Korigad trek

Koraigad (also called Korigad, Koarigad or Kumwarigad) 

Trek can be covered during daytime, evening or as a Night Trek, Easy trek that takes you at a vantage point from one gets a Bird's Eye View of Ambi Valley (Model Hill Station Township), Ancient fort exploration, Few old temple complexes, during monsoon and early winter the fort also has couple of small ponds, Exploring Rural countryside near Koraigad, On the way back we will also stop at Tiger Hill.

Altitude: 3000 Feet above mean sea level

Trek Grade: Easy (Suitable for beginners and children too).

Experience Category: Trek easy grade climbing a hill fort (around one hour to one and half hour climb; less than one hour to descend; plus time spend exploring the fort).

Location: 20 KM from Lonavala along Ambi Valley Route (Base village - Peth Shahpur village)

Best Season: the Best season is Monsoon and Winter, but is good round the year.

In Summers a Good Trek for Mornings and Evening...

Duration: One Day trip from Pune / Mumbai.

Who is for? Families with kids / Individuals interested in getting first time introduced to trekking with an easy grade. 

Recomended Schedule:

6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune

8:30 am  – Meet at Lonavala

Drive from Lonavala to Base Village (45 minutes)

9:45 am / 9:00 am Arrival at base village

Tapri Chai / Biscuit / Snack at Base village

10:30 am Start of trek

60 to 90 minutes easy trek to the summit from base village

Explore the fort

01:00 pm Return Trek from summit to base village

02:30 On the way back recommended stop at Lion Head point.

Back in Lonavala between 04:00 pm

Trek Fee –

Ex. Lonavala	Ex. Mumbai / Pune	Minimum Group Size
650	825	40
770	850	25
950	1450	10
1150	2350	5

Trek fee includes:
Trek Management; Trek Lead; Safety Equipment and First Aid
Transport to base village and back
Breakfast and Evening Tea/Snack (Rural tea/Snacks/Breakfast).

If you want only experienced trek guide call.

There are plenty of options to reach Lonavala from Mumbai / Pune: Train, Luxury Bus, Share Cabs, Private Cabs, ST etc.

Click here for registration / bank details

Click here for other scheduled treks/camps/road trips/travel 

Click here for One Day Trek Checklist 

Experiences:

Easy Trek, Ancient Fort Exploration and Exploring Rural Countryside.

Scroll down to know more about  places around Lonavala.. also if you would like to plan a custom trek for a group.

Click here for additional transport cost and options

Exclusions:
Food is not included, Bottled Water or other beverages other than mentioned above not included, Tips not include.

Anything that is not included is excluded.

To design Custom trips for large group of over 20 persons or more kindly get in touch with Asif (whatsapp / sms : +91-9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net )

Commercial Terms / Cancellation Policy for One Day Trek Click Here

Night Trek

More about Korigad Fort

Korigad (Koraigad, Koarigad / Kumwarigad) is a hill fort located about 20 km South of Lonavala in the Maval region is the Koraigad fort which offers a panoramic view of the Deccan Plateau as well as the Konkan region. To get here you have to take the INS Shivaji road from Lonavala to Ghusalkhamb, Peth-Shahpur and Ambawawne, the village at the foothill. From here is a slightly arduous path through moderately thick forest leads to a flight of steps take you to the main entrance of fort. From the village of Peth-Shahpur you can see Koraigad hill rising like a steep wall. Its height is 3000 feet from mean sea level, but the height from peth-shahpur to the top is about 800-1000 feet. The path to the forest goes along a flat plain for quite a while before entering the forest just below the fort. From here to the main doorway is a steep climb, through dense vegetation. Among the various trees which can be found here are fig, mango, bamboo, hirda, kokum, nirgudi, karti, raanwangi, ghasodi. Occasional rare spotting of barking deer, boars, peacocks, doves are among the animals and birds found here. Half-way along the path to the left, you can see a carved Ganpati idol in a rock. Further ahead, just short of the main doorway, is a water tank, containing cool and fresh water. On entering the main door, you find a cannon lying to one side. To the left is the main gateway, the Ganesh Gate. From here far to the left, you can see the Duke’s Nose and the INS Shivaji area, while straight ahead is the Jambhuli mountain range beyond which is Tungi hill. The southern side of the fort has a temple dedicated to Koraidevi. The roof of this temple had been blown away some time ago, but now some enthusiasts have got together and had a new roof fixed. Outside the temple are two stone lamps. Inside is a four feet tall idol of the goddess. Behind the temple, adjacent to the ramparts of the fort, this is by far the largest. To the south is the well-fortified Ambavane gateway. There are two lakes on the hill where often groups of vultures hover. Visible from here are the Mulshi lake, the Bhamburda mountain and the Durga hill. The western part of the fort contains some caves and an idol of Vishnu. From the northern bastion of the fort, there is a panoramic view of the Konkan area.

