Today, we'll deep dive into Kohoj fort by exploring into its history, structures and our trekking experience.
HISTORY
The fort is said to be around 800 years old; built during the Bhoj-Dynasty period by the King of Gujarat. In the 16th century, Portuguese captured this fort and constructed fortifications and bastions on this fort. When Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj surrendered 23 forts to the Mughals on 11th June, 1665 under the Treaty of Purandar, Kohoj fort was one of them. It was indeed an important fort for keeping a look on the nearby coast i.e. acting as a vital watchtower. The Great Peshwe captured this fort in 1737 and in the end it remained under the British regime.
GEOGRAPHY
Kohoj fort is built in Palghar, Maharashtra and is part of the Sahyadri range. It is about 3200 ft (~975m) high above sea level. The nearest railway station is Palghar and the base village, Vaghote is around 30km from it. Located at around 101 km from Mumbai via NH-8 Mumbai-Ahmedabad and is visible from the highway.
TREK GUIDE
This is a moderate grade trek depending on the weather and since major part of the route is through forest, it is advisable to go in the morning and return to the base before dusk. It is difficult to judge the time taken for any trek completion since it depends on each individual, but it is a 10km trail. So roughly would take around 3 hours.
Arrive at Palghar station from your source. The bus depot is around 500m from the station. Every 30-45 mins, a bus would depart to Wada which is to be boarded to reach Vaghote village - the base point. The first bus starts at around 06:15 am. Do keep in mind there are no eateries available near the base or enroute. So carry your own backup.
On other side of the highway, begins the route to the fort. We divide our entire trek into three phases. The first phase is to reach Palzhar (Shelte) lake that is roughly around 1 km, and is through the paddy fields. On reaching the lake side, you'll be able to see the reflection of the fort on it which is mesmerising. This is also considered to be a sweet spot for camping. (Contact Trinity +91 7304787376 for camping bookings)
The next phase begins from the lake and this is where the actual climb begins. The route from here is marked either on the tree barks or on the stones. Most of the trail as mentioned is through forests. So no local shops or water sources apart from any flowing water. This longest phase of the trek ends on the plateau where you can see a temple of Lord Shiva. There were around 10 rock cut cisterns on the fort plateau. Two of them can be seen in front of the temple. On its left side, 7 adjoining cisterns are along the descending route. Out of them, only one bears clean water.
The last phase of the trek is from the plateau to the peak. It begins on the other side of the temple. This trail isn't too difficult and is really worth climbing for the view on top. Along the climb, you will first pass through MahaDarwaza to see 3 large rock cisterns where only one cistern has portable water (the third one along the route and is marked) Also there is a small Bajrangbali temple near these cisterns.
With the final climb of this trek, one can see a man-shaped pinnacle formed due to wind-erosion. A mysterious one because different shapes of this pinnacle can be viewed from different directions; but it has been worn off lately to realize the exact figure correctly. When reaching the top one can see a temple of Lord Krishna established as well. However, the efforts of this endurance tested trek is worthfully returned when one can view some beautiful and scenic views panoramically. Viewing the complete route from the base village to the top from the pinnacle point is yet another feeling of accomplishment for any trekker. Also, one can see Tandulwadi fort, Takmak fort, Asheri fort, Mahalaxmi pinnacle and the Arabian sea from the top, provided the sky is clear, thus substantiating the fact that this fort was considered as a watchtower. Yet another exclamatory moment would be viewing the Pazhar lake from the top because it is a heart-shaped lake.
The goodbye moment i.e. the descending trail would always be a satisfying and a pleasurable one considering the efforts one put towards the climb, the mesmerising view from the top and finally a sense of satisfaction to return home, eat heavy and take rest. Return route is also guided by arrows on the rocks and trees, although it is unchanged from the ascending one. It is advisable to return to the base village before dusk, especially if one is planning to catch bus to Palghar. The Vaghote village stop although is an official one, however the bus halts only if they see any passenger which is difficult considering there aren't any street lights there. Trinity always quotes with their own experience ;)
Overall, it is a worthy trek with a very brief yet interesting history, moderately graded one and views that totally justify any effort. Wish you all the best to all trekkers who plan to tick this from their checklist.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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