Tala Village in Raigad District of Maharashtra

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Tala Village in Raigad District of Maharashtra.

Tala Village is around 16 KM away from Ghosala base village for Ghosalgad fort. Directions to reach are tagged on google maps.

By the time we reached Tala Village, the time was around 730 PM. The village has shops on either side of the road, selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and chicken broilers for meat lovers, there were sweet shops, clothiers and  footwear shops too. It was like a mini market. There is BOI branch too.

The village also houses a petrol pump and motor repairs shops. The petrol rate is Rs.2 higher than the price in Mumbai.

There were many tum tum here. There is also a small ST bus depot here. Buses ply to Roha from here. No buses go to Murud. We were amazed to hear that buses ply to Mumbai too from here. Time table of the bus depot attached. The time table is subject to change.

ST bus stand at Tala Village

Bus time table at Tala Village ST bus depot

There is also a Sulabh Sauchalaya in Tala Village, it is next to the tum tum stand, from the outside it looks shabby but the toilets are clean within. Urinal free and stool is Rs.5. Rates subject to change.

Now we had to find a place to stay for the night, we learnt from the locals, that there is just one hotel in Tala. MTDC hotel (Shinde Plaza) located on the outskirts of Tala Village. The rooms were not that great, they quoted a price of Rs.1000 for Non AC and Rs.1700 for AC rooms. The rooms have hot water facility and western toilet. One cannot make choices as it is the only hotel. We managed to get a room here. We did try negotiating but were informed no negotiation.

Accomodation at Shinde Plaza near Tala Village

Beer is available near MTDC hotel. Though we didn't have Beer, this is FYI.

We had Indian Chinese cuisine for dinner and it was finger licking good.

Dinner (Chinese) near Hotel Shinde Plaza

The next morning, we woke up, had breakfast in the form of vada and kanda bhaji along with tea at Hotel Sai Kripa and started our journey to Kude Caves located around 12 KM away. 


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Ghosalgad Fort located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

Friday, December 8, 2017

After visiting Birwadi Fort, we traveled for another 32 KM to reach the Ghosala Village, the base village for the Ghosalgad Fort.

Scenic View from Ghosalgad Fort located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

Directions to the fort are tagged on google maps.

There is no information, as to who built this fort, the villagers were not aware of it either, all they knew was that Shivaji Maharaj had ruled over this fort.

Entrance to Ghosala Village, Fort on hilltop located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

The time was now PM on my watch. we parked the car at the entrance of Ghosala Village and then asked the locals about the whereabouts of the fort, they pointed to the hill behind the village, saying that is Ghosalgad fort. They informed us that the trek route starts from the temple located a couple of feet up.

Water tanks near the Temple at Ghosalgad Village

We reached the temple, there is a small trek route between the temple and the water tanks, if you travel by this route and check the trees for arrow marks then you will reach the top.

Temple at the foot of the hill fort Ghosalgad

As it was the end of the rainy season, we were not able to see the route and hence we started climbing via a small path, which is not the route to the top. We stumbled upon loose soil, thick vegetation on the way. Finally in about 30 minutes we were at the top.

Note, there is no Main Entrance to visit the fort, one reached the fort premises by crossing the broken fortification, the steps near the fortification are quite tall, but due to the thick vegetation growing around it, we were hardly able to see it.

Fortification of Ghosalgad Fort located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

Now, how do we go about was the next question, we saw a small cave here and also the Chor Darwaza. Once you enter the Chor Darwaza a steep descend takes you down the hill. Is this all that the fort had to offer. NO. As I saw a lot of fortification, on the blogs I had read, Dominic tried to check for trails to lead somewhere on the fort premises, but sadly we were out of luck, due to the thick vegetation, that made travel even more difficult.

Cave in the fort walls at Ghosalgad Fort located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

After spending a couple of minutes there, we finally decided to head back as it was 6PM on my watch and that we had to be down before sunset.

Chor Darwaza in the walls of Ghosalgad Fort located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

On our return we two villagers near the temple, they informed us that the way up the fort is via the second wall, on which a banyan tree is growing. we did  see a banyan tree there, but were not aware that we had to climb it to walk on the fort walls to reach the top.

They informed us that there is nothing much to see up there apart from water tanks, a cannon and some fortification. They informed us that the entire fort premises can be seen in 30 minutes time. They also informed us that a steep climb, takes one to the top most point of the hill, the view from there is amazing.

Banyan Tree growing on the fort walls of Ghosalgad Fort located near Roha in Raigad District in Maharashtra

We then walked down to the base village, there is provision for food and water here. No hotels for accommodation though. We saw tum tum plying people but there was no sign of a ST bus.

The village premises were decorated for celebrating Navratri in the night.

