Sajjangad Fort, located in Satara, Maharashtra, is one of the most significant spiritual and historical forts in India. The fort is famous as the final resting place of Sant Ramdas Swami, the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Standing at 3,825 feet (1,166 meters) above sea level, Sajjangad Fort offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountains. It is a popular pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and trekkers alike.

 

📜 1. History of Sajjangad Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Sajjangad Fort was originally known as "Aswalya Gad" and was built in the 12th century by the Shilahar dynasty.
• The fort was later captured by the Bahmani Sultanate and subsequently came under the control of the Adilshahi dynasty of Bijapur.

⚔️ Maratha Era & Sant Ramdas Swami

• In 1673, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Sajjangad Fort from the Adilshahi Sultanate.
• Shivaji Maharaj later gifted the fort to Sant Ramdas Swami, making it his permanent residence and spiritual center.
• After Sant Ramdas Swami passed away in 1681, the fort became a sacred site for his followers.

🏛️ British Era & Current Status

• After the fall of the Maratha Empire in 1818, the British took control of the fort, but it remained a religious site.
• Today, Sajjangad Fort is maintained by the Ramdas Swami Sansthan, and free food (prasad) is served to visitors daily.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Sajjangad Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Sajjangad Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Satara	16 km	30 minutes
Pune	120 km	3 hours
Mumbai	260 km	5.5 hours
Kolhapur	130 km	3.5 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Satara Railway Station (18 km)
• From Satara, take a local taxi or bus to reach Sajjangad Fort base.

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses run from Mumbai, Pune, and Kolhapur to Satara.
• From Satara Bus Stand, hire a rickshaw or private vehicle to reach the base of the fort.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Pune/Mumbai: Drive via NH-48 (Mumbai-Bangalore Highway), then take the Satara exit to reach the fort.

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🥾 3. Trekking to Sajjangad Fort

🗺️ Trekking Routes & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Sajjangad Base Route	Sajjangad Base	Easy	30-45 minutes

⏳ Best Time for Trekking

✅ Winter (October - March) – Best time, cool weather ❄️
✅ Post-Monsoon (September - October) – Ideal for lush greenery 🌿
❌ Avoid Monsoon (June - August) – Slippery trails & heavy rainfall 🌧️

🔍 Trekking Tips

✔️ Start early (before 10 AM) to avoid heat.
✔️ Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
✔️ Wear sturdy trekking shoes for rocky terrain.
✔️ Stick to marked trails – Some sections are steep and rocky.

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🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Sajjangad Fort?

✅ Final Resting Place of Sant Ramdas Swami – A sacred pilgrimage site for devotees.
✅ Stunning 360° Views of Satara – Overlooks Sahyadri mountains, Kaas Plateau, and Urmodi Dam.
✅ Great for Beginner Trekkers – A short and easy trek with spiritual and historical significance.
✅ Less Crowded & Peaceful – A hidden gem for history lovers & photographers.
✅ Nearby Attractions – Visit Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers), Thoseghar Waterfalls, and Ajinkyatara Fort.

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🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance Gate	The main entrance of the fort, still intact.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Sant Ramdas Swami Samadhi	The final resting place of Sant Ramdas Swami.
Bhakt Niwas	Provides free lodging for pilgrims and visitors.
Water Cisterns	Ancient reservoirs for water storage.
Ancient Temples	Includes Shri Ram Temple and Hanuman Temple.

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🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Sajjangad Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (July-August) – Risk of landslides & slippery trails.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No lighting, unsafe for exploration.
❌ Hot Summers (April-May) – High temperatures and dehydration risks.

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⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trek?

🚷 Elderly people with mobility issues – The trek involves steep steps and uneven terrain.
🚷 People with breathing difficulties – Humidity in monsoon makes it tougher.
🚷 Young kids (under 5 years) – The uneven terrain can be risky.

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🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trek?

✔️ 2-3 liters of water per person.
✔️ Trekking shoes with a strong grip.
✔️ Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen (for summer treks).
✔️ Raincoat/Poncho (for monsoon treks).
✔️ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers).
✔️ Energy bars & dry snacks.
✔️ Power bank & fully charged phone.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Sajjangad Fort is a must-visit for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and trekkers. Whether you want to explore a historic Maratha fort, experience spiritual peace, or enjoy a scenic trek, Sajjangad Fort offers it all.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, respect nature, and enjoy the adventure! 🚶‍♂️🏰🌿