Name: Nashik
Rating: 3.5

Ahivantgad, Nashik Overview

Ahivantgad is a fort in the Nasik district of Maharashtra. Ahivantgad and Achala are twin forts. The top of the fort resembles more a wide plateau than the peak of a hill.

Though the fortifications have more or less disappeared, one can still find the remains of some of the palaces atop the fort. Within the fort lie the crumbling remains of two massive entrance gates. There is an idol of Hanuman at the top and a few lakes scattered around the plateau. There are a number of caves on top of the fort, but one may need a guide in order to locate the one suitable for accomodation.

Tips and Tricks

Saptashringi temple hill and Achala fort can be an excellent travel destination to complement the Ahivantgad trek.

Accommodation

There is a spacious cave at the southern edge of the plateau which can accommodate around 35-40 people at once.

Food availability

Food is available in the base village of Daregaon. Since the trek is short, it is advisable to have a small meal before trekking.

Water availability

Though there are lakes available at the top, they do not contain potable water. Carry your own drinking water along for obvious reasons.

Trek Routes

The simplest route is from Nasik via the Vani-Nanduri road. This route is the shortest and the least confusing. The fort of Ahivantgad is visible for the most part of the journey along this route. A left turn at around 1km before the Vani-Nanduri road. Following this route will take us to the base of the Ahivantgad hill within an hour. The village of Daregaon is 20 minutes climb from this place. Once we reach the base village, it is not more than an hour's trek to the top of the fort.

How to reach Ahivantgad

Rail: The base village of Daregaon is closest to the Nasik Road railway station. Local trains are easily available from both Pune and Mumbai. Mumbai being closer to Nasik than Pune as far as the distance is concerned.
Road: Nasik is well connected by road to the major cities of Maharshtra. Nasik is about 171km from Mumbai and 210km from Pune respectively. NH 3 and NH 50 make the city easily accesible by road. From Nasik, frequent state terminal buses ply to Daregaon village via Vani-Nanduri road.

More about Ahivantgad

Approx trek time : 2.5-3 hours

Availability of Night Trek: Accommodation is possible in one of the caves situated on top of the hill. Trekking during the night can be undertaken if proper resources are available..

Base Camp: Daregaon

Days required for the trek: 1 day

Difficulty level: Easy to Medium

Height above sea level: 4030 feet

Nearest Airport: Nasik

Nearest Railhead: Nasik Road

Region: Sahyadris

Starting point of trek: A little before Daregaon village from the base of the hills

Type: Hill fort