About Sagargad Fort
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, sunrise and sunset
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Pen Railway Station, about 20 km away
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, about 87 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Panvel Bus Stand, about 52 km away
Sagargad Fort combines rich Maratha history and lush wilderness, making it an absolute dream for trekkers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The 2–2½ hour trek starts in Khandale village and goes up a forested path that winds past streams and the impressive Dhondane (Siddheshwar) waterfall. Furthermore, trekkers pass the Mahishasurmardini temple and a spring tank fed by Gomukh, both providing stunning resting places.
At the entrance to the plateau, you can see the ruins of a Y-shaped fortification with five bastions, ramparts, and the broken main gate between two towers. There is a small shrine to Shiva-lingam, idols of Ganesha and Mahishasurmardini. And, the fascinating "Monkey Point" on the cliffside, a historic location where prisoners with death sentences were thrown off the cliff.
At the top, which is 1,357 feet high, you can see a lot of Alibaug's green areas, nearby forts like Manikgad, and even the Arabian Sea on clear days. Now, a monastery called Siddheshwar Temple Ashram offers places to stay for brave people who want to spend the night. The trek is not too hard, but it is refreshing, and the fort, though small, is full of Maratha bravery and natural beauty.
Sagargad Fort Highlights
• Learn about the rich history, which involves the capture of Shivaji Maharaj in 1660, later losing and regaining the fort via historic treaties, at the historic Sagargad Fort.
• Trek through forested trails and cross the scenic Dhondane waterfall en route to the fort.
• Explore ancient temples, including the Mahishasurmardini shrine, Siddheshwar temple, and potable Gomukh water tank.
• P Marvel at the “Monkey Point,” a cliff once reportedly used to execute condemned prisoners.
• Admire sweeping panoramic views of Alibaug, Mirgad, Manikgad, and glimpses of the Arabian Sea.
How To Reach Sagargad Fort
By car/taxi: Sagargad Fort is about 98 km away from the Raigarh city centre via NH66. It will take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Sagargad Fort
1. Peak Season (June to September):
- Weather Insights: Rains, temperatures ranging between 22 and 28 °C, with high humidity
- Things to Do: Witness the Dhodhane (Siddheshwar) Waterfall in its full capacity
2. Moderate Season (October to February):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, cooler temperatures, 15-25 °C during daytime; brisk mornings
- Things to do: Hike up under pleasant conditions, overnight stay at Siddheshwar monastery
3. Low Season (March to June):
- Weather Insights: Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 °C, with high humidity in the coastal region
- Things to do: Morning exploration, visit shrines and ruins
Sagargad Fort Other Essential Information
- Wear strong trekking shoes with grip, as designated trails include steep rock stairs and forest paths that become slippery during the monsoon.
- Carry at least 2–3 litres of water per person, especially during non-monsoon seasons, as there are no refreshment stalls en route or onsite.
- Pack light dry snacks, a rain jacket or poncho (monsoon), sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
- Mobile reception may be patchy beyond Khandale, so download an offline map or trail app beforehand.
- Hire a local guide at the base if unfamiliar, which is especially useful for navigating alternate trail branches or avoiding wrong turns.
Trek from Khandale & Dhondane Waterfall
Start the 2.5-hour trek from Khandale village on the Alibag–Pen Road, which goes through mixed forest, streams, and rough stone steps. The Siddheshwar waterfall (Dhodhane) falls dramatically in the middle of the trek during the monsoon season, making the trek feel even wilder. Stop by the Mahishasurmardini temple and the Gomukh-fed water tank, which are both old rest stops that have a lot of rustic charm.
Explore the Summit Ruins & Shrines
On top of Sagargad's Y-shaped plateau, you can see the remains of five bastions, a moat that is no longer in use, a secret door, and small shrines with idols of Ganesha and Mahishasurmardini, as well as a Shiva lingam. These intertwined spiritual relics from the Maratha period show both religious worship and life in a fort in a wide-open space.
Witness the Vanartok (“Monkey Point”) Cliff
Stand at the famous Vanartok cliff edge, which is a straight drop that was once used to kill prisoners. The view from the top is filled with strange silence and wide views of thick woods. It adds to the fort's dramatic look and gives us a look into historical justice and ritual practices.
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Sagargad Fort FAQs
How long is the trek, and how difficult is it?
The 7 km trek from Khandale village is moderate and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It goes through forests, streams, stone stairs, and the seasonal Dhodhane waterfall. Some parts get slippery during the monsoon, but well-marked trails make it easy for moderately fit hikers to find their way.
What key landmarks can I expect along the route to the Sagargad Fort?
You will pass the Dhodhane (Siddheshwar) waterfall, the Mahishasurmardini temple, and a water tank that is fed by Gomukh. At the top of the fort are a Shiva-lingam, idols of Ganesh and Durga, the unique Vanartok ("Monkey Point") cliff, a moat remnant, a secret door, and the Siddheshwar monastery.
Can I stay overnight at the Sagargad fort?
No, you cannot stay overnight at the Sagargad Fort, but there are accommodation options available at the Siddheshwar monastery (ashram) on the plateau, with basic amenities. If you ask around, the Sagargad Machi village community area nearby has simple places to stay. It's best to inquire and make arrangements in advance.
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