Kangorigad Fort Blog History Trek Guide Routes & Sahyadri Wilderness Escape

Prabhuling jiroli

Apr 16, 2025 5:16 am

Kangorigad Fort is a remote and wild fort located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, near Amboli Ghat, close to the Sindhudurg district. With thick forest cover, mysterious ruins, and pristine views, Kangorigad is a trekkerโ€™s delight for those seeking offbeat, untouched historical experiences.


๐Ÿ›๏ธ Historical Significance of Kangorigad Fort

โœจ Ancient and Maratha Period

  • The fort likely dates back to the Bahmani or early Maratha era, used as a jungle outpost.

  • It formed part of the strategic Western Ghats surveillance chain, overlooking routes toward Goa and Konkan.

  • Not much documentation exists, but local tribal folklore mentions it as a hilltop refuge and signal post.


๐Ÿš— How to Reach Kangorigad Fort

ModeDetails
By RoadFrom Sawantwadi: ~35 km โ†’ reach Gavse or Chaukul village (base).
By TrainNearest station: Sawantwadi Road. From there, take a private jeep to Chaukul.
By BusMSRTC or private buses to Amboli; further local transport needed.

โ›บ Trek & Trail Information

  • Base Village: Chaukul or Gavse

  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate

  • Trek Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours (one way)

  • Fort Height: ~2,800 feet (853 meters)

  • Best Season: October to February

๐ŸŒฟ Trek Routes

  • Begin from Chaukul village and follow the jungle trail uphill

  • Dense canopy, slippery leaves, and occasional stream crossings

  • Last patch includes a steep scramble up mossy stones and roots

โŒ Avoid during monsoon: Extremely slippery, dense fog, and leeches


๐ŸŒ„ Why You Must Visit Kangorigad Fort

  • ๐ŸŒณ Complete Forest Immersion โ€“ Trek through untouched Sahyadri wilderness

  • ๐Ÿฐ Forgotten Fort Ruins of stone walls and bastions

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Great for Explorers & Wildlife Photographers

  • ๐Ÿงญ Offbeat, Solitary Trekking Experience

  • ๐ŸŒ… Stunning Views of Amboli Plateau & Waterfalls


โ›… When to Visit vs. When to Avoid

โ˜” Avoid:

  • June to September (Monsoon):

    • Heavy rainfall, zero visibility, and leeches in forest

โ˜€ Best Time:

  • October to February:

    • Cool climate, clear trail, and safe hiking conditions


โ›” Who Should Avoid This Trek?

  • Inexperienced trekkers without guidance

  • Elderly with knee or heart conditions

  • Those expecting tourist facilities or signage


๐Ÿ’ผ What to Carry

  • 2โ€“3L water, dry snacks, fruits

  • Hiking boots with high grip

  • Cap, insect repellent, and sunscreen

  • Offline GPS or trek guide

  • Rain poncho (post-monsoon), torch, first aid


โœ… Doโ€™s and โŒ Donโ€™ts

โœ… Do:

  • Take a local guide from Chaukul village

  • Inform locals before you begin the trek

  • Start early and descend before dusk

  • Stay in marked paths or use GPS

โŒ Donโ€™t:

  • Donโ€™t go solo without experience

  • Donโ€™t disturb wildlife or flora

  • Donโ€™t trek during heavy rain or fog


๐Ÿฏ Fort Features & Highlights

  • Gate Structure: Crumbled stone gateway at ridge point

  • Watchtowers: Collapsed bastion bases visible

  • Water Tanks: Natural cisterns and rocky pits (seasonal)

  • Temple Base: Broken remnants of a shrine

  • Forest Vantage Points: Cliffside ledges with valley views


๐Ÿ“… Quick Info Table

DetailInfo
Base VillageChaukul / Gavse
Height~2,800 feet
Trek Duration2โ€“2.5 hours (one way)
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonOctober to February
Water SourceSeasonal tanks and streams

๐Ÿ“ธ Final Thoughts

Kangorigad is not your usual fort. It's a mystical jungle adventure through time and terrain. Perfect for those looking to escape the commercial trek scene and step into natureโ€™s untouched fortress.

๐Ÿš€ Step into the shadows of Sahyadri โ€“ climb Kangorigad, the hidden fort of whispers and wilderness.