Tringalwadi Fort is a fantastic and popular destination for trekkers and history enthusiasts, especially for those looking for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune.
Here is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about Tringalwadi Fort.
Tringalwadi Fort: A Complete Guide
Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain ranges near Igatpuri, Maharashtra, Tringalwadi Fort is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. At an elevation of about 3,000 feet, it’s an ideal trek for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, rewarding them with breathtaking panoramic views.
At a Glance
A Glimpse into History
While the exact origins of the fort are unclear, it is believed to have been built to guard the ancient trade route passing through the Ghoti Budruk pass. The fort has seen control by various rulers, including the Mughals and later the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Interestingly, the caves at the base of the fort are much older than the fort itself, dating back to the Buddhist period (around 1st century CE). This makes the site historically significant even before the fort’s construction.
The Trek Experience
The trek to Tringalwadi is a delightful journey that doesn’t require technical climbing skills.
Starting Point: The trek begins from Tringalwadi village. You can park your vehicle near the Hanuman Temple at the base of the fort.
The Route:
- Initial Path: The path starts behind the Hanuman Temple and is well-defined. It’s a gradual incline through a mix of open grasslands and patches of forest.
- Rock-Cut Steps: As you progress, you’ll encounter a series of ancient, rock-cut steps. These are the main “climbing” section of the trek but are quite manageable.
- Final Plateau: The steps lead you to a small plateau. From here, a short walk takes you to the main entrance of the fort.
The entire route is scenic, with the Western Ghats providing a stunning backdrop, especially during the monsoon when the entire region is lush green and dotted with waterfalls.
What to See on Top of the Fort
The summit of Tringalwadi is relatively small but packed with points of interest.
- Tringalwadi Caves: Located at the base of the fort, these Buddhist caves are a must-visit. There are a few carved rooms and a small Chaitya (prayer hall) with ancient carvings.
- Hanuman Temple: A small, serene temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated right at the start of the trek.
- Water Cisterns: There are several rock-cut water cisterns (tanks) on the fort, some of which hold potable water, especially after the monsoons.
- Fortifications & Entrance: The main entrance to the fort is still in good condition and offers a glimpse into its architectural past.
- The Viewpoint: The main attraction is the breathtaking 360-degree view from the top. On a clear day, you can see:
- Kalsubai Peak: The highest peak in Maharashtra.
- Arthur Lake & Bhandardara Dam: A beautiful sight, especially from the top.
- Other Forts: Peaks like Ratangad, Harishchandragad, and Ajoba are clearly visible.
- Igatpuri Railway Station: You can even spot the busy Igatpori railway yard from the summit.
Practical Information
How to Reach Tringalwadi
By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Igatpuri, which is a major station on the Mumbai-Nashik route of the Central Railway.
- From Igatpuri station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a local vehicle to reach Tringalwadi village, which is about 12-15 km away.
By Road:
- Tringalwadi is easily accessible by road. It’s located just off the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH-160).
- From Mumbai/Pune, take the highway towards Nashik. As you approach Igatpuri, look for a turn-off near Ghoti Budruk for Tringalwadi village.
- The roads are in good condition, and you can drive right up to the base village.
Best Time to Visit
- Monsoon (June – September): This is the most popular time. The landscape is a vibrant green, the weather is cool, and numerous waterfalls cascade down the hills. The path can be slippery, so wear good shoes.
- Winter (October – February): The weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, offering the best views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Ideal for photography.
- Summer (March – May): It is best to avoid visiting during this time as the weather is hot and dry, making the trek uncomfortable.
What to Carry
- Sturdy Trekking Shoes: A must-have for a good grip.
- Water & Snacks: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person and some energy bars or fruits.
- Raincoat/Poncho: Essential during the monsoon season.
- Cap, Sunglasses & Sunscreen: Important for the winter and summer months.
- First-Aid Kit: A basic kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and any personal medications.
- Camera: To capture the stunning views.
What is the difficulty level of Tringalwadi Fort?
The difficulty level of the Tringalwadi Fort trek is Easy to Moderate.
- Easy: The initial part of the trek is a gentle walk through a well-defined path. It’s not very steep, making it accessible for beginners and families.
- Moderate: The final section involves climbing a series of ancient, rock-cut steps. This part requires a bit of effort but is not technically difficult or dangerous.
