The Great Escapers

 Bidar Fort is a fort situated in the Bidar, Karnataka, India. The fort, the city and the district are all affixed with the name Bidar. Sultan Alla-Ud Din Bahman of the Bahmanid Dynasty shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1427 and built his fort along with a number of Islamic monuments.[2][3] There are over 30 monuments inside Bidar fort.

Bidar city and fort are located on the edge of the Bidar plateau, the northernmost in Karnataka state. The plateau area, comprising low laterite hills, ends to the north at the Manjira River, a major tributary of the Godavari River. The Karanja River, a sub-tributary, drains the surrounding low-lying areas and feeds into the Manjiri River. Bidar district comprises the only part of the Godavari basin in Karnataka.[7]

Geologically, Bidar district is predominantly Deccan Trap with underlying layers of gneiss emerging along the eastern boundary.[6] The plateau has an altitude of 2,200 feet (670 m), and measures 22 miles (35 km) in length and 12 miles (19 km) in width at its broadest. The plateau encompasses a total area of 190 square kilometres (73 sq mi).[2] Bidar fort is built in the form of an irregular rhombus on the edge of the plateau with sheer walls built along the North and the East.

The ancient capital Kalyani (Basavakalyan) of the Western Chalukya Empire is situated about 40 miles (64 km) to the west of Bidar.

 Lohagad ("Iron Fort") is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level.[1] The fort is connected to the neighboring Visapur fort by a small range. The fort was under the Maratha empire for the majority of the time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal empire.

Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals and Marathas. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 AD, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD by the Treaty of Purandar. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it for keeping his treasury. This fort was used to keep the loot from Surat. Later in Peshwa time Nana Phadnavis used this fort for living for some time and built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well.The lohagad fort also has caves on its south side facing Lohgadwadi.

Harihar Fort is located in Nashik district of Maharashtra, India. Harihar Fort is also known as Harishgad or Harshgad. Harihar Fort is situated about 43km, 51km, 48km from Nashik, Kasara and Igatpuri respectively.

Nirgudpada and Harshewadi are the two base village for Harihar Fort. Harihar Fort is a popular place among adventure lover due to its 80-degree rock-cut stairs. Harihar fort provides a great view of Brahmagiri, Brahmaparvat, Anjneri Parvat, Bhaskargad, Fani Hill and Utwad. Harihar Fort was constructed to keep watch on Gonda Ghat Trade route.

Sarasgad (Marathi: सरसगड किल्ला) fort is situated near village Pali in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Pali lies about 10 kilometres East of Nagothane along the Nagothane-Khopoli road. This fort height from sea level is 490 meters.

Sarasgad Fort is the twin of Sudhagad Fort. It can be identified by its four pinnacles and thus was mainly used as a watch place to check the surrounding region. The construction of the fort is now not in a good condition but the huge rock steps are something to be seen. On the way from the south, there are 111 steps carved in stone. The door from this side is known as 'Dindi darvaja'. There are two routes that lead to the top of this fort from Pali.

गडावर जाण्याच्या वाटा

पाली गावाला लागूनच असलेला सरसगड त्याच्या कातळमाथ्यामुळे अधिकच बेलाग झालेला आहे. समुद्रसपाटीपासून ४४४ मीटर उंचीच्या सरसगडावर जाण्यासाठी पाली गावातून उत्तर आणि दक्षिण अशा दोन बाजूंनी मार्ग आहे. उत्तरेकडील वाट तलई या लहानशा गावातल्या रामआळीतून गडावर जाते. गणपती मंदिराजवळून म्हणजे देऊळवाड्याकडून जाणारी वाट चांगलीच रुळलेली आहे. एका वाटेने चढून दुसऱ्या वाटेने उतरणेही सोयीचे आहे. दक्षिणेच्या बाजूकडील कातळमाथ्याला एक मोठी नाळ आहे. नाळेतून ९६ भक्कम पायऱ्या चढल्यावर मुख्य दरवाजा येतो. मध्यभागी असण्याऱ्या वाटोळ्या सुळक्याभोवती चक्कर मारता येते. या ५० मीटर उंचीच्या बालेकिल्ल्याच्या तळाशी टाकी, तळी, कोठ्या, गुहा, तालीमखाने आहेत. याच गुहांमधे पांडवानीही वस्ती केली होती असे म्हणतात.

 Visapur Fort (also called Visapoor Fort) is a hill fort near Visapur village in Maharashtra, India. It is a part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification.

It is located in Pune district, 5 to 6 km from Malavli Railway station out of which 3 km is steep road. It has an elevation of 1084 meters above sea level.[1] It is built on the same plateau as Lohagad.

It was built during 1713-1720 CE by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of Maratha Empire. 

Visapur fort was built much later than Lohagad but the histories of the two forts are closely linked.

In 1818, when reducing the Peshwa's forts, the strength of Lohagad and its fame as the treasury of the Maratha kingdom, caused the English to make special preparations for its attack. A detachment of 380 European and 800 native soldiers, with a battering train, summoned from Konkan, were joined by artillery from Chakan, and two other British battalions. On 4 March 1818, Visapur was attacked and occupied.

Making use of its higher elevation and proximity to Lohagad, the British troops set up their cannons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagad, forcing the Marathas to flee. Thus, in 1818, Lohagad-Visapur was taken over by the British in 1818 AD and placed under the command of a Colonel Prother. Considering, the strategic importance of Visapur, both the north (Konkan) and the south (Deccan) gateways were blown up, and except a few huts, nothing was left standing. In contrast, most of Lohagad fort is still intact.

 Malang gad (also called Shree Malang Gad), is a hill fort located in the Matheran Hill Range, Raigad District, Maharashtra. The fort is located at about 789 m above the sea level.

Malanggad was built by the King Naladev of Maurya Dynasty in seventh century. The fort was initially captured by the Marathas in the 17th century and was later conquered over by the British.

Ketakars were the Kiladar’s of the fort, which is of Shri Malang Wadi Village.

Nearby Kalyan East 15 km, the reinforcements arrived in early October as Colonel Hartley and Captain Jameson and their troops advanced on Malanggad and finally defeated the Marathas.

Malanggad is built on three levels. The lowest level is a plateau which is 1000 feet broad and 2500 feet long on which stands the Dargah of a Sufi saint - Haji Malang. At the other end of the plateau is the Panchi Pir which lies almost at the edge of the rock and is named after the five pirs who accompanied Shree Malang Gad.[2] This plateaus is called Pir Machi.

The next higher level is called the Sone Machi as it is the lower part of the fort. This is a projection of rock which is 70 feet broad and 100 feet long. It is shaped like an elephant trunk.[2] It has a parapet wall with bastions on two sides but there are no machicolations to fire at an invading army.

The highest level is the Citadel which is 200 yards long and 70 yards broad. This is the summit of the hill and has no fortifications. The water supply is from five cisterns at the top of the hill with a copper pipe to carry water to the lower levels.

Shree Malang Gad is different from other forts in Maharashtra. Whereas other forts have several gates and multiple watchtowers, art of the main gate itself. With a wall with no machicolations to fire at the enemy and no fortifications, Shree Malang Gad is one of the few forts to depend completely on natural aspects of the hill to defend itself.

In Thane district of the state of Maharashtra a king by name "Nal Raja" ruled. The atrocities on the common folk and the havoc created in his state by the demons reached unbearable proportions. The cry from the oppressed had reached to God and God ordered Baba Malang to pay a visit to the place from where these crimes against the society are committed and to ensure safety and wellbeing of the common man by eliminating these demons.

Baba Malang and his followers reached the small village called Brahman wadi near this mountain. On reaching, he felt very thirsty and asked for water from a house belonging to a Brahman Ketkar Family. The Brahman, realizing that Baba Malang and his followers are tired, arranged for a place to rest and offered them Milk instead of water. This holy act of the Brahman was duly appreciated by Baba and he blessed him. He took leave from the Brahman in order to complete the work ordered by the God at the earliest.

