Type: Hill Fort.
Region: Raigad.
Grade: Easy.
Height: 1600 ft. (appx)
SARASGAD: Pali, one out of the eight “Ashtavinayak” Ganesh Temples is also the place where Sarasgad is located. Lord Ganesh 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.
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 Shahapeer. 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.
Itinerary
Meeting Point: Panvel station
07.15 hrs: Panvel station
07.20 hrs: proceed to Panvel ST depot
07.35 hrs: Panvel ST depot
07.45 hrs: Catch bus for Pali
09.15 hrs: Pali
09.30 hrs: Ballaleshwar temple- One of the Asthavinayak Temple.
10.00 hrs: Ascend
12.00 hrs: At top
12.00 – 13.00 hrs: Rest Explore
13.00 hrs: Descend
14.30 hrs: At Ballaleshwar temple
15.00 hrs: Lunch
16:00 hrs Proceed back to Mumbai
The cost for the event will be Rs 400/- per participant which includes, Travelling from Panvel to Panvel, Breakfast, Lunch and expertise charges.
Bank Details:
Bank Name: STATE BANK OF INDIA
Branch: WORLI NORTH-MUMBAI
Account Number: 31072085902
Name: NILESH KRISHNA KENGA
IFS Code: SBIN0000290
MICR Code: 400002088
After transaction do email us transaction_id along with participant’s details (name, email and mobile number) at trekoking@gmail.com
For registration and more details please contact
Sushama: 9820863407
Nilesh: 9987446261
Plz do sms your name and email_id if call not received
Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry:
1. A haversack to put in all the things to be carried. So that one has hands free while trekking.
2. A bottle of water (1.5 ltr).
3. Camera (Optional).
4. Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon, some snacks & biscuits (optional).
5. Torch with extra batteries.
6. Personal medicines & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution, mosquito’s cream.
7. A good trekking shoes.
8. And most important: A sense of adventure.