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Dombivli, Maharashtra, India
Trekker, Traveller, Movie Buff, and Dyestuff Technologist (from UDCT)

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Fort Sudhagad (16-01-2016)

Members: Mahesh Raut, Vishal Chaughule, Rajesh Raut, Santosh Surve, Pradeep Uthale, and Sambhaji Chopdekar.

Sarasgad, Soorgad and Sudhagad aka Bhorapgad are the three jewels present in Pali (One of the AshtaVinayak places) region of Maharashtra. Sudhagad was also considered as an option for the capital of Swarajya by the great Chhatrapati himself but ultimately given way to Raigad.

It's a huge fort. There are two easy routes for the common trekkers to approach this mighty fort. Either go to Thakurwadi ahead of Pachchhapur (12 km from Pali) or Bairampada (Dhondse, 8 km from Pali).

It's easier to go from Thakurwadi via Pachchhapur Darwaza due to two ladders placed at the appropriate junctions on the spur connecting to the fort. 

Enroute Pachchhapur Darwaza!...
The route is now having well-constructed steps in the Darwaza section which is a commendable task. 

Toward Pachchhapur Darwaza
The most prominent remanent things on this fort are the Sarkar Wada, the Bhoraidevi temple and of-course the Mahadarvaza (main gate). 

During this visit, we came across a very beautiful structure resembling Telbaila. For me, it was quite special as I had not witnessed it in my earlier visits.
 
Mini Telbaila?
Sarkar Wada is quite useful for having a night stay.

At the Sarkar Wada
There is a complex of three potable water cisterns just before the Sarkar Wada to the right-hand direction toward the valley facing the Takmok point if one comes from the Pachchhapur route.

After Bhoraidevi temple, the path descends through a well-preserved jungle toward Bairampada and soon we came across the beautiful Mahadarvaza. Ahead of this, there are two more dilapidated structures of gates. At the third (i.e. first from Bairampada) gate there is a potable and hence, wonderful water cistern hewn in the adjacent rocks.

The route offers another equally useful water cistern known as Tanaji Tanke after negotiating for about half an hour. As the base approached we came across the mustache bearing Hanuman known as Kasarpeth Maruti. A similar idol is also present at the Soorgad fort.
Kasarpeth Maruti

From here, the route is easy toward Bairampada. You can have the company of a full-fledged water stream if it's monsoon. Don't worry, there is a small bridge over it to enter the village.
The mighty Sudhagad from Bairampada near Dhondse!
Maharashtra ST Mahamandal has now extended its services up to Bairampada. Else, one can approach the rikshawalas from Pali in advance to make a better hassle-free return journey.
 
© SRC Sambhaji Rajaram Chopdekar
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