Sarasgad Trek
Fort Name: Sarasgad
Fort Height: 1600ft
Type: Hill forts
District: Raigad
Fort Range: Pali
Grade: Medium
Sarasgad fort is situated near village Pali in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Pali lies about 10 kilometres East of Nagothane along the Nagothane-Khopoli road. This fort height from sea level is 490 meters. Lord Ganesh of Pali is named Ballaleshwar. Sarasgad is situated on the borders of Pali. A very huge wall of Sarasgad is at the north south border of Pali.
History:
Very less is known about this fort. It was one of the forts which was captured by Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar in his konkan campaigns in 1485. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won this fort from Adilshah in 1660 A.D. and brought this fort under Swarajya. Shivaji Maharaj gave 2000 hones (golden coin used as currency during Shivaji Maharaj’s time) for repairing the fortifications of this fort. This fort was mainly used to keep a check on the surrounding regions. From fort, ‘Pali’ and all surrounding areas can be seen. Sagargad was one of the 23 forts which were handed over to Moghuls in the Treaty of Purandar.
It was one of the 16 fortified posts that were given to Kanhoji Angre by Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa in 1713. Prisoners sentenced to death were said to be hurled down from the monkey point of the fort. After the victory over Vasai, Chimaji Appa donated a Portuguese bell to the Ballleshwar temple which he had brought from Vasai in 1739. Till independence, this fort was in Bhor Sansthan (princely state).
Fascinating Spots:
1. Shiva temple – On the top is the Shiva temple providing an excellent panoramic view of all the mountain ranges surrounding this area.
2. Sudhagad, Sankshi fort, Sagargad and TailBaila can be easily viewed from the top of Sarasgad.
3. Caves – There are many caves that were used for soldiers and other purposes because the fort has the very little area available on its top.
4. Triple curtain wall.
5. Moti Haud – There are around ten tanks carved in rocks.
6. Tomb of Shahapeer.
Trek Time:
1 hour climb from Pali to Dindi Darwaza
Things to Carry
- Minimum 2+ ltrs of Water
- Munching Items: Dry Fruits, Chocolates or Energy Bars.
- Good quality trekking Shoes
- Hand Sanitizer, mask
- Smartphone or Compact Camera
- Power bank
- Rainy season jacket/poncho/ umbrella
- Pair of dry cloths.
- Necessary medicines (if any)
- ORS, Glucon-D
- Few old news papers
- Torch / Emergency Light
Group Size
Approx15
Blog Links –
Other logistics would be sent on WhatsApp group of all confirmed participants!
Do’s
- Keep the forts clean. If you find some plastic bottles or any trash that is non-degradable, carry it in a bag and then dump it in our city dustbins.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable. Avoid jeans in rainy season.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Consume plenty of water
- Respect Nature
- Follow leaders instructions
Dont’s
- If at some places photography is not allowed, you should not click photos.
- Ensure that you do not pollute such places by leaving trash behind. Leave nothing but your footsteps.
- DO NOT wear anything funky that might attract wild animals. And don’t tease wild animals if you encounter any.
- Don’t make random marking on trees or the structures on the fort.
- Do not drink/smoke.
- No Selfies at dangerous places
For more information please reach out to –
Mobile / WhatsApp – 9822241880
Email – contact.iCampers@gmail.com
