Sarasgad Fort
Information:- Sarasgad is a village situated near Pali in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pali lies along the Lonavala-Khopoli road and is 110 kilometres from Pune.
The village contains Sarasgad Fort, the twin of Sudhagad Fort. It can be identified by its four pinnacles and thus was mainly used as a watch place to check the surrounding region. The construction of the fort is not in good condition but the huge rock steps are something to watch for. There are two routes which lead to the top of this fort from Pali. On the top is the Shiva temple providing an excellent panoramic view of all the mountain ranges surrounding this area. Sudhagad and TailBaila can be easily view from the top of Sarasgad.
This fort height from sea level is 490 meters. There are many caves which were used for soldiers and other purposes because the fort has very little area available on its top. There are around ten tanks carved in rocks. They provide cool water supply throughout the year, which is very important for any fort. Shivaji Maharaj gave 2000 hones for repairing the fortifications of this fort. On the way from the south there are 111 steps carved in stone. The door from this side is known as ‘Dindi darvaja’.
Extra Places To Visit:- Among the Ashtavinayakas, Ballaleshvara at Pali is the only Ganesha who is famous by the name of his devotee and who is dressed up as a Brahmin. This place is nestled between the fort Sarasgad and Amba River
Type:- Hill Fort
Fort Range:- Pali
District:- Raigad
Height Above Sea Level:- 1600 ft
Difficulty Rating:- Medium
Base Village:- Sarasgad
App Time To Reach Top:- 1 hour from Pali to Dindi Darwaza
Water Availability:- There are many cisterns on the fort. The water reservoir near the tomb of Shahapeer at the base of citadel is mainly used for drinking purpose.
Food:- None. Cooking on site is very much advised.
Shelter:- About 7-8 people can be accommodated at silos or the gatehouse. But very few prefer this.
Best Time To Visit:- Any time, Care should be taken in rainy season.
How To Reach:- We can go to fort through ‘Dindi Darwaza’. This is the only way to the fort. One should alight at Pali and go to the fort through ‘Dindi Darwaza’. Go to left from backside of the temple. This way heads straight to the bastion of the fort. There is a room at the base of the bastion. It was residence of the guards. From here ascend about 96 steps and go at the main entrance of the fort. Opposite to it is a gatehouse.
From Pune:- National Highway 4/NH 4 and Khopoli-Pali Rd, 114 km, 2 hours 3 mins
From Mumbai :- Mumbai – Pune Expressway and Khopoli-Pali Rd, 102 km, 1 hour 52 mins
