Hadsar Fort - Unique with It's Entrance Gate.

 Hadsar Fort

Unique with It's Entrance Gate

               photo by- Mohit bhivare

                 Hadsar Fort is amongst the amazing forts of Junnar region. It is situated in Junnar region of Pune District in Maharashtra, India. This fort is also known as Parvatgad. The construction of the entrance gate is the uniqueness of this fort. Hadsar Fort was mentioned in the treaty of Purandar between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mughals.

History

                 Hadsar Fort is believed to be built in the satvahan Era with Nizamshahi. This fort was meant for protection of the ancient trade route from Mawal to Kalyan via Naneghat. Adilshashi and Qutubshahi were been trying to take over Nizamshahi and Shahaji Raje tried saving Nizamshahi from being annexed. At the end the Fort was acquired by Adilshashi. It was brought under the Maratha Empire as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered it. Then after it was annexed by Mughal in the treaty of Purandar between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mughals. Later it was once again won by Maratha. In 1818, this fort was captured by British. And presently it is in jurisdiction of Govt. Of Maharashtra. 

Things to see on Hadsar Fort

                photo by- Anand jadhav

                 The uniqueness of the Fort is the astonishing entrance gate. This unique construction of entrance gate is not seen elsewhere. There is a marvellous sculpture design of the bastion. There are compartment for sentries (soldiers), water cistern, rock cut steps inviting to the fort are all sculptured from single rock. Caves few metres away from pond.

   Photo by- durg_bhatkanti_trekkers

                  At the top of the Fort, there is Mahadev temple. There are rock cut idols of Lord Ganesh, Garud and Hanuman in the temple. There is manikdoh water reservoir at the highest view point. There is Serene lake near the main fort. 

Informative Source

• Distance from Pune - By Roadway it is about 106km from Pune towards North. 

• Distance from Kalyan and Thane - Village Hadsar is at the distance of 114km from Kalyan. 

It approximately takes 4hrs to cover distance of 134km from Thane to village Hadsar. 

• Distance from Mumbai - It is at the distance of 156km from Mumbai towards East. 

Village Hadsar is the base village of Hadsar Fort. There are two ways to reach the top from the village. The path from the southern side of the Fort is the easiest one, passes through the main gate. The way from the Northern side is difficult with thrilling experience.

Places near Hadsar Fort

• Shivneri Fort - It's just 16km from Hadsar Fort towards south. 

• Naneghat - It is 28km from Hadsar Fort towards West. 

• Sindola Fort - Sindola Fort is towards North of Hadsar Fort at distance of 22km by roadway. 

• Pimpalgaon Joga dam -  A crystal clear pimpalgaon joga dam is at the 32km by roadway. 

• Bhairavgad - It is about 42km from Hadsar Fort by roadway towards North-west. 

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Shivneri Fort - The Birthplace Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Shivneri Fort

The Birthplace Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

                  photo by-Avinash patil

                 Shivneri Fort is a 17th century fort located near Junnar region in the District of Pune in Maharashtra, India. It is the Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Empire. Shivaji Maharaj was born on the 19th February, 1630 at this fort and spent his childhood here. There is small temple of Goddess Shivai inside the fort after whom Shivaji Maharaj was named as Bal Shivaji. 

                  Photo by-Avinash Patil

                

                  Shivneri Fort is like Shivling (God Shiva's holy symbol) in shape. From all four sides this fort is surrounded by steep slopes and is impregnable. This fort was mostly used to guard the old trading route to the port city of Kalyan.

History

                 Photo by-Avinash Patil

                 From the 1st century AD Shivneri is known to be of Buddhist Dominion. Junnar was late known as jirna-nagar, Junnar. It was the capital of king Nahapan under Shak Dynasty. The satvahan king Satkarni swap out Shak and held his dominion over Junnar and its surrounding. There was a trading route at Naneghat in olden times. To supervise this route the fort was built. In satvahan rule they dig many caves. Rashtrakut empire began after the satvahan. After chalukya of Rashtrakut empire, yadavas established their rule in 1170 then within tenure Shivneri Fort was built. 

              

                Nizamshahi was established in 1446. After the weakening of Delhi sultanate. The place passed on Bahamani sultanate and then it passed on to Ahmednagar sultanate.

                 In 1595, a Maratha chief named Maloji Raje Bhosale, grandfather of Shivaji Maharaj. When Jijamata was pregnant, she was shifted to Shivneri Fort under protection of strong troopers. Jijamata took a vow before Goddess Bhavani Shivai on Shivneri Fort, that if she beget son she will name him after Goddess. And Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19th February, 1630 and named as Bal Shivaji. Then after in 1632 they left the fort. In 1637, the fort went under the control of Mughals. Shivaji Maharaj made unsuccessful attempt in 1673 and then another unsuccessful attempt to capture the fort by the Maratha Army. In, 1716 Shahu Maharaj successfully brought the fort under the control of Maratha Empire. 

