Chandan-Vandan Fort
Chandan-Vandan, the twin forts, are situated at about 24 kms. from Satara. Cultivation of sugarcane crop in this area has facilitated this area with roads, electricity supply, S.T. bus service and such other basic services. These forts can be easily identified from Pune-Satara route because of their flat plateaus. These forts lie on the boundary of Satara city and Mahabaleshwar region. To the east of these forts lie Jarandeshwar Kalyangad, Bhavani hill, while to the west lie the forts like Vairatgad, Pandavgad.
Type : Hill forts.
Fort Range : Satara.
District : Satara.
Grade : Easier.
How to reach :
There are common ways to reach Chandan – Vandan. Bhuinj village lies on the Pune-Satara road. Kikali village is at a distance of about 20 k.m. from Bhuinj. S.T. buses ply to Kikali village from Wai as well as Satara. Belmachi village is situated near Kikali village. From here a way heads up to the col between Chandan and Vandan. On the left side lies Chandan while on the right side lies Vandan.
Fort of Chandan:
There are two ways to reach Chandan:
1) Via Belmachi Village
Half an hour will be required to climb the fort from the rock patch in front of the col. One reaches on the southern part of the fort through this route. The other way goes around the fort, with the fort lying on the left side of the way.
2) Via Lagadwadi Village
There is a village named Lagadwadi situated ahead of Belmachi. One has to walk across the plains of this village and then cross the headland. The road from Ibrahimpur village meets this way ahead. From here the route goes up to the fort top.
It takes about two and half hours to reach the fort of Chandan.
Fort of Vandan:
Ways to reach the fort:
To the right of col, lies the fort of Vandan. This route takes us to the entrance door of the fort within 10 minutes.
Accommodation Facility : About 30 to 40 persons can be accommodated in the mosque.
Food Facility : One has to make arrangement for his own food.
Drinking Water Facility : Drinking water is available on the fort only during rainy season.
Time To Reach : Approximately about 3 hours will be required to reach the fort of Chandan while about 2 hours are required to climb up the fort of Vandan.
