IRSHALGAD FORT TREK.

    IRSHALGAD FORT TREK.

Hi,
      This is my first blog. I shall be writing on Irshalgad fort trek.
 Trekking has not only teached me to keep going up but it also teaches you techniques to deal with life in general. If you ever been for trekking, you would first realise it's tough. But then, you accept and keep going on, until so that you reach at the top and enjoy the view.

IRSHALGAD FORT TREK
Irshalgad is located in Khalapur Taluka of Raigad district in Maharashtra, India. Irshalgad is continuation of Matheran Mountain Range of Sahyadri Hill.
Know Before you go for Irshalgad Trek.
Where : Irshalgad Fort.
Height : 1726 ft. (526m) above sea level.
Hill range : Matheran.
Base Village : Irshalgad and Nanivali.
Travel Expenses : 100Rs [Only by public transport fare will cost upto 100]

Nearest railway stations : Panvel and Karjat.
Best time to visit : June to February.

Irshalgad Fort Information : Irshalgad is located between Panvel and Matheran. Irshalgad is sister fort of prabalgad. History of Irshalgad fort is that the fort was under the Maratha rule. When Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captures the regions of Kalyan and Bhiwandi. Irshalgad is not called as fort as there is no fortification available.
Irshalgad is a pinnacle which has Nedhe which means natural hole in the mountain. Irshalgad fort also has water tank. Irshalgad fort offers amazing view of Morbe dam, Karnala fort, Sondai fort and Prabalgad fort.
How to reach Irshalgad fort from Mumbai : Irshalgad can be reached from panvel as well from Karjat. Panvel to Irshalgad is around 24km and Karjat to Irshalgad is around 14 km. There are ST buses available from Panvel and Karjat. One can also go from taxis/auto rickshaw. If you travel from ST bus then you have to get down at Chowk Phata. If you take taxi or auto rickshaw you can directly get down to the starting point of the trek. [Locals shall guide you if asked]

Irshalgad Trek Route : So basically, Irshalgad Trek routes starts from Nanivalli village. Irshalgad Trek route is simple and well marked till the top of Irshalgad. Nanivalli village is about 2 km from Chowk. The route goes through open field and provides amazing view of Morbe Dam. Morbe Dam is restricted to trekkers by government because of accident which had happened there.
After 2km of the route, we reach base village of Irshalgad which is known as Irshalwadi village. Irshalwadi is small village and situated at the base of Irshalgad. After Irshalwadi village, trail goes through forest. There is small temple dedicated to Goddess Irshaldevi. We will reach at small plateau which provides excellent view of Irshalgad Pinnacle. Now moving further, we reach at the Nedhe. Nedhe is the Main attraction of Irshalgad Fort. The Top of Irshalgad has very small area. There is a small cave and water tanks.

My Experience at Irshalgad Fort : So this is the 1st time I had gone for trekking. Starting from Mumbai[Sion station] with lots of excitement, reached Karjat.[Going
from karjat is an advise as it saves time].From Karjat station we took st bus and got down at Chowk phata.So starting from Chowk asking locals about the Irshalvadi. Walking towards the Irshalvadi you can spot Morbe dam towards your right side. Chowk to Irshalvadi is 90 to 130 mins of walk.
Once reaching the first patch of climbing from big rocks we found a route on the left side which is the correct path to reach the top.(Don’t go straight climbing). If you go straight to the top you can encounter a dangerous path and you shall .
First we found a water tank ascend to the top. After the water tank there is a small temple to your right and a wooden ladder to ascend to the top. From there, you will find a window like structure which is usually seen from the base village.
From this window structure, we headed towards the left, . After this point we came across one more water tank, This tank comes to the left of the top to enjoy better view I recommend to go on the right side of the top. Now we seated back, unwind & soak in the calmness with an awesome view of the dam.
Things to See on Irshalgad Trek:

1. Morbe Dam
2. 3 Water Tanks
3. Small Temples of Goddess Irshaldevi
4. View of Prabalgad and Karnala Fort
5. View of Matheran Mountain Range

Camping / Accommodation Facility: Irshalgad has very small area and Camping is not possible on top but near the village one can go for camping. The Best place to stay is at Irshalwadi Village with locals.

Food / Water Facility: Food and Water Facility is available in Irshalwadi Village. There Multiple water tanks on Irshalgad trek but water is not potable.Carry enough water. 

THANK-YOU.