Avchitgad Fort - Fortress in Nidi Tarf Ashtami - Raigad, India

A good historical fort as we can see some thrilling old structures. I like the fort the most. The trekking is easy, though. A small but must visit place for all treck lovers. I recommend visiting if you are a bigginner. The trecking path is easy for even small kidd as well.

Avchitgad fort is in roha town. One need to reach the village and park your vehicle near Vitthal mandir where the road end. Walk for some time on that mud trail until you reach a well. The trail to the fort starts behind the well. The trail is well marked and it takes and hour max to reach the Mahadarwaja. On the first pleateu there are few veerghal which are arrange properly under a tree. Avchitgad has a ballekilla which has separate darwaja which is in ruins now. There are around 7 canons on the fort. There are 2 massive buruj on two ends of the fort. There is set of 5-6 water cristern on the fort, there is a small single cistern on the western end and other cistern which is carved inside the main fortification. There is a massive water tank or well which has a small shiv temple near it. It takes around an hour to explore the whole fort.

Avchitgad fort established by Shilahar Kings and later came under the rule of Nizam of Ahmednagar. It is also held Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reconstructed and fortified the fortress under his control. Avchit in Marathi means hurry as the work for reconstruction carried out in a hurry the fort got its name as Avchitgad. Gad in Marathi means fort. During the third Anglo-Maratha War, Colonel Prother from the British East India Company conquered Avchitgad from the Peshwas in February 1818 and the neighbouring region. You can board Train for Roha or Nidi railway station. You will find local transport easily to reach the base village. Avchitgad Trek starts from a big well in the Medha village called Haud. You can fill your water bottles here. Routes will meet at a saddle-shaped hill. You can see the following forts from the top on a clear day Sudhagad, Ghangad, Sarasgad, Talagad, Telbaila, Raigad, and Savashnagad.

Avchitgad is an easy level fort trek densely surrounded by green forest. The trek starts from Medhe village and nearest big town is Roha. It can be done easily even by beginners. The climbing time is approximately one hr to top. There are some cisterns, a pond, a temple and some ruins that will soak you in the depths of history. A suggestion will be, if you want to go in monsoon, go in groups of at least 3-4 people as it is not that common trek and jungle is bit dense and home to many wild animals including leopard s and reptiles.

A short trek near Roha from Medha village. AVCHITGAD was a watch tower. It's a continuous upward climb for 30 to 45 minutes. On the top are few Canons a big pond and 7 water tanks with well preserved fortification walls.

Its always pride to revisit the pages of glorious history of Maratha Empire. Having said that the way these places are maintained nowadays make everyone nostalgic. Avchit Gad( Fort built in Hurry) was said to built by Shilahara dynasty during 8th to 13th Century. Then the Great Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won it from then Mughal emperor. Though this fort is more than 700years but its impregnable walls still keeping the oath they might have taken for their mighty kings. This fort is accessible from Medha village near By Roha which is a Taluka place. In the base village you will found many cannons used as pole along the road. It won't take more than 1hr to reach the top of fort. Very few structures are remaining on the fort top but the water tank and creatively crafted steps near big lake will amaze you completely. There are around 4-5 Cannons along with one temple. To reach there you can take private vehicles till the base village "Medha". Travelling by train from mumbai then Roha is the nearest railway station. From Roha base village is at 10mins drive distance. If you are coming from Pune then Khopoli is the nearest Railway station then you have to take local transport or private vehicles for the base village. Which will take another 2 hrs for base village. From Pune therw are direct bus for Roha. As there are not much options of food available nearby do carry your snacks along. But the villagers do provided us most stunning homemade food which took our tour to whole new level. If you need their contact do mail me, will be happy to help. This place is yet to get popular among trekkers groups. Avoid travelling in summer season. It gives you stunning visuals of paddy fields and mountains during monsoon season.

Great place for a Hike. Easy climb. No water available for drinking fort. Carry own water. Must see the biggest water tank on forts that I have seen.

Avchitgad is A small fort near Roha City in Raigad District. It was used as watch tower to keep eye on old trade route of Chaul Harbour. The fort is small and can be climbed either from Medha Village on Roha Nagothane Road OR from Roha itself. Access from Medha is easier and shorter. Few canons, and a big Water Lake on top should not be missed. Food is available near Medha Bus stop, there two small eateries.