Alang / Alanggad Fort Information
Alang Kilyachi Mahiti (English)
Location
In the Nashik district of Maharashtra state, on the western side of the Kalsubai peak in the Northern Sahyadri mountain range, the forts Alang, Madangad, and Kulang can be seen.
Among them, Alang is one of the forts.
Height:
Approximately 1479 meters (4852 feet) above sea level
Mountain Range: Sahyadri
District: Nashik
Nearby Villages: Ambewadi, Ghoti
Transport Route to Reach the Fort
At the base of Alang Fort lies the village Ambewadi.
Ambewadi village is about 55 kilometers from Nashik city.
The fort can be reached by trekking on foot via Nashik – Igatpuri – Ambewadi route.
Ambewadi is about 182 kilometers from Pune.
It is about 140 kilometers from Mumbai.
It is about 300 kilometers from Surat in Gujarat state.
Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Surat are major cities of India and are connected to other parts of the state and international regions through road and air routes. A network of roads and railways is also seen here.
The best way to reach Ambewadi is by road.
Places to See on Alang Fort
From Nashik via Igatpuri, one can reach the area at the base of the fort through Ambewadi village. After arriving here, using Google Maps, one proceeds through the forest towards the fort.
While coming, the first place encountered is Ambewadi village. From there, while walking towards the fort, a rough path appears where stone boundaries are arranged on both sides. Through this path we enter the forest.
Difficult Jungle Trek
In the surroundings of the fort there is a wild plateau region. In this sparse forest area, one can walk along the trail by climbing up and down the uneven hills towards the fort.
On the way, through a gorge created by monsoon water, one reaches the pass area (Khind). On the way, a small water stream is encountered.
In this forest the following trees are found:
Mango, Umbar, Jamun, Katki, Bibba, Hirda, Behada, Amla
Other wild fruits found here include:
Karvanda, Katki, Changuni, Torane, Berries (Bore)
Also thorny bushes are found here.
Among snakes, the Furase (a poisonous snake) is also found here. Animals like monkeys and leopards are also present in this forest.
While walking through the forest trail, two paths diverge:
The left path leads to a waterfall
The right path leads to the pass towards Alang Fort
Water Stream
After walking through the forest route, one can see a stream flowing from the upper forest area. During the rainy season this stream contains plenty of water. In the summer season the water sources begin to dry up.
The water requirement of all living beings such as animals, birds, and plants in this forest area is fulfilled from this stream.
Rock Carving at the Pass
After crossing several elevations through the forest, one reaches the high rocky cliff of the fort.
From there, walking on foot one reaches the base of the fort where rock carvings are seen. These carvings depict a primitive man hunting, holding a weapon and fighting. This carving shows the path leading towards the fort.
The names of the forts here are Alang, Madangad and Kulang. By estimating through the symbol of this rock carving and moving towards the east of Madangad, one reaches Alang Fort. Through this path we reach the rocky ascent of the fort.
Difficult Rock Climb and Stairway
From here the trek becomes very difficult. After climbing a little, a rock-cut stairway is seen which is carved at different places in the cliff.
Looking at the structure of these steps, it appears that they are designed in such a way that water does not stay but drains away.
Through this route we climb towards the fort and reach near a cave.
Cave
On the way to the fort, a cave carved in the rock is seen. Mountaineers and tourists take some rest here and then continue their journey further.
Broken Stairway Cliff
After coming out of the cave and climbing the rocky surface, one reaches an upper section where a steep vertical cliff of about 90° angle is seen.
Earlier there was a stairway here. During the British rule, the stairway was destroyed by cannon fire because the British feared that the Marathas might again use the fort to challenge their power.
To climb here, an experienced climber is necessary who climbs the cliff first and ties a rope so that others can climb up. After climbing up using the rope, a narrow stairway appears above.
Narrow Stairway
While climbing up this stairway, one must use the small footholds carved in the steps. For this, mountaineering skills and practice of climbing and descending difficult heights are required. This is not a task for ordinary people.
Below there is a deep valley and even a slight slip of the hand may cause one to fall into the deep gorge.
By climbing this steep route through rock climbing, one finally reaches the top of the fort.
Wide Horseshoe-Shaped Plateau and Cliffs
The structure of the fort is semi horseshoe-shaped, forming a plateau with slopes on one side. High vertical cliffs surround it, forming a natural fortification.
Two Water Tanks
After reaching the top, two water tanks are seen. These tanks were carved out to provide water for the fort.
Shiva Temple
A small temple built by removing stones from the high rock is seen here in ruins. The upper part of the temple is destroyed and only the portion up to waist height remains. Inside, a broken Shivling can be seen.
Rock-Cut Caves (Soldiers’ Residence)
On the upper side of the fort, by cutting into a high hill and removing stones from inside, rooms have been created. Two large caves were made here for the residence of the soldiers stationed on the fort.
Looking at their structure, it appears they were carefully planned for grain storage, residence, weapon storage and rest.
Water Tank Group
After seeing the cave rooms and climbing through the nearby trail, on the slope of the fort a series of water tanks can be seen in the middle.
While carving these tanks, the stones removed from inside were used to construct buildings on the fort. These tanks stored rainwater during the monsoon to provide drinking and utility water for the people living on the fort.
Considering the water flow capacity of the connected tanks, the water used to become cleaner by the time it reached the last tank.
Wada Ruins
Using stones removed from the tanks, a large building (Wada) was constructed on the upper part of the fort.
Due to neglect over time, this structure collapsed and now only one wall remains. From the remaining construction, one can imagine the architecture of that time.
Surrounding Forts Visible from the Top
Apart from the structures mentioned above, not much remains on the fort. There is a wide plateau from where the surrounding forts can be seen.
East:
Kalsubai, Vitandgad, Ausacha Fort
North:
Harihar, Trimbakgad, Anjaneri
South:
Ajobagad, Khutta Sulka, Harishchandragad, Ratangad
During fort trekking, you need various essential items. You can explore and purchase them through the links below.
Historical Information of Alang Fort
It is believed that Alang Fort was built during the Yadava dynasty. Alang and Kulang forts were constructed to monitor the trade routes and maintain control over the surrounding region.
During the 9th to 11th centuries, this mountain region came under the rule of the Yadava dynasty. Considering its geographical importance for surveillance and security, tanks, cave rooms, gateways and stairways were developed here.
Later, the fort came under Sultanate rule, Mughal rule and later the Maratha kingdom.
For some period, while under the Nashik region, the fort also witnessed Mughal rule.
Later in 1760, the fort came under the control of the Peshwas, the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire, along with Kulang Fort.
In 1818, the British captured the fort. They destroyed the stairways, gateways and other structures to prevent the Marathas from using the fort again to challenge British power.
After 1947, the fort came under the control of the Government of independent India.
Today many trekkers perform trekking of Alang, Madangad and Kulang forts together, known as A.M.K. Trek.
Accommodation
The water sources around the fort begin to dry up after February. Therefore trekkers should preferably visit between October and February.
Trekking is also done during the monsoon season, but caution is necessary because moss makes the rocks slippery. Hence October to February is the best season. It is also advisable to take an experienced local guide.
Food Arrangement
There is no food facility available at this place. However, accommodation can be arranged in the caves. Trekkers must carry their own food.
From February onward water scarcity may be experienced, although the number of water tanks here is quite large.
The water in the tanks is generally suitable for drinking, but it is better to filter it before drinking.
Thus, this is the complete information about Alang Fort.
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