Asherigad Fort Blog History Trek Guide Scenic Route & Travel Essentials

Asherigad Fort, standing tall at the edge of the Sahyadris near Palghar in Maharashtra, is a majestic yet lesser-known fort with rich Portuguese, Maratha, and tribal history. Surrounded by dense forest, mysterious carvings, and panoramic views, it makes for a thrilling one-day trek for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

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🏛️ Historical Significance of Asherigad Fort

✨ Early to Colonial Period

• Originally built by the Bahmani Sultanate in the medieval era, Asherigad was later controlled by the Portuguese.

• It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his northern Konkan campaigns.

• Used as a watch fort and to control trade movement between Palghar, Dahanu, and the coast.

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🚗 How to Reach Asherigad Fort

Mode	Details
By Road	From Mumbai: ~110 km via NH48 → Reach Khodkona village.
By Train	Nearest station: Palghar or Saphale. Hire rickshaw or jeep to Khodkona.
By Bus	MSRTC buses available to Palghar. Local transport to base village.

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⛺ Trek & Trail Information

• Base Village: Khodkona

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate

• Trek Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (ascent)

• Fort Height: ~1,685 feet (514 meters)

• Best Season: October to February

🌿 Trek Route

• Trail begins from Khodkona village

• Initial walk through paddy fields → forest patches → rocky staircase

• Last patch includes steep rock cut steps and a carved entrance passage

❌ Avoid in heavy monsoon: Trail becomes slippery and visibility reduces due to mist

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🌄 Why You Must Visit Asherigad Fort

• 🏰 Unique Rock-Carved Steps & Entrance Gateway

• 🗿 Tribal Cave Carvings and old bastions

• 🌄 Stunning Views of Kohoj, Mahalaxmi Range & Arabian Sea

• 📸 Photography Delight with moss-covered stones and forest canopy

• 🧭 Quick Weekend Trek near Mumbai

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⛅ When to Visit vs. When to Avoid

☔ Avoid:

• June to September (Monsoon):

  • High humidity, moss, and water streams on trail

☀ Best Time:

• October to February:

  • Comfortable climate, clear valley views, and dry path

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⛔ Who Should Avoid This Trek?

• People with vertigo or climbing difficulty (last section is steep)

• Visitors expecting large intact buildings (structures are in ruins)

• Elderly without assistance

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💼 What to Carry

• 2L water, dry fruits, ORS or snacks

• Trekking shoes with good grip

• Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen

• First aid kit and insect repellent

• Phone with offline maps / guide

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✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts

✅ Do:

• Start trek early to avoid afternoon heat

• Respect tribal art and do not deface carvings

• Carry your own trash back

❌ Don’t:

• Don’t go during heavy rains without guide

• Don’t climb gate walls or step on cisterns

• Don’t leave plastic or wrappers behind

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🏯 Fort Features & Highlights

• Entrance Gateway: Carved arch with stone steps

• Cisterns: Rock-cut water tanks – some seasonal, some perennial

• Bastions: Ruined but provide excellent views

• Shrine: Small stone deity sculptures

• Stone Carvings: Old tribal motifs on caves and walls

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📅 Quick Info Table

Detail	Info
Base Village	Khodkona
Height	~1,685 feet
Trek Duration	1.5–2 hours (ascent)
Difficulty	Moderate
Best Season	October to February
Water Source	Rock tanks (seasonal)

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📸 Final Thoughts

Asherigad is a blend of raw rock architecture, Maratha legacy, and peaceful forest terrain. If you’re craving an ancient trekking route not overrun by crowds, this fort is a must-do.

🚀 Ascend Asherigad – where Portuguese stones, Maratha footsteps, and tribal echoes still whisper across Sahyadri cliffs!