Name: Karjat
Rating: 3.5

Bhivgad Trek, Karjat Overview

Bhivgad (or Bhimgad) is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Located in the district of Raigad, this fort offers a nice trek in close companionship to the fort of Dhakbahiri. There are two caves and a few water cisterns at the top. During monsoon, this fort offers offers the scenic view of a seasonal waterfall. There are some fortifications still left, and the remnants of some old structures near the top. There is a stone idol of some unknown deity near the caves. The top of the citadel offers a panoramic view of the trek route to Dhakbahiri.

Accommodation

The caves of Bahiri at the top of the citadel can house around 20-25 people at a time.

Tips and Tricks

This fort can be visited along with the fort of Dhakbahiri, as the two lie in close proximity.

Water availability

There are water cisterns within the caves, but it is advisable to carry your own water supply with you.

Food availability

The trekkers must carry their food supply with them, since not much foid is available in the base village.

Accommodation

There are caves at the top, but they can't be inhabited. Shelter must be arranged for in the base village of Vadap.

Trek Routes

Once we reach the base village, we must look out for the Maruti temple a brief walk ahead from the rickshaw stand. The trail starts ascending from the right of the Maruti temple. After walking for about 15 minutes we must turn left to reach a set of steps carved into the rocks. These steps will lead us to the caves at the top. One of the caves is filled with bats, and the stench is overpowering. To the left of the first cave, another set of rock-cut steps materialise, and these take us to the top of the fort.

How to reach Bhivgad Trek

Rail: There are local trains available from Mumbai to this place. Karjat is a major railway terminus in this region, and has a number of trains halting at the station.
Road: Rickshaws are available quite easily from Karjat to the base village of Vadap, for the distance between them is quite modest.Karjat is well connected to other parts of the state through Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Nasik highway.

How to reach Bhivgad Trek

Rail: Karjat station has frequent local trains plying from from Mumbai, and from other places such as Panvel and Kalyan. The availability of local trains makes way for a hassle-free commute.
Road: There are state transport buses available from Karjat to Sandshi, which is the base village of the fort. It is well connected to other parts of the state throught the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Nasik Highway.