Ghangad Fort Trek--Excellent place for trekking and Camping

History of Ghangad Fort:

Ghangad fort was used for keeping prisoners and for keeping watch on the trade route from Pune to Konkan. The history says this fort is actually used as prison by Peshwa. It was originally occupied by Koli Samant and then was later annexed by Adil Shah and then later on with the Marathas. Until 1818 this fort was under the Maratha empire. This fort was surrendered to British forces after the fall of Korigad on 17-March-1818.

Basic Info:
Ghangad fort is located in Lonavala region, on the western side of the Mulshi river which is in Pune District.  This region is also called the Korbarase Maval. Actually this fort is very small. The fort is surrounded by other forts like Korigad, Tail-baila and Sudhagad and yet it is quite lonely and separate from the others. There are two huge rocks caves at the entrance of the fort. The fort has been renovated and still work is going on. Due to renovation the fort now look good.The fort restoration is done by the Shivaji Trail group with the help of local villagers. The fort is at least 300 years old.

How to reach:
Ghanghad fort is 97 KM from Pune. Ekole is base village of this fort. The fort can be reached by road via Tamhini ghat road or Lonavla road. Base village is 92 KM via Tamhini ghat road[Pune- Pirangut - Mulshi - Tamhini - Bhamburde- Ekole] and 98 KM via Lonavala [Pune- Lonavala - Aamby valley road- Tamhini - Bhamburde- Ekole]

Trekkers for this Trek:
Kajal Gupta
Sunil Mehta
Hemant Borole
 
Trekking details:
Difficulty level                          Medium
Height                                        Ghanghad is 3005 ft (1075 mtrs) above sea level.
Base village/District                   Ekole, Maharashtra, India.  

After AMK trek in November, we were planning for this trek in December. It is a bit isolated place located near Tamhini ghat. Our plan was to reach top of fort before sunset, camp at night and leave for Pune in early morning so that we can reach before 31st Dec eve.

Finally the day has come, We packed our bags and gathered at Bhumkar chowk. We had little snacks and tea before starting our long journey.We started our Bike journey on 30th Dec 2017 at around 02:30 Pm.  It was a bit sunny and windy when we started our journey. We decided to go via Lonavala and Aamby Valley route. Road condition till Base village is pretty decent excluding one or two rough patches so we were expecting to reach within 2 hrs.

Doggo Enjoying Ride on Lonavla Road.

After 45 mins of drive, we took our first break near to Lonavala Lake just before starting of Lonvala-Aamby valley ghat. The road to Aamby Valley is good with so many zig zag shaped curves and valleys. Driving on the curvy roads of Lonavala and Aamby Valley is an experience in itself, the views en-route are just astonishing. You will see Lion's point, Tiger point, Bhushi Dam and Amby valley city via this route.

Lonavla Lake Bridge

We halted near Amby valley city after 20 mins of bike ride to take some photos of beautiful Aamby valley road. Korigad fort can be seen after 10 mins of drive from Aamby valley. You will have to take right turn from Korigad fort to reach at base village of Ghangad Fort. Be careful as this road is through dense forest and bit isolated. You will hardly find anyone on this road so solo ride is not recommended.

Aamby Valley Road

We have reached Ekole village at around 04:15 Pm. You will see sign board of Ghangad Fort once you enter base village. We stopped at local stall to have tea. After parking our bike, we started trek from base village at around 04:45 Pm. To our surprise, the place was dead silent and we could just hear the voice of wind and bird chirping.

Starting point of Trek

Beautiful View of Ghangad Fort from Start point

The initial trail passes through a simple route with fencing on one side. Going further ahead, one would pass through dense forest cover until you reach a temple. We have reached Garjai Devi Temple in 20 mins. We then took left trail and started walking towards Caves. After 10 mins of walk, you will see big rock structure. We sat there for few mins.

