Sarasgad Fort - Fortress in Pali - Raigad, India

This falls under easy trek category. You can try with family. Kids can also enjoy this trek. If you go slow, it will take 2 hrs to reach at top where you have Kedareshwar temple. In route you will see caves, rock steps, main gate of fort, water tanks. Preferred season is monsoon here though I had visited when October heat was at peak. Carry water with you and if required snacks but make sure you don't litter place. It's just next to Pali Ballaleshwar, you can park your vehicle at Pali parking lot itself or there is small parking just in front of well where trek starts. Video of trek will be soon available on my YouTube channel

Grade : medium Shri Ganesha is the god of knowledge. Pali is one of the Ashtavinayakas. Ganapati here is known as 'Ballaleshwar'. The fort standing on the border of this Pali village is Sarasgad. As soon as you go to Pali village, you can see this fort. Ajastra wall of Sarasgad stands on the south-eastern border of Pali village. This fort was mainly used for surveillance. From this fort one can observe Pali and the entire nearby area. Shivaji Maharaj admitted this fort to his Swaraj and sanctioned 2000 hon for the repair of the fort. Till independence, the administration of this fort was under the 'Bhor' Sansthan. Places to visit: Sarasgad is divided into two parts, Machi and Balekilla. From the village of Pali, one has to climb 100 steps dug in the rock between the two ridges (nale) on the way to the hilltop of the fort. On the way to the steps, one can see a carved entrance. An urn is carved at the entrance. Inside the entrance is a pillared room (devadi). At the end of the stairs, we enter the attic through the dindi door. Adjacent to the Dindi Darwaja, you can see the triple fortification structure. After entering through the gate, turn right and climb up 15 steps, until you see the ramparts. After entering through the gate, to the left is a large water tank ('Moti Haud'). A water tank and a few blocks of buildings can be seen on walking further towards the north. At the north end is a stone-built doorway. It is called North Gate. There is a subway near the door. At present, this route is closed. There is another way to the fort. After going down through the door, on the right are caves dug into the rocks. When you come back to the door and go to the left, you have to climb 15 steps and then the foot of the fort starts. On the top of the fort is the temple of Kedareshwar and there is a lake here. There are two watch towers. From this fort, you can see the hill of three kavadi in front. Sudhagad, Tailbaila, Ghangad and Korigad standing in front of you can be seen as well as Paligaon, Ambandi, Unheri hot water tank, Konkan, Jambhulpada. On Vaishakh Purnima, the Urus of Shahapira on the fort is filled. Kedareshwar is crowded with devotees on Mahashivratri. It takes two to three hours to visit Sarasgad.

Fort right behind the Pali cha ganapati (one of the ashtvinayak Ganpati). We went in monsoon season. It will take around 1.5 2 hours to reach to dindi darvaja from Pali base. from dindi darvaja you can explore the fort in 1 hour. To reach to top wherein you will find a kedareshwar temple, you need to take left from mahadarvaja. A small route to the left takes you upward for the temple. A good trekking experience.

Sarasgad trek was one of my best treks so far. Its located in Pali which is nearly 70kms away from Panvel. There are regular ST buses from Panvel bus stand but they take nearly 3 hours to reach Pali. If you are going in your car or private vehicle, then you might reach in less than 2 hours from Panvel. Take the Pune expressway and exit from Khopoli exit. On the exit road take a U turn and drive on the road to Pali. This road is much better than taking the NH17 road from Panvel. You will pas by Imagica and from there its less than 30kms. Once you enter pali drive a little ahead of the "Pali ganpati temple gate". From this gate about 200 metres away on your left is the huge signboard indicating the path to Sarasgad. For regular trekkars it should take 1.5 hours to reach the top. Be careful during monsoons as the place is very slippery. Ideally go to this place taking your own vehicle which is very convenient.

sarasgad fort is easy grade just behind ballaleswar temple and can be done in day from mumbai or pune

Most beautiful place to visit in monsoon and winters. Trekkers must visit this fort.

A nature's paradise with lush greenery Fresh air and serene surroundings Steeped in history as a historic fort Once ruled by the valiant Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj A must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts!" * Kedareshwar temple at peak of the fort is a must visit and also there is a water pond behind the temple.

Sarasgad is very good option for trekkers with additional bonus of Pali ganeshji Darshan. At fort lot of old sculptures,inscriptions are there which highlights it's old fort Lake with pink lotus at top of fort along with lord shiva temple increases beauty of for I will recommend enthusiastic trekkers surely visit this fort Level is easy