Uncovering the History and Beauty of Prabalgad Fort: A Thrilling Trek Experience

If you like forts and palaces, you will love the Prabalgad Fort. Nestled on a mountaintop at an elevation of 2300 ft., this is a spectacular fort with a rich history of wars and intrigue. To reach the fort, one has to trek for about 2.5 to 3 hours but once you reach the top, the view is truly spectacular.

About Prabalgad Fort

Prabalgad Fort is located between Panvel and Matheran in Maharashtra. It is about 46 kms. from Mumbai and 116 kms. from Pune. To reach the fort, one has to look out for Shedung Fatta on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. This is the landmark for reaching Thakurwadi, the base village located at the foot of the mountain.

The Fort has an illustrious history since it was built in ancient times. Obviously the spot was chosen because it affords commanding views of the neighboring areas including the Panvel Fort and the Kalyan Fort. The Prabalgad Fort also overlooks the ports in the region and whoever held the fort could dominate the area.

Like most forts, the history of the Prabalgad Fort is checkered with fierce battles, heroic struggles, daring escapes, romantic tragedies and folklore. It is said that the fort was built by the rulers of the Bahamani Sultanate, but the origins of the fort likely go even further back.

From the Bahamani Sultanate, the fort was taken over by the Ahmednagar Sultanate in 1458. Then, it fell into Mughal Hands. In 1657, Shivaji led a spirited attack and siege on the fort, which put up a valiant defense under Kesar Singh, a Mughal Sardar. Singh was killed and the fort eventually fell to Shivaji’s forces.

After the fierce battle, Shivaji revealed his famous humanitarian side by allowing safe passage to Kesar Singh’s mother and child to a safe place. It is said that Shivaji was magnanimous in victory and did not exact revenge on the soldiers who had fought so hard against his army.

Besides this broad history of the fort, there are a multitude of tales and folklore that one can discover to understand the history better. One interesting episode that occurred here involves Umaji Naik, hailed as India’s first freedom fighter. He led an armed revolt against the British in 1826 when he, along with a small group of followers made this fort their base. He was hanged by British forces in 1832.

How to Visit Prabalgad Fort

It is easy to reach Prabalgad Fort as it is accessible by road from Pune and from Mumbai. Visitors can take the old Pune-Mumbai Highway and then turn towards the village of Thakurwadi from Shedung Village. From here, one has to trek up the mountain to see the fort.

The Prabalgad Fort timings are: 6 am to 5 pm and Prabalgad Fort entry fees is Rs. 20 for entry and Rs. 50 for a guide. To make the trek, one must hire a guide and get a ticket for security purposes. As there are many routes and obstacles along the way on the Prabalgad Trek, a local guide is required.

The trek is an experience in itself. The hill is very steep in some places and there are many interesting streams, waterfalls and plateaus along the way. One such plateau is Prabalmachi, located an hour before the fort. Here, one can get snacks and refreshments before continuing on to the fort.

Where to stay near Prabalgad Fort

The best place to stay when visiting the Prabalgad Fort is the Visava Amusement Park and Resort in Panvel. This is one of the best resorts in Panvel and located less an hour away from the fort. The resort also has an in-house water park including two swimming pools, water slides, a rain dance area and more.

The Visava Resort offers comfortable rooms, great service, many banquet halls and is located in a pretty oasis of greenery that provides easy access to most of the nearby tourist places such as Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Fort and the Prabalgad Fort.

Its restaurant, Garam Masala is also well renowned and serves amazing multi-cuisine food. If you are planning to visit the Prabalgad fort, it is best to stay overnight in Panvel so that you can have an in depth and leisurely look at one of the greatest monuments on the western coast and the best fort in Maharashtra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. Is Prabalgad trek easy?

Ans. No. The Prabalgad Trek is rated as a medium difficulty trek, which traverses steep ravines and inclines. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete and requires visitors to be physically fit and unafraid of heights.

Q 2. How long is Prabalgad Trek?

Ans. The Prabalgad Trek about 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Q 3.How to reach Prabalgad fort?

Ans. To reach Prabalgad Fort, visitors can take the old Pune-Mumbai Highway and then turn towards the village of Thakurwadi from Shedung Village. From here, one has to trek up the mountain to see the fort.

Q 4.Where to stay near Prabalgad fort?

Ans. The best place to stay near Prabalgad Fort is Visava Amusement Park and Resort in Panvel. This is one of the best resorts in Panvel and located less an hour away from the fort. The resort also has an in-house water park including two swimming pools, water slides, a rain dance area and more.