Fort Manikgad (05-11-2006)

Members: Vishal Chaughule, Rajesh Raut, Nitin Gavkar, Amol Shiral, and Sambhaji Chopdekar

Fort Manikgad is accessible from Vashivali for which we had decided to gather at Kurla station for Panvel. By the time we had reached the Panvel bus stand, the ST for Dand-Vashivali was just waiting for us (08.30 a.m.). The condition of the bus was too miserable to describe! But still, it’s commendable that at least we have the facility to reach the remote villages!

The journey was excellent as we could see Kalavantin Durg, Prabalgad and Irshalgad towards the left on the way. After the Kon phata the ST entered into the Patalganga MIDC zone. It recollected the fond memories of my in-plant training during my B. Sc. (Tech.) tenure.

The ST reached Vashivali at about 09.30 a.m., keeping the large Reliance plant to the left-hand side. One can easily locate two-three liquor bars nearby, maybe for the benefit of the MIDC workers (…and for those so-called nature-lovers!).

One vada-pav vendor advised us to ascend the hillock in front of us that would have been easier. A customer there also told us about a Mango tree as an easy landmark. However, on the suggestion of another hotel owner, we decided to go straight toward in the direction of Manikgad to the village - Vadgaon from which there exists another route. Here, one should not forget - whichever be the route the target must be the same-ascending the hillock.

So, we headed for Vadgaon from a nearby right diversion after having some eatables at Vashivali. After reaching there, we realized it’s not advisable to go to Vadgaon straightway as the route is not so accessible due to the thick bushes. So, one should move to the right-hand side from the mango tree at Vashivali itself.

However, we forgot this important landmark and reached Vadgaon instead, as we were busy observing the beautiful Manikgad. Then onwards it was a very hectic trek as we had to look for the correct path through the bhulbhulaiyya. After spending some valuable two hours, we could reach the top of the hillock and see the much-desired view of the Manikgad to the South.

Fresh faces before getting exhausted for two hours :D The hillock is seen in the backyard!

The opposite path goes to Vashivali (Mango tree!) which we used while returning. The way from here onwards, is not at all difficult. To the west, one can easily locate the fort - Karnala.

It was almost 1200 p.m. and we had to make it fast. The route is a well-known path as one has to keep the Manikgad to the left. But the diminishing quantity of water made our task too difficult. But at last, we came to a small stream which was just an “oasis” for us. It made our minds refreshed. We refilled our bottles for the next journey.

And here, we came across the same person who had advised us about the Mango tree. He had come with a visitor from Pune. Then onwards, we decided not to lose his services (of course, free!) and completed the trek along with them.

The route reminds us of Gorakhgad! Just similar to the orange coloured temple at the top, one can easily locate two large rocks there! The small pinnacle (lingi) of Manikgad is now visible in the North. It was an enjoyable hike so far, as we had enough water on the route with the jungle offering the much-needed shadow.

After some time, we could see the South pinnacle (Manik-lingi). The way goes around this pinnacle. For this, firstly, we had to descend some distance whereupon we came across a small Hanuman temple (at about 12.50 p.m.). One can easily locate the remains of the liquor work near a small pond.

The view of Manikgad is now fascinating! The two pinnacles (lingis) are easily visible from here.

Manikgad with its two pinnacles!

We then headed towards the south pinnacle as per the advice of a katkari. The way was quite exhausting but within five minutes we had been at the base of that pinnacle! We then moved towards the eastern side keeping the wall (katalkaDaa) of the pinnacle to the left-hand side. Within five minutes, we had entered the dense bushes of Karavi. Alas, it was not blossomed (NiLaee) at that time!

At about 13.15 p.m. we came across a dried waterfall that goes downwards- that reminded us to the route of Lohagad from Visapur! (On our return journey, while descending, we mistakenly went through this route, but sooner we realized the same and came back to our original path!). The main landmark here is a big rock and the route goes to the top from its left. The trio of us was just waiting for me to get captured their Basanti act!

Three VIRUs at the big rock!

At about 13.20 p.m. we faced an easy rock-patch which had become slightly slippery due to dried grass. Now the fortification was visible, and we could easily locate the Mumbai-Pune Express Highway to the East.

The route was now quite steep towards the North-West direction. Sooner, at the half-way, we came across a long water-tank but realized the water was not potable.

Nitin and Amol at that big rectangular water cistern

Still, Dilli was not nearer! So, we had to make it very fast. To enter the fort, we first went towards the south direction and then moved upwards to find a big saDaa (rocky region). After ascending some 4-5 steps like structure we entered the fort through a broken bastion (buruj) at about 14.05 p.m.

Arrow indicates the entrance through the broken bastion

Just near a small pond, the view of a large circular trench cut for lime mixing (Chunyacha ghaaNaa) made us refreshed. Alas, we couldn't find the stony wheel around. In those days, it must have been used for building the structures atop.

Olden lime-concrete method

The gate with a Ganeshpattika was just in front of us. To the left-hand side, the remains of a bastion (buruj) give ample suggestion of the earlier route which is now in a devastating state.

Devastated bastion beside the Ganesh Gate

Nearby there is a Dolkaathi with a small temple (ghumaTi). The house (waaDa) is now in the ruined state.

At the remains of the house (Waada)

When we entered through the Ganesh gate, we were welcomed by a large water cistern. We were told by that guide that the villagers use it for bathing purposes during Shivaratri festival!

The water body used for getting ready on Shivratri; Behind Karnala being visible!

The smaller tank beside carries potable water. However, there is not a single tree at the top offering the much-needed shadow and hence, we could not have lunch there.

The potable water cistern just beside the big water body

When we headed towards the north, we saw those two mighty rocks. There are still two more water tanks below it, but the way is slightly risky. Obviously, we just saw them from a distance.

These two mighty rocks are visible from the base!

We could easily locate the Malanggad (Haji-Malang), MhaismaaL, KalaavanteeN Durg, PrabaLgad, IrshaaLgad, Matheran, and the Morabe backwaters to the north-east. Karnala was clearly visible to the west with the fantastic Savane lake!

Karnala and Savane lake - Photo by Vishal Chaughule

After spending some time, we realized that we were hungry and there was only an isolated tree to the eastside which was a saving grace. There are four water tanks ahead with the ShivpainDi. We used this water for drinking and had our lunch done by 14.45 p.m.

Shiva atop Manikgad

And then started the real fun! We were showered with large droplets and sooner we were enjoying the much-wanted rains! (But for the cricket-lovers, it had interrupted the final of the Championship Trophy in Mumbai!)

Returning: the Mumbai-Pune highway is visible from here!

The return journey was fabulous and at the same time, frightening too, as we were being surrounded by the darkness with no torch!

© SRC Sambhaji Rajaram Chopdekar