Mahuli Fort ( Asangaon)

Type : Hill forts
District : Thane
In Thane district near Shahpur-Asangaon we find a group of three mountains – Mahuli, Bhandargad and Palasgad. Here the nature is so pleasant that we must visit this place to see the natural beauty. The mountain with many pinnacles is known as Mahuli. Mahuli is divided into three parts – northern one is Palasgad, Mahuli in the middle an d Bhandargad on the southern end.
FOR MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE History :
The creator of this fort is unknown. In 1485 this place came under rule of Malik Ahmed who was the founder of Nijamshahi. When Shahaji Raje became the secretary of Nijamshahi, Adilshahi and Mughals of Delhi together tried to end Nijamshahi. In the year 1635-36, in difficult circumstances Shahaji Raje transferred himself with Jijabai and Shivaji to Mahuli. Khan Jaman, son of Mahabat Khan beleaguered this fort. Shahaji Raje asked for help to Portuguese. They refused and Shahaji Raje surrendered himself. Shivaji took this fort from Mughals on 8 Jan 1658. In 1661 it was given back and was won again by Shivrai. In treaty of Purandar, in 1665, Marathas lost these forts again. The Moghal sardar Manohardas Gaud was the in charge of this fort. He did much construction on the fort. In Feb 1670, Shivaji Maharaj tried to conquer Mahuli, but failed. Thousand of Marathas were killed by Moghals. It was a bad blow to Marathas. Even after this victory, Manohardas Gaud, the chief of the fort gave up his position and a new chief Alveerdi Beg was appointed. On 16 June 1670, after two months, Moropant Pingle conquered the forts and Mahuli, Bhandargad and Palasgad became part of Swarajya.
Fascinating Spots :
From Asangaon we reach the eastern side of the fort. Here we have to climb a ladder. Here we see two water cisterns. After 5 minutes walk, another cistern is seen. At the top we come across a diversion. Way to the left goes to Bhandargad. At the right side gatehouses are seen. Further we see the ruins of Mahadarwaza. The way from cistern goes to Palasgad. On the way there is a bamboo forest. From here, Alang, Madan, Kulang and Kalsubai are seen and on the east Harishchandragad, Aajobagad are seen. To the southeast Matheran range and to southwest, Tansa and Tungareshwar range can be seen. Further from ladder way, a way at left side goes to a forest. Here we see Mahadeo temple. Next to it are the remnants of a palace. Opposite to it is a big lake. Then we reach Jamoon bag. This way takes us at a ridge. This ridge falls between Bhandargad and Mahuli. At the right side, 500 to 600 ft down, near the pinnacle Kalyan Darwaza is seen. We can come from Kalyan Darwaaja to the fort by rock climbing. After ascending the ridge, we come near a hidden cistern. The way further takes us at Bhandargad. From Bhandargad we can locate pinnacles of Bhatoba and Navara & Navari. The surrounding scenery is very beautiful.
Ways To Reach :
Via Asangaon :
Asangaon is on Mumbai-Nasik rail route. From Asangaon station by walking or by auto we reach at Mahuli gaon. It is 5 km away from Asangaon station. At the base of the fort we see a very beautiful Mahadev temple. One can spend a night here. From here at the right side, after crossing a small water flow, and climbing for 3 km further, we reach at the fort. From this way we have to go by a ladder. After crossing it there are two water reservoirs.
Via Vasind :
Alight at Vasind by bus or local train. Then go at north for Duhagaon and then ‘Charyacha Pada’. Keeping Chanderi to right, one has to ascend the western trunk of Mahuli. This way is quite difficult. We reach at Kalyan Darwaaja and proceed to the top of Bhandargad. There is a lithograph on this entrance.
Accommodation Facility :
No accommodation is available on Bhandargad. The gatehouses at Mahuli can accommodate a few people. However it is better to complete the trek within one whole day.
Food Facility :
One should arrange for the foodstuffs.
Drinking Water Facility :
Water is available in reservoirs in front of gatehouses at Mahuli. No water is available on Bhandargad.
Time To Reach :
2 hours from Asangaon
Notes :
Mahuli is Easy from Asangaon- this is most trodden way. But it is Difficult from Vasind. It will take 6-8 hours from Vasind (Kalyan Darwaaja)