Chanderi fort, among the toughest places to climb. Gives you a very refreshing insight. You can climb upto the caves easily, but the trek ahead of it is a little difficult. You need ropes and harness. You can do it without ropes too, but just need to be very careful while climbing
from badlapur wangani side base village is chinchawli, ascend to chanderi col would take 3 hours. from panvel side base village is tamsai, ascend to col would take 2 hours. from col to chanderi base another 1 hour ascend.
be in group, hike in day light and use guide if available. do not venture into unknown area or you will get lost.
It's hard treak not for beginners. Also need to take care when you start last patch from caves to top.
ABOUT IT
Chanderi Fort Trek is situated near Thane in Badlapur region of Maharashtra. It is not actually a fort as there are no fortifications but there are some water cisterns, caves and rock cut steps. As The route to Chanderi fort is very difficult it seems that this place was used as a military base.
The history for this fort is not very well documented, however it is worth mentioning as the jewel in the crown of forts in the district of Raigad. Remnants of fortification can be found near the caves. This is probably the only feature that may classify Chanderi as a fort. In 1656 Shivaji Maharaj won over all territory up to Kalyan-Bhiwandi-Rairi This was when this fort came under the rule of the Marathas. Low water storage areas and absence of significant constructions that rather than a fort, this was possibly a military base.
RAILWAY :
The nearest railway station to Tamsai is 16 kms from it that is Panvel . Tumtum fare from Panvel to Tamsai: Rs. 400/8 = Rs. 50 per head
In order to go through the other route passing through Base village Chinchavali ,you will have to cover a distance of 10 kms from Badlapur/Vangani (North-east route) .Van fare from Chinchavali to Vangani: Rs. 500/8 = Rs. 63 per head
ROADWAYS :
After getting the coordinates one can park the vehicle in the Base village of Tamsai , we here would like to suggest that you go through Tamsai which comes half hour before Chinchavali not only that the routwe from Tamsai also is smaller (but steep) and start hiking towards the top .
DETAILED PATH
Once you start walking you will have to cross a little stream and soon will be able to realise the amazing beauty that this place has to offer the open grass lands soon converts into taller grass lands and no sooner turns into thick forest you will have to cross a wider stream that remains dry for most of the year and then again as you follow the markings in the form of arrows or blue sign board or 3 stones kept on each other .ON contintinuing on the trail you will be able to see a spot which share a view of the waterfall , On our last visit the waterfall was mostly dried , still it was looking beautiful , the trail slowly becomes even dense and then there comes a spot where you can see the path diverging continue on the path on the left As you continue to walk soon you will see the route diverging into three ways this junction is also known as Char Rasta , take the path on the right (as shown below in the image ) , on your way you can see a few pointed mountains Known as Mhasmal Peak , and soon you will be able to see the Chanderi Fort peak closely .on reaching the spot from where you can see the view of the above image , there is a Shiv temple on the right and as you climb the rocks on the left , a little walk will lead you to the cave , beyond the cave there's a spot from where one can climb to the peak , orange coloured flag on the peak depicts the top from this point it takes about 1 hr to reach the top and , we suggest that you have some technical assistance or atleast you have some experience at climbing (there have been fatalities here , we do not want you to risk your life for the pleasure that will last for moments , if you are scared of height do not even think of climbing the last part ) . There also is a small cistern that remains filled from July to late January . The way to the Cistern is on the right .
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO?
The best time could be during winter , if you are going there in late in the morning do carry sunscreen, as the heat gets intense. Rainy season could also provide good views but we would not suggest rains as it could get slippery ,Carry ample amount of water (mininmum 2.5 liters per person ) to keep yourself hydrated irrespective of the season .
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
The difficulty level can range from medium to high , the terrain get steep , please do not go there unprepared.
THE LAST PART CAN PROVE TO BE FATAL IF NOT EXPERIENCED OR IF AFRAID OF HEIGHTS PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB IT .
Very exhausting & thrilling , one has to walk a long distance to reach near mountain ( difficult to find route due to dense forest ) trek becomes difficult after caves. Not for casual trekkers. Professionals can go without rope but still risky.
Difficult for trekking , top is not , people who stay over night made it dirty !! No potable water to drink at the top. But trekking is challenging and exciting .. view is great. There is small waterfall in Midway, which had potable water . Take local.guide , else you might get lost !!
Medium level trek : 7 to 9 hours depending upon speed
Avoid during high rains as trek has stream route and it gets slippery on rocks
But it's very peaceful and less crowded
If you've done some easy treks like Karnala, Kalavantin, Kalsubai, then my friend you're in for a treat with this one.I would rate this trek as moderate-difficult as it is a test of your endurance and will.The inclination of this fort is what makes it difficult.You can attempt it from either Badlapur or Tamsai(Panvel). Takes about 2.5hours to reach the caves from Tamsai. Do not attempt to reach the pinnacle if you're a beginner or an occasional trekker, proper climbing gear is mandatory if you're planning to explore beyond the caves as the route there onwards is extremely dangerous. Overall it is one of the best trek you can do in the Sahyadris.
Happy trekking
