Mahimangad Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was one of the forts with Varugad, Vardhangad, and many more in the Satara region. Turjabhavani temple is the starting point of the trek. From here, we can see the fortification of the fort. Walking ahead, one will also see a Bhavani Mata Mandir, which is also well maintained. Both the temples are in good condition. The villagers recently built Bhavani temple’s roof. Behind this temple, there is a huge water tank. This water tank has steps made for dipping in and take out water. After climbing for about half an hour, the rock-cut steps will take you till the fort's entrance. The fortification of the fort is healthy after so many years. One will reach the first door within five minutes. Moving on from there, one will see the second door, which is named “Hastmukh Darwaja”. 

This door has small carvings of an elephant on both sides of the door at the bottom. The second door is now disputed; the door is assumed to be huge and built with strategical importance as its remnants are seen around the door after entering it. One can visit Lord Hanuman temple, which is beautifully placed on the fort, moving ahead on the top. This temple will be seen easily as soon as one walks on to the fort crossing the second door. A small water tank is also placed on the fort. This water tank has water all the 12 months of the year. Many Secret doors are also seen on the fort, also locally known as “Chor Darwaja.” The fortress and its fortification are huge to explore and visit. It will take around one hour to explore the fort. 

Varugad fort trek begins with a door towards the Fort near the base point of the Fort. Moving ahead from this entrance, we can see a huge water tank present near it. This water tank has water throughout the year. Moving forward from this water tank, one can see another water tank whose walls are well maintained. Besides this water, then one can see a small “Shivling” under a huge tree shed. After this, one will come across “Bhairavnaath’s Temple.” the temple is huge and well maintained. The villagers worship this temple.

On the Fort's backside, which is away from the trail, one can see a grave present. Within two hours, will reach the first door of the Fort.
Another water tank is seen while approaching the Fort is known as “Pandavkalin. This water tank is said to be built overnight by the Pandavas. The history of this Fort states that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this Fort in 1674. This Fort was then under the Peshwas from 1811. All the forts doors constructed under the guidance by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were built-in the Gaumukhi architectural style. The citadel door has also been built in the same manner. The citadel is approached from the summit itself, and The defence is still fortified as it was in the old days. A beautiful place to experience Walking alone on the trail with a smell of fresh air, feel of the chilly winds brushing your cheeks, the blooming flowers' aroma, and feeling alive—thousands of tracks, different treks, numerous peaks to climb, in just one place, Maharashtra.

The Fort is a very important spot. Its history tells us that this was the last place where Sant Ramdas resided in India. A major reason why Sajjangad is famous. The place is now an important pilgrim spot. The history of the Fort says that Bahamani rulers built the Fort. In 1527 the Fort was in the Adil Shahi dynasty's hands, which was later captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on 2nd April 1663. The Fort was called "Navrastara", which was named by the Marathas after re-capturing it from the Mughals on 6th June 1700. The Fort was under the Marathas until the British came in power in 1818.

The trail is well marked and maintained. Steps are formed throughout the trek until the entrance of the Fort. A hanuman idol is present on the left as soon as you begin with the trek. There are, in total, 11 Maruti idols present throughout the trail. Sant Ramdas set up these idols, and names of the places are also mentioned below the idols where the actual temple is present around the Fort. Sant Ramdas himself placed a Maruti idol in between the trail, which is now a small temple on the left side. The whole route to the gate of the Fort is well maintained and easy to go. Railings are placed on either side of the trail, which helps the elder ones visit the Fort.

 

The main entrance door is known as "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mahadvaar," followed by another door known as "Shree Samarth Mahadvaar." The Fort is an incredibly amazing site to visit. There are several temples, the memorial of Sant Ramdas, a special place for the visitors to have food, and many more. It takes about an hour to explore the Fort fully.

A lake named "Ghodale" is present on the Fort towards the left. This lake was a drinking source for horses in ancient times. Towards the right, a spot named "Ramghal" is famous as it was the spot where Sant Ramdas used to meditate. Behind the lake, there is a mosque and temple present on the Fort. One more lake is present on the Fort called Sonale lake, near a restaurant named Shree Samarth office and lodge. An ashram named "Sridhar Kuti," Shree Ram temple, "Bramhapisa" temple is all the special attraction on the Fort. After viewing all these, Hanuman Temple is named "Dhaabyacha Maruti" present on the Fort. The fortification is admirable from this point, and one can view beautiful serene from this point.