Things to explore on the fort, there are few temples on the fort to its patron goddess Koraidevi also exists along with several smaller temples to dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The former has been recently renovated and has a 3 foot high Deepmala(tower of lamps). The interesting part of the fort is that its wall is completely intact and one can walk along its entire perimeter(about 2 km). Its massive gate is also intact. Several ruins of older structures within the fort still exist. It has six cannons - the largest of which called the Laxmi Toph is located near the Korai devi temple.

This fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657. On March 11, 1818, Colonel Prother tried to take over this fort but even after a prolonged siege could not make any headway. Finally on 14 March, by igniting the stored ammunition by means of a loose cannon ball he succeeded and this fort went to the British

Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):

Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA

Account No.: 50200006370273

Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited

RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019

Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 

JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,

WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA

Also check the following links:
Few camping options in Maharashtra Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here
Team Building Program - Click here
Some of our credentials - click here
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Kathingad Tung

A Short and steep Hill trek, Rural Countryside, Standing tall at over 3500 feet from mean sea level gives you a Magestic 360 degree view of mountains and forts around Pauna Lake

Planned Itinerary

Location: About 15 km from Lonavala

Route: Andheri – Sion – Chembur – Vashi – Panvel - Express Highway – Lonavala – INS Shivaji – Ghusalkhamb Village – Tung Village

Altitude: of Tung – 3526 feet from mean sea level; climb around 1200 feet.

Category: Moderate

Kathingad Trek Photos click here

Suggested Plan for Kathingad Trek 

6:00 am Andheri West, S.V. Road, Near Merwans Bakery opp. Brahmakumari Hospital, Outside Bus Depot
6:15 am Valoka Junction (Santacruz East) / Bandra, Kalanagar Junction (Bandra East), Near exit of Sky Walk
6:20 am Outside Sion Station
6:30 am Chembur (Opp. Akbar Allis Departmental Stores)
6:45 am Vashi, Highway and station Road Cross Junction, Near Volvo Bus pickup point

Reporting at Lonavala 8:30 (Kumar Resort)

Breakfast at base village

Suggested Schedule for custom treks:

Pickup Points:

6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune around 6 am.

8:30 am Arrival at Lonavala (breakfast at Lonavala)

9:30 am expected arrival at Base of Tung Fort (Introduction / Induction at base of Tung Fort).

Trek to Tung

4:15 pm expected back at base village (carry packed lunch for the trek).

If you wish to be back to Lonavala for lunch then start the trek latest by around 7:30 am.

Trip Fee: for Fixed Schedule Trek

Rs.1450/- per person 

(Includes Travel Ex. Mumbai/Ex. Lonavala, Breakfast, Evening Tea/ Coffee/ Biscuits, Trek Lead and Support, First Aid and Safety Kit).

Custom Trip Fee: 

Rs.1650/- per person. (Minimum billing for 5 persons) - 1 MUV or Car and 1-Guide

Rs.1550/- per person. (Minimum billing 7 persons to 12 persons) - Winger or Tempo Traveller -  1- Guide

Rs.1450/- per person (Minimum billing 13 persons to 20 persons) - Tempo Traveller or Mini Bus. - 2 Guides.

Rs.550/- discount for person who will organise their own transport. In this case our guide with travel with the customer from Mumbai / Pune or meet them at Lonavala/Kamshet. 

Note: Our guide/s will travel with the guest from Mumbai.

Road tolls; parking toll; forest entry tolls if applicable will be borne by customer.

Transport is from Point-to-Point as per planned tour only. 
Timings for transport is between 6 am to 11 pm. 

