Name: Mumbai
Rating: 3.5

Makarandgad Trek, Mumbai Overview

Makarandgad (or Madhumakarandgad) is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Believed to be comprised of twin peaks, Madhu and Makarandgad, the fort has thus derived its name.

Situated n the district of Satara, the fort rises to an elevation of 4000 feet from the ground There are freshwater cisterns and tanks of water in the fort. The top of the fort is more of a plateau than a hill, and has a Mallikarjun Mahadev temple. The way to the fort has a huge Gamdevi temple. The fortifications sre all gone, and not much remains to be seen. The dense orests of Javli surround the fort from all sides. The beautiful backwaters of Koyna and Shivsagar dams can be seen easily from the top, along with the peaks of Pratapgad and Mahabaleshwar.

Food availability

Local homemade food is available in the base village. You might want to carry some quick refreshments with you though.

Accommodation

The Mallikarjun Mahadev temple at the top can accommodate around 10-12 people at once. The caves at the top aren't inhabitable.

Water availability

There is a freshwater cistern closer to the temple of Gamdevi with ample water in it. It might not be necessary to carry your water along with you in such a case.

Tips and Tricks

1) The glistening backwaters of Koyna dam is situated close to the fort. A visit, especially during the summer season can be an experience worth cherishing. 2) Please make sure that the skin of your body is not expose, as leeches are found in abundance along the route.

Trek Routes

In the base village of Hatlot there is a Gamdevi temple at the end of the village. The climb begins from there. We need to cross a stream thereafter and keep walking in a straight direction. An opening to the left is seen after some time, following which a flat trail must be ascended. This flat path goes around to the eastern face of the peaks where a village named Ghonaspur is located. This path continues till we reach the Gamdevi temple. The path which goes up from the left of the temple has a rock patch in its way. Having scaled the path which tends to be slippery sometimes, the top of the fort can be reached within an hour or so.

How to reach Makarandgad Trek

Rail: Kalyan railway station falls on the Mumbai-Kasara line, and is as such connected to the North and East India quite well. Local trains are available from Mumbai as well as Pune which makes the conveyance hassle-free.
Road: You can choose to proceed either via Mahad and Poladpur to the base village, or via the Mahabaleshwar route. State terminal buses are available from Mahabaleshwar to the base village of Hatlot. Their frequency is very less though. There are direct buses from Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar.