Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Gorakhgad & Machchindragad



Gorakhgad is a fort that can be done easily in a day, both from Mumbai and Pune. Though not famous for any historical events, Gorakhgad attracts trekkers due to its inviting pinnacles, which offer good opportunities for rock-climbing. This region of Gorakhgad and Machchindragad has a dense forest cover.



Fort Gorakhgad is quite small in size. It was had strategic importance during the reign of Shahaji Raje. However, no major battle is recorded to have taken place here. It was used in Shivaji’s era to patrol the nearby region and was used as a stopover station during the journey to Junnar via Naneghat. Though small in size, there is enough availability water and a lot of space for accommodation. The fort gets its name from Saint Gorakhnath, who performed his "Sadhana" in this place.



Fascinating Spots :

Two cisterns can be seen just after emerging through the entrance and the path climbs up further ahead. Further, a small step-way descends down to the large caves that are carved out in the main rock of the pinnacle. Nature’s grandeur can be appreciated here with the magnificent view of two large frangipani trees leaning over the valley and the excellent sight of Machchindragad. There are in total fourteen cisterns on the fort, however, only the three tanks near to the cave have potable water.

The trek to Gorakhgad is not complete without reaching the top of the pinnacle. Facing the cave, proceed ahead towards your right. Just after a short walk some steps can be seen on your left, which lead to the top. The climb along this stepped way in the rock needs to be carried out with utmost care.



The top of the fort is very small. There is a small Mahadeo temple with Nandi. A wide region ranging from Siddhagad and Machchindragad up to Ahupe Ghat and Jeevdhan in the Naneghat area towards north can be seen from the fort-top.



Ways To Reach :

To reach Gorakhgad, travel to Murbad via Kalyan and Karjat respectively. Reach village Dhasai from Mhase junction. From here, private jeeps as well as S.T. buses are available to reach the village of Dehri. Right from Dehri village can be seen two prominent pinnacles. The smaller one is Machchindragad and bigger one is Gorakhgad. It is possible to camp in the Vitthal temple in Dehri. Just behind this temple is a walkway that takes us to the fort entrance, which is carved-out in the rock. This way one can reach the fort in about two hours.

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