Korigad Fort

Korigad fort is 35 km from Lonavala., west of Mulshi near the Savashni Ghat. To trek up to the fort, drive up to the village of Peth Shahpur, 20 km on the Sahara Lake City Road. Park your vehicle here and walk through the forest for about 45 minutes. Take the steps to reach the top of the fort, past the Ganesh temple, caves and granaries on the way. You’re now at a height of 3049 feet, isolated and quiet. The flat top of the fort has four ponds, caves and the ruins of a temple.

Encircled by clouds and mist on top of the fort, look out for the beautiful Amby valley, Mulshi Dam and the hills. If you’re at the spot after the monsoons, the valley will be swathed in yellow flowers and is an ideal picnic spot. If you’ve brought your sleeping bag along, you can take shelter in the temple within the fort. The Korai Devi temple has been renovated and has a 4 ft high idol of the deity.

Built in 1657 by Shivaji, Korigad is well fortified by bastions on its southern side. The fort offers a stupendous view of Nagphani Point, Tung, Tikona, Matheran, Prabalgarh, Manikgad and Karnala hills.

It is possible to cover the short Korigad trek in a day if you’re traveling from Mumbai, provided you get to Lonavala by eight in the morning. If you have time to spare, take a cross-country trek across Korigad to Ghangad, Tailbaila Walls, Sudhagad and Sarasgad.