Initial Trail of Trek

Forest Trail

Small Temple on the trek route

Deepmala near temple

Rock Structure near entrance of Fort

After a few minutes of walk, you will reach the Fort entrance where there is a cave, a fallen rock with a triangular structure. We have explored cave and then started walking towards Balekilla.

Entrance of Fort

Triangular Structure on the fort

Caves on Ghangad Fort

There are two gates on the fort. The main entrance gate has the arch missing. The villagers have placed an iron ladder to climb to the Balekilla of the fort.There is a rock cut water cistern on the way to the second gate. The water is available round the year for drinking purpose.

Water Tanks on Fort

Open space for Camping and Overnight Stay

View from Entrance of Fort

We have started ascending Ladder installed on rough patch. There is one more tough patch to climb after this, but iron ropes have been installed for assistance. We have reached top of fort at around 05:50 Pm. It takes about an hour to visit all places on the fort.There are remains of few dilapidated building on the Balekilla. The views of the deep green valleys beneath were fabulous. The top of the bale killa gives a scenic view of the TailBaila, Korigad, Mulshi dam and Sudhagad fort. There was no one on the fort, and hence we loved the peacefulness of the surroundings.

Ladder Installed to reach on top of Fort

View of Ladder and Fort Entrance from Rock Patch

Rock Patch After Ascending Ladder

Water Tank and Small Cave on Top of Fort

We relaxed on top for few mins and after sunset we began with the descend. It took us 15 mins to reach at Fort entrance where we were planning for our night stay. The caves also provide good shelter. There is big open space in front of Caves which can be used to set up tent, bonfires and cooking food.

Valley of View from Top of Fort

Relaxing on Top of Fort

View of Ruined walls On Bale killa

Enjoying Sunset Time

Beautiful View of Sunset

We kept our bags aside and cleaned open space. We then spent some peaceful time around Bonfire. After some time, we have started cooking Masala Maggie for dinner. We had dinner at around 09:45 Pm. After spending some time around bonfire, we slept early at around 11:35 Pm.

Bonfire in front of Caves

Masala Maggie for Dinner

We woke up early and got freshen up. Morning view from Fort was mesmerizing. There is a small cave located on the backside of Ghangad fort so we decided to explored that. You need to climb a small rock patch with the help of small grooves carved in the rock and walk along the edge to reach to this cave. Sitting in the cave was a divine experience and we witnessed few moments of absolute serenity, calmness and pure bliss. These are the moments that fill your life with absolute joy.

Tent setup near Caves

Overnight Stay near Triangular Structure on Fort

Beautiful View of Sunrise

After exploring Caves, we have started descending fort. We witnessed beautiful view of valley while descending. We reached base village at around 08:30 Am. We had breakfast and tea at local home in base village. 

Descending from Fort gate

Selfie taken standing up on Rock Structure

Group Selfie after successful Trek

View of Ghangad Fort from base Village

After relaxing for few mins in village, we have started our return journey towards Pune. We stopped at Lion's Point for some time. After spending some time in Lonavla, We started driving towards Pune. We reached Pune at around 11:30 Am. It was another beautiful trekking and camping weekend.

Chilling with Doggo in Ekole Village

Chicken with Chicks in Ekole Village

Lion's Point

Best Time to Visit Ghangad Fort Summer: 
The summer months of March to June start are very hot and humid in the Sahyadris and must be avoided. The monsoon months of June, July, August until mid September bring out the most scenic views of the Sahyadris. The western ghats bloom with lush greenery. However, due to the rains that also bring out foggy clouds, visibility is not the same every day. Having said that, the rains make the trail of the fort all the more adventurous and thus marks the best time to visit Ghangad Fort; especially for trekkers. October to February months of winters has pleasant weather for adventure activities like trekking or hiking. And here amidst the Western ghats, the fort also offers clearer views of the sky and the surrounding region. Thus, nature lovers interested in landscapes may want to visit during the winter season.

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