Reverent Historic places in Shivneri Fort

           

                 The Fort attracts a large number of tourist, history buff and trekkers. Because of its consortium with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who dream of creating Hindavi Swarajya.

                   Photo by-Avinash Patil

                 Shivneri Fort is a hill Fort having a triangular shape. Along with the main gate there is an entrance from the side to the fort called chain gate. There are many gates structure protecting this fort. The seven well defeated gates - Maha Darwaza, Parvangicha Darwaza, Hatti Darwaza, Peer Darwaza, Shipai Darwaza, Phatak Darwaza and Kulambkat Darwaza. There are also 6-7caves in the rock. 

                 Inside the Fort is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Shivai Devi and idol of Bal Shivaji and Jijamata (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother) in front of the main entrance.There is a building where Shivaji Maharaj was born, on ground floor of building Shivaji Maharaj was born.

                 Photo by-Akshay more

                 In the centre of the Fort there is a huge pond which is called 'Badami Talav'. There are two springs in the Fort which have water throughout the year called Ganga-Yamuna. Inside the Fort is a major buildings are the prayer hall, a tomb and a mosque. Ambarkhana is seen at the front of the last door. It has gone through damage. This Ambarkhana was earlier used for storing food. The road going upward to the Kadelot Kada. It the place were criminals are punished by Harling down.

Informative Source

• Distance from Pune - 2hrs and 44min (93.7km)

• Distance from Kalyan - 3hrs and 16min (114km)

• Distance from Mumbai - 4hrs and 40min (155.6km)

• Distance from Nashik - 3hrs and 21min(148km)

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Sindola Fort - One of the small fort of Junnar region

  SINDOLA FORT

One of the small fort of Junnar region

               Sindola Fort is situated in the Malshej Ghat in Junnar region of Maharashtra. Sindola Fort Trek is not that known Trek. It is at an altitude of 3680ft. from the sea level. This is an adventurous ridgeline walk surrounded by some of the prominent mountains. As compared to the other famous forts in Junnar region this fort is very small. There is no mention of this fort in the history. As it offers complete view of Malshej Ghat and other famous fort, this fort was used as a watchtower. 

1.Thing to see on Sindola Fort

                       On the Sindola Fort Trek ridge walk is an eye soothing beauty of nature. Here, we can see the beautiful wild flowers on your way. Many different kinds of flowers blossom in monsoon season. Karvi flowers are also glimpse on Sindola Fort Trek ridge. Karvi is a group of species of shrubs mainly found in the Western Ghats all along the West coast of India. It is rare flower that blooms every eight years. You can easily spot this flowers on this line.

                   While trekking you will get many striking view and different things to see such as artificial pond, some dried water reservoir and some having water, you will also come across natural caves.

                   There is no mention of this fort in the history. You will see the destroyed fort steps same as other forts to keep away from uprising, British might had done this.

                   After you reach the top part of the fort, there will be Ganesh idol at your right. As the gateway of the fort. There is nothing much to see on the fort, but the trek and striking view will make your trip valuable.

2. Best time to visit Sindola Fort.

                   As Sindola Fort Trek is done in any season you can expect different views at every different time.

                   If you wish for the clear and amazing view of Sindola Fort, other mountains and famous forts visit between November and February. It would be hot and difficult to Trek , in summer from march to may due to its warm climate.

                    It is very risky to Trek in the India's monsoon season, June to August. As the track becomes slippery. But if you want to go for enjoying the eye catching greenery, blooming flowers, and the mountains surrounded by cloud then advisable to go in September or October.

3.Places to visit near Sindola Fort

• MALSHEJ GHAT - Malshej Ghat is at the distance of 13km from Sindola Fort towards North.

• PIMAPALGAON JOGA DAM – A crystal clear Pimpalgaon Joga Dam is situated at the East of Sindola Fort and it is at the distance of 14km by roadway.

• HADSAR FORT - It is close to Sindola Fort as you can get its view from Sindola Fort. But, it is at the distance of 22km towards south by roadway.

• SHIVNERI FORT - Shivneri Fort is at the distance of 22km towards south.

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Malshej Ghat - An eyeful of soothing vista

                 

Malshej Ghat

                  Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range with average height of 700m in kalyan-ahmednagar road, Maharashtra India. It is one of the hill station in Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The site is situated in Thane District near the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar District. The nearest railway station is Kalyan in Thane District to reach Malshej Ghat, which is around 85km from  Ghat.The site is nested in the tall rugged mountains of the Western Ghats.

