Irshalgad Fort is located in between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra.It is a sister fort to Prabalgad. The area of the fort is not large but there are several water cisterns cuts from the rock.
On road, if travelling by your own vehicle; the closest village is Nanivali near Chowk town. Chowk town lies on NH4 that connects Panvel with Karjat. Chowk also has a train station. Outstation trains towards Pune or towards Mumbai pass Chowk.
Irshalgad Fort is located at a height of 3700 feet above sea level. I would rate the Irshalgad Fort trek grade as Medium Child trek.
The Base Village is Irshalwadi from where the trek begins and normally takes 1-2 hours from Irshalwadi village to reach the fort.
P.S - your speed, time of the day & the amount of luggage you carry is directly proportional to the time one will take to reach the top.
There is a water tank on the route from Irshal Plateau to the peak. To reach the top of the pinnacle it is essential to have artificial rock climbing equipment.From the top you can see the forts of Matheran, Chanderi, Malanggad, Karnala and Manikgad. Isn't it savage!
Accommodation facility is not available on the top of the fort. The food facility can be arranged from Irshalwadi village. Drinking water is not available during the trek.
You will find a temple dedicated to the local deity and one has to worship the diety before the final climb to the pinnacle.
Once you reach the top, you are definitely rewarded by spectacular views spread across the plateau. This quiet ,little getaway fort has all the qualities of becoming one of the most sought out travel forts for a short & quick rib tickling trek. Well, it does not disappoint to be true!
How to reach Irshalgad fort?
By Train : The nearest Railway Station is Karjat then by private vehicle to the Base village.
From Panvel : S.T bus or private vehicle are available till Chowk phata. You can reach the base village on foot via Chouk.
The Road Distance from Mumbai is 80 Km, from Navi Mumbai it is 45 km & Pune it is 116 km.
Do's & Don'ts :
1) Carry ample amount of water ( 2 litres minimum )
2) Carry dry fruits or anything edible as there is no facility on the fort.
3) Take a halt at the village, refresh and head on.
4) I took a chance & stepped out in the heat. Recommended time for trek is between June and January.
5) A headgear, cap, sunglasses, a knife, matchbox and mosquito repellent are essentials. There is no facility to spend the night.
6) Travel in group for safety reasons. The population is scarce and one may wander off as there is little direction provided to reach the top.
7) One may encounter wild animals, big cats in the plateau regions. Keep your eyes & ears open at all times.
8) Be Safe and preserve nature.
Happy Fort Hunting 2019!