They found a small and cleaner place where Bakhtawar wanted to put so Baba Malang blessed him, and said 'that during "Kali Yuga" this place will be known as "first Step" and will be treated as sacrosanct.'

According to legend the King and Queen have been turned to stone and even today are stoned by believing public. A climb to the mountain includes being carried by a rope across two peaks for Rs. 20.00. After this you carry on climbing and try to stone the peaks and it is believed that if your stone hits one of the peaks then your wish will be granted as long as you do not wish for the throne of Delhi.

 Kalavantin Durg is a 2,250 ft (686 m) high summit located in the Western Ghats, near the Prabalgad fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is also known as Kelve Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, or Kalavantin Pinnacle; alternative transliterations include Kalawantin, Kalavati, and Kalavanti. It is a popular trekking destination.

There is a series of steps leading to the top of the pinnacle, but little is known about the history of structure. According to local guides, it was built for a queen called Kalavantin in the 15th century, around the same time as the neighbouring Prabalgad.[1]

In Marathi language the word "Durg" means fort. Although it is called as "Kalavantin Durg", there is no fort. Kalavantin is a pinnacle which was used by the ruler to have watch on surrounding area.

The trek to the top of the Kalavantin Durg is considered one of the most challenging ones in the Western Ghats. The summit is accessible via a 3 km hike from the Thakurwadi village in Karjat taluka. After Prabalmachi village (2 km from Thakurvadi), the hike route diverges into two paths: the shorter one towards Kalavantin Durg, and the longer one towards Prabalgad fort.[2] The route to the Kalavantin top is a roughly 60-degree incline, and involves climbing rock-cut steps that are as high as 2 feet.

Kalavantin Durg is a perfect one day trek (I Will does not recommend it for beginner trekkers). one can easily reach Kalavantin Durg from Panvel railway station. Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad and close by so one can complete both the forts in one day. The base village of  Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad is Thakurvadi Village. From Panvel, ST bus, private auto, TumTum, and taxies are available. ST bus has a very poor frequency so I suggest hiring an auto or taxi (Depends on how big is your group or you can find some trekkers on the way who are going to the same location and then you can hire an Auto/taxi. it will cost you Rs 100-150 by an auto/taxi. 

from the base village (Thakurvadi) one has to walk from 3-4 Hrs to reach Kalavantin Durg. at the Start, you will have to pay Rs. 50 per person as an Entry frees. Here they will check your bag and Cigarettes, lighter/ matchbox, Alcoholic drinks, Sharp weapons are strictly prohibited. 

If you have any other doubts, please ask me in the comment box. Thank you. 

 Bhramhgiri,  Bhramhgiri Trek, Trimbakgad, Nashik, Fort, Durg Bhandar, Godavari,  त्र्यंबकगड किल्ला

Brahmagiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is situated in Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is located near this place. The origin of the sacred Godavari river is near Trimbak. It flows for 1,465 kilometres (910 mi), first eastwards across the Deccan Plateau then turns southeast, entering the West Godavari district and East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, until it splits into two watercourses that widen into a large river delta and flow into the Bay of Bengal.

Brahmagiri (1298 meters) is to the west of trimbakeshwar and this fort offers a commanding view of the Jawhar Mokhada region of Thane district. Trimbakeshwar itself is a place of worship because it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

From Trimbakeshwar, through regular steps, Ganga dwar is reached and the Gorakshanath cave which is end of Trimbakeshwar. Now again while climbing down, there is a road going towards Brahmagiri towards right. Following this route one reaches the carved steps in the rocks. The steps are very good even in the recent times. They were blown off by Britishers in 1818 but later on, they were rebuilt somewhere before India gained independence. From the base village, Brahmagiri is around 450 to 500 meters elevated

From base village, it takes 45 minutes to see Ganga dwar, the Gorakshanath caves and 108 Swayambhu Mahadev caves and in the halfway while descending, the road towards Brahmagiri takes you till the top in around 45 minutes and almost 2 hours to see the fort completely. There are 2 temples on this fort the place which is believed to be the origin point of Godavari river. From here, the river flows till Ganga dwar and then towards Kushavart teerth in Trimbakeshwar village.