Overall, it’s considered an excellent trek for first-timers and can be completed by anyone with a basic level of fitness within 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the best time to visit Tringalwadi Fort?
The best time to visit Tringalwadi Fort is during the Monsoon (June to September) and Winter (October to February) seasons.
- Monsoon (June – September): This is the most popular time. The entire region turns a vibrant shade of green, and numerous waterfalls cascade down the hills, making the landscape breathtakingly beautiful. The weather is cool and misty, adding to the adventure.
- Winter (October – February): The weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, offering the best panoramic views of the surrounding peaks like Kalsubai and the Bhandardara lake. It’s the ideal time for photography.
It’s best to avoid the summer months (March – May) as it can get very hot and dry, making the trek uncomfortable.
Is Tringalwadi Fort good for trekking?
Yes, absolutely! Tringalwadi Fort is a fantastic destination for trekking for several reasons:
- Beginner-Friendly: Its easy-to-moderate difficulty makes it a perfect starting point for novice trekkers.
- Rewarding Views: The effort is rewarded with stunning 360-degree views from the top, including sights of Kalsubai (Maharashtra’s highest peak), Arthur Lake, and other forts.
- Short and Sweet: The trek is relatively short (about 1.5-2 hours to the top), making it an ideal choice for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway from cities like Mumbai and Pune.
- Historical and Natural Combo: The trek offers more than just a climb. You get to explore ancient Buddhist caves at the base and a historic fort at the summit, all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
What is the history of Tringalwadi Fort?
While the exact origins of the fort are shrouded in some mystery, its history is quite fascinating:
- Ancient Trade Route Guard: The fort’s primary purpose was to serve as a watchtower to guard the ancient trade route passing through the nearby Ghoti Budruk pass.
- Chronology of Rulers: It is believed to have been under the control of local rulers before being captured by the Mughals. Later, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj recognized its strategic importance and incorporated it into the Maratha Empire.
- The Buddhist Caves: The most significant historical feature of the site is not the fort itself, but the Tringalwadi Caves located at its base. These caves are much older than the fort, dating back to the 1st century CE during the Buddhist period. They include a Vihara (monastery) and a Chaitya (prayer hall), indicating that the site was a prominent center for Buddhist monks long before the fort was built.
Where is Tringalwadi Lake located?
Tringalwadi Lake is located right at the base of Tringalwadi Fort in the Tringalwadi village, near Igatpuri in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.
To be more specific:
- Proximity to the Fort: The lake is a prominent feature that you see as you begin the trek. The path to the fort starts from the area near the lake and the Hanuman Temple.
- Scenic Beauty: The lake is a small, picturesque water body that beautifully reflects the fort and the surrounding hills, especially during the monsoon season. It adds to the serene ambiance of the base village.
- Part of the Landscape: It is not a separate destination but an integral part of the Tringalwadi Fort trek experience.
So, if you are planning to visit Tringalwadi Fort, you will inevitably pass by the lake at the very beginning of your climb.
Which fort is 90 degree in Nashik?
The fort in the Nashik region famously known for its “90-degree” climb is Alang Fort.
It is often referred to as the “90-degree fort” due to its extremely challenging and nearly vertical rock patches that trekkers must ascend to reach the summit.
Why is it called the ’90 Degree Fort’?
- Vertical Rock Patches: The final ascent to Alang Fort involves navigating massive, near-vertical rock faces. These patches are so steep that they feel like you are climbing a 90-degree wall.
- Technical Climbing: This is not a simple trek. Reaching the top of Alang requires technical rock climbing skills. Trekkers must use equipment like ropes, harnesses, and carabiners to safely navigate these sections.
- Extreme Difficulty: Alang Fort, along with its neighboring forts Madan and Kulang (collectively known as the AMK trek), forms one of the most difficult and challenging treks in the entire Sahyadri range.
Important Note: Alang Fort is strictly for expert trekkers and mountaineers with prior experience in technical rock climbing. Attempting this trek without the necessary skills, equipment, and an experienced guide is extremely dangerous.
Conclusion
Tringalwadi Fort is more than just a trek; it’s an experience that offers a refreshing escape into nature, a touch of ancient history, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned explorer, the beauty and tranquility of Tringalwadi are sure to leave you mesmerized.