Mahuli Fort
India has hundreds, and even thousands of forts throughout its length and breadth. Some of them are testimonies to a glorious past and have been turned into monuments and museums. But there are those that are a trekker’s delight. Usually on top of hills with splendid viewpoints to the areas all around, the climb and the challenge is reason enough to venture out. The Mahuli fort in Maharashtra is a brilliant example of this. If you have it in you, then you can climb up to the top. You will be awarded with stunning views of the peaks in the Sahyadri range. Mahuli is the highest point in Thane district. The view from top is awesome. There are forests all around that has been declared as a sanctuary.
Enthusiastic rock climbers vying with each other about taking the shortest route to this historically important mountain fort could never perceive the drama of warfare that once surrounded this ancient fort. Shivaji, the legendary Maratha leader allowed this formidable fort to be lost and regained from enemy possession. However eventually, he lost possession of this fort in Treaty of Purander in 1665. True, there is not much to see within the fort itself as it has not been properly maintained, but you can still see structures that were made in the Maratha architecture.
A visit to the Mahuli fort is a brilliant weekend adventure. It’s close to Mumbai. You can thus cut down on the travel time and concentrate on your trekking. The trek itself is not too difficult. So you can plan it with your friends and family anytime you want.
How to reach: There is no railway station close to Mahuli fort. It is better that you drive or take a bus to the starting point of the trek. There are some people who however will take an auto rickshaw from the Dadar railway station. You cannot take a transport to the fort itself. You must trek to reach the place.
You won’t find good hotels in Mahuli fort or resorts in Mahuli fort. There are a few campsites close to Bhandargad and Asangaon, but most trekkers prefer to visit from Mumbai and go back the same day.
