Mohangad Fort Trek | Varandha Ghat | Unexplored Fort in Pune | Complete Guide | Varandha Ghat | Information in Marathi
Fort names - Mohangad / Durgadi Fort / Jaslodgad / Jananicha Dongar / Shirgaon Fort
Fort Type - Hill Fort
Fort Height - 3681 ft
Location - Bhor Taluka, Pune District
Base Village - Shirgaon
Trek Grade - Moderate
Endurance Level - Moderate
Time (Base to Fort) - 2 hrs
Nearest Railway Station - Pune
Dated - 31 May 2026
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| Chh. Shivaji Maharaj's memorial was installed on Mohangad |
Brief information/history
Many forts were built to protect the passes/ghats in the Sahyadri Mountains. Over the years, these forts served as protectors of these passes. But over time, some forts fell into oblivion. One such unknown fort is Mohangad, also known as Durgadi Fort / Jaslodgad / Jananicha Dongar / Shirgaon Fort. This fort protects the Varandha Ghat, which connects the Raigad and Pune districts.
Best season to visit the fort
The best months to visit the fort are from January to May. It is said that from June to December, the entire path is covered in a lot of grass, bushes, and trees, making it difficult to reach here. Certainly not good for solo travelers. There are steps carved in many places in the steep section. But since the climb is very steep and it is also exposed, it can become slippery during the monsoon.
Entry fee
There is no entry fee to visit the fort.
Parking facility
At the base of the fort, there is a temple of Janani Mata, right next to the road. You can park your car/bike there. Also, if you go a little further up the unpaved road, there is a parking space for 15-20 cars.
Accommodation / Camping / Food / Toilet facilities
There is no tank with potable water or hotel anywhere on the fort/trek route. Also, there is no food, accommodation, or toilet facility. Accommodation can be arranged at the Janani Temple, but you should have enough water and food. Also, it gets cold here at night, even in summer. So you should make arrangements for it. If you have a tent, it would be best to pitch it near the temple. The wind is very strong in the area near the monument.
However, you will get accommodation/food/toilet facilities at the base of the fort, in the village, or near the Janani Mata Temple.
Family friendly
Not suitable for children or the elderly.
Mobile network availability
Mobile network (Jio) is available in many places at the base and on the fort.
How to reach Mohangad Fort?
By Rail:- The nearest railway station to the fort is Pune, and from here you have to go to the fort by road.
By Road:- This fort is 100 km away from Pune. From Pune, you can take the Satara Highway to Kapurhol village and from there to Bhor. There is a route from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Bhor towards Varandha Ghat. On this route, Shirgaon village comes before we reach Varandha Ghat. From this village, the route goes to the Durga or Janani temple. From there, the trek to the fort starts. Also, before the temple, an unpaved road takes you a little closer to the fort. But there is a bit of difficulty due to the rocks.
Currently, i.e., till May 2026, the work on the road leading to Varandha Ghat is underway. Therefore, it is being used very little for public transport. Therefore, at present, it will be convenient to come here only if you have your own vehicle.
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| View of dense forest and the Fort from the parking lot on the unpaved road |
I had not been to this fort before and had not heard much about it. But since I am active in the Sahyadri Pratishthan organization, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial, which is standing on the highest point of the fort, was to be inaugurated on May 31, 2026. I left from Pune towards Varandha Ghat the night before. I took a bike on the unpaved road next to Shirgaon, but there were many problems while riding the bike. At 11 pm, we parked the vehicle and started climbing towards Mohangad.
Base to the Fort Trek
The trek starts from the temple of Janani Mata at the base. But most tourists take bikes and start the trek a little further on the unpaved road. This initial path goes through dense bushes. A little climb, then a little flat, and so on, two or three times, we reach the vertical cliff of the fort in an hour.
