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Rajeev, Sandesh, Soumya, Adarsh and Chetan (Motha) visited Vangani Khagol Madal for sky gazing and in the morning trekked to Kothaligad located 30 km from Karjat - on Mar 13-14 2010.
शेसTrekkers of Sahyadri पेठचा िकल्लाTrekkers of Sahyadri
present
Elevation 3,100 ft
Location Karjat
Vangani
Neral
KasheleAmbivali
Dhamani
Route‐1Via Neral
Route‐1: Powai‐Airoli Bridge‐Shil Phata‐MIDC ‐Vangani‐Neral‐Kashele‐Ambivali‐Dhamani‐Peth Village
PethKothali gad
Route‐2: Via Karjat
Route 1: Powai Airoli Bridge Shil Phata MIDC Vangani Neral Kashele Ambivali Dhamani Peth VillageRoute‐2: Powai‐Airoli‐Express Way‐Diversion before Khopoli‐Karjat ‐Kashele‐Ambivali‐Dhamani‐Peth Village
From
Ambivali
Kashele
Dhamani
Neral
Peth
Kothali gad
Peth, also known as ‘Kothaligad’, is situated in Shahapur Taluka, approximately 21Km North East of Karjat. This fort stands tall in the company of various other forts like Rajmachi, Dhak, Siddhagad and Bhimashankar, a witness to our illustrious
Kothaligad or Peth
history.Kothaligad is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base. This fort though small in stature has a vast historical background. This fort was more of a ‘defense station’ than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage. Peth gained importance during Sambhaji’s era.History :History :Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered his warriors ‘Abdul Kadar’ and ‘Ali Biradarkani’ in November 1684 to capture the forts belonging to Sambhaji’s empire. Control over fort means control over Kokan region. As soon as they came to know that arms and weapons were traded here, a group of 300 gunmen reached the base in November 1684. The Marathas forced most of them back, but some still managed to reach the ‘Magarkot Dwar’ and started shouting ‘open the door’. The Marathas inside the fort opened the door on the assumption that these shouting Mughals were ‘own men’ who came for picking up the weapons for war. The Mughals immediately rushed in and the battle started. They could win the battle with help of ‘Mankoji Pandhere’. The next day, the Marathas surrounded the fort. Abdul Kadar’s position became critical. The ammunition in the fort was destroyed and used in the battle. Although the Mughals were occupying the fort, they were helpless as the Marathas looteddestroyed and used in the battle. Although the Mughals were occupying the fort, they were helpless as the Marathas looted ammunition and food sent to them at their base camp, on its way. About 10‐12 days later, Abdul Aziz Khan sent his son Abdul Khan to help Abdul Kadar. But Maratha Sardar Naroji Tryambak was hiding in the valley to prevent him to approach the fort. When another war broke, the Marathas lost and Naroji was killed. Ehmat Khan capitulated Naroji and hung his head right in the middle of the road. N th M h l h d t t l t l th f t Th G ld k f i d f th f t t t A bNow, the Mughals had total control over the fort. The Golden keys of main door of the fort were sent to Aurangzeb as a symbol of victory. After confirming the victory, he rewarded Abdul Khan. The Mughals renamed the fort as ‘Miftahulfateh’, meaning victory key. The Marathas continued their efforts to conquer the fort. In December 1684, the Marathas tried to stop Mughals moving towards the fort. Seven thousand Marathas constituted a strong battalion and fought with Mahamatkhan. But success was g gfar away. In April 1685, 700 Marathas attacked again. About 200 of them climbed the fort with the help of rope ladders. Battle started between two parties and a lot of blood shaded. The goddess of victory again favored the Mughals and the Marathas lost the battle and the fort. After 130 years in November 1817, Bapurao, a Maratha Sardar with Bajirao II fought with British and won the fort.
Fascinating Spots :
Kothaligad or Peth
The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. It looks like a filed surface. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well‐sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leadingwell sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading the pinnacle. Four –Five potholes and some canon balls are scattered in the fort. Kalwawantinicha Mahal,Nagfani, Siddhagad, Malanggad, Chanderi, Prabalgad, Manikgad, and Matheran all these
di hi t i l l i ibl f t f th f t P thsurrounding historical places are visible from top of the fort Peth.Ways To Reach :One has to board ST bus for Ambivali via Kashele or from Karjat railway station on Mumbai‐Pune route. The distance from Karjat to Ambivali is about 30 Kms. A road leads to village Peth from j gAmbivali. A tiring pathway leads to the fort door from village Peth. The pathway pierces through lush green trees and we can refresh ourselves with the lovingly smelled flowers and tasty fruits.On can get down at Neral, another railway station on Mumbai‐Pune route and reach Kasheleby local conveyance and catch bus for Ambivali from thereby local conveyance and catch bus for Ambivali from there.Ambivali to Peth – 2 hours, Peth village to top of the fort – 1 hourAccommodation Facility :The cave on the fort is the best place to spend a night.Drinking Water Facility :There are many a cisterns and tanks on the fort, but the one near the cave is reliable.
Adarsh and Chetan
Adarsh and Chetan
Chetan
Adarsh and Sandesh
Dinner
Adarsh – gazing stars
The crowd, half asleep at 2AM
Adarsh, Sandesh and Adarsh
Chetan
Chetan and Rajeev
Good place at Ambivali for night stay and foody
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Adarsh, Rajeev and Soumya having morning tea
Sandesh doing van vihar
Sandesh enjoying van vihar
Bharadwaj
Rajeev, Chetan and Adarsh basking
Good photograph
Sandesh, Chetan and Adarsh
Adarsh and Sandesh
Adarsh and Sandesh
Adarsh and Sandesh
Kothaligad
Kothaligad as viewed from village Dhamani
Good photo by Sandesh
Dhamani village woman
Sandesh with (ex) polic patil of Peth – Mr. SawantThe Car was parked here.
Contact at Peth Village at the base of KothaligadCan arrange food during the trek
Starting from Dhamani village. Travel by car not possible.
Mr. Sawant’s house at Peth – stop for water and food
Soumya
Ad h’ i htAdarsh’s right eye
Good photo
Shrike by Soumya
Indian Robin by Soumya
Kothaligad pinnacle
Peth village – neat and clean
Hanuman Mandir in Peth village
A village boy
Hibiscus (Jaswandi)
Good place for night stay. Drinking water also available.
Road to top of pinnacle in carved within
Un spoilt
Un hurried
Un touched
Un confined
Un expected
Un conquered
Un paralleledUn paralleled
Un matched
Un stressed
Standing as silent sentinels to history are the 350‐odd forts of Maharashtra. Beaten by
Un stressed
Un limited
g y ythe sea waves, lashed at by the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched in the blazing sun,
stand imposing ramparts and crumbling walls , the last lingering memories of Maharashtra's martial times. Nowhere in the country would you encounter such a
profusion of forts. And such variety. Sited on an island, or guarding the seas or among the Sahyadri hills, whose zig‐zag walls and rounded bastions sit like a scepter and
crown amidst hills turned mauve.