Trek to Asherifad Fort

Trek To Asherigad Fort (Palghar Region) 

You might have visited many Forts in Maharashtra or other parts of india but this fort (Asherigad fort, Palghar) has a unique history. This fort was made by Raja Bhoj in 13th century and then ruled by Raja bimb captured it from kolis in the 14th Century starting.Purtguese took contol of the fort in 1556 and then made it a head of 38 villages around. 

This fort situated in Palghar region in maharshtra. i went to this place with one one of the trek group. there were 45+ trekkers in the group accompany by 3 trek  experts.

I took a train from borivali in which some of my friends were also there. It was rainy season and on that day raining heavily so its very important to protect your mobile phones, cameras etc. In train we bought a plastic zipper for phone and that was quite helpful to protect our phone. i was carrying a bag in which there was a towel, some dry clothes, my dslr camera, water bottle, rain coat etc.

whenever you go for a trek in rainy season the above things are essential to carry. I was not aware of the heavy rains so i was carrying my dslr camera also which is not recommandable. we got offf at palghar station and we had breakfast in a near by small joint and then took  jeep to reach asherigad base.

It's on Mumbai ahmedabad Highway. Jeep Driver took 100 rs. Per person and dropped us on the starting road to Asherigad fort on national Highway-8. From there we walked about 1 km to reach the Base village where we found 10-15 huts where village people stays. 

we had a contact there whose name is Laxman(Drop me a message if you need his contact no) who is a villager and guide for us. Guiding on the trek is the only earning source  for maximum villages. We kept our valuables like camera, wallet, etc including our dry clothes and bags at Laxman's house where his wife and kids took care of our stuff. Intially i was worried for my camera but our organizer told us that it will be safe. Village people are so reliable and honest.

So now the first step was to to listen the organizer about this fort and Do & Don'ts during the trek. It was raining heavily so organizers asked us to stay together in a 3-4 people group as if there is any problem to anyone then 3-4 people can help each other. 

We started our trek. We were going through the bushes and flat ground and after a 10 min walk we saw one hurdle on our way an it was super fast flowing water which was coming from the water fall. 

As it was raining heavily so this temporary water flow becomes a flowing river for some time. The water flow was there with full velocity and it was almost one n half feet deep so we all had to make a chain and one by one had to cross the way. 

It was wonderful experience crossing that water body. After crossing that we had to go ahead and reach at one point where we had to take 2-3 minustes rest. On the way we heared bird chippering sounds and that was so soothing. 

The way to asherigad is little rough and you will find the mud and uneven stony path. there were some points where you will find stoned steps which might have made during the 13th cetury to reach the fort. It is also said that there you can find many species of  raptiles. So be careful while you walking as it may happen that they can come up under your foot and can harm them. some part of the trek is steep so after an interval you will find little bit of lat surface where you can take some rest and then resume your trek.

After covering the 70% Of trek there you will find a place where your have to climb a man made iron ladder which is the only way to go ahead for asherigad fort. That ladder will take you to a point where form the asherigad fort is just 15-20 min away.  At that point after climbing the ladder you would find a rock sculpture and water tank body over there. 

After taking some photographs there we resumes our trek and it was the last halt for us. From the point where we stopped there is a very narrow steps to go ahead and in rainy season it is slippery also so careful when you climb those steps and would recommand that you stay hand in hand with each other if you are in group. 

After crossing that you will find a saffron flag over there. We kept moving ahead for the final point and after a span of time we got there. There is a Hanuman temple also on the top. We relaxed there, had luch. took photographs and enjoyed the scenic beauty from the top. 

You can clearely see the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway from the top.After spending approx 1 hours we returned back wit hthe same route. As mentioned it was raining heavily so took little time to reach at a certain point as it was slippery and the rocks we also loose as it was 1st or second rains of the monsoon season. 

Returning our way to village we found a wonderful water fall body over there and we all jumped in the water and enjoyed and relaxed for approx 45 minutes. Including trek, Speding time in water fall was the best experience of Asherigad Trek. In the rainy season you will find many water falls on the way in maharashtra. 

After returning to Base village we changed clothes at our Guide Laxman's Place. He offered us tea which was much needed at that time. Spent 30 minutes at his place and relaxed then left for our respective locations.

 Over all it was not a tough trek but at one point it was tough for me to climb as there was no support and the steps were slippery. Coz of first rain and that too a very heavy rains, the stones and rock were loose so at some point we had to take care while going down as we might get fall and hurt, but it was overall wonderful experience. 

 I would recommand Laxman for the guide services. He was so much helping during the trek. 

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