A Trekkers Paradise

Peth with its uniqueness manages to stay with you longer and high & above than all the others.

There are many hill stations in India, but as someone has very rightly said, some places are truly special in many more ways than what comes to mind. And Peth is definitely one of them. With soaring peaks, thriving flora, cool and soothing mountain air are the atmosphere that greets you in this tiny village of Peth around the year.

Peth, which means residence in English is also known as Kothaligad , situated in the Shahapur Taluka, approximately 21km North East of Karjat. One of the major draws of this place is that it is just 130 km away from Mumbai. Kothaligad, built at 3100 feet is ideal trekking destination, and is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base.

This fort though small in stature has immense historical significance. This fort was more of a ‘defense outpost’ than a full-fledged fort and is located at a vantage point. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage and gained importance during Sambhaji’s era. Indeed, this place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-country side charm, natural beauty, traditional livelihood and a great history.

“Although it is a long journey, due the spectacular sights along the way, you will enjoy your ride thoroughly. Greenery of the paddy fields and the murky brown streams crisscross the whole land. When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking, said Prajakta, 21, art student, who visited this place through her field trip.

Highlights of this location:
The pinnacle of the fort is visible from the village. The view from the top resembles an endless expanse of colourful canvas. Once there, you can also see the beautiful caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides it, runs a reservoir and the last one is the Bhairoba cave.

“The specialty of these caves is a flat floor and well sculpted pillars. These caves are famous for camping and make for a challenging trekking adventure which is yet not perilous. However it is advised that an expert should accompany a trekking trip in this cave for novice trekkers, said Dhanaji, 26, a frequent trekker.

Another highlight is that historical places like Kalwawantinicha Mahal, Nagfani, Siddhagad, Malanggad, Chanderi, Prabalgad, Manikgad, and Matheran that surround the fort are also visible from its apex.

“Kothaligad, is truly for nature lovers and best known for trekking. Peth is a tiny village which is devoid of any hotel for accommodation and food. Therefore it is advisable that the visitors carry their camping gears and packaged drinking water and food,” Shailesh Rane, a tour organiser.

In conclusion, don’t expect the luxury of city life here. This destination is certainly for those people who want to experience nature up and close and get a vivid taste of what wilderness is all about so close to the city.

So, if you are a nature lover, then you should mark this location on the top of your adventure holiday itinerary.

Fact File:
Location
Karjat – Peth – Kothaligad (Fort)
Weather
Mild temperate weather
Best time to visit
Monsoon and winter season
Drinking Water Facility
There are many a cisterns and tanks on the fort, but the one near the cave is reliable as long as you boil it. If you are hesitant about it then do carry packaged water as no other drinking facility is available.
How to reach
One can board a ST bus for Ambivali via Kashele or from Karjat railway station on Mumbai-Pune route. The distance from Karjat to Ambivali is about 30 Kms. You can use the roadway to Peth from Ambivali. An extensive pathway leads to the fort entrance from Peth.
On can also get down at Neral, another railway station on Mumbai-Pune route and reach Kashele by local transport and catch a bus for Ambivali.
Where to stay
The cave on the fort is the best place to spend the night.
Note: Make sure to carry your camping gear along to compensate for the lack of accommodation.
Time to Reach:
Ambivali to Peth – 2 hours
45 minutes from the base village, Peth