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| Prabalgad Fort |
Height : 2300 Feet
Fort Range : Matheran
District : Raigad
Difficulty : Medium
HISTORY OF PRABALGAD :
Prabalgad fort was built to keep an eye on of Panvel forts and Kalyan forts. The fort might have been built during Bahamani era. Whereas caves on the fort might have been built during Buddhist era. This caves were used by Shilahar & Yadav kings as there military post, and the hill was named as "Muranjan". Later in 1458 A.D. the Fort went in control of Nizam of Ahmednagar, during the conquest of conquering the Konkan by Malik Ahmed the Prime minister of Nizam of Ahmednagar. Then the Mughal Empire and Adil Shah of Bijapur led an attack. During that time Shahaji Raje was commander of Nizam Sultanate,But collapse of Nizam Sultanate led Shahaji Raje to take refuge in Prabalgad Fort with his wife Jijabai and his younger son Shivaji Raje for a brief period of time in 1636 A.D. However Shahaji Raje's defeat led him to make Mahuli Treaty, which led North Konkan region along with all the forts fell in the hands of Mughals for which Adil shah was granted the ruling authority.
The fort was then governed by Kesar Singh a Mughal Sardar. But later in October 1657 A.D. Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje broke the treaty and conquered the fort after defeating Kesar Singh in battle. After the battle mother of Kesar Singh along with her Grandsons were fond hiding in trees. But Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje showed kindness and made sure they were unharmed and let safe passage out to the Mughals in Deolgaon village. During Maratha Empire the Muranjan was renamed to "Prabalgad".
WHATS THERE TO WATCH ON PRABALGAD? :
- The Fort is famous for the steep stair climb of Kalavantin Durg which is best when visited during rainy season. It can be seen from Prabalgad as they both stand adjacent to each other.
- The Steep climb on rock which is nearly about 15 feet on the Kalavantin Durg peak.
- Water Tank on the peak of Kalavantin Durg Peak.
- There are many Caves on Fort.
- Remnants of the old structures.
- Prabalmachi Plateau gives a best view of the twin peaks as well as is the best spot for having some snapshots.
FACILITIES :
- Water Facilities is available on the fort from water tanks or from the local peoples lemonade stand.
- Food Facility is available on base. At base you can have some snacks. But for proper meal you can contact them before your visit.
- Camping Facility is available but you have to contact first to the localities.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ON FORT :
Best time to visit the fort is before July and after the month of September. Fort can be climbed during rainy season but Forts stairs can be slippery during rain so one should try to be careful during climb.
HOW TO REACH PRABALGAD? :
Prabalgad is situated at Thakurwadi village near Panvel. To reach you have to go from Shedung village which comes while travelling from Panvel on Mumbai Pune Highway - Shedung Vardoli Road - Thakurwadi Village.
To Travel Via public Transport-
- From Pune : Take Train or bus from Pune Station to Panvel Station - Panvel Bus Depot - Thakurwadi village.
- From Mumbai : Take Train or Bus from Thane station to Panvel Station - Panvel Bus Depot - Thakurwadi Village.
TIME REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE TREK :
One can complete the trek whithin 9-10 hrs if you plan on visiting both the peaks. 7-8 hours to can be enough to complete the ascend, and decend takes nearly about 2-3 hours.
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