Shri Malanggad Information
Sri Malanggad information in English
• Location:
Malanggad is located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Thane district, Maharashtra, near Matheran.
• Height:
The average height of Malanggad is approximately 3,200 feet.
Routes to Reach Malanggad:
• From Mumbai:
Via Taloja – Chindhran route to Nitle, then through Wadi, Malanggad can be reached.
• From Kalyan:
Via Dombivli route to Palava City, then Khoni Pagadyacha Pada, further to Wadi and then Malanggad.
• From Badlapur:
Via Ambernath route, through Malanggad Phata to Malanggad.
• From Pune:
Via Pimpri-Chinchwad route to Lonavala – Karjat – Badlapur, then through Ambernath route to Malanggad.
• Transport Facility:
Taxi and bus services are available from Kalyan to reach Malanggad.
Places to See at Malanggad:
• Parking Area:
By bus or taxi, one can reach the parking area at Malanggaon located at the foothills of Malanggad. From here, the fort can be seen from a distance.
• Stairway Route:
To reach the fort, there is a constructed stairway path. This route goes up to Pir Machi.
• Shiv Pind:
A Shiv Pind can be seen along the route.
• Durga Mata Temple:
Proceeding further along the stairway route, the temple of Goddess Durga is encountered.
• Shops and Puja Materials:
As this is a religious place, many devotees visit here. For their convenience, shops selling puja materials as well as snack and refreshment stalls are available.
• Pir Machi:
A Machi is a naturally formed flat area on a fort used for surveillance. While proceeding towards Malanggad, Pir Machi is the first Machi encountered. In this area, several shops, a dargah, and other residential structures are located.
• Dargah:
After walking further upward, a dargah is seen. This is the Haji Malang Dargah.
• Sonmachi Route:
In front of the shops near the dargah, a narrow footpath leads in the direction of the fort.
• Stone Footpath Route:
While proceeding upward from Pirmachi towards Sonmachi, many large stones and boulders are seen fallen along the path. Through this route, one reaches near the Katyal stone stairway.
• Katyal Stairway Route:
Climbing the difficult path filled with stones and boulders, one reaches a steep basalt rock cliff. On one side of this cliff, steps have been carved into the rock. These unevenly shaped steps are difficult to climb. By holding the handholds carved at places, one can reach Sonmachi located above. During the capture of the fort, the British fired cannonballs from Pirmachi, but they could not reach up to the gate. However, rocks along the stairway route were broken.
After climbing the stairway and completing the difficult ascent, a ruined gate and bastion carved into a high rock are seen. This was the entrance gate of Sonmachi, which was destroyed over time and during invasions. At present, standing pillars and stone structures of the bastion remain.
• Remains of Wadas and Other Structures:
On reaching Sonmachi, remains of foundations and building plinths are visible. These belonged to structures built for the residence and work of soldiers, fort commanders, guards, sepoys, and administrative officers stationed here.
• Toilet Pit:
On one side of Sonmachi, a medieval-period toilet pit structure can be seen.
• Chor Darwaza (Secret Gate):
A secret gate is seen on Sonmachi, which was meant for use during emergencies. It descends into a deep valley.
• Water Cisterns:
While proceeding from Sonmachi towards the Balekilla and on other sides, water cisterns carved into the rock are seen. During the monsoon, rainwater was collected in these tanks and used throughout the year.
• Difficult and Narrow Battle Route:
The route from Sonmachi to Balekilla is extremely narrow. On one side the there is a steep rocky cliff, with barely about one foot wide path to walk on, and on the other side a sharp slope. If an enemy advanced towards the Balekilla, stones could be hurled from above to destroy the enemy, or the enemy could fall into the deep valley. Such defensive design is evident.
• Broken and Risky Path:
This narrow path leading to the Balekilla is broken at many places. Ropes, iron pipes, and rods have been installed at several points. Currently, reaching the Balekilla is extremely dangerous, though many trekkers still attempt this route.
• Rest Niches:
While going towards the Balekilla, rock-cut rest niches can be seen at various places.
• Balekilla:
The highest part of the fort is known as the Balekilla.
• Water Tanks on Balekilla:
Several rock-cut water tanks are seen on the Balekilla. Even during peak summer, these tanks do not dry up. The stones required for construction on the Balekilla were extracted from its lower areas, where many water tanks were formed.
• Residential Structures and Sadar on Balekilla:
On the higher part of the Balekilla, a roofless structure with strong construction on all sides can still be seen intact. The main officers of the fort, the fort commander, and other officials stayed here during emergencies. Storage of weapons and food grains was also done here, and secret meetings were held at this place.
• Surroundings View:
The Balekilla is the highest point of Malanggad. From here, a panoramic view of the entire surrounding region can be seen.
• Return Route:
After visiting the fort, one must return by the same route
During fort trekking, you need various essential items. You can explore and purchase them through the links below.
🧭 Essential Trekking Gear:
• Travel Bag / Trekking Rucksack
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• Trekking Shoes / Hiking Shoes
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• Sun Cap / Hat
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• Camera / Action Camera
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• Selfie Stick
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• Battery / LED Headlamp / Torch
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• Climbing Rope
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• Carabiner Hooks
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• First Aid Kit
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• Camping Tent
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• Sleeping Bag
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• Telescope / Binoculars
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Historical Information of Malanggad:
• Malanggad has the samadhi of Machhindranath of the Datta tradition. Worship at this samadhi is performed by Muslim devotees. This place is beyond dispute between Hindu and Muslim religions. A fair is held here on the full moon day of the month of Magh.
• The first construction of Malanggad was done during the Shilahara dynasty.
• Later, the fort came under the rule of the Yadavas, Bahamani, Nizamshahi, and finally the Mughals.
• After the establishment of Swarajya, the fort came under Maratha rule.
• During the Peshwa period, in 1780 AD, British officer Ambington attacked Malanggad.
• During the monsoon season, the Marathas were engaged in agricultural work and the fort had limited military presence. Taking advantage of this situation, British officer Ambington attacked Malanggad. He captured Pirmachi and mounted cannons there to attack Sonmachi, but failed because the cannonballs could not reach the fort. He then imposed a blockade and cut off the Maratha supply lines. Even then, the Marathas offered strong resistance. Eventually, the British captured the fort.
• Thereafter, the fort remained under British rule.
• After India became independent, the fort came under the control of the Government of independent India.
Thus, this is the complete information of Malanggad.