 1.Things to see in Malshej Ghat 

                 Malshej ghat swag of nature's military that evident itself in different forms various waterfalls from miniature up to the vast, lakes, hills, caves and greenery are really worth see waterfalls are right next to the highways. A pleasant view valley is one of the major inviting here. It offers an eyeful of the soothing vista that stretches beyond the far-reaching range of powerful binoculars.

                   Malshej Ghat is residence of hundreds of different variety of flora and fauna mainly the Avian(Birds).Both local and migratory birds call it home. Hence, is known for several types of Avian populace and marriage particularly known for flamingos. During monsoon this hill station is order to see beautiful flamingos. Black winged stilt as post monsoon  avian i.e. this species breeds from March to May in less reachable area such sandbank river. Inhabitant Avian also includes common stonechat, little ringed, Skye’s lark. White-throated Kingfisher, wine tailed swallow and many more species.

                  Malshej Ghat is also famous for dark wood and the animals within .The animals found over here includes tigers,leopard,rabbits and peacock, etc. 

2.How to reach Malshej Ghat? 

                     Malshej ghat is one of those place you can swiftly go and not regret too. It is a great weekend entrance from Mumbai, Nashik and even Pune. Malshej Ghat is located at about 105km from Thane by roadways. One can easily reach by private vehicle with in 3.5hrs via the state highway(NH61) turn onto NH752/NH848 or by ST, as the Nearest railhead to reach Malshej Ghat is Kalyan Railway Station in Thane District From the state bus station which is right next to Kalyan Railway Station. One can take state bus that frequently commute between Ahmednagar and Kalyan which will take 1.5hrs, any bus to Ahmednagar from bus station will stop at Malshej Ghat. 

                     Malshej Ghat is connect with Pune and Mumbai via railway as well as roadway. From Mumbai, Pune and Panvel regular state buses are available to reach Malshej. Driving to Malshej Ghat is a exciting experience for bikers. The road distance Mumbai is 126km ,Mumbai use Mumbai-Pune Highway take NH160, turn right onto NH752/NH848. The roadway distance from Pune is 128 km from Malshej , Pune use Mumbai- Pandharpur Highway take right onto NH60 then turn left onto NH752. There is also daily bus from Shivajinagar ST stand(Pune).

                     Nashik is about 166km from Malshej by roadway, Nashik use Nashik-Pune Rd take NH160/NH60 turn right onto NH752. 

 

3.Where to stay in Malshej Ghat? 

                       Malshej is significant distance from a small town there are very few posh restaurant and shopping malls. MTDC Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation runs a resort Flamingo Hill  in the vicinity. There are also other private resorts where accommodation is available in a nearby village called Magh. Magh is about 6km away from Malshej Ghat. 

 

4.Best time to visit Malshej Ghat.

                         In India's monsoon season from June to September Malshej seems as paradise soaked in lush greenery and sunbathing the glory of nature. It is the best destination during monsoon for refreshments of minds and revitalize of the senses through soothing Beauty of the nature and carry on with fascinating photographer, Holiday maker and travellers throughout the year. Trekking is not recommend on this rainy days as the slopes becomes sloppy. Monsoon are most impressive here and enjoy natural waterfall and overflowing dams. October to march is the finest time to visit Malshej to enjoy the dam, forts and sightseeing. 

5.Places to visit near Malshej Ghat 

There are more amazing places to visit nearby Malshej Ghat 

• MALSHEJ FALL- It is very close to Malshej Ghat i.e. just 5.3km towards West from Malshej Ghat.

• HARISHCHANDRA GAD - It is 19km from Malshej Ghat towards North side. 

• SINDOLA FORT - It is not that well-known to everyone but, it is just 13km from Malshej by roadway. It is one of the great Trek.

• SHIVNERI FORT - It is slight distant i.e. 30km away from Malshej Fort.

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WHY TO STAY CONNECTED?

Hi, I'm Siddhesh with my companion Shraddha We're jointly known SIDDHA.

We're starting our blogging journey by sharing you a well described travel tips. We're going to explore advantageous Trek, tourist places and beauty of nature within Maharashtra and then after bit-by-bit also covering such amazing destinations all over India. And we're also going to share our travel experience and stories we meet on our way.

If you love place with nature's Vista. If you love to learn Historic places, if you love strike advantageous place,If you love peaceful holy places, If you love treks or lf you want to hangout for a weekend or for the day or two then just stay connected with us. We will explore all those amazing and beautiful destinations and get you the informative blog of that particular destination which will help you if you ever wish to go there.

So on forthcoming Wednesday we're posting our first informative blog post on one of the awesome place located near the border of Thane and Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra.So, just stay connected.

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