Padargad Fort is a small fort situated to the east of Karjat, Raigad district in Maharashtra. It was used for vigilance in the past. Padargad Fort is also popular by name "Kalavanticha Mahal" due to its two rock pinnacles. This fort offers a great trekking route through a dense forest of Western Ghats. This is an unexplored and less visited fort that is located behind the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Siddhagad Fort, Kothaligad Fort and Bhimashankar Peak are visible from Padargad Fort.
History of Padargad Fort
According to the locals, the Padargad Fort is not actually a fort but a sort of lighthouse from where the directions were given to know the advancements of the enemy through the Ganapati Ghat road. It can be called a watch tower to keep a vigil on the Mawal area in the greater province of the Maratha. Records say that this fort along with Tungi Fort was constructed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb while capturing the Kothaligad Fort.
Structure of Padargad Fort
Padargad Fort lies at an elevation of 2202 feet (671 meters) above mean sea level. The fort is small in size and the fort structure has completely vanished. In the Padargad Fort, there is a large cave and few dried up water cut cisterns. The narrow pinnacle is called Kalavantins pinnacle.
Visiting Information of Padargad Fort
The base village is Khandas which is 31km from Karjat. Karjat is well connected by road and railway from Mumbai and Pune. The climb is somewhat difficult and only professional trekkers with proper equipment attempt the climb.
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