Ghangad Fort Trek

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Ghangad Fort Overview

Ghangad Fort is an ancient hill fort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra state of India. The fort lies between Sahyadri hill ranges and is strategically located near the renowned hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala, two of the best two hill stations in the state. The fort is close to Ekole village and surrounded by dense Western Ghats forests, which are thrilling for adventure trekkers and history buffs. The geographical location of the fort is about 3,000 feet above sea level with strategic views over surrounding hills and valleys.

Historical Significance

Ghangad Fort also has a rich heritage of great history spanning many centuries. It was first constructed as a defensive fort, and it was the centre of the military and political status of the region. Even though there is no definite information about its actual past, it is mentioned that the Marathas' fort was absorbed into the British empire during times of colonization. Ghangad Fort was also a treasure house and a jail with other primitive provisions during the years when it was in service. Most important in the context of Ghangad Fort would be its relation to the Maratha Empire, most especially so when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was in power. The fort had the importance of putting them in such a place that they would be in a position to control through what avenues the trade of the area would flow. During the Peshwa regime subsequently, the fort remained for military and administrative purposes. During the early British era, Fort Koshikare was omitted from development and remained vacant. Overview of Its Strategic Importance The location and layout of Ghangad Fort are the reasons why it was strategic. Situated in the Sahyadri range hill country, the fort served as a forward position to keep a lookout for the enemy and control major commercial roads.

The Western Ghats were never a safe country, and forts like Ghangad had to be kept to be able to command territories. The fort's construction is misleading when it comes to the strategic place. The fort has a fortifying stone wall, bastions, and also a narrow opening, which the enemy would have found difficult to break through. Also, the hill and cliffs enclosing the fort ensured the fort as the enemies would have been struggling very much trying to attack them head-on. Other than that, there were not many roads that led to the fort, and a small garrison would therefore be able to defend the fort against a massive army of enemy soldiers. Ghangad Fort was also a centre for communication and coordination of other nearby forts. Near forts of Korigad, Telbaila, and Sudhagad were a defensive system safeguarding the security of roadways between the Deccan Plateau and sea coastal area in Maharashtra. It was an outpost to send forces ahead of arriving threats and invasions during the war. Apart from that, the fort had also provided room to hold foodstuffs, water, and ammunition such that the soldiers could endure extended sieges. Natural tanks inside the fort complex were also used to hold water guaranteeing that the garrison in the fort received a steady water supply, a very vital commodity to be offered by the fort's garrison. Moreover, the section informs us greatly about what must be done to build forts and classify a fortress as an instrument used during the medieval war. Overall, Ghangad Fort is an emblem of war and foresight of the ancient dynasties in constructing forts in the Sahyadri mountain range. Its geographical position, history, and military construction make it a treasure that is yearned by historians, trekkers, and adventurers. Although no longer accessible to be utilized militarily strategically, it is a resourceful defensive fort in the history of Maharashtra.

History of Ghangad Fort

Origin and Construction

Ghangad Fort is among the medieval Maharashtra state hill forts of Sahyadri range of mountains, and there is no history associated with it. It is very old, even centuries old. There is no direct evidence to find out when it was built, but the fort is thought to be older than the Maratha Empire and was built as an important military base by the king or feudal lord of the kingdom. The plan of the fort is representative of the traditional classical Maharashtra hill forts as it was defense and watch-based. The Ghangad Fort had been built at a height of around 3,000 feet mean sea level utilizing existing basalt rock. Double watchtower and bastions with simple yet effective ways to protect it along with thick walls guarded the fort previously. Both of these cliffs would be automatic defense for the defense of the fort, and the attacker would have to combat up and over its ramparts. Best described section of the fort would be the gateway, and it would be built in such a way so that the defense unit would have a general commanding position. The gate was inclined and acted as a method of deterring a head-on attack, and this type of defense was used several times in medieval defensive fortress architecture. This section is proof of water, storage houses, and caves in the fort and validates the fact that the fort was self-sufficient within itself and could sustain for a long time in the event of a siege. Its positioning at Tamhini Ghat placed it advantageously. It was an important military base. It was in a good position to command traffic and trade of invaders and concluded up controlling the surrounding valley. The location hence placed it not just as a defensive fort but a major nexus point in the networked matrix of the forts and fortresses of the region.

Role in the Maratha Empire

The importance of the fort was even later achieved with the coming of the Maratha Empire during the 17th century. This is where during the regime of Shivaji some were either built or were held by him and in Western Ghats, simply to cater to the army power of the empire. Short in terms of size when weighed against some large Maratha forts, the Ghangad Fort was of strategically very important watchtower position and refueling station. Shivaji Maharaj saw the tactical importance of the fort and incorporated the fort as part of his chain of hill forts. The fort was, in fact, used as a prison and armoury, as a grain for grain storage, and a depot for other goods. The Sahyadris' granite landscape proved to be an uncongenial terrain for invading armies to advance through, and the fort's strategic position allowed the Marathas to control trade routes in the area. At the peak of the Maratha Empire, the Ghangad Fort was just one of the other local forts such as Korigad, Tailbaila, and Sudhagad. The collection of all the forts together formed a chain of fortresses in order to protect the empire from the Mughal and other invading forces. Guerrilla warfare tactics were extensively adopted by the Marathas, leveraging the landscape to attack invading forces by surprise and withdrawing back into the safety of the hills. But following the death of Shivaji in 1680, the Maratha Empire experienced some internal strife and foreign invasion. The fort remained a defense outpost, with various parts of the Maratha leadership competing for its control, including the Peshwas, which ultimately took over the empire. The Peshwas kept the importance of the fort as a spy outpost and prison complex.

British Takeover and Later Abandonment

By the early 19th century, the Maratha Empire was depleted due to repeated attacks by the British East India Company. The British, trying to acquire a monopoly of control over the Indian subcontinent, fought a series of Anglo-Maratha Wars against the Marathas. The Marathas lost the rule of their erstwhile conqueror series of forts step by step during the Anglo-Maratha Wars. When the Marathas were defeated in the Third Anglo-Maratha War of 1818, Ghangad Fort and the majority of the remaining local forts fell into the hands of the British. As opposed to much of the rest of the more significant of the Maratha forts, taken at or recaptured by allied nations for British interests following their domination, however, Ghangad Fort was not anticipated to be of significant strategic value in the new colony. The British, who were renowned for destroying forts in their attempts to rule in an organized way, did not go out of their way to save Ghangad Fort.

The fort was left to the mercy of nature and to ruin over the years. The magnificent walls came crashing down, and plants overran the structures, taking away much of the humanness from the fort. Since independence in 1947, Ghangad Fort has stood neglected and dominated by other larger historical sites. The fort has once again made headlines recently with increasing interest in heritage tourism and trekking. Restoration work has already been done on parts of it, and trekkers sporadically cover the area to visit its ruins and vistas spread all over the adjacent valleys. Should be overlooked, there are yet moments of Ghangad Fort relieving its bitter past when it is silent witness to Maharashtra's bitter past. It was an emblem of power and position which was attributed varied purposes by it at different points in the pages of time - whether that of merchant pass sentinel, prison or camp. It stands so now a monument to the toil of its designers and an altar to the grit of those soldiers who, in one manner or another, stood its wall.

Geographical Significance

Landform

The fort occupies the summit of a hill within Western Ghats range of hills, which is famous for rolling escarpment, dense cover of forest, and antiquity. Basalt is a typical landform of the Deccan Plateau. Nature disrobed and eroded the rocks down through the centuries in an attempt to create the virtually impenetrable walls of the fort over the edge of the cliffs. Ascension into the fort is broken up with thick bunches of greens, boulders, and hazard-filled pathways which zig and zag along the face of the incline of the hill, and behind them comes adventure and exhilaration to vacationers and chroniclers. The fort's roof provides a view of the Sahyadri ranges around with deep valleys, green forests, and connecting plateaus stretching miles and miles. There are numerous monsoon waterfalls tumbling over the cliff sides that add to the charm of nature. Its strategic location allowed the fort to serve as an outlying lookout with unbroken vision over incoming armies or merchant trains rumbling over the countryside.

