Perched atop a towering hill, Kothaligad fort is a small fortress dating back to the 13th century. There is a small temple and a large cave at the bottom of the fort where trekkers to the fort often stop to rest. At the pinnacle, the ruins of the fort offer historical insights into the Maratha Empire. Ancient pillars, carvings and artefacts that have stood the test of time are worth exploring.
The Kothaligad trek is a relatively easy trek that takes you over a well-defined trail and over a staircase carved into the mountain. Few sections of the staircase that have withered away require careful climbing, especially in the months of monsoon.
It is a relatively small fort when compared with other hill forts in the area like Rajmachi, Siddhagad or Prabalgad. Despite its smaller size, the fort served the strategic purpose of being a storehouse of ammunition and a watchtower over the surrounding region.
Accessible via a 3-km trek from the base village, the fort is a popular trekking destination because of its close proximity to Mumbai. It is well known for the monsoon-fed jungles that cover the trail.
Kothaligad Monsoon Trek
On this monsoon trek, embark on a 6-hr trek in the hills of the Western Ghats and explore the ruins of an ancient fort. A rocky trail littered with stones and boulders will take you to an elevation of 3,100 feet. Often drenched with trickling water, the trail curls through thick bushes and trees that flourish in the monsoon rains.
You can explore the historic pillars, cannons and temples that are housed inside the fort. With intricate carvings decorating the walls, the fort of Kothaligad also houses 13th century artworks chiselled on the caves.
Ideal for travellers looking to plan a weekend getaway, this is a relatively easy trek that is perfect for fit beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
If you’re looking for more exciting weekend getaways near you, here’s a complete list of adventure activities near Mumbai or Pune for your next trip.
Kothaligad trek summary
- State: Maharashtra
- Nearest city: Mumbai
- Total days: 2 days
- Grade:Easy
- Total trekking distance:3 km
- Season: Monsoon/ All year around
- Avg temperature: 15 to 30 degrees Celsius
Kothaligad Trek Trip Gallery
Night Trek to Kothaligad - 2 day
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1:
- Start point: Karjat
- End point: Karjat
- Night start time: 23:20 PM
- Trekking distance: 3 km
- Trekking time: 3 hrs
- Reach Base Village - Ambiwadi
- Begin the trek
Day 2:
- Reach the fort early morning
- Explore the fort
- Begin your return trek to Ambiwadi
- Have breakfast and head back to Karjat Railway Station
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Karjat to Kothaligad Fort
A lot of trekkers opt for the night trek to experience trekking under the starry skies and witnessing the sunrise from the summit.
Trekkers have to reach Karjat station by 23:20 hrs. Since, you will get to meet your fellow trekkers and also have a briefing session it is better to reach on time. From Karjat station you will be driven to Ambiwadi in private vehicles.
This 30-60-minute night drive is calm and you can relax a bit on your way to prepare yourself for the trek ahead. Once you reach Ambiwadi you will begin your trek. Kothaligad Trek is an easy one which takes no more than 3 hrs, with a relatively easy trail that will take you to the pinnacle of the fort.
Day 2: Reaching the Summit
At the crack of dawn, you will reach the fort and can take time exploring the ruins. You can take pictures of the ancient carvings and the temple found inside the fort. The fort is small in comparison to some other forts in Maharashtra but has a lot to offer to its visitors. After this you will trace your route back to Ambiwadi for a hearty breakfast and will be dropped back to Karjat Station in private vehicles.
Inclusions:
Your travel arrangements from Karjat and back to Karjat will be taken care of. Meals mentioned in your package will be provided. All permit charges and entry fees along with the trekking guides charges are included in the package. The package includes a first aid kit and is inclusive of all taxes.
Exclusions:
Reaching Karjat Station from your base city and back isn’t included in the package. Any extra meal of beverage that isn’t mentioned in your package will not be covered. Expenses arising due to unfortunate events will be additional. This package doesn’t include any travel or medical insurance.
Monsoon Trek to Kothaligad - 1 days
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1:
- Start point: Karjat Railway Station
- End point: Karjat Railway Station
- Day start time: 07:30
- Trekking distance: 3 kms
- Trekking time: 6 hours
- Reach the base village of Ambiwadi
- The trek begins
- Reach the summit
- Have packed lunch
- Explore the fort
- Start your trek back to the base village
- Reach Karjat Railway Station in public transport
- Trek ends
Detailed itinerary:
The monsoon trek starts in the morning. You will have to reach the Karjat Railway Station at or before 07:40 hrs to meet your fellow trekkers and attend a quick briefing session. From the railway station you will be taken to the base village in a tum-tum. This 6-hr trek will begin after breakfast at the base village.
The trail takes one through green pastures, just be careful with the uneven path as the rains can make it a bit slippery. Once you reach the Kothaligad Fort you can have your packed lunch there and spend time exploring the ruins of the fort, the ancient carvings and the temples inside the fort.
You will descend to the base village from where you will be taken to Karjat Station in public transport. By 18:30 you will reach the Karjat Railway Station and make your way back to your home city. Your trip ends here.
Inclusions:
Your travel arrangements from Karjat to base and back to Karjat will be taken care of. Meals mentioned in your package will be provided. All permit charges and entry fees along with the trekking guides charges are included in the package. The package includes a first aid kit and is inclusive of all taxes.
Exclusions:
Reaching Karjat Station from your base city and back isn’t included in the package. Any extra meal of beverage that isn’t mentioned in your package will not be covered. Expenses arising due to unfortunate events will be additional. This package doesn’t include any travel or medical insurance.
Best time to go/Weather
Kothaligad trek is good to do around the year. The winters bring a pleasant and cool experience of trekking and the air has a refreshing nip in the air. The night treks are ideal for summers when you want to escape the summer heat in the city.
Monsoon is definitely the best time to experience the lush greenery of the Sahyadris and visit this fort. Nature is in full bloom and the rivers, streams and waterfalls are flowing at maximum capacity.
Getting there
Karjat is located approximately at a distance of 70 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune and is well connected to both cities by road and rail. There are daily trains connecting Karjat from Mumbai and Pune. You can catch a state or privately run bus to Karjat. You can also choose to drive your own car or hire a cab for a scenic drive to Karjat.
The closest airports are located in Mumbai and Pune.
What to wear
Put on your most comfortable and quick-dry apparel. Make sure to wear your trekking footwear as they are of utmost importance. Carry a windcheater or a jacket and also a raincoat if you’re trekking during the monsoon.
What to carry
You may carry an extra t-shirt and track pants and socks. Your operator will provide you with a list of things to carry. You may add an insect repellent, camera, sunscreen and also sunglasses to your list along with some dry snacks and a bottle of water.
Preparation/Fitness
The Kothaligad Trek is an easy trek however a basic level of fitness is required. Inform the operator if you suffer from knee or spinal problems or any respiratory or cardiac conditions.
FAQs about the Kothaligad trek
Kothaligad Fort is open all year round, but it is most popular during the monsoon for the views it offers. The Sahyadri hills are lush with the rain and you’ll encounter numerous streams, waterfalls and puddles on your trek to the fort.
Can first-timers do the Kothaligad trek?
Yes. This trek is a relatively easy trek in Maharashtra and is suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers.
What should I carry for the Kothaligad Fort trek?
Your operator will provide you with a complete packing list, so do make sure you pack accordingly. Other than that, a few essentials you need to have you include bottles of water, dry snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant, extra pair of dry clothes and a raincoat.
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