One can reach this place by an ascent of about 750 steps made on concrete. There is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The river appears here as coming out from the mouth of Nandi. Kolambika Devi temple and a group of 108 shivalings are seen nearby.

 Jivdhan (or Jeevdhan) is a hill fortress situated 1 km near the modern day town of Ghatghar in Junnar Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra, India. The fort, which rises 1,145 meters (3,757 feet) above sea level, is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. The fort was looted and destroyed by the British upon siege between 1815 -1818 Jivdhan is a part of the 'Famous 5' trekking destinations among trekking enthusiasts. Chavaand, Hadsar, Shivneri, and Naneghat are the other destinations in the Famous 5 trek. This is a high difficulty grade trek due to the misleading jungle tracks and the necessity and knowledge of using climbing equipment. The rock cut steps are wonderfully carved, which lead to the kalyan gate. There are hooks attached on the walls of the rock cut steps near kalyan gate, which makes it easy for regular climber.

“Kataldhar Waterfall Trek” gives us the immense pleasure of Trekking. “Katal” means the wall of Rock & “Dhar” means a Waterfall.

Located close to Lonavala, the Kataldhar trek takes about 4-5 hours to get to the waterfall. You'll start your trek by walking along a road that cuts through tropical forests. The waterfall is not too far from Rajmachi. Take on the challenge of an adventurous route | Traverse a dense forest filled with the sounds of nature. 

Kataldhar is a waterfall near Lonavala in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This waterfall is not so famous because reaching the valley is somewhat difficult and requires basic trekking experience. Water is not available there for the whole year, but a good amount of water falls during the monsoon season.

Kataldhar Waterfall is located near Rajmachi Fort. To get there, find 3 mango trees on the Rajmachi Trekking route, at which point you can descend the Ulhas valley through dense forest. After reaching Kataldhar Waterfall you will see one eye shaped cave that could easily accommodate 100 people. At this cave, you will see Rajmachi Fort (Srivardhan Fort Balekilla).

The height of Kataldhar Lonavla is about 350 feet with an overhand of more than 100 feet. 

 Ever heard of an ancient defense system that reveals the enemies intentions just through their whispers and movements? This episode takes us to the Golconda fort and Gol Gumbaz to highlight the ancient acoustic systems in place.

 Tailbaila is also known as Telbaila or Telbail is a village and also a watch tower or so called fort nearby. It is a dyke structure consisting of twin walls separated by a V cut and temple. Perfect place for steep free rock climbing activities. Road conditions bad from Saltar Pass or Bayaji Khind.

One can also go to Savashini Ghat to Sudhagad and Waghjai Ghat to Thanala Caves

Easy trek till the temple but rock climbing will require ropes for safety. Contact some professional groups to climb. 

Tail Baila is a village in Mulshi taluka[1] of Pune District in the state of Maharashtra, India.Talukas surrounding the village are Karjat taluka, Talegaon Dabhade Taluka, Mawal taluka and by Khalapur taluka. Districts closest to the village are Raigad district, Thane district, Mumbai City district and Mumbai Suburban district. Nearest railway stations around the village are Vadgaon railway station, Begdewadi railway station, Lonavala railway station, Talegaon railway station and Kamshet railway station.

 Tour to Jejuri Gad, Khandoba Temple, Pune, Maharashtra. 

How to reach Jejuri Gad, Khandoba temple : 

Jejuri is around 48 Km from Pune. Easily accessible by road from Pune. 

It takes around 45 mins to 1 hr to reach to the temple, and you have to climb around 385 stairs. 

Jejuri Temple is more popular among Newly married Maharashtrian couples, It is a kuldaivat for many Maharashtrian families.

