Trek to Kothaligad (Peth Fort)

“Jai Shivaji – Jai Bhavani”

With permission of Hon’ble Shri. Ramsheth Thakur, Chairman, JBSP Sanstha and Hon’ble Shri. Y. T. Deshmukh, Vice-Chairman, JBSP Sanstha, the Bhagubai Changu Thakur College of Law had organized Trek to Kothaligad (Peth Fort) near Village Ambiwali, Tal. Karjat, Dist. Raigad on 10th November 2018. Dr. Mrs. Shitala Gavand, Principal of College, took efforts for planning and organizing this Trek, which cost just Rs. 650/- per person.

Kothaligad Fort rises to an elevation of 3100 ft. above sea level. The journey started from the College at 7:00 a.m. and we reached to village Ambivali After having break-fast at Ambiwali Village at Hotel Rishikesh belonging to Mr. Govind Jori, we proceeded to Peth Wadi (Village) at the base of the fort by walk of about 4.5 KMS and from there further trek to fort of about 2 KMS.

After reaching the top of the fort, it has a further elevation and that pinnacle is the main highlight of this fort. At the base of that pinnacle there is a small temple and large cave. We had snacks and fresh lime juice at the said cave. There is a chimney like tunnel which takes use to the top of the fort. This pinnacle is carved from inside forming a staircase for reaching the top of the pinnacle. The term “Kothala” (कोथळा) means intestine and because of the steps carved inside the pinnacle, this fort is named as Kothaligad. 

Top of the fort give opportunity to witness magnificent view of surrounding area including Sahyadri’s famous Bhimashankar range. There is rock cut water tanks carved out in the said pinnacle. Thereafter we returned to the base of the fort at peth village and had delicious lunch – chicken-bhakari at hotel Peth Killa belonging to Mr. Govind Jori. After resting for some time we marched back to village Ambivali and en-route witnessed magnificent view of sunset. At village Ambivali we had evening snacks and returned back to College at about 9 p.m.

The exertion required to visit one fort in Sahyadri, certainly give an idea about the tremendous hard efforts taken by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to establish Swarajya for us, which comprises about 350 forts. Jai Shivaji Jai Bhavani.

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