Kothaligad (Peth)
Grade : Easy
Region : Karjat
Base village : Ambiwadi
Landmark : Solanpada
Number of Routes : 1
Highest Altitude : 3100 Feet (945m)
Trek Duration : 3.5 Hours ascend, 2.5 Hours Descend
Surrounding Peaks : Dhak, Siddhagad, Bhimgad and Bhimashankar
Ideal Season : June to February (Monsoon months are good weather wise and Winter months for clear views)
Major Attarction :
The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. It looks like a filed surface. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well-sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading the pinnacle. Ancient Canons, View of Windmills and Sunrise View from Top (Night Treks in Winter).
Water Sources :
There are many a cisterns and tanks on the fort, but the one near the cave is usable. However water is not potable at times hence it is recommended to carry water from Base Village itself.
Special thing about structure/route :
This fort was more of a ‘defense station’ than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage and the rock carved steps inside the pinnacle is the main attraction.
Other Special thing :
If you visit this fort in pre monsoon season, you can see plenty of fireflies at the base village and on the trail.
History Info :
Ancient Name & Meaning (if any) :
Kothaligad also called as Peth Fort (because the village of Peth is situated at its base)
Era :
Built by a Local King, later Ruled by Mughals & Marathas. The cave and the temple carvings date back to the 13th century
Brief War History :
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered his warriors ‘Abdul Kadar’ and ‘Ali Biradarkani’ in November 1684 to capture the forts belonging to Sambhaji’s empire. Maratha Sardar Naroji Tryambak was hiding in the valley to prevent him to approach the fort. When another war broke, the Marathas lost and Naroji was killed. Ehmat Khan capitulated Naroji and hung his head right in the middle of the road. Now, the Mughals had total control over the fort. The Golden keys of main door of the fort were sent to Aurangzeb as a symbol of victory. After confirming the victory, he rewarded Abdul Khan. The Mughals renamed the fort as ‘Miftahulfateh’, meaning victory key. In April 1685, 700 Marathas attacked again. About 200 of them climbed the fort with the help of rope ladders. Battle started between two parties and a lot of blood shaded. The goddess of victory again favored the Mughals and the Marathas lost the battle and the fort. After 130 years in November 1817, Bapurao, a Maratha Sardar with Bajirao II fought with British and won the fort. It was recaptured British on December 30, 1817, the very next month under Captain Brooks. The British had this fort till 1862 as an outpost for vigilance on the surrounding valley and peaks.
