Prabalgad Fort

If you love to take a weekend break into the historical beauties especially on the hills of Western Ghats, you will definitely enjoy visiting Prabalgad Fort. Having an altitude of 2300 feet, it is located between Panvel and Matheran of Maharashtra. Being situated on the top of a rocky platue, this fort is a major tourist attraction of Matheran.

Description:

Trekkers find the way to Prabalgad fort a perfect adventurous destination and truly steep the way to the fort is dangerous climbing. The rocky steps towards the fort are cut through the hills. To trek on this route to the top of Prabalgad requires expert trekking skills. Trekking starts from the base of Shedung Village and total time required is 3 hours to climb through the rock-cut steps and steep slope.

You can also walk to the fort from the base Prabalgad town or take a taxi from there.

Traveller Tips:

• Don’t forget to carry water bottles with you. Keep some snacks too in case you feel starved on the way trekking.

• Wear proper shoes fit for trekking.

• If possible hire a guide along with you.

Things to Do :

It is said that expert level trekking skills are required to make a safe and successful trek towards Prabalgad Fort, Matheran. You will get an opportunity to hug the clouds, touch the wind and feel the peaks.

Here, you can also visit the other nearby forts such as Irshalgad, Karnala and Kalavantin Durg nearby it which also have interesting historical background.

Some beautiful rivers are there nearby Kalavantin Durg including Gadhi, Ulahas and Patalganga. You can sit on their banks and spend some quality time in peace.

You can also have a country walk through the nearby village, farms to the beauty of nature.

History:

Prabalgad Fort was constructed by the Bahamani dynasty. They used this location to watch the activities in the Panvel and Kalyan forts. Later, Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj owned it. During his reign, it carried high military importance.

Architecture:

Prabalgad Fort, Matheran is one significant one among the tiniest forts of the state. It is 2300 ft above the sea level and was a popular destination among the British officers in the British India. They constructed the infrastructure which contributes a lot to the popularity of Matheran. Presently, it runs in ruins. Out of its 11 towers, only 4 are left now. The fort has a small sized Ganesha temple inside it. It has a nearby pond to enhance the beauty of the surrounding.

Festival:

Various festivals are celebrated here with pride and in large scale including –

• Ganesh Chaturthi

• Aashadi Ekadashi

• Dev-Shayani Ekadashi

• Maha Shivratri

• Dahi Handi

• Vijayadashami

• Navaratri

• Holi

• Diwali

Popular Culture:

The local people here enjoy doing theatre and drama. Marathi theatre is popular here. You can get to see a number of quality-performed tragedies, comedy, political and musical drama.

Best time to visit:

Prabalgad Fort is the best attraction for trekking minds. So, October – May is the best time to trek here as the weather remains fine and favourable this time. Monsoons are better to avoid trekking through the steep ways as those become slippery and more dangerous.

How to Reach?

To reach Prabalgad, you can choose any of the routes between air, rail and bus.

By air – the nearest airport is Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport which is situated approximately 50 km away from Prabalgad. Hire a local taxi from the airport.

By rail – you can easily reach Panvel from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai by local railways. From there hire any local buses, trains or taxis to reach Prabalgad.

By road – Mumbai state transport buses run in the nearby places and Panvel has a pair of main bus stops. Hire a taxi from there to reach Prabalgad.

FAQ:

What are the nearby places to visit?

• Prabal Fort

• Louisa Point

• Pisanarth Temple

Where to stay nearby Prabalgad Fort, Matheran?

Prabalgad has several guest house and luxury hotels in the town. For pure vegetarians preferred resorts and hotels are –

• Richie Rich Resorts

• The Byke Retreat

• Usha Ascot

Other ways, some other good options for non-vegetarians are –

• Hotel Panorama

• Hotel Rangoli Retreat

Some popular restaurants nearby –

• Malvan Tadka

• The Village

• Neel Kamal

• Shabari

Plan your trip well. Have a happy holidaying!