 

The mountain and the trek conclude the best outings in the Satara district. The mesmerizing view and peace around make one feel relaxed after a heavy load week. River Krishna flows towards the west side of the mountain. The mountain has a significant and exciting history. This Jarandeshwar mountain has a reason behind its name.

History: The Maruti temple on the top of the mountain is very precious because of its myth. It is said that during the fight between Lord Ram and Ravan in Ramayana Lord Lakshman was injured. To cure Lakshman, the priest had said only Sanjeevni (medical plant) could heal him, and Hanuman was sent to bring that plant. While returning Hanuman bought the whole Dronagiri mountain with him, and it is said that one small part of the hill fell on this place. That small piece is known as Jarandeshwar Mountain. Hence Hanuman temple was built, and people worship this temple known was Jarandeshwar temple.

Within the temple, one might find numerous pictures, sculptures, idols of god and goddess. A Shivling is also present inside the temple on the mountain. This Hanuman temple is the first temple of the twelve temples built by Sant Ramdas under the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Another temple is present exactly behind this temple. This temple is known as "Ramchandra Temple".

Many ancient remnants are still present on the mountain. Every Saturday, many visitors visit and worship this temple. They worship this temple on special occasions like "Ramnavi" and "Hanuman Jayanti". These festivals are celebrated on a significant basis. The mountain is the best place for one to enjoy peace.

The fort is easily approachable. One can easily reach the entrance of the fort. An adequately marked trail is maintained till the entrance of the fort. This is a one-day hill trek which is an easy grade level trek. There are two significant doors at the entrance of the fort. The main entrance is as it is since its establishment. The main entrance door needs no repair as it is still in excellent condition. The main topic of this fort is that it is one of the most ancient forts of this region. The fort is on one of the seven surrounded mountains of Satara. The fort gives one a panoramic view of Satara District.

Ajinkyatara is said to be Maratha's fourth capital. The first capitals were; Rajgad followed by Raigad and Jinji. After entering the fort, there is a Hanuman temple located on the fort which is locally known as "Uttarmukhi Hanuman temple". The fortress tower is the best place on the fort to spend time and enjoy the panoramic view. Few more temples are also found on the fort which is named "Mangaladevi temple" and "Mahadev temple". The temple behind Mangaladevi temple which is known as Ratneshwar temple which is an ancient temple locally known as "Mahadev Mandir". This temple was once renovated in recent years and is now appropriately maintained. The villagers worship the Mangaladevi temple.

There are few historic spots also present on the fort named "Ethihasik Wada" where palace remnants are still seen. The second door of the fort is towards the backside of the fort. The second door is towards the south of the fort. From this fort, we can see Chandan-Vandan, Sajjangad, and many more neighbouring forts of Satara District.

The fort history says that this fort was constructed by King Bhoj – II IN 1190. This fort was then under the hands of Adilshah of Bijapur. While the expansion of Sawarajya, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won the fort and ruled on the fort from 27th July 1673. After a long time and battels, Mughals again came into power over this fort and named it as "Azamtara". Later this fort was named "Ajinkyatara" by the famous Marathi novelist who wrote a novel on Ajinkyatara fort. This novel was published in 1909. Her name was Narayan Hari Apte.

About the Fort

Santoshgad fort is also commonly known as the Fort of Tathavade based on its base village. The trail to the Fort is all simple and approachable. The tail a regular mountain hike. The route passes through greens around and blues above. The course is pretty well marked. No, as such left-right turns, a simple mountain trail till the Fort. There is a bench set up for people to rest under the tree’s shed between the route. After hiking for about one to two hours, one reaches the first door of the Fort. The first door of the Fort is destroyed, and now it just seems a normal entrance. 

There are a few steps until the opening of the first door. Moving ahead, one can explore the Fort a bit that will take you to the Fort's second door. Both doors are made up of stones. The third door is made in Gaumukh architectural style to destroy the army force when the defense is under attack. This strategy was applied by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who build this Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this Fort in 1630. 

The fourth door on the Fort is a secret door to the Fort, locally known as a “Chor Darwaja” in ancient times; this door was used in emergencies. We can see Vardhan gad, Varugad, and Mahima gad from the top point of the Fort. An excellent panoramic view is seen from the top of the Fort. 

A beautiful and peaceful atmosphere is observed in the Fort. The water tank is also seen in the Fort; this water tank is seen inside a cave. One can also see a “Valmiki Rishi” statue on the Fort. Many remnants are seen on the Fort, Shiva temple, and ‘Hanuman Take,’ a named water tank on the Fort. It takes a good time to reach and explore the Fort. Explore the Fort with different doors with ancient strategies. Incredibly amazing view from the top point. Beautiful surrounding and naturistic place to spend time in the region. Hikers are fond of Sahyadri as they give us the best places to spend time with ourselves and feel alive. Whether a similar trail or a new trek, Sahyadri ranges always adds something new to the bucket list. 

