Brief About Mahuli Fort Trek
I recently went trekking to Mahuli Fort and it was an unforgettable experience. Situated on a solitary hill on the western side of Shahapur, Mahuli Fort is part of the Sahyadri range. It is a popular trekking spot, especially for rock climbers and corporate professionals who are looking for an adventure close to the city.
The trek is known for its lush green forests and meadows that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is especially beautiful during the monsoons when you can enjoy the cool breeze.
The trek to Mahuli Fort starts at the base, where you can visit the local temple and get a map of the trek. The fort was built by the Nijamshahi dynasty and was later taken over by Chhatrapati Shivaji. It remained under the dynasty of Shivaji until 1817, after which the British took control.
Mahuli Fort is a complex group of hills that share pinnacles and cors, and it offers a spectrum of green landscapes that will surprise you. I highly recommend this trek to anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the beauty of nature.
Key details of the Mahuli Fort Trek:
- Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 1 day
- Trek Distance: 6 km one way
- Trek Altitude Range: 2815 feet
- Starting Point: Mahuli Village
- Nearest Railway Station: Asangaon Railway Station (78 km)
- Nearest Airport: Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, Mumbai (74 km)
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit at Mahuli Fort Trek
During the trek, you can explore the picturesque village of Sakawar, which is the starting point for Takmak Fort trek. This village portrays a typical Indian countryside life, with children playing and women doing laundry in the nearby streams, while men cultivate rice paddy fields.
The Palghar region of Maharashtra is known for its dense forests, which are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including Curculigo Orchioides and starflowers. These flowers bloom in the monsoon season, covering the entire trail with tall green grass and flowers, providing a tranquil and peaceful experience for trekkers.
Additionally, the forested region on this trek is home to many species of freshwater crabs, including cream and pink-colored ones. Observing these crabs and learning about the 11 different crab species in the Sahyadris is an interesting and unique experience.
Finally, the Takmak Fort features a well-maintained cannon, a few rock-cut cisterns, and the remains of some buildings.
What is the best time to visit Mahuli Fort Trek
The best time to trek to Mahuli Fort is from June to February. Post-monsoon, from September to December is the perfect season for trekking as the trail is filled with dense vegetation, and the fields and trails are covered with green grass. In the other months, the vegetation will be dry.
Monsoon season, from June to September, offers spectacular views of the lush green Sahyadris, while post-monsoon season provides a clear view of the famous forts and peaks from the top, with pleasant weather.
How to reach the starting point of the trek?
Mahuli is easily accessible by public transport from Mumbai.
The best way to get there is to take a local train to Asangaon, which takes around 2 hours from Mumbai CST. From Asangaon Railway station, you can easily get an auto or bus to Mahuli Fort.
Buses run from Asangaon to Shahapur, where you have to change the bus to reach Mahuli. The tickets are priced at Rs.15.
You can also reach Shahapur by sharing an auto for Rs. 10/seat from Asangaon, or take an auto directly to Mahuli base for Rs. 250 for 3 people.
Remember to collect the contact numbers of the auto drivers and fix the price for the return journey or you might be charged higher.
Availability of accommodations and food near the trek
Food:
For food options at Mahuli Fort, there are a few restaurants on the way, but they become limited as you move farther away from the base village. The last restaurant can be found at Bhakt Niwas just before the trek trail starts. It’s best to carry ready-to-eat food, 3-4 litres of water, and a mat/bedsheet for rest.
Accommodation:
Camping on the Mahuli trek is not allowed, so you can pitch your tents at the base of the trek at Bhakt Niwas. If you’re looking for more comfortable options, there are several hotels in nearby towns like Asangaon and Shahapur.
Alternatively, you can stay in Mumbai in a great hotel/resort of your choice and head to the trek directly from there.
The Difficulty level of the Mahuli Fort Trek
The trek to Mahuli fort is easy-moderate with a well-marked trail from a gate next to a small temple. It takes 3-4 hours to complete the trek, and regular stops are required. There are a couple of tricky sections, and it’s essential to be physically fit to attempt the hike.
The top features at the top are a shivling, a sculpture of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and a spot called the Maha Darwaza. Wild animals are visible in these areas, with leopards spotted frequently in the past, resulting in trekking restrictions.
Preparation required for the Mahuli Fort Trek
Mahuli Fort is surrounded by dense vegetation, and wild animal sightings are common, especially during the monsoon season when wildflowers offer a warm welcome.
In the past, leopard sightings have resulted in restrictions on trekking activity in the area. Waterfall rappelling is organized here, but travellers are warned to avoid it during the monsoon season, as many fatal accidents have occurred in the past.
It is recommended that travellers wear trekking or sports shoes and comfortable, earthy-colored clothing.