Navratri being celebrated in Ghosala Village

We then decided to travel to Tala Village, the base for Tala Fort. 


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Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Birwadi Fort is located very near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra. Jai Bhawani Mata Mandir (Birwadi) is located very close to the fort premises. After exploring Avchitgad Fort near Medhe village, we traveled to Roha, as it was afternoon we decided to break here for lunch.

Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

The distance from Avchitgad fort to Birwadi fort is around 25 KM away. The directions are tagged on google maps.

We had fish and chicken thali at Hotel Krishna, the food was finger licking good.

Chicken Thali at Hotel Krishna at Roha

FishThali at Hotel Krishna at Roha

 Around 3PM we were at the entrance of Jai Bhawani Mata Mandir (Birwadi), if we climb up the steps we reach the temple. we met a villager there, we asked him for directions to visit the fort, he informed us that there are two ways of reaching the fort premises, the tricky one is from behind the temple premises, he requested us not to go via that route and instead walk on the green grass to the left of the temple. He informed us to walk till we see a farmhouse on our right, from there onwards start climbing the fort premises.

Water tank at Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

Again, the trek route consists of loose soil, small boulders which are slippery, so we had to travel with extreme care so that we don't slip. Mind the tree roots on the way, finally we saw two bastions on either side of the main entrance. The bastions had banyan trees growing over them. That all the fortification that is left.

View from Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

We saw a water tank on the fort premises (water is not portable). It took us around 20 minutes to reach the top. 15 minutes to see. Not sure if we missed anything on the fort premises as we were surrounded by thick vegetation.

That's Me at Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

Again the fort premises offers a fantastic view of the hills, valleys, fields, cluster of houses.  The greenery around was soothing to my eyes.

View from Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

History states that the fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in the 16th century.

View from Birwadi Fort located near to Chanera in Raigad District of Maharashtra

There is no provision for food and water at Birwadi, but the same is available at Chanera, the next village.

Entrance to Shri Jai Bhawani Mata Mandir at Birwadi

We then descended the fort, as we had one more fort to conquer, Ghosalgad fort.


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Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Monday, December 4, 2017

It's been a long time, since I had been on a trek. By trek  I meant climbed a fort, as of lately I have been visiting land forts around Maharashtra, so I decided to do some easy treks between Roha and Mahad in Maharashtra.

Maha Darwaza to enter Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

I asked Manohar and Dominic, my usual partners in crime and they readily agreed to join in.

As I was the man in charge of the itinerary, we decided to visit Avchitgad Fort, Birwadi Fort, Ghosalgad Fort, Kuda Caves, Tala Fort, Mangad Fort and Surgad Fort in a three day trip.

The well enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

It had not been raining for the last couple of days, so we were hoping that it would be dry and sunny on the trip. Fingers crossed.

There are two ways of reaching Avchitad Fort. The directions to the fort are tagged on Google Maps. One can either travel via the Mumbai Pune Expressway (Toll Road) like we did, exit at Khalapur and from there crossed, Durshet, Pali, Bhise and finally Medhe the base village for Avchitgad Fort.

The other route is the Old Goa route, from Panvel, cross the Karnala Fort, Pen Nagothane , Bhise and finally Medhe the base village for Avchitgad Fort.

Map of Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We reached Medhe Village around 10:15 AM. The reason why it took us time, is because we braked for breakfast on the way. Parked the car near the temple. Inquired with the locals regarding the directions to the fort.

It was a sunny day, we decided to carry 2 liters water to quench our thirst, after all we were climbing hill forts after a very long break.

View of the land, enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

History states that Avchitgad Fort was built by the Shilahar Dynasty. It was later taken over by the Nizam of Ahmednagar, Shivaji Maharaj, the Peshwas and finally the British.

Though it was not raining that they, it might have rained before as the soil was damp.

We crossed two wells made of black stone, the water in it is not portable though. The trek to the fort leads from here.  One has to travel on loose soil, small boulders to reach the top. To top it we had thick vegetation and mosquitoes for company as we were wearing shorts.

Veergali, enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Midway up the fort, we saw a couple of stones placed near each other.  One of the stones had a garland placed around it. As stone had the word "Veergali" written on it in Marathi (local language). Maybe it is created in remembrance of soldiers who died fighting on this fort. Here, we saw another route which leads to the fort from Pingalsai Village. 

Green cover all around enroute Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We took a couple of breaks midway, finally in about 50 minutes we were at the top of the fort. How do I know, I saw the bastion (though it was not intact, it had banyan tree growing over it).

Banyan Tree on the fort bastion at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We crossed the Maha Darwaza, there were no wooden doors, just a arc shaped entrance to visit the fort premises. Next to the Maha Darwaza we spotted this animal inscribed on the rock. Not sure which animal it is. If you know then please mention in the comments below.

