Planning to trek Asherigad sounds like an exciting adventure! Let’s break down your queries about accommodations and food near the fort.
Staying Near Asherigad Fort
Palghar: The nearby town of Palghar offers various hotels and guesthouses catering to different budgets.
Base Village Khodkona: Local villagers offer night stays and food arrangements at reasonable costs, often in caves on the fort itself. This can be a unique experience, blending adventure with local hospitality ¹ ² ³. Lakshman Bhutkade 7875466673 Khodkana village
Food Options
Palghar: Local eateries serve authentic Maharashtrian cuisine like poha, misal pav, and thalipeeth, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage. Street food stalls offer vada pav and pav bhaji for quick bites.
Khodkona: Food arrangements are available through local villagers, often including traditional meals. It’s advisable to carry some ready-to-eat snacks and water for the trek. Lakshman Bhutkade 7875466673 Khodkana village
lakshman bhutkade house at asherigad base village
On the Fort: There are water cisterns on the fort with potable water till December, so carrying refillable bottles is a good idea ¹ ² ⁴.
Additional Tips
Best Time to Visit: October to March is considered ideal for trekking, with cooler and more comfortable weather.
Getting There: Reach Palghar Railway Station, then take a bus or local taxi to Mastan Naka, followed by a shared rickshaw to Khodkona, the base village.
Trek Duration: The trek typically takes 2-2.5 hours, classified as medium difficulty ⁵ ² ³.
Would you like more details on the trek route, historical significance of Asherigad Fort, or tips on preparing for the trek?
Reaching Asherigad Fort involves a mix of train, road, and trekking. Here’s how you can get there from Mumbai and Palghar.
From Mumbai
Train: Take a local train from Mumbai’s Churchgate or Dadar station to Palghar Railway Station. Palghar is well-connected by Western Railway.
Road from Palghar: From Palghar Railway Station, head to Mastan Naka (also known as Asheri Phata). You can take:
Bus: Local buses ply from Palghar to Mastan Naka.
Auto/Taxi: Hiring an auto-rickshaw or taxi is another option for reaching Mastan Naka.
Reach Khodkona Village: From Mastan Naka, take a shared rickshaw or local transport to Khodkona village, the base village for the Asherigad trek.
Trek to Fort: Start the trek from Khodkona village. The trek is about 2-2.5 hours, classified as medium difficulty.
From Palghar
Mastan Naka: From Palghar town, head to Mastan Naka (Asheri Phata) by:
Auto/Taxi: Convenient for direct transport.
Local Bus: Available services connect Palghar to Mastan Naka.
Khodkona Village: From Mastan Naka, take a shared rickshaw to Khodkona, the trek’s starting point.
Trek: Begin the ascent to Asherigad Fort from Khodkona.
Additional Tips
Road Conditions: Roads can be narrow and winding; plan accordingly.
Public Transport: Frequency of buses and shared autos might vary; check local schedules.
Trek Preparation: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, snacks, and essentials like sunscreen and a first-aid kit.
Local Guidance: Hiring a local guide can enhance the experience, especially for navigation. Lakshman Bhutkade 7875466673 Khodkana village
Would you like details on the trek difficulty, best time to visit, or things to pack for the Asherigad trek?
Let’s dive into your questions about Asherigad Trek and the fort itself.
Asherigad Trek Difficulty
Moderate Difficulty: Asherigad trek is generally considered medium or moderate difficulty. The trek involves ascents, rocky patches, and some steep sections.
Duration: The trek typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the fort from Khodkona village.
Fitness Level: A reasonable level of physical fitness is advisable; comfortable shoes and preparation are key.
Type of Fort
Hill Fort: Asherigad is a hill fort located in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, showcasing Maratha architectural influences.
Historical Significance: The fort has connections to Maratha history; it’s known for its strategic location and remnants like water cisterns.
Structures: Asherigad features ruins typical of such forts, including caves and storage structures.
Best Time to Visit Asherigad
October to March: Post-monsoon (October-November) and winter months (December-March) are considered ideal for trekking due to comfortable weather.
Monsoon (June-September): While the landscape is lush, monsoon trekking can be slippery and challenging; caution is needed.
Avoid Peak Summer: April-May can be quite hot.
Additional Aspects
Scenic Views: The fort offers panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys.
Water Availability: There’s potable water in cisterns on the fort till December; carrying water is advisable.
Local Arrangements: Villagers in Khodkona offer food and stay arrangements.
Would you like tips on preparing for the trek, packing essentials, or exploring other treks in Maharashtra?
asherigad to base village
2012
Both of us managed to catch 5.58 local and the result of the same was that we were sitting at Virar Station at 6.45 am !
Local train to Palghar as usual was jam packed .We reached Palghar at 9.10 am and came to ST stand just outside the station from where we were to take bus to Mastan Naka ,we took bus to Ounda
ST buses also ply to base village of Khodkona. First ST bus to Khodkona leaves at 08:00 am from the Palghar ST Stand. From Mastan Naka there are Tumtum available
How to reach
The nearest town is Manor which is 80 km from Thane. The Fort lies between mastan naka and Charoti naka. There are local rickshaws available from either nakas to reach the base village Khodkona खडकोना. There are good hotels at Mastan Naka and Charoti Naka. Now tea and snacks are also available in small hotels on the Highway. The trekking path starts from the hillock north of the Khodkona. The route is very safe and wide. There is a dense forest on the trekking route. It takes about an hour to reach the col below the fort hill. The narrow path climbing up on the eastern side of the hill leads to the entrance of the fort. The night stay on the fort can be made in the cave on the fort. The local villagers make night stay and food arrangements at a reasonable cost.
Local guide Lakshman : 7875466673 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyipWtvL77Y
