|
 |
Mahuli Fort at 2815 ft., this is a popular trekking destination and a
paradise for rock-climbers because of many nearby pinnacles with
interesting names like Vazir, Vishnu, etc., given by the local trekking
and climbing fraternity. This mountain complex is actually a group of
two or more hills with common cols and pinnacles.
It is the highest point in the Thane district. The forest surrounding
Mahuli has been declared as a sanctuary. Once Shahaji Raje, father of
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had this fortress under his belt. The fort
has been declared as a protected monument.
Besides an open Shiva temple there is a small perennial drinking water
cistern on top, three caves of which the larger can be used as overnight
shelter, like as on many other such natural hill forts of Maharashtra
Western Ghats (Sahyadri Range). There is a stone arch historically known
as the 'Kalyan Darwaja' but the dome of the arch is now broken.
History
The creator of this fort are Mughals. In 1485 this place came under rule
Nijamshahi dynasty. When Shahaji Raje became the secretary of Nijamshahi,
Mughals of Delhi tried to end Nijamshahi.
|
|
In 1635-36, Shahaji Raje transferred himself with Jijabai and Shivaji to
Mahuli. When Khan Jaman attacked the fort, Shahaji asked Portuguese for
help, who refused and Shahaji surrendered. Shivaji took this fort from
Mughals on 8 Jan 1658. In 1661 it was given back and was won again by
Shivaji. In treaty of Purandar, in 1665, Marathas lost these forts
again. In Feb 1670, Shivaji Maharaj tried to conquer Mahuli, but failed,
Manohardas Gaud, was the in charge of the fort. A thousand Marathas were
killed. Most of them were from nearby villages. Shivaji Maharaj said to
his dead Kadam Sardar he is our gold.
So Maharaj gave Sonare surname to this family. Manohardas Gaud, soon
gave up his position and Alveerdi Beg took over. On 16 June 1670, after
two months, Moropant Pingle conquered the forts and Mahuli, Bhandargad
and Palasgad became part of Swarajya. Till 1817, Shivaji's dynasty owned
the fort but later on it was controlled by the British Raj.
Visitor Information
Asangaon on Mumbai-Nashik highway (91) km from Mumbai. 5 km inside on to
the left is the Mahuli village. The nearest railway station to Mahuli is
Asangaon. One can catch either Asangaon or Kasara Local from Mumbai CST,
which could also be caught at Kalyan Junction.
If coming by train, alight at Asangaon railway station, cross the
national highway (commonly known as 'Agra Road'), walk about 1 km
towards Shahpur on the highway.
|
Turn left on the road going to Manas Mandir (a religious place for
the Jain community), walk further 15-20 minutes, don't turn right
for Manas Mandir but keep walking straight ahead past a government
forest check post, towards Mahuli Village. Walk through the village
and about five minutes later reach the Shiva temple right at the
base of the fort. One can drive right up to this temple, though the
road at many places is quite bad and narrow.
There is a well with perennial drinking water in the temple
compound. Locally made tea, snacks, lunch made by villagers may be
available on weekends. Night halt can be made at this spacious and
clean temple with the pujari's (temple priest) consent. |
 |
4 km brisk walk from Asangaon station will take you to the base temple
in an hour. After the temple there are no human settlements towards the
fort. Cross a seasonal stream, quite fast after an especially heavy
downpour. Now the ascend begins along a prominent trail. A 3-hour trek
with a prominent route will take you to the top-most plateau on the
fort, which is actually a complex of three mountains and many pinnacles.
There is a difficult-to-climb rock patch just below the plateau but in
recent years an iron ladder has been placed to overcome this tricky part
of the climb. You can board Auto from Asangaon Station to Mahuli Fort,
pay them as per the Rate card placed on the Board at the stand.
To get a close-up view of the many curiously shaped pinnacles from
behind the fort, alight at Vasind Railway Station, go about 5 to 7 km on
a narrow road keeping the mountain to your right. Go behind the fort,
preferably with a local villager’s help, reach a remote place in the
forest locally called ‘Ambyache Paani’ (water at the mango tree). Water
here is present throughout the year; one may have to dig the soil to
reach water in the earth in the summer months from end-March to
mid-June. For those venturing among the pinnacles, be wary of the
numerous beehives hanging from overhangs on the vertical cliffs.
Getting There
The
nearest airport is the
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. Once you get off,
you will need to take a taxi or hire a car. The distance to Thane is
about 36 kilometers (22 miles), the drive can take between 45 to 75
minutes depending on the traffic.
|
