Moragad Fort Blog History Trekking Guide Routes & Scenic Travel Info

Prabhuling jiroli

Apr 15, 2025 4:23 am

Moragad Fort, also known as Mora Fort, is a relatively lesser-known but culturally rich hill fort located in the Selbari-Dolbari range of Nashik district, Maharashtra. Sharing close proximity with Hargad Fort, it offers panoramic views, tranquil trekking trails, and ancient rock-cut architecture. It's a perfect destination for offbeat trekkers, explorers, and those seeking historical solitude.


πŸ›οΈ Historical Significance of Moragad Fort

✨ Medieval and Maratha Era

  • Moragad likely dates back to the Yadava or Bahmani period, used primarily as a hilltop lookout fort.

  • It gained prominence during the Maratha era, working as a strategic outpost along with Hargad Fort to monitor trade movement through the Satana-Dhule region.

  • It is believed to have been part of the Maratha border fortification system under Shivaji Maharaj.


🚜 How to Reach Moragad Fort

ModeDetails
By RoadFrom Nashik: ~110 km via Satana. Base village: Hargadwadi or Waghera.
By TrainNearest station: Nandgaon or Nashik Road, with further road travel to Satana.
By BusMSRTC buses to Satana; local transport to Hargadwadi or nearby hamlets.

β›Ί Trek & Trail Information

  • Base Village: Hargadwadi

  • Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Trek Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (one way)

  • Fort Height: ~3,100 feet (945 meters)

  • Best Season: October to February

🌿 Trek Routes:

  • Trail starts from Hargadwadi, first passing Hargad Fort.

  • A saddle connects Hargad to Moragad via a short ridge walk.

  • Path involves rocky steps, gradual ascent, and narrow forested sections.

❌ Avoid monsoon due to fog and loose rocks on ridge trail.


🌍 Why You Must Visit Moragad Fort

  • πŸŒ„ Twin Fort Experience with Hargad – Two forts, one trail

  • β›° Stunning 360Β° Views of the Selbari-Dolbari ranges

  • βš–οΈ Untouched Historic Vibes – A fort lost in time

  • 🌳 Perfect for Weekend Explorers seeking crowd-free hikes

  • πŸ“Έ Photography & Nature Spotting


β›… When to Visit vs. When to Avoid

β˜” Avoid:

  • June to September (Monsoon):

    • Risk of landslides, fog, and slippery boulders

β˜€ Best Time:

  • October to February:

    • Clear skies, excellent visibility, and dry terrain


β›” Who Should Avoid This Trek?

  • First-time trekkers during monsoon

  • Elderly or those with limited mobility due to rocky terrain

  • Tourists expecting large structures (Moragad is minimal in architecture)


πŸ’Ό What to Carry

  • Minimum 2L water and dry snacks

  • Shoes with good grip

  • Sunscreen, cap, sunglasses

  • Camera or phone for pictures

  • First aid kit and raincoat (post-monsoon)

  • Offline GPS if unaccompanied


βœ… Do's and ❌ Don'ts

βœ… Do:

  • Explore both Hargad and Moragad on same trail

  • Follow ridge markers and cairns

  • Start trek early morning

  • Respect local flora, fauna, and ruins

❌ Don’t:

  • Don’t trek without proper shoes or water

  • Don’t try to climb unmarked rock walls

  • Don’t leave litter or plastic


🏠 Fort Features & Structures

  • Main Entry: No formal gate; entry via ridge from Hargad

  • Structures: Small walls, broken bastions, and watch platforms

  • Water Tanks: 1–2 shallow cisterns, mostly dry post-winter

  • Ridge Access: Shared with Hargad Fort

  • Tower Remains: Crumbled lookout structure at one end


πŸ“… Quick Info Table

DetailInfo
Base VillageHargadwadi
Height~3,100 feet
Trek Duration1.5–2 hours (one way)
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Best SeasonOctober to February
Water SourceSeasonal cisterns

πŸ“Έ Final Thoughts

Moragad Fort offers a rich blend of history, landscape, and seclusion. Its connection with Hargad adds double value to your trek, giving you a deeper dive into Sahyadri's legacy.

πŸš€ Step into a twin fort journey – where every rock at Moragad whispers stories of the Maratha frontier!