Association with Other Forts in the Area

The fort is strategically located since it is near the chain of historically significant forts of the Sahyadri line. It is situated linked in the convenience to Sudhagad, Korigad, Rajmachi, Tikona, and Lohagad and created a chain of the powerful forts of the powerful fortresses that played actively in the battlefield expeditions of the Maratha as well as in the other contemporary kingdoms. Sudhagad Fort on the northwestern flank was a strategic fort and even had its share to be the most probable to be the capital of the Maratha Empire prior to Raigad. It was also favorable for effective communication and defense planning as the two forts were almost next to each other. The Korigad Fort, to the east, was a strategic fort and also ideally defended trade routes as an outlook point over Mulshi and Pawna lands. The Rajmachi Fort, to the south, was a strategic vantage point overlooking the Bor Ghat, a historical trade route between Konkan coastal trade and Deccan Plateau. Lohagad and Tikona were utilized in defense mechanisms, assisting in regulating traffic between Pune and Konkan coast. These forts helped maintain the connectivity with signal fires and messengers, thus supporting the rulers to plan defense and attack strategies effectively. Connectivity of the forts provides their significance as a unit for the war and historical view of the area.

Flora and Fauna had once flourished here.

The region around the fort is properly occupied with biodiversity, i.e., identical to that in the Western Ghats, a World Heritage site having endemic plant flora and fauna and is ecologically viable.

Flora

The forest and the fort possess dense mixed cover, mostly endemic to the Sahyadri range. Dense cover comprises evergreen and deciduous forest trees and medicinal plants, used in Ayurveda for ages. Some of the renowned plant species are:

• Teak (Tectona grandis): Utility hardwood tree of patches of small patches in the forest.

• Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica): Medicinal fruit and fruit-vitamin.

• Jamun (Syzygium cumini): Sour-sweet fruits one finds birds and small animals enjoying.

• Banyan and Peepal Trees: Sacred trees that one finds standing outside and between forts that guard the world and feature the biggest-than-life role in folktales.

• Bamboo Groves: One finds them on lower slopes, offering shelter to a wide range of species and of economic significance.

• Wildflowers and Orchids: Wildflowers of all hues cover the fort during monsoons, and among them, a few are the Karvi (Strobilanthes callosa) that bloom after seven years.

Fauna

The surrounding landscape of the fort and the grounds themselves are teeming with diversified fauna and hence nature lovers' paradise. Some of the common animals one can never miss seeing are:

• Leopards (Panthera pardus): These are nocturnal, carnivorous animals that live in thick forests but are not commonly met by travellers.

•  Indian Gaur (Bos Taurus): Large bovine grassland dweller in the area.

• Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): In thickets, they are crucial to the environment.

• Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indica): Nocturnal creature by its quills and burrowing nature.

• Various Deer species: Such as the Sambar Deer and Barking Deer, which graze in the woods.

• Reptiles: Various species of snakes such as the Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper, and Green Vine Snake, and many species of lizards. There also are adventure sports camps such as rock climbing, rappelling, and night safaris that make the experience even more exciting. This crunching of leaves on feet, icily cutting winds, and spine-tingling hooting of night birds all combine to make an experience soaked through and through in and never-to-be-forgotten of sleeping in an open sky.

Homestays in Villages

For all such tourists who crave that real cultural encounter, a day homestay in any of such villages in the area is just the right antidote. No wonder then that now all villages around forts are tourist-tourist-tourist spots and have put homestay facilities on the agenda, providing warm welcome hospitality, home food, and some interaction with the villagers. Homestays give the impression of living within village settings, an exposure to culture and daily life, either in the agrarian or cattle rearing practice or in craft tradition. Hospitality of the population and the pleasant disposition give the impression of homeliness to the guests and some idea of indigenous life. These homestays are operated by families who feel extremely proud to represent their culture in the guise of folk dance, dance show, and presentation of the history of the fort. The visitors get a chance to relish home-cooked food made of locally produced ingredients, e.g., food that is part of the gastronomic heritage of the place. In addition to this, there are homestays close to forts in which guided tours are provided inside the fort and outside the fort, and as such, the tourists get to know the locations. Homestays are also found in heritage bungalows or villas amidst villages, providing services as well as being cosy. Jarring nature and natural settings of such stay places are emphatically favoured by the tourists looking for more nature and culture experience.

Hotels and Resorts Nearby

Somewhat warmer and more luxurious can be found waiting for choice among nearby hotels and resorts surrounding the fort, and it is provided with great vistas. They are where the visitors are received, which may come as a relief following the exhaustive day of sightseeing and explorations. Hotels inside and around the fort are nothing less than a combination of contemporary luxury and ancient appearance, with an urbane lifestyle experience. The hotels usually have nicely furnished rooms, pools, spas, and multi-cuisine restaurants to offer local as well as international cuisine. Some hotels go a step ahead by offering sightseeing packages, adventure training camps, and cultural events to further enrich the clients' experience. Hotels around the fort range from budget guesthouses to heritage boutique hotels, so all types of travellers are attended to. Heritage hotels, in particular, offer the experience of a lifetime by giving one a glimpse into the royal history of the location. These hotels, often situated in old mansions or palaces, offer tastefully appointed rooms, antique furniture, and a royal atmosphere whisking one away to an era long gone. For group tourists or family tourists, the most relaxing will be a resort with private balconies, lawn spaces, and spacious-sized cottages. The resort will also typically include activities for all ages such as folk dances, nature walks, and campfires that are fun and provide a great experience to the tour. In addition, some eco-resorts are even promoting green tourism and providing green accommodations built using local materials, farm stays naturally, and nature walks like bird-watching and stargazing.

Choosing Your Choice Accommodation

Since there are just so many facilities to choose from, your choice of accommodation is by your preference, budget, and the type of experience you'd like to gain. If you are an adventure-seeker and want the adventurous and rough kind, then camping around the fort would be your best bet. It keeps you close to nature, provides you with a night under the open sky, and also gives you access to activities such as bonfires and evening walks. For culturally sensitive and hospitality-conscious travellers, there is the village homestay. There's immersion in local culture, eating real local food, and experiencing the local hug of hospitality. For comfort and luxury, resorts and hotels are your retreat. With hip modern amenities, stunning views, and carefully designed thoughtful experiences, they offer an effortless and decadent away-from-it-all retreat after a day of exploration. Apart from the accommodation option, an overnight stay close to the fort is an added experience to the entire trip. Whether experiencing sunrise at a campsite, waking up with dawn bird songs at a homestay village, or having breakfast with a view at a resort, all of them are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. So the next time you are going to a heritage fort, make time to take time out to spend around and visit the several stays in and around the area. If adventure, culture, or just plain comfort is what you are looking for, there is something here for everyone in the area of the fort that makes your trip all the more worthwhile.

Safety and Precautions for Trekking

Trekking is a sport of adventure that puts human beings face to face-with nature in a state of contentment and fulfillment. Trekking is a dangerous adventure that has to be well-planned, prepared, and supervised. Safety while trekking has to be the top priority at any cost because nature, weather, wildlife, and unexpected situations can prove to be fatal. This trekkers' guide gives useful safety tips, wildlife and weather, and emergency contact information to make the trekkers safe and relish the joy of responsible trekking.

Fort Myths Legends

Forts were silent observers of history and held within themselves tales of valour, courage, love, and supernatural existence. All of India's forts, and all the forts in the whole world, have their origins well rooted in myth and folklore and hence were architectural masterpieces, spiritual and mystical places. The mythologies and folklore of the forts are a blend of fact and fiction, history facts blended into mythology myths and hence constitute an intriguing mixture of reality and fantasy. There is one about India's Rajasthan state mythological Chittorgarh Fort. The sturdy and regal fort today is legendary in the myth of Rani Padmini. Rani Padmini was extremely beautiful, and she was captivated by Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji with her beauty. Khilji desired to own her at all costs and attacked the fort. But instead of being his victim, Rani Padmini, along with thousands of other Rajput women, committed Jauhar (self-immolation) to save their honour. Therefore, the fort is a symbol of sacrifice and courage. Apart from myths, there are hardly any forts said to be haunted by ghostly spirits of warriors and kings who were injured in wars. The best option is Rajasthan Bhangarh Fort. One of the most haunted places in India, it is bound in its legend. They tell of how a magician was infatuated with Princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh and attempted to place black magic upon her so that she would be his. He only succeeded in failing and being rolled to death by a boulder rolling over him. At the time of his death, he had cursed the people and the fort, and it was destroyed earlier than expected. The fort is haunted and is now out of bounds in the evening due to reported paranormal activity.

Some of the forts are religious sites, and most of them are associated with ancient temples or shrines. The Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, consists of the Teli Ka Mandir, a Vishnu temple that contains an interesting combination of the North Indian school and Dravidian style of architecture. The temples of the Jain group in the fort are also sacred to members of the Jain religion, and they are later converted to a religious shrine. Another fascinating story is hidden in Hyderabad's Golconda Fort, famous for military strategic importance and acoustical wonders. The fort is rumoured to be protected by a great saint who resided in a cave within the compound. His blessings were believed to have protected the kingdom, and his shrine still stands today where pilgrims pray for his divine protection. Most of these forts also have treasure stories and secret passages.

