Salota Fort, a lesser-known but historically significant fort in Maharashtra, stands adjacent to the famous Salher Fort in the Baglan region of Nashik district. It is part of the twin forts – Salher and Salota, which played a major role in the Maratha-Mughal conflicts.

At 4,900 feet (1,494 meters) above sea level, Salota Fort is smaller yet equally adventurous, offering panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range. The trek to Salota Fort is less crowded, making it an ideal destination for trekkers looking for a peaceful yet thrilling adventure.

 

📜 1. History of Salota Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Salota Fort was built as a watchtower for Salher Fort, controlling the trade routes between Gujarat and Nashik.
• The fort dates back to the Satavahana dynasty (200 BCE - 200 CE) and was later used by the Yadavas and Bahmani rulers.

⚔️ Maratha & Mughal Era

• In 1671, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Salher and Salota forts from the Mughals, marking a turning point in Maratha warfare.
• The Battle of Salher (1672) was one of the biggest Maratha-Mughal battles, where Shivaji’s army defeated the Mughal forces.
• Salota Fort was used as a defense outpost, storing weapons, food, and supplies for Salher Fort.

🏛️ British Era & Current Status

• After the fall of the Maratha Empire in 1818, the British took control of both Salher and Salota Forts.
• Today, Salota Fort remains in ruins but offers an incredible trek, historical structures, and breathtaking views.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Salota Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Salota Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Nashik	100 km	3.5 hours
Mumbai	300 km	7 hours
Pune	340 km	7.5 hours
Satana	70 km	2 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Manmad Junction (130 km)
• From Manmad, take a local taxi or bus to Salher village (trek base for Salher & Salota Forts).

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses run from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik to Satana.
• From Satana, hire a rickshaw or private vehicle to reach the trek starting point.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Mumbai/Pune: Drive via NH-160 (Mumbai-Nashik Highway), then take the Satana road towards Salher village.

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🥾 3. Trekking to Salota Fort

🗺️ Trekking Routes & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Salota Fort Route	Salher Village	Moderate	3-4 hours
Salota via Salher Route	Salher Fort	Moderate	1 hour from Salher

⏳ 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 & landslide risks 🌧️

🔍 Trekking Tips

✔️ Start early (before 9 AM) to avoid heat.
✔️ Carry at least 3 liters of water per person.
✔️ Wear sturdy trekking shoes for rocky terrain.
✔️ Stick to marked trails – Some sections are steep and exposed.

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🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Salota Fort?

✅ The Twin Fort of Salher – Explore Two Historic Forts in One Trek 🏰
✅ 360° Views of the Sahyadri Range & Baglan Region 🌄
✅ Perfect for Offbeat & Less Crowded Trekking Experience 🏕️
✅ Site of the Great Maratha Victory – Battle of Salher ⚔️
✅ Nearby Attractions: Salher Fort, Mulher Fort & Patta Fort 🚗

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🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance Gate	The only fortified entrance to Salota Fort.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Bastions	Used for defensive purposes and keeping an eye on Salher Fort.
Rock-cut Water Tanks	Ancient reservoirs for water storage.
Ruins of Storage Houses	Used by the Marathas for food & ammunition storage.

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🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Salota Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (July-August) – High risk of landslides & slippery trails.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No lighting, unsafe for descent.
❌ Hot Summers (April-May) – Extreme heat & 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 a fear of heights – Some sections of the trail are narrow and exposed.
🚷 Young kids (under 5 years) – The rocky terrain can be risky.

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🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trek?

✔️ 3-4 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

Salota Fort is a must-visit for history buffs, trekkers, and adventure lovers. Whether you want to explore an ancient twin fort, challenge yourself with a high-altitude trek, or enjoy breathtaking views, Salota Fort is a perfect choice.

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