Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple

Tripoto

Base Village: Chavand

Fort State: In ruins

Difficulty level: Easy

Endurance level: Easy

Things to carry: Sports Shoes must, 2 liters of water, some snacks

How to Reach: Follow Google maps

Time to reach Top: 30 minutes

Chavand fort is in Junnar range and is part of famous five forts consisting of Shivneri, Hadsar, Jivdhan and Naneghat. It is situated just 17 KM from Junnar. This fort is not visited much. We could see Shivneri fort on the way.

I, Venkatesh and Pawan started by car at 7:30 AM. We had breakfast on the way. We reached Junnar at 10 AM and headed straight to Kukdeshwar temple. It is a Lord Shiva temple carved out from a single rock.

Photo of Wakad Chowk, Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra by Gunjan Deshmukh

The temple sculpture looks beautiful. It is believed to be built in 12th century and is in Hemadpanthy architecture. There are nice carvings on the inner and outer walls of the temple. We took the blessings here.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

River Kukdi originates from here and water flows all year round.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

A quick peek into the history. Fort went from Bahamani Sultanate to Nizamshahi. Later it went into the hands of Mughals. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort and named it Prasannagad. Mughals recaptued the fort and again it came back to Maratha Empire. In Anglo-Maratha war, Britishers won this fort and destroyed the original steps.

Photo of Chawand Fort, Chawand, Maharashtra, India by Gunjan Deshmukh

There are new steps built till the mid way. It is a simple climb of 15 minutes till the old steps.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

After crossing new steps, railing has been installed as the passage of old steps is very narrow. Also the step is very short. Be careful on this part.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

A cannon placed in the middle of steps.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

For next 5 minutes of climb, there are no railings on old steps.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

We reached the top in another 15 minutes. We saw this huge gate of the fort.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

There is a Lord Ganesha carved in the adjacent rock too.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

From the top, we saw the panoramic view of Manikdoh dam. It is build on river Kukdi. The water from the top looks breathtaking. We also spotted Hadsar and Jivdhan forts from here.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

Just after the gate, we took left. There was overgrown grass of 5 to 6 feet height all over. We found it extremely difficult to walk and make our way. Also the fear of snakes roaming around made us scrutinize each step.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

Moving ahead, we saw the seven cisterns.

There is a door to enter these water tanks with Lord Ganesh idol on the top of door.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

As we walked, we saw many other water tanks on the way.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

We strolled on the perimeter of the fort. After a while, we came to the path to the Goddess Chamuda temple.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

This is the highest point on the fort. We saw idol Nandi and some other structures.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

Saffron flag was flying high.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

We bowed down to the deity.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

The temple looks like has been renovated recently.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

Also saw old structure with Lord Shiva Jyotirling.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

There is a water tank with structures placed in a cave beside it.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

Some flora on the fort.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh
Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh
Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

A toilet from the past.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

We could also spot the remains of fortification.

Photo of Chavand Fort and an Ancient Temple by Gunjan Deshmukh

It took us an hour to roam on the fort. We came down to base in 20 minutes and started return journey.

If you have time, you can cover Shivenri fort as well with this fort.

Leave only your footprints, Take back only pleasant memories.