The capital of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Raigad Fort of Maharashtra, is believed to have escape tunnel passages beneath the tunnels and treasure chambers. Treasures are hidden in lower underground floors in such old buildings, so they are more mystique and coveted. South India boasts of the mythic Tamil Nadu Gingee Fort. According to one of the myths, the fort was held by an asura (demon) who possessed the place by fear until it was conquered by a great sage. The very fort of the fort, appearing untouchable, is the target of divine intervention and is transformed into a site of history and legend. There are forts elsewhere in India as well that have mythological tales. There is, for instance, the Tower of London, which is believed to have the ghosts of former convicts haunting it, and even Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated wife of King Henry VIII. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is believed to have a ghostly inhabitant underground, with visitors having ghostly sightings and eerie sounds. These legends and myths transform these forts from simple historical military forts to living heritage. These create interest, respect, and even awe in the minds of visitors. Believer or non-believer a visitor may be about these tales, these century-old family lore always lends mystic charm to these ancient sites.

Cultural and Historical Events at the Fort

Forts have been guardians of history for centuries, and silent witnesses to the passage of time. These stunning buildings are not only a part of architectural wonders, but also centers of culture where heritage and history come alive in the form of events, festivals, and re-enactments. Forts everywhere are excellent stores of heritage, history comes alive, and traditions are preserved locally. These fort festivals would be more background- and history-based, whereas re-enactments are live events that transport the tourists to the past.

Festivals Celebrating the Fort

There are a ginormous number of forts that have been the setting of majestic festivals welcoming tourists, history enthusiasts, and the public at large. Such types of festivals would be a mixture of cultural performances, folk ballads, legends, and religious rituals, all being a form of the fort's heritage. One of the most potent fort-focused Indian festivals is the Mehrangarh Fort Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF). The festival within the grand Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is a blend of folk music, dance, and storytelling. The artisans of the most remote corners of Rajasthan and the world converge within the fort to witness the cultural fervor of the state within the imposing fort walls. They also engage in soul-stirring activities, watch colorful puppet shows, and participate in interactive narration sessions where the past history of the fort is narrated. In the same vein, Gwalior Fort has also been dedicated to the famous musician Tansen, one of the nine gems of Emperor Akbar. The festival is commemorated every year at Gwalior Fort and attracts classical musicians from all over India to perform and offer their salutations to Tansen.

It is not only a celebration of Indian classical music but also of the fort as a cultural and artistic centre for centuries. One of the medieval forts and castles spread all over the European continent to organize ginormous scale festivities in the hopes of retrieving their lost heyday is Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, the heart of the quadrennial Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo of armed forces bands and pipers and edge-of-seat drama. In the background of pictures of castles, the festival welcomes foreign tourists and foreign visitors from every nook and corner of the world to a stunning display of flawless military parades, Scottish Highlands bagpipe music, and sky pictures illuminated by fireworks. When they are in France, the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne hosts the Carcassonne Medieval Festival. It brings the Middle Ages to their prime with knights, jousting tournaments, and parades that take one back to the good old Middle Ages days. It is a perfect example of how a fort can be converted into a platform of culture on which history is experienced through living as grand celebrations.

Historical Re-enactments

The most difficult one to forget the history of a fort is through re-enactments because they let people experience history themselves. They recreated epic battles, imperial pageants, and even everyday life within the fort while it was active. The finest re-enactment activity takes place at Fort Ticonderoga, USA. The 18th-century fort was the best battlefield of the American Revolutionary War and now features hi-tech battle re-enactments. The visitors can witness actors in British and colonial uniforms attired as soldiers reenacting scripted battles in a ring of musket fire, horse charges, and military strategies. The reenactments are a moving spectacle of war strategies and war agonies, which are brought to life for the masses. Likewise, India's Chittorgarh Fort also is famous for bringing history sieges and Rajput valour legends to life. The war-torn fort is utilized to stage plays in which legendary characters such as Rani Padmini and Maharana Pratap are enacted by actors. The martyrdom and bravery of these ancient heroes come alive through play performance, which still fascinate tourists with stories of sacrifice and heroism. Historical re-enactments of events like the arrest and beheading of famous heroes like Anne Boleyn are re-created at the Tower of London in England. Actors dressed in medieval attire recreate the medieval nobles, guards, and prisoners who bring to life the dark history of the fortress and a living, interactive recreation that educates and entertains the tourists.

Local Traditions and Rituals

Forts are typically associated with the native local traditional religion and religious ceremonies. The forts typically contain very ancient palaces, temples, or shrines that are places of such very ancient rituals and ceremonies. For example, India's Rajasthan Amber Fort features the Shila Devi Temple, and pilgrims travel there for the Navratri festival. Since the temple itself had been present there in the fort for years, pilgrims are of the opinion that this is the time when the temple is a center of pilgrimage where devotees pray and worship in front of the goddess. Processions, folk dance, and multi-colored rituals are crammed into fort courtyards filled with religion and history. Taragarh Fort of Rajasthan in Bundi is renowned for hosting the Keshorai Patan Fair, a religious fair which gets visited by pilgrims from all over the country. Religious sermons, cultural festivals, and folk dances are all organized within the boundaries of the ancient fort. There is the Himeji Castle Festival in Japan, which is a celebration of the life of the samurais in the sense that there are parades of fictional-costumed warriors, exhibitions of swords, and traditional dancing. The festival gives an outline of the feudal period, for it gives the history of the castle.

The Role of Forts in Modern Cultural Celebrations

Forts today welcomes the celebration of new-age culture by organizing film festivals, literature festivals, and art fairs. Indian Jaisalmer Fort and Nahargarh Fort, for example, organize literature festivals in which writers, poets, and painters come to the fort and share their views on literature, history, and politics in the backdrop of ancient forts. Spain's Alhambra, a Moorish fort in Alhambra style, is not just a flamenco dance studio, but also a centre for Andalusian cultural fiestas. The fiestas are played to commemorate the past of Spain because they prompt individuals to remember the past when the fort was at its best.

• Local Cuisine and Food Options: A Gastronomic Tour Through Adjacent Villages Touring is not just looking at new horizons; it is savouring the diversity of cuisine that an area has to present. If you visit the villages nearby, then you are going to be able to command at your disposal a treasure house of native food, native cookery, and native preparation. You are a foodie who wishes to taste something new or a simple home food who likes; your destination area is villages nearby where you have something best in terms of taste. In this article, we will take you through the favourite must-try food, restaurants and street food stalls along the way that sell these delicious mouth-watering foods.

Popular Foods to Try in Local Villages

The cities surrounding your place of location are also historically and culturally rich, and the same has been preserved through their food as well in every bite they are eaten in. Some of them, one must surely try to get a glimpse of the living of the original inhabitants, are:

Foods made out of Millet

They continue to subsist on their staple cereals such as millet, ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum). Two of the most frequent staples are Ragi Mudde (fistful finger millet) and Jowar Roti (sorghum flatbread). These are usually followed by in general pungent gravies of locally grown vegetables, lentils, and meat.

Bamboo Shoot Curry

Among the tribal village foods Indigenous to their communities is bamboo shoot curry, a mild sour and earthy-flavoured Indigenous food prepared from indigenous spices. It is eaten with rice or flatbread, which is a local food specialty of tribal villages.

Local Meat Specialties

Meat food dishes like country chicken curry, spiced mutton with spices and aromas, or smoked-dried meat dish with the flavour of the region will also be available in all tribe villages.

Freshwater Fish Preparations

If you are lucky to be around a lake or a river, don't miss out on enjoying the fresh catch fish dishes. They are served fried, grilled, or in generous gravies and are usually accompanied with local herbs and spices, which add a flavor of their own.

Home-made Sweets and Traditional Sweets

No meal is complete without a bit of local sweets. Villages are famous for home-made sweets like Puran Poli (sweet-stuffed flatbread), Jaggery sweets, and Rice Payasam (sweet rice pudding prepared with coconut milk and jaggery).

Farm-to-Table Fresh Vegetables

They also boast of fresh harvest, which is organically grown vegetables from the earth. Special dishes like brinjal, pumpkin curry, and drumstick sambar are prepared in the traditional manner and served with rice or rotis.

Tribal Cuisine Delicacies

There are some villages that have food made by the tribals from wild food, wild vegetables, roots, and domesticated grains. If possible, try to eat the food of the tribal people and do not miss this.

