Tandulwadi
Grade : Easy
Region : Palghar
Base village : Tandulwadi
Landmark : Saphale
Number of Routes : 1
Highest Altitude : 1900 Feet (579m)
Trek Duration : 2.5-3 hours one way
Surrounding Peaks : Kohoj fort, Takmak fort , Asheri fort and Mahalaxmi Pinnacle
Ideal Season : June to February (Monsoon months are good weather wise and Winter months for clear views)
Major Attarction :
View of Saphale Region, Confluence of Surya and Vaitarna River, Zanzorli Lake, On clear day can see Asherigad, Kohoj and Takmak Fort.
There is a square shaped water pond on the top of the fort. If we descend a bit on path which comes from the western side, one can find many rock-cut water cisterns. On the top of the fort, one can find many water cisterns dug in the rocks, water reservoirs and remains of ramparts. Vaitarna River flows to the east of this hill. At the banks of this river a small village called Lalthane is situated. There is a water pond in Lalthane believed to be built by the Portuguese.
Water Sources :
On main plateau there are several rock cut water cisterns. A small water pond is situated in the center. However water is not potable at times hence it is recommended to carry water from Base Village itself.
History Info :
Era :
The fort dates back 800 years and was primarily used as a watch tower over the surrounding plain.
Brief War History :
n thirteenth century, King Bhimdev’s kingdom comprised the cities of Shurparak (Nalasopara) and Mahikawati (Mahim). The first known history of the fort was in the 15th century (about 1429) during the rule of Jafar Khan, son of Ahmed Shah of the Gujarat Sultanate. It was used as a reconnoiter fort to keep a watch on neighboring forts and the Arabian Sea. In 1454, the Sultan of Ahmedabad captured Mahikavati (Mahim) and one of his Sardar named Mallik Allauddin was made chief of Tandulwadi fort. In 1509, the Portuguese took the fort after they wrested Diu from the Gujarat and established a stronghold at the nearby Vasai area, where they built the Vasai Fort. The Portuguese lost control of the area to the Marathas in 1737 after the battle of Bassein.
Gujarat (1521-1594)
Portuguese Empire (1594)
Maratha Empire (1739-1818)
United Kingdom
East India Company (1818-1857)
British Raj (1857-1947)
India (1947-till date)
