Trek to Kothaligad (Peth Fort)

One of my favorite place...  the reason being

1. The architecture. The pinnacle is carved from inside making a staircase to the top.

2. Accommodation in Caves 

3. Easy to reach (By Road)

4. Can Order food at the base village OR cook in caves (I would suggest you to order) Free food delivery till the caves lunch/dinner

5. Anyone can trek...its so simple

Location: Karjat

Time: 2 hrs approx from Ambivali village

Level: Easy 

Height: 3100 feet

Special Equipment: Not required

Shelter: Caves at the top

Potable water: Yes

Duration: 1 Day or 2 Days (if you decide to halt at Caves)

What to see: Caves, Carved Pinnacle, Cannon, Temple (Next to Cave),

How to reach: 

Train till Karjat/Neral to Ambivali Village to Peth Village

The best way to reach Kothaligad is to take a train going to Karjat and alight at Neral station. From Neral regular shared 6-seater(Vikram/Tum-tum) rickshaw service is available to Kashele. This is charged at Rs 55 per seat. After alighting at Kashele you can immediately board another shared rickshaw going to Jamrukh and alight at Ambivali village. This is charged at Rs 35 per seat. These rickshaws are easily available both ways up to 6pm. Alternatively one may also reach Karjat station and take a ST Bus (8.30am) going to Jamrukh and alight at Ambivili. But the frequency of ST buses is less hence going via Neral is recommended. The last ST bus from Ambivili to Karjat via is at 5:30pm.

I have been to Kothaligad 5 times till now and every time I go I make sure I visit on a odd day when there will be peace. The temple next to the caves is a best place from meditation.

Once you get down at Ambivali village...you can see a rocky and muddy road leading towards Peth village. Enjoy the scenic beauty on your way. Do not litter around and if possible while coming back gather the plastic waste around. After walking for 30mins you will reach a plateau from where you can see Kothaligad. Just follow the rocky road take shortcuts where ever possible. Once you reach the base village you can visit Hanuman temple...Moving towards the fort (little steep climb) follow the pipeline! Within 30 mins you will be at the top!

If you don't want to stay at Caves then you have Bhairavnath Bhojanalay at the base village (Kiran Sawant 9209267433 or 9273433840) (Food + Shelter)

 

View from the top of the Pinnacle

The Carved Pinnacle

From Left Onkar Honmukhe, Yadnesh Birwadkar, Asriel Jhirad, Akash Dengle

Water break on the shortcut

Bonfire during Winter Nights...roasting potatoes

The Cannon at the top

The Carved Pillars of the Cave

The view of Kothaligad from the plateau. From left Mangesh Dabholkar, Anand, Abhijeet Jadhav

The rocky road towards the Peth village

From Left..Mayur Dabholkar, Anand, Abhijeet Jadhav

The entrace of the cave (Approx 30 people can accomodate)

Abhijeet Jadhav