Mohangad
Maps & Routes
Explore detailed maps and trekking routes to reach the fort
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Browse All MapsIntroduction
The ghats of Kavlya ghat, Singapur Naal, Borotyachi Naal, Bocheghol Naal, Nisanichi Vaat etc which ended in Konkan on the west shore of Maharashtra provided a vital link to the villages and market places. Of these, Varandha ghat was one of the most important trade route which connected Mahad in the Konkan region to Bhor.
Durgadi is the base village of Mohangad due to which this fort is also called as Durgadi fort and the mountain is named after Goddess Janani, whose temple is on the top.
Historical Background
Series of forts were built to protect these ghats which were a vital trade link. During the battle of Pratapgad, Shivaji Maharaj had addressed to Bajiprabhu Deshpande in a letter stating that the fort of Jaslodhgad which has been unused and unattained for a long time should be repaired and renamed as Mohangad and a garrison of 5 to 25 soldiers should be stationed.
It was in 2008 that with the help of this letter Sachin Joshi of Pune discovered Durgadi/Janani hill is none other than Jaslodhgad/Mohangad itself.
How to Reach
1) One has to reach Mahad on the Mumbai-Goa highway. After Mahad on the Mahad-Bhor route start ascending Varandha ghat where there is a diversion to the right for Shirgaon/Durgadi village after 10 kms. In Shirgaon village the path from the last temple takes us to the fort.
2) On the Mumbai-Pune-Bhor route, 30 kms from Bhor towards Mahad on the Varandha ghat there is a diversion on the left to Shirgaon/Durgadi. 2-3 kms from this diversion, there is a temple on the left from where a path takes us to the fort.
There are three routes to the fort of which two are via Durgadi village and one via Shirgaon. The route on the right side of the temple in Shirgaon is well marked and regularly used by the villagers. The route from the left side of temple passes through the dense forest of the foot hills. This route eventually meets the route coming from Durgadi village. One comes across an idol and a temple on this route. Moving further the steps built in stone take us to the fort top.
Points of Interest
There are hardly any remnants on the fort apart from the temple of Goddess Janani and ruins of a mansion. There are three water tanks on the fort of which only one holds potable water. Rajgad, Torana, Raigad, Pratapgad, Kavla forts can be seen in a clear sky.
Facilities & Amenities
Accommodation
3 to 4 people can live in the Janani temple.
Food
Nil
Water
One of the water tanks on the fort has potable water.
Planning Your Trek?
Pack Smart
Carry essentials, water, and first aid kit
Start Early
Begin your trek early in the morning
Trek in Groups
Always trek with companions for safety