Ghangad is a short yet exhilarating trek, perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and challenge. It features some tricky sections that will test your nerves, especially when you find yourself relying on a single, slender wire for support. It’s an excellent trek for beginners to build confidence, and the views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking.
Duration : 40 mins – 50 mins (one way)
Location: Bhabarde – Ekole Road, District Pune, Ekole, Maharashtra 412108, India
Visit time line: 2017, 18th March, 6 AM to mid day
Why choose this trek:
- Great for only morning treks like Sinhagarh. It offers a birdseye view of two sides of the mountain.
- Easy to reach. The route to Ghangad offers amazing landscapes from Tamini Ghat. So it’s a bonus.
- Don’t need to plan ahead. Don’t need to carry much stuff if you planning to return same day.
- In the rainy season, the waterfalls in the valley area are full, abundant and spectacular.
- Barely any crowd. We found no one. Absolute silence and just the wind blowing, and animal sounds from the forest. It was just a trekker’s dream come true.
The Plan:
- We started at 3:30 AM.
- Ascend the mountain and reach back home by 12 AM.
- It’s an hour long journey from Pune. We went via Lonavala and came back by Tamhini ghat. The roads are in good enough condition. So no worries.
History of Ghangarh Fort
The track report
I would say, the condition of the route or track is good enough for beginners. It means, no tricks or or climbing gear support needed. With some guidance, anyone can do it. The path is clearly laden. Its dry grass all over in summer. Yet plenty of shade to take rest from time to time.
Morning sunrise all along the way
The joy of starting treks before the sun begins to rise, is beyond imagination. While you are on your journey, the sun begins to guide you. Reward you with views unfathomable.
As the gates to the fort approaches
One of the first milestone in your fort exploration is the entry gate to the fort. Usually they are hard to see from a distance. Until you approach it and it is almost within eye sight.
Panoramic view from the entrance
Exploring the fort
Usually forts in Maharshtra India, were equipped with minimal neccesary needs for the stationed soldiers. Like water, food and amunition storage rooms, and small room at the top of the fort for higher ranking officers or royal members. Also you might find huge caves to take sheltor. People stay and cook in them too.
Edges of the fort
One of the favourite thing of every trekker is to trace the perimeter of the fort. We get the best views from every direction. You can spot other forts. Usually there is always another fort atop another hill which are actually watch towers. They would signal each other when the need arised.
To conclude:
Fort treks are different category of trek when you get to live a piece of history for a few hours. Completely cut-off from rest of the world. India, Maharashtra, in the Sahyadri mountains, there are over 400 fort ruins to explore. And this one is anyones to pick up.
By best of luck to the explorers. Thank you for reading.