Jejuri (Marathi pronunciation: [d͡ʒed͡zuɾiː]) is a city and a municipal council in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The town has an important mandir of the Hindu Lord Khandoba, the Khandoba Mandir, which is situated on a hill in this town. It is one of the most visited tirtha (holy places) in Maharashtra.

Khandoba is a clan god for many Maharashtrian castes and communities, beloved as a god who grants wishes. His wives Mhalsa and Banai represent their caste groups, the Lingayat Vanya of Karnataka and the nomadic shepherds, the Dhangar tribe.

Jejuri has lime deposits. The historic Shaniwar Wada fort, the central seat of Peshawa of Maratha Empire at Pune was completed in 1732 by the Bajirao I, at a total cost of Rs. 16,110, With lime mined from the lime-belts of Jejuri.

In 1739 Chimaji Appa, a general of the Maratha Empire and brother of Peshwa Bajirao, defeated the Portuguese in the Battle of Vasai. After the war, Chimaji Appa and his Maratha soldiers took 38 church bells from there as memorabilia and installed them in 34 Hindu mandirs of Maharashtra. They installed one of these bells in Khandoba's mandir, where it still is.

Khandoba temple

Naik Hari Makaji And Tatya Makaji

The Koli brothers Naik Hari Makati and Naik Tatya Makaji were revolutionaries from Maharashtra who revolted against the British Hukumat. With Naik Rama Krishna of Kalambai, they raised an army of Ramoshis from Satara and revolted. In 1879 their Ramoshi army raided Poona fifteen times, then Satara many times after that. In February 1879, Naik Hari Makaji attacked a portion of Bhimthadi[clarification needed] in Baramati. On the eighth raid into Baramati, Naik Hari Makaji was attacked by British police, but escaped, fighting hand to hand with two British policemen. He wounded them but two Ramoshis were captured. At the beginning of March, Hari Makaji again rose and revolted and raided in Indapur and raided, but was captured in Solapur in mid-March. After this, Tatya Makaji led his revolution until the end of the year, raiding villages on the Purandar and Sinhagad ranges.

On 17 October, Koli Naik Tatya Makaji and some of his followers killed a Ramoshi who was an informer for British Major Wise. After that Tatya Makaji Naik brought to justice

Bhairavgad fort is located in the Sahyadri mountains of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Multiple mountains are named Bhairavgad including one near the Karad-Chiplun area, one near Malshej Ghat and third in the Bhandardara region in the neighborhood of Ghanchakkar the third highest peak of Sahyadris.

Bhairavgad is located near Moroshi village of Malshej Ghat region in Maharashtra, India. Bhairavgad is Dike structure which is rarely seen in Maharashtra. Bhairavgad is one of the most challenging trek in Maharashtra. Bhairavgad offers great view of Naneghat and Mountains in Malshej ghat region.

Moroshi village is the base village of Bhairavgad which is about 70km from nearest railway station Kalyan.

 इस वीडियों में मैने शेरगढ़ किले के पहले भाग को दिखाया है । ये किला एक पहाड़ी पर बना हुआ है और ऐसा कहा जाता है कि इस किले पर शेरशाह सूरी का अधिपत्य था । किला करीब 15 वर्ग किमी में फैला हुआ है, यह किला आज के समय में पूरी तरह से खंडहर हो चुका है और इसके ज्यादातर हिस्सों में बहुत सारी झाड़िया भी जमी हुई है ।

इस किले में बहुत सारे तहखाने हैं जो कि आज के समय में भी यह पूरी तरह से सही सलामत बचा हुआ है और यह तहखाना देखने में बहुत ही डरावना भी लगता हैं । ऐसा कहा जाता है कि शेरशाह सूरी का परिवार और उनके 10 हजार फौजी दस्ता इसी किले में रहा करते थे। इस पहाड़ के नीचे एक बहुत बड़ा बांध है जो कि दुर्गावती नदी पर बना हुआ है और यह बांध करमचट्ट बांध के नाम से जाना जाता है ।