Roadside Eateries and Roadside Stalls

Along these villages while walking by, roadside restaurants, roadside eateries, and road food stalls are available that serve you delicious local fare. Some of the spots where you simply can't avoid visiting are:

Roadside Restaurants known as Highway Dhabas

Dhabas are the backbone of the nation whenever people are traveling, offering hot, fresh and economical food. Conventional preparations of full meals like dal, roti, rice, vegetable curries, and meat preparations are offered.

Village Home-Stays and Village Kitchens

The guests can be invited to lunch with some of the residents, and they are served home-cooked food. Eating at the residents' home kitchen provides a guest with an actual taste of what local food is and what people of the local area's hospitality is like.

Snack Counters and Tea Stalls

In virtually every village, there is a tea stall selling fried fritter (pakoras) snacks, samosas, and vada pav (bread rolls stuffed with spiced potato fritters) to be consumed along with hot masala chai.

Village Weekly Markets

If you manage to visit a village on a market day, you are welcomed by a number of freshly available, locally produced fruits and vegetables. Fresh vegetables and fruits to home-cooked desserts and snacks are available.

Street Food Stalls

Each village has street food, ranging from such items as steaming hot chaat, boiled corn and barbecued corn, or on-tromso (small street-style kitchen) dosas to snack on with chutney accompaniments. Go ahead, try them out, for a down-to-earth taste of local cuisine.

Bird watchers would also like the fort as a pleasant place to catch glimpses of various birds such as:

• Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis): A stunning predator that is easily identified perched atop rocky outcrops.

• Crested Serpent Eagle: With sharp call and good eyesight.

• Jungle Fowl and Peacocks: Smearing the woods with their own very lovely colour and voice.

• Malabar Whistling Thrush: Top class because of its call, typically dawn and early twilight.

• Woodpeckers, Drongos, and Kingfishers: Found always near water courses as well as beneath the leafy cover.

The natural beauty of the area of the fort not only makes it a wonder of the past but also a heaven for nature enthusiasts, a paradise for trekkers, and a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. The climatic shift is also its charm because monsoons bring in a new crop of vegetation, waterfalls, and misty valleys and winters bring in good weather with an unobstructed view of the landscape. Its geographical importance outweighs its historical significance. It is part of the natural heritage of the Western Ghats and a reminder of the rich biodiversity, intricate landscape, and strategic location that made the history of the region and remains a place of wonder and discovery even in the present times.

How to Reach Ghangad Fort

Ghangad Fort is another lesser known but scenic ancient place in the Sahyadri hill ranges of Maharashtra. It is a wonderful trekking destination and historical place for the travelers who are seeking a peaceful and adventurous holiday. This ancient fort and watch tower over the trade routes also offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding landscape. Follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to visit Ghangad Fort and have an adventurous trekking tour.

Nearest Villages and Cities

The Ghangad Fort is close to Lonavala, the most popular tourist destination in Maharashtra. The nearest villages to the fort are Ekole and Mulshi, and they have been utilized as base points from where the trek has been started. The fort is approximately 30 km away from Lonavala, 110 km away from Pune, and approximately 150 km away from Mumbai.

Main nearest places:

• Lonavala (30 km) – Nearest tourist centre and major town

•  Pune (110 km) – closest metropolitan city

•  Mumbai (150 km) – metropolitan city within reach of all Indian mainland

•  Mulshi (40 km) – most visited weekend outing, fort proximity

•  Ekole Village (2 km) – closest village to trekking site

Transportation Facilities

We can access the Ghangad Fort by a variety of travel facilities like trains, buses, and automobiles.

• By Train: The closest railway station is Lonavala Railway Station, and it is very well connected with Pune and Mumbai. Lonavala is a halt station between the two railway tracks between Mumbai and Pune and is therefore accessible to other travellers from anywhere in India. You may take a local bus or private taxi from Lonavala to Mulshi or Ekole Village, the nearest point to start the trek. Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps can also be found from Lonavala to the base village.

• By Bus: Regular buses from Pune, Lonavala, and Mumbai are operated by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to Mulshi and surrounding villages. There can be limited direct bus availability to Ekole Village. Mulshi Dam or Ambavane Village might be accessible by bus and a private vehicle or taxi hired for Ekole.

• By Private Vehicle: The most comfortable mode of visiting the fort is self-drive or cab.

Pune through Paud – Mulshi – Ambavane – Ekole drive.

Mumbai through Mumbai-Pune Expressway up to Lonavala and then local roads up to Bhamburde – Ambavane – Ekole drive.

Park at Ekole Village, and the trekking starts from there.

Trek Starting Point and Route

Ghangad Fort trek starts from Ekole Village, which is the base village for the expedition.

Trek Route Overview:

• Trek Distance: Approximately 2 km (one way)

• Approximate Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (one way)

• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

• Best Time to Visit: June to February (Monsoon and winter season provide the best trekking experience)

• Trekking Route Details:

• Start Point - Ekole Village: The trek begins from Ekole Village, where there will be tiny shops available for refreshment and snacks. Walk on the narrow road from there to the fort.

•  Forest Trail: The trek begins with a forest trail, which is beautiful. The trail is well marked, but you would need to do group trekking or guided trekking if you do not know the trail.

• Rocky Climb: It has a short steep section after a 30-minute trek, which needs to be done in slow steps. Ruins and boulders in between and will be faced by the trekkers.

• Midway Plateau: This part of the climb offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. One can stop and enjoy the view before going further towards the fort entrance.

• Final Climb and Entry: The final part of the trek is a short rocky terrain on which iron ladders are fixed to help climbers. This is the most thrilling part of the trek and gives an adventurous flavor to the trek.

• Fort Visit: There are remnants of the ancient bastions, water tanks, and caves visible during the trek within the fort. A 360-degree view of the Mulshi area, Sudhagad Fort, Sarasgad Fort, and Tailbaila Cliffs is accessible from the fort.

Trekking Tips and Essentials:

Wear comfortable grip trekking shoes.

• Drink 2 liters of water as there is no water facility during the trek.

• Carry energy bars and snacks to be had during trekking.

• Preferably begin the trek early in the morning so that one does not have to face the heat of the day.

• Carry a poncho or raincoat with oneself if one is trekking in the monsoon season as the path would be slippery.

Respect local laws and do not litter so that the natural environment of the fort is not disturbed. Ghangad Fort is one of such pearls in Maharashtra which provides a perfect blend of adventure, history, and nature. A weekend trekker or an ardent trekker, whoever will experience a fulfilling encounter with nature, landscape and history via this trek. Easy access from Mumbai and Pune provides a wonderful weekend getaway for trekkers and nature lovers alike. Book your tour, pack your luggage, and proceed to unveil the breathtaking Ghangad Fort!

Trek to Ghangad Fort: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Ghangad Fort is Maharashtra's Western Ghats' best-kept secret. It is an off-beat one located close to Lonavala and Mulshi. It is an apt place for novice as well as experienced trekkers. Ghangad Fort trek is not tiresome but a rewarding adventurous route with great views of the Sahyadri ranges. Ghangad Fort trek is an adventurous and exhilarating one with a mix of dense forests, boulder outcrops, and ruined structures.

Level of Difficulty and Time

Ghangad Fort trek is a medium to easy level of difficulty trek. The total trek duration in both directions will be approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on one's walking style and weather. The trail is well marked and hence simple for beginners, yet there are a couple of spots which need to be climbed with care since the trail is rocky and steep. The best time to visit Ghangad Fort is during the post-monsoon season (September to February) when the surrounding landscape is green and the climate is comfortable.

Trekking Route and Landmarks

The trek to Ghangad Fort starts from the Ekole village, which is also the base village for the trek. The village is well linked by road from Pune and Mumbai. Through Lonavala, it is 1.5 to 2 hours by road to the village.

Route Description

• Ekole Village to Forest Patch – You start off with a simple walk on a tarred road. The path is flanked with huge trees, which shade and give you a peaceful atmosphere.

• Forest Patch to Rocky Climb – The way is no longer level but rocky in nature. Trekking shoes would be recommended to ensure traction.

• Rocky Ascent to Plateau Region – After the initial climb, the path opens up to a small plateau, leading to the first stunning vista of the Sahyadri range. The trekkers can take it easy here for a short while and soak in the scenery.

• plateau to Iron Ladder Section – Following the iron ladder section where an iron ladder has been fixed in place to enable the trekkers to climb over a smooth rock surface. This is the most exciting section of the trek.