Exclusions:

Food is not included, Bottled Water or other beverages other than mentioned above not included, Tips not include.

Anything that is not included is excluded.

To design Custom trips for large group of over 20 persons or more kindly get in touch with Asif (call / sms : 9619182010 / asif@natureknights.net )

Commercial Terms:

All bookings against 100% advance, we have to manage all arrangements to create a good experience for you and your group.

cancellation policy with respect to your date of booking:

25% deduction of total camp fee booking amount for cancellation done before 21 days

50% deduction of total camp fee booking amount for cancellation done before 5 days 

No refund for an cancellation done in last 4 days before your event.

Kathingad the trek

Kathin means difficult in Marathi; so the fort Kathingad may have been difficult to conquer. The patch we take is short but narrow and steep at times.   Monsoon challenges with slippery rocks; gushing winds and occasional cover of cloud. The gifts of conquest are plenty; the stage is set for adventure.

The fort is conical and has steep climbs with a very narrow route on the edge of the mountain throughout. From Pawana dam, reaching this fort requires a 400-metre climb.

Kathin Gad Stands tall on the landscape of Pauna Lake; This sharp Conical Peak and a prominent Landmark is surrounded from three sides by waters of Pauna Lake.

Once upon a time trekkers to approach the base of the fort used to ferry across to Tungi Village. Here a steep but short climb on grassy slopes leads you to a temple. A rocky staircase leads a few feet down to a water reservoir. The summit is a grassy pinnacle with a ruined temple.

We will be approaching this fort from Ghushalgaon (on Lonavala-Ambavne road) to Tungi.
One can also approach this fort from Malawali railway station (about 12 km from here) we generally approach this fort from Lonavala.
From Lonavala, one can reach the base village Tungwadi around 20 km via Bushy Dam-INS Shivaji-Peth Shahapur-Tungwadi. From Tungwadi village, reaching this fort requires about a 300-metre climb.

Kathing Gad (Tung Fort) has an elevation of 1075 m above sea level. An exploring traveler can also find a local ferry that can be boarded from Pawna dam to its base village, Tungi.
This summit of fort has a 360 Degree view of the surrounding area giving a brilliant view of Pauna Lake, Loh Gad, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort,  Koraigad Fort, Dukes Nose, Jambuli hill, Devgad etc.

Its sharp, conical peak makes Tung Fort a prominent landmark, even from a distance. It has an oval shape, thick walls and numerous bastions. A steep climb on grassy slopes leads to the ruins of a temple at the summit. A rocky staircase leads several feet down to a water reservoir. From the top of the fort, the Tikona, Lohagad, Visapur, and Korigad forts are clearly visible.

History

Tung Fort was built before 1600 CE. It was built by the Adil Shahi dynasty but was captured by Shivaji. It is small, and not able to hold more than 200 troops at a time. As such, it would not have been able to defend itself on its own for a long time. Its shape and structure suggest that its main function was as a watchtower guarding the road to Pune city. The Dhamale family, one of the Deshmukh from the Maval region, was charged with ensuring the security of Tung Fort. During invasion, it served to provide a temporary distraction for invaders. Thus, the major forts of Visapur and Lohagad would have time to prepare themselves to meet the invading army. This fort served as a watchtower in the past because from top of the fort, a lot of area in the Maval region of the Pawana and Mulshi valleys can be seen, and thus, from the top of the fort, a watch on these areas can be kept.

  
Near by experiences: (Be a exploring traveler)

Lonavala is a good place to have your breakfast before you head for Lohgad for a trek and during evening try famous Chikki and Fudge at Lonavala market.

A drive from lonavala towards Ambi Valley (just few minutes drive from here) will bring you across Lion Head Point of Tiger Valley that has an enchanting view from an altitude of over 3000 feet.

Driving further towards Khandala on the way back one can also stop over at Rajmachi View, to get a glimse of Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan and Manranjan)

Exploring further away

Lohgad Boat club with Farm House Dhaba on banks of Pauna Lake is a cool experience to explore. Lohgad boat club is around 20 km from base village of Kathingad. One can get  a magestic view of Kathingad from this boat club.

One can also drive on the other side of the hill to explore ancient Bhaja and Karla Caves.