Where people usually take the wrong turn: - There is not much difficulty in identifying the path. But in some places, like in the beginning, after going a little higher, some paths are seen going downwards, but they do not go to the fort. Also, after the trek path hits the cliff, paths are visible on both the right and left sides, but the correct path is on the right side. Apart from that, the fort is right in front of our eyes. But during the monsoon, the picture can be different. It is said that from June to December, due to the excessive amount of grass, bushes, and shrubs along the entire path, it is not easy to reach here. Certainly not if you are a beginner. Also, it can be difficult to find the way in dense fog.
In many places, steps are carved into this cliff. But since it is a very steep climb and it is also exposed, you have to climb very carefully. Half an hour is enough to climb this part, but if you take it easy for safety reasons, you can reach the fort in an hour.
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| The last stage of the fort |
Our trek, which started at 11 pm, took us about an hour through dense forest and fog, stopping at a cliff part. Since we were with many people, we did this part very carefully and calmly. One by one, at some distance, we all climbed the fort.
Places to visit in the fort
We did not see any remains that would indicate that we had reached the fort, such as an entrance or a fortification. The fort seems to have been naturally fortified on all sides. Before going to the temple of Janani, a narrow path on the left leads to a water tank. This very exposed path should be taken with some care. There is also a pillar tank here.
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| Pillar tank |
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| Temple of Janani / Mother Durga |
There are two paths behind the temple. One path goes to the left and descends a little to the very edge of the cliff, where there is a water tank. It is a bit difficult as it is very steep and has slippery soil. Only go this way if you have good shoes and experience.
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| Water tank |
The second path goes straight to the highest point of the fort, where the magnificent memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj now stands. The narrow path, dense bushes, and the steep cliff face. This memorial stands tall, overcoming all these challenges. All this was achieved through four consecutive years of hard work by the people who are associated with Sahyadri Pratishthan. May this unfamiliar fort get a new identity, and may fort lovers and wanderlust lovers from Maharashtra and the country turn here. This is our wish.
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| Chh.Shivaji's memorial at Mohangad |
We reached the fort around 1 am and did not take the risk of seeing these water tanks. We took the blessings of the Goddess and went to the memorial site. It was our fortune that we saw the inaugural ceremony of this memorial. Along with the gentle wind, the mist in the air was increasing. It was infused with new energy by the excitement of the awakening of God by Gondhal. The decoration started around 5 am, and the entire program was completed by 7 am. All the fort lovers celebrated this inauguration with Bhandara as usual. Well, the fort was still completely covered in the fog. Around 8 am, the fog cleared, and we went to see the water tank from the temple of the Goddess on the fort. Going there in the dark would have been a bit risky. The entire path leading to the fort was now visible. Many forts can be seen from the fort. Even though the atmosphere was a bit cloudy, we could easily identify Mangalgad, Rajgad, Torna, and Rohida Fort. We took the blessings of the Goddess Janani/Durga of the base. We started our way back after Mahaprasad.
Important safety instructions
Avoid going to the very edge as the railings have not yet been installed on the cliff or the fort.
Avoid taking photos/videos on the cliff/vertical climb part.
Nearby attractions
Varandha Ghat
Kavla Fort
Neera - Deoghar Dam Reservoir
On the way to Varandha Ghat, after reaching Shirgaon, I saw a hotel named 'Hotel Navdurga' on the way to the fort. I am sharing the contact and name written on their board here.
Hotel Navdurga - Mr. Gyanoba Pol 8983517965
My responsibility
Taking back the trash.
Not damaging historical buildings.
Not playing loud music.
Respecting local customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it suitable for beginners? NO
2. Is camping allowed? YES
3. Is permission required? NO
4. Are guides available? YES (ask villagers)
5. Can I visit during heavy rain? NOT RECOMMENDED
6. Can this trek be completed in one day? YES
7. Are there any technical climbing sections? NO
8. Are there exposed cliffs or narrow traverses? YES
9. Is the trail well-marked? NOT MUCH
10. Which is the main attraction of the place? JANANI TEMPLE & Chh.SHIVAJI Maharaj Memorial
#mohangad #jananichadurg #jananichakilla #shirgaonfort #shirgaonchakilla #durgadifort #durgadi #shirgaon #bhor #pune
- Vinod Kamble
- Pune, Maharashtra, India
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