The maval on the western side of Mulshi dam is called ‘Korasbaras’ maval. Ghangad fort is located here. Being in the vicinity of Lonavla, one can see this fort in one day and return from Mumbai-Pune. There is only one road to reach the Ghangad fort and it goes up through Ekole village. After climbing up from this route we enter the fort through the eastern entrance.
In front of the entrance is a cave carved into the rock. It can accommodate 4-5 people. After entering through the entrance, there is a large rock falling from the upper cliff on the left side. A natural arch has been formed here as this stone is stuck to the cliff.
You can see Sudhagad and Sarasgad forts and the wall of Tailbaila from the Ghangad fort, also Nandand Ghat, Savashin Ghat and Bhorpaychi Naal, which descend to Konkan. Ghangad fort is not mentioned much in history. It was used by the Peshwas for surveillance and to keep the prisoners.
The “Shivaji Trail” organization has installed ladders and iron wires at difficult places on the fort. Also, the fort has been repaired and information boards have been installed.
There is only one road to reach the fort and it goes up through Ekole village. After climbing this trail for 10 minutes, a path goes into the forest on the right side. There are ruins of an ancient Shiva temple here. Along with it, Shivlinga, Nandi, Herostones and some cannonballs are seen. After seeing the ruins of this temple we come back to the main trail and after climbing up we reach Garjai Devi Temple in 5 minutes.
An inscription is carved on the wall on the left side of the door of this temple. The temple has an idol of Garjai Devi and other idols. There is a lamp in front of the temple and some Herostones are lying on the side. After climbing up from the temple, in 5 minutes we enter the fort through the eastern entrance.
After seeing it, come back to the entrance. There used to be stairs at this place. The British have destroyed them. Now an iron ladder has been installed here. Just in front of the last rung of the ladder is a water tank. That water is cold and is available throughout the year.
After climbing the ladder, there is a path of steps carved into the rock next to the cliff. Proceeding along this path, we reach the highest part of Ghangad fort.
As you enter from the devastated structure of the big entrance, you can see some remnants of old palaces along with some water tanks which are now in very bad condition.
