Ghat if taking that route. The water is present here usually till January-February.
How long is the Padargad fort trek?
Padargad fort trek is a one day trek in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. It takes about 3 hours to reach the top of the fort if taking the Ganesh Ghat route.
How to reach the Padargad fort trek?
Khandas is the base village for the Padargad fort trek. It can be easily reached from Karjat or Neral stations on Central railway line. One can hire a six seater rickshaw from the station to Khandas village.
If travelling by an ST bus, one can reach Kashele village from Karjat and then take a 6 seater rickshaw from Kashele to Khandas village. The last bus from Kashele to Karjat is at 6:00 PM.
Khandas can also be reached by a private vehicle from Pune or Mumbai. It is well connected by road.
