Trek to Kothiligad
Date of the program: To be mutually decided
Venue: Peth fort or Kothaligad in Karjat (Maharashtra) Sahyadris.
Transport: Bus/private vehicle will be organized by us
Food : Breakfast, lunch, Tea to be provided
Kothaligad (also called Kotligad or Kothligad) is a small Fort (1500ft.) is situated to the east of Karjat. It is one of the famous treks in the Karjat area, because of its small height and easy climbing. It is also known as the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base.
There is a small temple and large cave at the base and a chimney like tunnel (see image) to the top of the fort. This pinnacle is carved from inside forming a staircase reaching the top.
Kothaligad (also called Kotligad or Kothligad) is a small Fort (1500ft.) is situated to the east of Karjat. It is one of the famous treks in the Karjat area, because of its small height and easy climbing. It is also known as the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base.
There is a small temple and large cave at the base and a chimney like tunnel (see image) to the top of the fort. This pinnacle is carved from inside forming a staircase reaching the top.
Kothaligad (also called Kotligad or Kothligad) is a small fort (1500ft.) is situated to the east of Karjat. It is one of the famous treks in the Karjat area, because of its small height and easy climbing. It is also known as the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base.
There is a small temple and large cave at the base and a chimney like tunnel (see image) to the top of the fort. This pinnacle is carved from inside forming a staircase reaching the top.
There is a tank of water at some distance from the cave and another one at the top of the fort. This tunnel is the high point of the trek, with its funnel like structure and steps along the inside in a steep ascent to the very top.
History
The cave and the temple carvings date back to the 13th century. Not much is known about the history until the 18th cent. In 1716, this cave was captured by the British. Then later on, on November 2, 1817, it was recaptured by the Marathas under the leadership of Bapurao who belonged to the generation after Bajirao. It was recaptured by the British, on December 30, 1817, the very next month, under Captain Brooks. The British had the fort till 1862 as an outpost for vigilance on the surrounding valley and the hills all around it.
The locals when spoken to ,tell that this is not actually a fort but a sort of light house from where the directions were given to know the advancements of the enemy. In fact it can be called a watch tower to keep a vigil on the Mawal area in the greater province of the Marathas. It’s absolutely breath taking to climb and to have a feeling of the engineering marvel being crafted when there were no engineers like today or even no PWD departments as well. Only the foresightedness of the Maratha warrior has been behind the development of the watch tower standing atop the small but sturdy hillock. The stone is a single black expanse reaching till the Peth village standing on the fertile soil with abundant natural resources for water and farming.
program Details
All participants to assemble at Dadar Central Railway Station at 5.30 a.m. The bus will leave sharp at 6 a.m after the head count.
The bus will reach Ambivilli village at 9 a.m. Breakfast and tea will be served here.
Trek to the fort for 2 ½ hours. During the trek, children will be given talks on flora & fauna by an expert.
Reach fort top by 12.30 p.m.to 1.00 p.m
(Lunch can be organized at the fort top in a large caveat at 1.00 p.m or alternatively at the village at 3.00 p.m )
Back to the waiting bus and tentatively leave at 5 p.m after tea, to reach Mumbai at 7.30 p.m or 8.00 p.m
Please note the participants will have to wear shorts/track pants, t shirts, cap, carry a water bottle and wear sports shoes