• Ladder Section to Fort Entrance – Following the climb up the iron ladder, there is a steep but rapid climb to the main entrance of Ghangad Fort.

Points of Interest en Route

• Ekole Village – The central part of the village, where the tourist has the opportunity to socialize with the villagers and collect information regarding the trail.

• Forest Patch – A green patch of forest providing shelter and serenity.

• Caves at the Fort Base – Ancient caves at the base of the fort, which would have probably been used for the purpose of storage and protection by the previous occupants.

•  Iron Ladder Section – Challenging iron ladder ascent that adds a bit of adventure to the hike.

• Fortification Remains – Fort walls and bastions that tell of its age.

• Water Cisterns – Ancient cisterns containing water that is still drinkable today.

• Summit Viewpoint – The summit of the fort, which offers a bird's-eye view of Mulshi Dam, Tailbaila, and Korigad Fort.

 Fort Architecture and Attractions

Forts have existed as part of human life for millennia, both as a war strategy of defense and as an administrative, cultural, and commercial hub. They are ubiquitous on our planet and exhibit a diverse variety of architectural forms depending on geography, culture, and the time of their construction. The size and sophistication of fortifications are witness to the talent of ancient engineers and architects. This article brings out the various facets of fort architecture and structures such as gateways and bastions, rock-cut cisterns and caves, watchtowers and fortifications, and temples and other structures in such ancient forts.

Entrance Gates and Bastions

Fort entrance gates were not just entry gates; they were gateways protected by bastions meant to resist attacks. These gates were usually wide, with large wooden gates and iron spikes to repel invaders by the war elephant gate. Gates were usually built in a curvaceous way, which could not be easily accessed by invading armies. All except the lowest forts had a tactic of the "zig-zag entrance" in which the gates were set upon angular corners so attacking armies would never be able to move in a straight line and would be dissuaded from having to zigzag their path and become easy prey to defensive fire from above. Bastions, or wall parts, was also an extremely important element in fortress design. They provided guards with a larger field of view and more elevation to archers and cannons. Bastions were spherical, quadrilateral, or polygonal in structure, and provision stores and arm rooms were occasionally added to them. Bastions varied in dimensions and positions as per the scale of the fort and ground as well. Indian Red Fort and Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan are some of the most known forts with beautiful bastions that have endured wars and sieges for centuries.

Rock-Cut Caves and Water Cisterns

The most fascinating aspect of fort complexes is the presence of rock-cut water cisterns and caves, the ingenuity of early architects revealed. All the forts, particularly in the areas where the landscape is more boulder-studded, have caves as storehouses, shelter, and even hidden escape exits. These rock-cut caves were initially extremely well-carved, such as the world-renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves of Maharashtra state. Some forts such as Rajmachi Fort and Harishchandragad Fort possess extremely beautiful caves as monk dormitories and soldiers' resting houses in the past. Water storage was a significant concern for forts because prolonged sieges meant that people would have to drink from stored water. To prevent this, ancient engineers designed imaginative water cisterns, reservoirs, and stepwells in order to collect and store rainwater. The cisterns were previously excavated directly into the rock so that there would be water in drought seasons. Even water cisterns functional even today can be seen in forts such as Sinhagad Fort and Raigad Fort and speak highly of their hydraulic engineering skills. Stepwells such as the ones found in Chittorgarh Fort with elaborate ornamentation as well as involvement in water management strategies, intricately cut carvings and tiered design.

Watchtowers and Fortifications

Watchtowers were an essential part of all forts, through which defenders would be visibly capable of monitoring incoming enemies. Watchtowers were strategically positioned at the crest of the fort or placed circumferentially such that maximum exposure was provided. Watchtower design varied from modest elevated platforms to sophisticated multi-storey watchtowers with hidden rooms. Some forts had signal towers from where fire or smoke signals were sent to the neighboring fortresses as a means of communication. Other fortifications like the strong stone walls, moats, and ramparts were utilized in order to defend the fort against external attack. Some of the most secure forts were the likes of the Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad and the Jaisalmer Fort whose walls were built with monstrous sizes made of layers of lime mortar and stone. These walls were even reinforced with iron or lead to provide them with extra strength. In the deserts, like Rajasthan, the forts had a tall parapet to discourage the invading armies and withstand unfavorable climatic conditions. In the coastal regions, like the Sindhudurg Fort, the fortifications were constructed with underground walls that made sea attacks nearly impossible. It might be best protected by Rajasthan state's Kumbhalgarh Fort, the second-longest wall in the world after China's Great Wall. It runs more than 36 kilometers and was built to ward off large-scale attacks and never differed much throughout the centuries.

Temples and Other Buildings

Besides being a military base, forts were also centres of worship and culture. Some temples were breathtaking where the gods deified by the ruling houses were worshipped. They were generally located in the middle section of the fort and gave spiritual comfort to kings and soldiers. The most renowned fort temples among them are Virupaksha Temple in Hampi Fort complex and Shiva Temple in Pratapgad Fort. These structures comprise delicate carvings, delicate frescoes, and gigantic pillars, attesting to the skilful art of ancient labourers. Aside from temples, palaces of kings, administrative buildings, granaries, and bazaars, there existed forts as well. A classic example is of the Amber Fort of Jaipur, a great example of a fort-palace whose lavish halls, courts, and gardens speak of an amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architecture. There were others like Gwalior Fort that housed schools and libraries, which spoke of their roles as schools of learning and administration. The markets inside the forts were also important in sustaining local economies.

The markets were organized similarly to bazaar roads, with weapons, jewelry, clothing, and other commodities sold to buy. Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort is evidence of such markets existing, where previously merchants used to sell the luxury of the fort. Fortresses are titanic demonstrations of human capacity, wherein the plans of warfare and architectural magnificence proceeded shoulder to shoulder. From imposing bastions and gateways to disguised rock-cut cisterns for water storage and caves, these structures are a demonstration of the engineering ability of antiquity. Fortification and watchtowers shielded locations, with temples and palace complexes representing religiosity and civilization. All the forts narrate a unified chronicle of fortitude, patience, and artistry accomplishment, thereby rendering them substantial cultural icons. All these masterpieces of ancient civilization continue to leave everyone mesmerized and dumbfounded and lure tourists from all over the world to pay visits and view their timelessness.

Best Time to Visit

The most preferable time to visit a trekking destination is of your choice because each season offers something to observe, in appearance, level of difficulty, and appeal. India, as diverse geographically and climatically as it is, alters the nature of treks that one may embark upon with respect to seasons. But monsoon and winter are two shoulder season trekking seasons when both of them have something unique to give to the trekker in terms of landscape, climate, and intensity. Whereas monsoon treks are famous for green scenery, flowering trees, and tranquil waterfalls, winter treks are the choice of trekkers for snow-white trails, frozen lakes, and peaceful, peaceful scenery. If a single human being is cognizant of the double dualities of two monsoons, then one can be free to select the right moment to get the trekking done and make use of the trekking in context-permitting situations.

Monsoon Trek Experience

Monsoon repeatedly, again and again, more in the June and September months of India, turn the trekking trails green oases. Monsoon is heaven to deserts, showering new green robes over forests, valleys, and meadows, and wildflowers bursting into blooms. The most advantageous thing about monsoon trekking is that it's a green scenery, where waterfalls flow down stone peaks, streams brim over with sparkling waters, and gentle cloud-like mist creates an otherworldly landscape. Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers, Himachal Pradesh's Hampta Pass, and Maharashtra's Rajmachi Fort are the three best places for monsoon trekking in India. The most enchanting thing about monsoon trekking is to see nature at its peak and most glorious. The scenery is almost mythical, with clouds, rainbows, and mist in constant drama. Rain on land, birdsong, and wet earth add the icing to the cake. Monsoon hikes are not popular either in the way that they are much less crowded than their winter counterparts, so the superior option for the individual who does not have to suffer and get stuffed by crowds of humanity into the great unknown. And all of that, monsoon treks are not trouble-free either. The route is slippery, muddy, and slushy at some points and is therefore more demanding and needs more caution. Bug jungles and leeches lie in wait to strike some of the trekkers with relish. Heavy rains also spoil unimpeded views and punctual travel plans. Waterproofing gear, good trek shoes, and bug sprays are the keys to a trouble-free and enjoyable monsoon trekking experience.