Animal inscribed on the rock at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The fort offers a fantastic view of the surroundings,  blue skies, white clouds,  shades of green on the hills and valleys below, the closest railway station Nidi (Konkan Railway), cluster of houses in a distance. The view was just amazing.

That's me at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We wasted no time, we started exploring the fort, on the fort are placed three cannons at different locations, the first and the third can be easily located. I want you to visit the fort and find the second cannon.

Cannon no. 1 at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Cannon No. 2 at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Cannon No.3 at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

We then saw a octagonal shaped pond, it has steps to reach the base of it, it was filled with water, the water is not portable.

Octagonal Pond at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

There is a Shiv Mandir in the fort premises, with a statue of Nandi, Ganpati and another two deities (not sure who those deities are)

There are a series of water tanks, placed near each other (water is not portable). There is also a stone carving (that of a God, not sure the name of the God)

Shiv Mandir atop Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

There is fortification within the fort premises, though the exterior walls have broken down.  There is a flag hoisted near one of the bastions of the fort. Some more water bodies on the fort premises.

It took us around an hour to see the fort premises. The wild vegetation made it a bit difficult for us to travel on the fort premises.

Water tanks atop Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The sun had now hid itself behind the dark clouds, we decided to descend the fort, before it starts raining.

Dom, Manohar and me at Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

As we were descending the fort, we met a couple of trekkers who too had come to visit the fort premises.

Another Darwaza within Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Another Darwaza within Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

In about 35 minutes we were at the base (temple, where the car was parked).

View of the land from Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

View of the land from Avchitgad Fort near Roha in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The car parked near the Temple at the village

There is no provision for food and water at Medhe Village, if one comes to the main road, then it is available.We refreshed ourselves and then headed to visit BirwadiFort.We did see buses playing from Roha and Pali on the main road.


NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them.

Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Dharur Fort is located in Dharur city, in the Beed district of Maharashtra. 

Panoramic view of Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

That's Me at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

After exploring Dharmapuri fort, we travelled via Ambajogai to reach the fort. Directions to the same are tagged on Google maps, the road that Google maps had selected was superb, though the distance between both forts is around 72 KM, we still reached Dharur within 1 1/2 hours.

Bastions at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

The village is located very close to the fort premises, there is provision for food and water in the village.

The fort has a long history, it states that there was a old fort here called Mahadurga, the fort has been conquered by mains rulers in the past.

One of the Darwaza to enter Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Look at this pic, doesn't the fort fortification look amazing. the bastions also look good.

What we did notice is that, work is being carried on the renovation of this fort, which is good. But it was dusty in the fort premises.

What we did come across is that this fort is a mix of land fort and hill fort, its main entrance is via land, and has got valleys on the other three sides. A very strategic way of building a fort from defense point of view.  

Bastions and Darwaza at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

At the entrance there are two huge bastions. As the fort walls are low in height, there are holes in the walls, used to fire at enemy soldiers.

Structures within Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

This fort has got plenty of bastions within its premises.

Manohar and Me at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

The renovated fort walls are broad at certain places, if there was a ramp leading to these walls, we would have got the car, Hehe.

Structures within Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

There is a water body both within and outside the fort premises, water is not portable.  

Bastions at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

There are a couple of structures within the fort premises, there are no signboards stating what historic significance they hold.

Broken Bastion at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

There is also a Pit (Muslim saint or holy man) in the fort. The walls of its enclosure are painted white.

Fortification and water body within Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

There are a couple of tombs in the fort premises. Not sure who they belong to.

Darwaza at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Within the forts there are many broken walls and Darwaza.

Bastions and fortification of Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

The view of the three valleys around the fort walls is amazing.

This fort is huge, it took us around an hour to explore it. We were not able to see any cannons on this fort.

Pir at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Next what, we again had lunch (chinese cusine) at a local streetside eatery and then headed back to Mumbai. Mumbai was around 450 KM away that is roughly travel time of around 12 hours.

Structures within Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

This trip was different from our regular trips, some of the land forts we explored on this trip were outstanding. though we didn't have to climb, we just loved to get lost in its abundant history.

Structures within Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Unknown tombs at Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Bahadurgad Fort, Unknown Tombs near Jagdamba Devi Temple in Rashin, Karmala fort, Paranda Fort, Dharashiv Caves, Ausa fort, Kharosa Caves, Udgir Fort, Kandhar Fort, Nanded Fort and Dharmapuri Fort are the places we explored on this trip. 

Panoramic view of the valley from Dharur Fort aka Fatiyabad fort in Beed district of Maharashtra.

Keep reading my blogs, many more trips to come.


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