Members: Sulekh Baikar, Mangesh Halbe and Sambhaji Chopdekar
Balwantgad is a small fort located in the Kasara region. It is easily accessible from Vihigaon which is just 10 km away each from Kasara as well as Igatpuri on the Khodale road. Many private jeeps ply between Kasara and Khodale, so transport is not an “issue” (This word is a patented one from Mangesh! Sorry Mangya, for using it!!).
From Vihigaon, a left diversion goes to Maal village (4 km). We started our hike on this tar road. Actually the fort is not so far from Vihigaon, but we went ahead too long as we were busy talking when suddenly Mangesh observed a bastion type of structure on the nearby hillock. It’s the Balwantgad, a small tiny fort, might be utilized to keep an eye on the Thal ghat along with Tringalwadi fort.
We moved toward it through thick woods. This bastion is on the west side of the fort. As we were approaching it, pouring started and continued for some time to make the way slightly slippery. But that did not offer much worries as we were comfortably atop. The highest part of this top is a small place with some sacred stones painted in orange. To the right, there is a huge ‘joti’ giving enough indication of a big house.
We proceeded toward the southern part and soon came across an unknown idol without any shelter. There is a small Shivpindi along with an equally tiny Nandi. Sulekh appreciated its beautiful ears. From here, a big water cistern can be located downwards to the south-west. These are two water tanks which are interconnected and the water seemed not enough potable.
We continued toward the south end. The view of the Kasara-Igatpuri railway track is fantastic from here. The railway enters the tunnel and there is a long ascending green spur of another railway track that was laid down in case of break-down (This valuable information was shared by Mangesh whose father is associated with the railways!).
We proceeded further toward east and found another bastion like structure. It’s mentioned in the gazetteer* that the whole fort was protected with a long, round stone-wall, the remains of which we were observing there. From here, the view of both the Igatpuri road (the Thal ghat!) and the Khodale phata gives ample proof of its importance as a watch-keeper in those days.
We walked further toward north and came across another beautiful stone arrangement, probably the remains of the same protecting wall. From here, the paagote shaped Tringalwadi fort renders a wonderful view to the north-east.
Balwantgad is too small to spend much time there. We finished our lunch and started descending from the north end. The spur led us to the same tar road from where it took hardly 15 minutes to reach Vihigaon.
Note:
(2) From Vihigaon, one may go to Devbandh (24 km), famous for its Ganesh temple or Tryambak (62 km)
and
Do enjoy!!!
