Dhodap is one of the medieval hill forts in Maharashtra, located in the Western Ghats Mountain Range in India.
Location of Dhodap
Dhodap is situated in Kalwan taluka in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. This place is the ideal spot for the trekking and climbing.
Fort of Dhodap
The medieval fort of Dhodhap is located at about 4829 ft above sea level. It is the site of the second highest fort in the Sahyadri Mountains after Salher. The top of the fort was built using a combination of dressed stone and brickwork. There is a tank with an idol of Lord Hanuman and a tunnel 5m wide. The fort has a pointed cliff named Shembi.
Hill of Dhodap
Dhodap Hill is third highest hill peak in Maharashtra after Kalsubai and Salher and 29th highest peak in Western Ghats Mountain Range in India.
Caves in Dhodap
One can find the caves of Dhodap at the base. At one end of the fort shows a domical structure. The eastern face of Dhodap shows a fearsome cliff named Ikhara which is ideal for rock climbers. The temple of Dhodap is situated in one of the caves and is in good condition. Few other caves are also seen around and are quite big in size.
Importance of Dhodap
Dhodap fort played an important role during the Peshwa period. It was here that Raghobadada Peshwa hatched a plot against Madhavrao Peshwa. During return travel from 2nd invasion from Surat, the Maratha Emperor Shivaji had visited here, presumably for keeping the treasure. Few days later, the battle of Dindori took place.
Trekking in Dhodap
Dhodap is a good site for trekkers and adventurous tourists to visit. The accommodation can be arranged at the base village with the help of local villagers. There is little availability of water at the top. Therefore there is no requirement to carry enough water while climbing this fort. One can climb the fort from two routes. One needs to climb from Dhodambe village side and other from Deola side. From Pune the route can be from Pune to Nashik - Dhodambe- Hatti.