Lohagad

Trek to the Iron Fortress of Maharashtra - Lohgad

Grade: Easy.
Treks for the Summers and Monsoon..

Altitude: 3450 feet above mean sea level.

A trek back in time machine to a period of Satavahana, one of the well preserved forts of maharashtra dating back to 30 BC. Explore the Iron Fortress of Maharashtra.

Altitude: 3000 Feet above mean sea level

Experience Category: Trek easy grade climbing a hill fort (around one hour to one and half hour climb; less than one hour to descend; plus time spend exploring the fort).

Location: Approximately 12 KM from Lonavala just of Lonavala - Pauna lake Road.

Best Season: Round the year.

Duration: One Day trip from Pune / Mumbai.

Who is for? Families with kids / Individuals interested in getting first time introduced to trekking with easy grade. 

Planned schedule for November 5, 2016

6:00 am Start from Mumbai / Pune by your own car/volvo/train/ST/Share cab
9:00 am Reporting time at Lonavala - Meeting point near Shivaji Statue near Lonavala Police Station, Main bazar road, 5 minutes walk from Lonavala railway station.
9:15 am Start for base village of Lohgad (30 minutes drive).
10:00 am Lohgad trek.. 1 hour to reach the summit
1 to 2 hours exploring the fort
12:30 pm start our descent from fort
01:30 pm start back from base village for Lonavala
02:00 pm Lunch at Lonavala, near Shivaji statue
Explore Lonavala market.. end of trek..

Trek fee:
Rs.800/- per person. (Rs.200/- discount for those who are travelling by their own transport till base village).

Includes: Travel from Lonavala to base village and back; Lunch at Lonavala; Trek management and guide; first aid; safety rope.

Excludes:
Travel from Pune/Mumbai to Lonavala.
For return trip travel from Mumbai to Lonavala by volvo add Rs.1,000/- extra. (valid only if you payment for trek and bus tickets are done in advance on or before October 20, 2016).
anything that is not included is excluded.
cancellation terms are applicable.


Click here for registration / bank details

Click here for other scheduled treks/camps/road trips/travel 

Click here for One Day Trek Checklist 

Experiences:

Easy Trek, Ancient Fort Exploration and Exploring Rural Countryside.

Scroll down to know more about Lohgad and places around Lonavala.. also if you would like to plan a custom trek for a group.





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Planned Schedule for custom trem:

Reporting at Lonavala 8:30 - 9:00 am
Departure to Lohgad by Local Transport (Van or Jeep)
09:30 am to 01:30 pm Trek to Lohgad and Exploring the Lohgad fort
01:30 pm Drop at Lonavala

Can also be done Noon to Evening Trek..
Start the descend post sunset.. ideal setting.


Rs.650/- per person. (Minimum billing for 6 persons to 10 persons) - 1 Guide Guides
Rs.550/- per person. (Minimum billing 11 persons to 25 persons) - 2 Trek Guides
Rs.450/- per person (Minimum billing 26 persons to 40 persons) - 3 Trek Guides

Click here for procedure for Registration / Bookings

Cost year 2015 includes:
Trek Support, Guide, and first aid.

Extra costs:
Transport by Non-AC transport from Lonavala to Base Village and Base Village back to Lonavala 
Per Non AC Vehicle cost -  Maruti Wan / Car Rs.2,000/- , Sumo - Rs.2400/-, 
Village Lunch: Rs.200/- per person. (veg).
Village Breakfast: Rs.75/- per person. (veg).


Commercial Terms / Cancellation Policy for One Day Trek Click Here

For transport cost (Ex. Mumbai / Ex. Lonavala) click here

Village food can be organised for an additional cost on advance notice:
Lunch Rs.300/- per person.
Breakfast Rs.100/- per person.

About Lohaghad Fort

One of the better preserved forts of the region it retains most of its medieval distinctive defense features and some of the spirit and gloss of its past grandeur. Must have been built during the reign of the Satavahana Empire (30 BC to 200 AD ) or possibly even before that.

The fort has 4 successive entrances or Darwajas, the Ganesh Darwaja, the Narayan Darwaja, the Hanuman Darwaja and the Maha Darwaja. All the doors are still quite strong and are located on the serpentine ascent of the fort. The hanuman darwaja is the oldest of the quartet The remaining three doors were built by Nana Phadnavis, The space between the second and the third door contains some cellars used as granaries. On entering the Maha Darwaja there is a structure that houses some tombs. Further along the fortification is a spacious rock cut cave called the Lomesh Rishi Cave.