About the Vardhangad Fort Trekking: 

The fort is a one-day fort trek. It is an easy grade level trek. To reach the fort, proper stairs are maintained till the entrance of the fort. One can quickly get the entrance of the fort within an hour. The fort was built and established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the year 1674. The fort is still known because Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj resided here. The fort's entrance is made in a Gaumukhi architectural style, which is facing towards the east. Entering the fort and moving ahead, we can see a small Mahadev temple that is not in a good state. Facing south from the temple, we could see two ponds that cannot be used as drinking water if we move ahead. Another temple away from this Mahadev temple, we can see a temple of Vardhinidevi. On Dasara day, a fair is being placed here near the temple. 

It was said that there's a secret tunnel created to reach Mahimagad, whose door is now covered by stones. The fort on this hill still stands, and the fortification is always maintained. A small raised ridge can be seen, which can be approached by rock-cut steps made on the fort. It takes about an hour to explore this fort. Huge landscapes are seen from the top of the fort. So, let us walk on a new trek, a new trail, and enjoy the Sahyadri Range's absolute beauty. The Sahyadri's are a blessing to Maharashtra, and the mountains play a massive role in making a happy weekend.

The base village of the fort is Nandgiri village. Therefore, the fort is commonly known as the Nandgiri fort. The trail till the beginning of the fort is a motorable route. One can drive up until the first door of the fort. The fort has two main doors. The first door which will come across is facing towards the north direction. This door leads to a temple. Moving ahead of this temple, we can visit the most exciting and fantastic spot on the fort. There is a cave present on the fort, which is 30 meters deep. It isn't preferable to visit this place in monsoons. This cave is the best place on the fort. The gallery has water on both sides of it. As this cave is deep, no light source, and shallow height to stand inside, people find this cave horrifying. But nothing as such applies in real. Visiting the cave in daylight reflects the olden times' galleries on the fort. After visiting this gallery, come back to the first gate to move on to the second door.

Steps are created to reach the second gate of the fort. After entering this door, one can look at the temple present near the entrance of the second door. Lord Hanuman temple is the temple present here. Dahanebuva of Ninapadali then renovated this temple. We can also see a memorial of Kalyan Swami, a ruined temple of lord Ganesh followed by a lake. From the fort's southernmost point, one can see all the nearby treks: Jaranda, Ajinkyatara, Yavateshwar, Chandan, Vandan, Morya, and Vairatgad.

 

Moving on towards the fort's history, we realized that this fort was built by King Bhor - II of Panhala, which was mentioned in a copper plate inscription found in the district. It is said that the fort was built around 1178. Kalyangad and the rest all the forts of Satara were surrendered to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1673. Maratha's lost this fort in the last battle with General Pritzler in April 1818. This fort was then stated as a dismantled and uninhabited fort with a steep approach but no water and supplies. The fantastic caves and mystery of the ancient gallery. View of neighboring forts with an excellent panoramic view from the top

Both the forts' summits serve an extraordinary landscape worth the climb and explore mysterious mountains and ruins. The history of the Chandan fort is extraordinary. The manuscripts found on the copper plates say that the forts Chandan and Vandan were built by King Bhor – II of the Shilahar Dynasty. Chandan Vandan forts are said to be built around 1191. After King Bhor – II, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fought and won these forts in 1673 from Adilshah of Bijapur. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won the fort after taking oath on Raireshwar, and was the citadel was under Maratha rule till 1689. Moghuls came into power soon after again. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won the forts in 1695.

 

Getting there:

• Vairatgad fort is about 240kms from Mumbai. It will take around 5 hours to reach the base village by road route from Mumbai.
• The fort is about 95kms from Pune.
• Wai is the nearest town to the fort. Vairatgad is about 8km from Wai.
• Local transportation is available from Wai to the base village
• Busses are available from Mumbai to Wai at intervals, and then from Wai to Pandavgad, regular local vehicles are available.
• Pune also provides good local transportation between Pune and Wai. One can catch a local ST bus from Swargate.
• Similarly, from Wai to Mhasave and return, local transport is available.

Every time we visit the vast Sahyadri Range and experience its astonishing beauty, rejoicing each moment, each second of our lives in the mountains. Exploring new routes of life similarly, let's explore new treks and trails of Sahyadri's.