Winter Trekking Experience

December- February winter trekking is a story of another sort, one of snow fields, ice streams, and cold dryness. The Himalayas, and several others, now wear a winter wonderland cloak and are full of adventure seekers eager to give a go at a trek in the snow. Some of the top Indian winter treks are the Uttarakhand Kedarkantha trek, Ladakh's Chadar Trek, and the Brahmatal Trek in Uttarakhand. The most welcoming feature of a winter hike is the fairy-tale scenery of snow. The snow-covered mountains, ice-clad buildings in frozen waterfalls, and frosty-white projections of ice in branch-like fashion impart the scenery and the fairy-tale nature of a book. The howling wind blowing, crunching on the snow below, and grandeur of sun on white peaks make winter hikes an exercise coveted. Compared to monsoon treks, winter treks are described as a blue sky that is cold with faraway mountains and valleys in wide horizons. Although winter trekking is beautiful to behold, it is no picnic. Winter weather is harsh with temperatures of and below zero degrees centigrade, and trekkers must don good insulation clothes in layers, gloves, and thermals. Snow trail hiking is taxing, and crampons or microspikes are essential for better grip. Altitude treks in the winter months are also full of dangers of altitude sickness and frostbite, and therefore proper acclimatization and strong physical health become a prerequisite.

Monsoon vs. Winter Trek – Comparison

While selecting monsoon or winter trekking, there are some points beginning from ease of difficulty to terrain, climate, and taste.

•  Scenic Beauty: Monsoon treks are filled with forest cover, waterfalls, and mist landscape, and offer a multicolored and dramatic landscape. Winter treks offer serene snow landscape, ice-lake-shaped skating pools, and blue skies, and offer a colored but royal touch.

• Level of difficulty: Monsoon treks are challenging due to their steep paths, unfavorable weather, and landslides. Winter treks need endurance to endure sub-zero temperature, chase away snow showers, and acclimatize at greater altitudes.

• Weather: Monsoon treks feature wetness, rains, and dampness, and waterproofing. Winter treks feature protection from freezing and wind chill, and layering of warm apparel.

• Crowd and Solitude: Monsoon treks are less crowded, and there is quiet trekking in nature. Treks during winter, particularly at tourist destinations such as Kedarkantha, are more populous with adventure sports enthusiasts, and a few of them are sold out during the peak season.

• Flora and Fauna: Monsoon treks are riotously hued with fauna and flora in bloom, mad animals, and dense forest. Winter treks are peaceful and sleep-kissingly beautiful with hardly any tough animal encounters but an ethereal, peaceful ambiance.

• Risk Factors: Monsoon treks subject the trekkers to landslides, rain-lashed roads, and leeches, whereas winter treks subject the trekkers to frostbites, altitude sickness, and rain-lashed roads that need special equipment.

Nearby Places

Tailbaila Rock Formations: Tailbaila or Telbaila is a cluster of ginormous rock pillars forming an anomalous feature of the Western Ghats. A rock face off Lonavala is where this one lies, a heaven for trekkers and rock climbers and a dream holiday place for any sportsman. The two rock summits are an old vestige fort, and between them there is a narrow valley. The surroundings provide broad and breathtaking exposures of the Sahyadri hills stretched out in the country and thus a heaven for nature enthusiasts and seasoned photographers. Tailbaila trekking is not exploitative at ground level but an extremely demanding one for cliff climbing enthusiasts. The rock face rises to almost 3,300 feet above sea level and is exhilarating for all cliff climbing enthusiasts. It is a technological ascent which must be climbed with technological equipment and machinery. But if one does not wish to trek it but does not wish to miss the beauty of Tailbaila either, a trek to its base is enough to provide a bird's eye view of the green landscape, particularly during monsoons. One of the reasons why Tailbaila is a homecoming favorite is that it's a heritage destination. It was a watchtower in the past because it is strategically located and has a vantage point from the other side. To this day, it is an adventure traveler's paradise with an off-beat mix of history, nature, and access to adventure.

Mulshi Dam and Tamhini Ghat: Mulshi Dam is Maharashtra's finest reservoir on river Mula. It is the region's biggest source of hydroelectricity but a sight for tourists apart. Mulshi Dam is nature enthusiasts' paradise since it is located in the lap of the Sahyadri hills' greenery. The dam appears even more beautiful during monsoons when the whole scene is dotted with a sea of grass and the water level is at the highest. The region around Mulshi is excellent for bird watching as the reservoir has migratory and resident birds in plenty. Boating at the dam and campings are some of the activities that appeal to most visitors. The peaceful water as well as view spots is excellent for an experience free from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Short drive from Mulshi Dam is Tamhini Ghat, a hill ghat and one of the most beautiful drives in Maharashtra. Renowned for its scenic waterfalls, emerald forests, and misty hill-top summits, Tamhini Ghat is nature's paradise and photographer's heaven. The ghat looks even more dashing during monsoons when two waterfalls drop from the hills and form a heavenly scene. Tamhini Ghat is also perfect for trekking and sunbathing in the wilderness. The forest has several routes to it, and group trekkers can have all the unpolluted beauty of Sahyadris to themselves. The ghat is a mix of flora and fauna and thus a perfect place for eco-tourism. If you wish to have an experience-free moment, be it trekking or quiet in the arms of nature, Mulshi Dam and Tamhini Ghat are the destinations to head to.

• Sudhagad Fort: Sudhagad Fort or Bhorapgad is a stunning hill fort in Raigad district, Maharashtra. It is situated on an elevation of about 2,030 feet and has been constructed in 2nd century BC. It was originally intended to be constructed by the Bahmani Sultanate, but Marathas, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, captured it and subsequently fortified it. The ascent to Sudhagad is easy and hence the most suitable for beginners and veterans alike. The trek was a trek through dense forests, boulder trails, and tiny streams that provided a colour-coded trekking experience. The fort consists of well-preserved monuments in the form of ancient temples, tanks, and gateways that reflect its age-old glory. Bhorai Devi Temple, which constitutes the middle section of the fort, is the temple of the village goddess and a pilgrim center even now.

And yet another simply mind-boggling aspect of Sudhagad is the bird's eye view from the summit. On a bright sunny day, at the summit, one could spot other gigantic forts like Sarasgad, Tailbaila, and Korigad. Other than this, the fort is a huge plateau, ideally suited as a campground under open sky filled with stars. Strategically also, Sudhagad was kept under surveillance as a fall-back fort for Maratha Empire capital until at last a decision was made to settle down at Raigad. It is a trekking site today too, especially in monsoon seasons when the scenery is an emerald green paradise. Its misty landscape, cool breeze, and historical implication are a success time and again with the historians' researchers and adventure sport professionals.

• Korigad Fort: Lonavala Korigad Fort is a scenic fort, which is every historian's and trekker's paradise. It is at a height of 3,050 feet and was built in the 15th century prior to coming under the control of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort came under the protection of Marathas and remained steadfast with its overpowering past. The climb to Korigad is relatively less affluent than other climbs in other forts of the geology and ideal one for newbies. It's built atop a sequence of stair-like places on the ground level of the fort and it'll take about one hour of walking. Peak points provide the sightseer to scenic locales in panorama fashion along with its surrounding topography like the fabulous Aamby Valley. Korigad Fort is renowned because it still has walls and bastions intact till this day. The fort is also home to some extremely ancient remains such as temples of Goddess Korai Devi and Lord Vishnu, tanks, and caves. These ancient remains give a glimpse to the people about the ancient glory of the Maratha kingdom. One of the attractions of a Korigad tour is getting to walk along parapets of fort walls. Any photographer's ideal time, it gives a bird's eye view of the hill and valleys surrounding it on all sides. Monsoons pouring down on this fort, shrouding the same in mist hung up in air, and enigmatic. The most popular activity of the trekkers here is camping. Camping is the best among the trekkers' options to spend the night here and watch the morning sun rise magnificently above the fort. Cold weather, the twinkle of the sky, and strategically being situated as it is in the middle of history have combined to make it the favorite activity. The trip from Tailbaila, Mulshi Dam, Tamhini Ghat, Sudhagad Fort, to Korigad Fort is paradise for the person who would like to feel the thrill of adventure, history, and nature. An adventurous trekker, a historian, or simply someone who wishes to unwind amidst nature, something for everyone. From the rock climbing at Tailbaila to the serene waterfalls of Mulshi, from Tamhini Ghat's misty roads to Sudhagad, to the history book fame of Korigad, all such spots have to offer you something worth a lifetime experience. Just tighten your rucksack strap, lace your trekking boot laces and you are set off to experience these lovely diamonds of the Western Ghats!

