CHAVAND FORT

OVERVIEW

District : Pune
Hill Range: Naneghat
Height above sea level : 3490 ft
Difficulty rating : Medium
Base village : Chavand
Nearest City :
Approx. time to reach the top : Approx 2 hrs from base village
Google Map Co-ordinate :
Precaution : Water could be a big problem, especially in the summer season because there isn't any potable water source on the fort. Railings on the fort are bit jerky, hence be careful with them. The top being a bit grassy, always beware of reptiles. 

How To Reach

One can rich junnar from Mumbai or Pune. From junnar Chavand is 17 kms. The way to the top of the fort goes along the village school, from the western side of the fort. From here, it takes about 1 hr to reach the entrance door. From here the footsteps take us to the plains, on which we can see the remnants of many constructions.

Place To Stay / Eat

Water availability :
There are many a cisterns and tanks on the fort, but water isn't potable. The two on the southwest side are reliable. Food :
Available in base village. Shelter :
One can stay on the fort in the caves, but mice may pose a problem. Trekkers also stay in the village school. There is boarding facility in Kukdeshwar temple too.

Places Of Interest

Saptamatrika (The seven cisterns) : The British in their attack have destroyed many a construction in the eighteenth century. Here a temple half buried in the earth can be seen. As we go ahead on the left, we can see 7 water tanks aligned along each other. These have much mythological significance, & their names are as follows: Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrayani & Chamunda, the most powerful goddess of all.

Human made caves : As we proceed towards the northern direction around the fortification, we can see that a proper way was constructed hereby to move around to keep watch. On the north side of the fort, human made caves are situated where the fortification ends. Here it is said that a secret passage exists, amidst the wall, right below the caves. As we go the south side, we can have a beautiful view of the river Kukdi that originates from Kukdeshwar, a famous pilgrimage near the fort. On the southeastern side, no fortification exists as steep fall dominates this place. Again as we proceed westwards, we can see the fortification here. This fort being strongly secured was used for imprisoning Bahadurshah Nizam in 1594.

Temple of goddess Chamunda : On the topmost part of the fort, i.e. on a small hillock, is situated the temple of Goddess Chamunda. Here rises the question, that who brought this deity here in Maharashtra, which is predominantly from the provinces of Bengal, Bihar & Mysore. The answer is also quite simple. Naneghat had been the main route for transport of goods that came from other provinces via harbour of Sopara & Kalyan, the place of junction. Some well established businessman from Mysore, who came through Naneghat, must have established Chamunda here. Folks were unable to utter Chamunda, & they called it as Chavand, hence was named the fort.

The places in the region of Naneghat reflect the rich culture of Satvaahan dynasty, and the well-developed artistic works that existed during this era. The temple of "Kukdeshwar" must be visited when we go to Chavand. The simplicity of this place is worth experiencing. The caves of Shivneri and "Lenyadri", another famous pilgrimage, are worth visiting. From the top of the fort, we can have a glimpse of the mountain of Shambhu & the fort of Jeevdhan on the west, Hadsar on the north, Shivneri on the east & the route of Naneghat along the fort. The topmost part of Shivneri is clearly visible from here. Along with a rich geographical position, the fort also has a rich history, which can be stated in a few steps.