Many water tanks dot the area one with a natural spring in it containing fresh clean water. A Mahadev temple adjacent to which is a tank with steps descending to the water. A narrow spur of the fort stretches westwards in sweeping curves both sides are girded with fortification and the westernmost tip is guarded with a bastion. The spur seems worthy of its name ‘ Vinchu-Kata’ (the scorpion’s sting) From here one can descend to the ‘Gai - Khind’ a col and head towards Visapur.

Lohagad is 3400 feet high and is very wide spread fort.

Located about 52 km from Pune, around 15 km from Lonavala and approximately 115 km from Mumbai.

More information on Lohgad

From Mumbai, you can take a train to Lonavla. Malavli is the next station from Lonavla in the direction towards Pune, you can take a local train from Lonavala or Pune to reach here. 

From the Malavli railway station, the fort is hardly 9 km away. Vehicles can reach the foot of the hill. From there, which is near a village called Lohagadwadi, there are steps to the fort, numbering approximately 500.

However, people can also walk all the way to the fort. Bhaja Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon season. It is a simple and easy trek and the distance from Malavli station to Bhaje gaav takes about 20 min. The distance between Malavli and Lohagadwadi can be covered in around 2-2.5 hrs. The trekking route becomes mucky when it rains and trekkers will have difficulty walking to the fort. The walk is very enjoyable, especially the picturesque scenery, lush green grass, cool mountain air, and the pleasant salubrious climate. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in these hills. There is a way to reach by road. There are two different routes to reach the base of Lohgad by car.

For people traveling from Mumbai, the route is via Lonavala. If starting from Pune, take old Mumbai Pune highway. Just after you cross the toll plaza before lonavala, keep to your left until you cross “Manshakti”. There is a Y-type left turn just after “Manshakti”. Take that left and drive for another 200 odd meters to take the very first left again. You are on the way to lohgad after crossing the place called “Bhangarwadi” from where it is just 8–10 km. If you come across a railway crossing and Mumbai-Pune highway twice, you are on right track. You are on way to Paud, continue until you reach “Dudhiware Khind”. Just before it, take a left for Lohgad. From there it is around 4 km max. The road ahead is very steep with couple of sharp turns, but safe.

For people traveling from Pune city, the route is via Chandani chowk, Pirangut and Paud. After reaching Paud, take a right and drive for around 40-odd km. Just after you cross “Dudhiware Khind” you will reach the same place. Take a right for Lohgad base.

It is a tar road and you can comfortably reach the “Paytha”. It’s a wonderful place and should be tried in between mid August to mid September, when you can still have rain but the intensity diminishes.

When it rains, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet. It is advisable to carry protective gear during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). Further, food is not easily available on the route. Most of the food stalls sell water, poha, tea/coffee, snacks, and soft drinks.

A panoramic view of the Pawna dam can be seen from the fort.

Near by experiences: (Be a exploring traveler)

Lohgad Boat club with Farm House Dhaba on banks of Pauna Lake is a cool experience to explore.

One can also drive on the other side of the hill to explore ancient Bhaja and Karla Caves.

Option only for good trekkers can try climbing Visapur fort the twin fortress next to Lohgad fort.

Lonavala is a good place to have your breakfast before you head for Lohgad for a trek and during evening try famous Chikki and Fudge at Lonavala market.

A drive from lonavala towards Ambi Valley will bring you across Lion Head Point of Tiger Valley that has an enchanting view from an altitude of over 3000 feet.

Driving further towards Khandala on the way back one can also stop over at Rajmachi View, to get a glimse of Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan and Manranjan)

Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):

Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA

Account No.: 50200006370273

Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited

RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019

Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 

JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,

WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA

Also check the following links:
Few camping options in Maharashtra Click here
Custom Treks in Maharashtra Click here
Our Corporate Services - Click here​
Team Building Program - Click here
​Some of our credentials - click here
Adventure Hobbies - Know more click here
Join our Adventure Club Family and Trips - Click here
​Why us - Click here​