Sarasgad is located near Pali, it is the one out of the eight “Ashtavinayak” Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha of Pali is named ‘Ballaleshwar’ and located just behind the temple can be seen the ramparts of Sarasgad fort. The fort was mainly used to keep a check on the surrounding regions. From the fort, Pali and all surrounding areas can be seen. Shivaji Maharaj brought this fort under Swarajya and spent 2000 Hon (the prevailing currency) for its reconstruction. Till independence this fort was under Bhor Sansthan.
Type: Hill Fort.
Region: Raigad.
Grade: Easy.
Height: 1400 ft. (appx)
Base Village: Pali
Charges: Rs 350/-
(The charges for the trek are Rs 350/- per head, which includes traveling from Lowjee to Pali return by local vehicle (ST/ Jeep/Tum tum), breakfast, eve refreshment.)
Sightseeing:
Near the main entrance we see a triple curtain wall. Going rightwards and ascending 15 steps we see the ramparts. To the left there is a big water tank. Next to it was a gallery. Further there is another way to the fort. Near this is a water tank named ‘Moti Haud’. If we go at right, we have to ascend 15 steps and then we reach the base of citadel.
Base of Citadel:
Here we see a very big water reservoir. To its left is the tomb of Shahpeer. Near to it few small lakes are seen. In a cavern nearby we see ‘Shivlinga’. Here a few can stay. At the right side of the tank we see silos, armory, jail and residences. Here also 10 to 12 people can be accommodated. Next to it is the way towards citadel.
Top of Citadel:
On the fort we see Kedareshwar temple and a lake nearby. Two bastions are there to keep watch on surrounding areas. From citadel we can see the mountain of ‘Tin Kavdi’. We can locate Sudhagad, Tailbaila, Dhangad and Korigad.
Trek Schedule:
Rangers should get into this local from their respective stations with Khopoli Return ticket.
Train Timings: Karjat (S) slow Local
CST 5.18 am Dadar 5.36 am
Kurla 5.47 am Ghatkopar 5.53 am
Bhandup 6.02 am Thane 6.12 am
Dombivali 6.34 am Kalyan 6.44 am
Ambernath 6.56 am Karjat 7.40 am
Catch this local from your respective stations in second last compartment or meet directly at Karjat Railway Station. From here we will move by Khopoli local to reach lowjee station.
Karjat 8.10 am - Lowjee 8.34 am
Tentative Schedule:
08.40 am: will move from lowjee station to pali.
09.40am: With intro round will start for trek.
12.30pm: will reach on top.
02.30pm: Till we will explore fort with Lunch.
04.30pm: Back to ballaleshwar & if time permits then will visit temple.
08.30pm: Tentatively back to Panvel.
Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry for the trek:
Compulsory items
Lunch for the day ,Id proof, approx 3 ltr water, Torch with extra batteries, some snacks, if you have any medical issue please carry your own medicine as we carry only First aid, carry some extra cloths,Raincoat.
Noncompulsory items
Cap, Sunglasses, Woolen Jacket, Camera , Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry, mosquito’s repellent, Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon, & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution.
(It’s totally your responsibility to take care of your things.)
VRangers Rules & Regulation:
http://vrangers.com/rules-a-regulation
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