Camping and Night Stay Facility near the Fort

Fort tour is a dynamic activity, and for those individuals who wish to undertake the activity in midnight time, night camps and tent camps can be visited which are the finest place to be in nature, indigenous culture, and serene atmosphere. From night sky stars while camping, to homestay village safety in easy vicinity, and hotel or resort comfort stay, there are lodges around the fort available to suit all sorts of tourists. Camping Sites Near the Fort Night stay at the fort is ideal for adventure lovers and nature lovers to have a view of nature's beauty and proximity to history. Scenic spots that are hills, forests, or open grassland are where the majority of the forts are located and ideal for night stay deep within the woods beneath the night sky. The finest camping spot is the fort ground or ridge top behind the fort with a bird's eye view of the country and fort. The worst spot is selected for view, safety, and convenience. One-day overnight trekking camps with campfire, night trekking up to the fort, and midnight star-gazing are organized by local trekking clubs and tour operators for a midnight trek. Camp close to the fort is an excellent experience, accompanied with nature trekking, bird watching, and myth and history storytelling of the fort. There are some forts, i.e., hill forts and forest forts, where there are hidden caves and hidden places where the campers are away from the tourist community. For the more organized camping program, tent camps with sleeping bag amenities, campfire, and meals are offered by most ecotour operators. There also are adventure sports camps such as rock climbing, rappelling, and night safaris that make the experience even more exciting. This crunching of leaves on feet, icily cutting winds, and spine-tingling hooting of night birds all combine to make an experience soaked through and through in and never-to-be-forgotten of sleeping in open sky.

Homestays in Villages

For all such tourists who crave that real cultural encounter, a day homestay in any of such villages in the area is just the right antidote. No wonder then that now all villages around forts are tourist-tourist-tourist spots and have put homestay facilities on the agenda, providing warm welcome hospitality, home food, and some interaction with the villagers. Homestays give the impression of living within village settings, an exposure to culture and daily life, either in the agrarian or cattle rearing practice or in craft tradition. Hospitality of the population and the pleasant disposition give the impression of homeliness to the guests and some idea of indigenous life. These homestays are operated by families who feel extremely proud to represent their culture in the guise of folk dance, dance show, and presentation of the history of the fort. The visitors get a chance to relish home-cooked food made of locally produced ingredients, e.g., food that is part of the gastronomic heritage of the place. In addition to this, there are homestays close to forts in which guided tours are provided inside the fort and outside the fort, and as such, the tourists get to know the locations. Homestays are also found in heritage bungalows or villas amidst villages, providing services as well as being cozy. Jarring nature and natural settings of such stay places are emphatically favored by the tourists looking for more nature and culture experience.

Hotels and Resorts Nearby

Somewhat warmer and more luxurious can be found waiting for choice among nearby hotels and resorts surrounding the fort, and it is provided with great vistas. They are where the visitors are received, which may come as a relief following the exhaustive day of sightseeing and explorations. Hotels inside and around the fort are nothing less than a combination of contemporary luxury and ancient appearance, with an all urbane lifestyle experience. The hotels usually have nicely-furnished rooms, pools, spas, and multi-cuisine restaurants to offer local as well as international cuisine. Some hotels go a step ahead by offering sightseeing packages, adventure training camps, and cultural events to further enrich the clients' experience. Hotels around the fort range from budget guesthouses to heritage boutique hotels, and so all types of travelers are attended to. Heritage hotels, in particular, offer the experience of a lifetime by giving one a glimpse into the royal history of the location. These hotels, often situated in old mansions or palaces, offer tastefully appointed rooms, antique furniture, and royal atmosphere whisking one away to an era long gone. For group tourists or family tourists, the most relaxing will be a resort with private balconies, lawn spaces, and spacious-sized cottages. The resort will also typically include activities for all ages such as folk dances, nature walks, and campfires that are fun and provide a great experience to the tour. In addition, some eco-resorts are even promoting green tourism and providing green accommodations built using local material, farm stays naturally, and nature walks like bird-watching and stargazing.

Choosing Your Choice Accommodation

Since there are just so many facilities to choose from, your choice of accommodation is by your own preference, budget, and the type of experience you'd like to gain. If you are an adventure-seeker and want the adventurous and rough kind, then camping around the fort would be your best bet. It keeps you close to nature, provides you with a night under the open sky, and also gives you access to activities such as bonfires and evening walks. For culturally sensitive and hospitality-conscious travelers, there is the village homestay. There's immersion in local culture, eating real local food, and experiencing the local hug of hospitality. For comfort and luxury, resorts and hotels are your retreat. With hip modern amenities, stunning views, and carefully designed thoughtful experiences, they offer an effortless and decadent away-from-it-all retreat after a day of exploration. Apart from the accommodation option, overnight stay close to the fort is an added experience to the entire trip. Whether experiencing sunrise at camp site, waking up with dawn bird songs at homestay village, or having breakfast with a view at a resort, all of them are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. So the next time you are going to a heritage fort, make time to take time out to spend around and visit the several stays in and around the area. If adventure, culture, or just plain comfort is what you are looking for, there is something here for everyone in the area of the fort and make your trip all the more worthwhile.

Safety and Precautions for Trekking

Trekking is a sport of adventure that puts human beings face to face with nature in a state of contentment and fulfillment. Trekking is a dangerous adventure that has to be well planned, prepared, and supervised. Safety while trekking has to be the top priority at any cost because nature, weather, wildlife, and unexpected situations can prove to be fatal. This trekkers' guide gives useful safety tips, wildlife and weather, and emergency contact information to make the trekkers safe and relish the joy of responsible trekking.

Fort Myths Legends

Forts were silent observers of history and held within themselves tales of valour, courage, love, and supernatural existence. All of India's forts, and all the forts in the whole world, have their origins well rooted in myth and folklore and hence were architectural masterpieces, spiritual and mystical places. The mythologies and folklores of the forts are a blend of fact and fiction, history facts blended into mythology myths and hence constitute an intriguing mixture of reality and fantasy. There is one about India's Rajasthan state mythological Chittorgarh Fort. The sturdy and regal fort today is legendary in the myth of Rani Padmini. Rani Padmini was extremely beautiful, and she was captivated by Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji with her beauty. Khilji desired to own her at all costs and attacked the fort. But instead of being his victim, Rani Padmini, along with thousands of other Rajput women, committed Jauhar (self-immolation) to save their honor. Therefore, the fort is a symbol of sacrifice and courage. Apart from myths, there are hardly any forts said to be haunted by ghostly spirits of warriors and kings who were injured in wars. The best option is Rajasthan Bhangarh Fort. One of the most haunted places in India, it is bound in its own legend. They tell of how a magician was infatuated with Princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh and attempted to place black magic upon her so that she would be his. He only succeeded in failing and being rolled to death by a boulder rolling over him. At the time of his death, he had cursed the people and the fort, and it was destroyed earlier than expected. The fort is haunted and is now out of bounds in the evening due to reported paranormal activity. Some of the forts are religious sites, and most of them are associated with ancient temples or shrines. The Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh, for instance, consists of the Teli Ka Mandir, a Vishnu temple that contains an interesting combination of the North Indian school and Dravidian style of architecture. The temples of the Jain group in the fort are also sacred to members of Jain religion, and they are later converted to a religious shrine.

Another fascinating story is hidden in Hyderabad's Golconda Fort, famous for military strategic importance and acoustical wonders. The fort is rumored to be protected by a great saint who resided in a cave within the compound. His blessings were believed to have protected the kingdom, and his shrine still stands today where pilgrims pray for his divine protection. Most of these forts also have treasure stories and secret passages. The capital of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Raigad Fort of Maharashtra, is believed to have escape tunnel passages beneath the tunnels and treasure chambers. Treasures are hidden in lower underground floors in such old buildings, so they are more mystique and coveted. South India boasts of the mythic Tamil Nadu Gingee Fort. According to one of the myths, the fort was held by an asura (demon) who possessed the place by fear until it was conquered by a great sage. The very fort of the fort, appearing untouchable, is the target of divine intervention and is transformed into a site of history and legend. There are forts elsewhere in India as well that have mythological tales. There is, for instance, the Tower of London, which is believed to have the ghosts of former convicts haunting it, and even Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated wife of King Henry VIII. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is believed to have a ghostly inhabitant underground, with visitors having ghostly sightings and eerie sounds. These legends and myths transform these forts from simple historical military forts to living heritage. These create interest, respect, even awe in the minds of visitors. Believer or non-believer a visitor may be about these tales, these century-old family lore always lend mystic charm to these ancient sites.

Cultural and Historical Events at the Fort

Forts have been guardians of history for centuries, and silent witnesses to the passage of time. These stunning buildings are not only a part of architectural wonders, but also centers of culture where heritage and history come alive in the form of events, festivals, and re-enactments. Forts everywhere are excellent stores of heritage, history come alive, and traditions preserved locally. These fort festivals would be more background- and history-based, whereas re-enactments are live events that transport the tourists to the past.

Festivals Celebrating the Fort

There are a ginormous number of forts which have been the setting of majestic festivals welcoming tourists, history enthusiasts, and the public at large. Such types of festivals would be a mixture of cultural performances, folk ballads, legends, and religious rituals, all being a form of the fort's heritage. One of the most potent fort-focused Indian festivals is the Mehrangarh Fort Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF). The festival within the grand Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is a blend of folk music, dance, and storytelling. The artisans of the most remote corners of Rajasthan and the world converge within the fort to witness the cultural fervor of the state within the imposing fort walls. They also engage in soul-stirring activities, watch colorful puppet shows, and participate in interactive narration sessions where the past history of the fort is narrated. In the same vein, Gwalior Fort has also been dedicated to the famous musician Tansen, one of the nine gems of Emperor Akbar. The festival is commemorated every year at Gwalior Fort and attracts classical musicians from all over India to perform and offer their salutations to Tansen. It is not only a celebration of Indian classical music but also of the fort as a cultural and artistic center for centuries. One of the medieval forts and castles spread all over the European continent to organize ginormous scale festivities in the hopes of retrieving their lost heyday are Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, the heart of the quadrennial Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo of armed forces bands and pipers and edge-of-seat drama. In the background of pictures of castles, the festival welcomes foreign tourists and foreign visitors from every nook and corner of the world to a stunning display of flawless military parades, Scottish Highlands bagpipe music, and sky pictures illuminated by fireworks. When they are in France, the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne hosts the Carcassonne Medieval Festival. It brings the Middle Ages to their prime with knights, jousting tournaments, and parades that take one back to the good old Middle Ages days. It is a perfect example of how a fort can be converted into a platform of culture on which history is experienced through living as grand celebrations.

Historical Re-enactments

The most difficult one to forget the history of a fort is through re-enactments because they let people experience history themselves. They recreate epic battles, imperial pageants, and even everyday life within the fort while it was active. The finest re-enactment activity takes place at Fort Ticonderoga, USA. The 18th-century fort was the best battlefield of the American Revolutionary War and now features hi-tech battle re-enactments. The visitors are able to witness actors in British and colonial uniforms attired as soldiers reenacting scripted battles in a ring of musket fire, horse charges, and military strategies. The reenactments are a moving spectacle of war strategies and war agonies, which are brought to life for the masses. Likewise, India's Chittorgarh Fort also is famous for bringing history sieges and Rajput valour legends to life. War-torn fort is utilized to stage plays in which legendary characters such as Rani Padmini and Maharana Pratap are enacted by actors. Martyrdom and bravery of these ancient heroes come alive through play performance, which still fascinated the tourists with stories of sacrifice and heroism. Historical re-enactments of the events like the arrest and beheading of famous heroes like Anne Boleyn are re-created at the Tower of London in England. Actors dressed in medieval attire recreate the medieval nobles, guards, and prisoners who bring to life the dark history of the fortress and a living, interactive recreation that educates and entertains the tourists.

Local Traditions and Rituals

Forts are typically associated with the native local traditional religion and religious ceremonies. The forts typically contain very ancient palaces, temples, or shrines that are places of such very ancient rituals and ceremonies. For example, India's Rajasthan Amber Fort features the Shila Devi Temple, and pilgrims travel there for the Navratri festival. Since the temple itself had been present there in the fort for years, pilgrims are of the opinion that this is the time when the temple is a center of pilgrimage where devotees pray and worship in front of the goddess. Processions, folk dance, and multi-colored rituals are crammed into fort courtyards filled with religion and history. Taragarh Fort of Rajasthan in Bundi is renowned for hosting the Keshorai Patan Fair, a religious fair which gets visited by pilgrims from all over the country. Religious sermons, cultural festivals, and folk dances are all organized within the boundaries of the ancient fort. There is the Himeji Castle Festival in Japan, which is a celebration of the life of the samurais in the sense that there are parades of fictional-costumed warriors, exhibitions of swords, and traditional dancing. The festival gives an outline of the feudal period, for it gives the history of the castle.

The Role of Forts in Modern Cultural Celebrations

Forts today are welcoming celebration of new-age culture by organizing film festivals, literature festivals, and art fairs. Indian Jaisalmer Fort and Nahargarh Fort, for example, organize literature festivals in which writers, poets, and painters come to the fort and share their views on literature, history, and politics in the backdrop of ancient forts. Spain's Alhambra, a Moorish fort in Alhambra style, is not just a flamenco dance studio, but also a center for Andalusian cultural fiestas. The fiestas are played to commemorate the past of Spain because they prompt individuals to remember the past when the fort was at its best.

• Local Cuisine and Food Options: A Gastronomic Tour Through Adjacent Villages,Touring is not just looking at new horizons; it is savoring the diversity of cuisine that an area has to present. If you visit the villages nearby, then you are going to be able to command at your disposal a treasure house of native food, native cookery, and native preparation. You are a foodie who wishes to taste something new or a simple home food who likes; your destination area is villages nearby where you have something best in terms of taste. In this article, we will take you through the favourite must-try food, restaurants and street food stalls along the way that sell these delicious mouth-watering food.

• Popular Foods to Try in Local Villages: The cities surrounding your place of location are also historically and culturally rich, and the same has been preserved through their food as well in every bite they are eaten in. Some of them, one must surely try to get a glimpse of the living of the original inhabitants, are:

• Foods made out of Millet: They continue to subsist on their staple cereals such as millet, ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum). Two of the most frequent staples are Ragi Mudde (fistful finger millet) and Jowar Roti (sorghum flatbread). These are usually followed by in general pungent gravies of locally grown vegetables, lentils, and meat.

• Bamboo Shoot Curry: Among the tribal village foods indigenous to their communities is bamboo shoot curry, a mild sour and earthy-flavored indigenous food prepared from indigenous spices. It is eaten with rice or flatbread, which is a local food specialty of tribal villages.

• Local Meat Specialties: Meat food dishes like country chicken curry, spiced mutton with spices and aromas, or smoked-dried meat dish with the flavor of the region will also be available in all tribe villages.

• Freshwater Fish Preparations: If you are lucky to be around a lake or a river, don't miss out on enjoying the fresh catch fish dishes. They are served fried, grilled, or in generous gravies and are usually accompanied with local herbs and spices, which add a flavor of their own.

•  Home-made Sweets and Traditional Sweets: No meal is complete without a bit of local sweets. Villages are famous for home-made sweets like Puran Poli (sweet-stuffed flatbread), Jaggery sweets, and Rice Payasam (sweet rice pudding prepared with coconut milk and jaggery).

•  Farm-to-Table Fresh Vegetables: They also boast of fresh harvest, which is organically grown vegetables from the earth. Special dishes like brinjal, pumpkin curry, and drumstick sambar are prepared in the traditional manner and served with rice or rotis.

•  Tribal Cuisine Delicacies: There are some villages that have food made by the tribals from wild food, wild vegetables, roots, and domesticated grains. If possible, try to eat the food of the tribal people and do not miss this.

• Roadside Eateries and Roadside Stalls: Along these villages while walking by, roadside restaurants, roadside eateries, and road food stalls are available that serve you delicious local fare. Some of the spots where you simply can't avoid visiting are:

• Roadside Restaurants known as Highway Dhabas: Dhabas are the backbone of the nation whenever people are traveling, offering hot, fresh and economical food. Conventional preparations of full meals like dal, roti, rice, vegetable curries, and meat preparations are offered.

• Village Home-Stays and Village Kitchens: The guests can be invited to lunch with some of the residents, and they are served home-cooked food. Eating at the residents' home kitchen provides a guest with an actual taste of what local food is and what people of the local area's hospitality is like.

• Snack Counters and Tea Stalls: In virtually every village, there is a tea stall selling fried fritter (pakoras) snacks, samosas, and vada pav (bread rolls stuffed with spiced potato fritters) to be consumed along with hot masala chai.

• Village Weekly Markets: If you manage to visit a village on a market day, you are welcomed by a number of freshly available, locally produced fruits and vegetables. Fresh vegetables and fruits to home-cooked desserts and snacks are available.

• Street Food Stalls: Each village has a street food, ranging from such items as steaming hot chaat, boiled corn and barbecued corn, or on-tromso (small street-style kitchen) dosas to snack on with chutney accompaniments. Go ahead, try them out, for a down-to-earth taste of local cuisine.