Achala Fort
• Location:
In the Nashik district, along the east–west stretching Satmala mountain range, around 18 forts can be seen. Among them, one fort is located in the Vani region. It is a medieval fort built mainly for surveillance (watching enemy movements).
• Height of the Fort:
The average height of this fort is about 4040 meters above sea level, and it is a hill fort (Giridurg). The climb to the fort is of moderate difficulty.
• Routes to Reach the Fort:
• From Mumbai – Nashik – Vani – Pimpri Achala; from there, via Dagadpimpri village, one can reach Achala Fort through a forest trail.
• From Surat (Gujarat) – Navsari – Saputara – Hargad – Khirad – from there to Jamale village, and then via a forest path to the fort.
• Mumbai and Surat are international ports.
• The distance from Vani to Achala Fort is about 12 km.
• Places to See on Achala Fort:
• From Nashik, one can reach Vani by vehicle or bus. From there, via Pimpri Achala road, after reaching Dagadpimpri village, a narrow forest path leads to the fort. Walking along this path, one reaches near the Sati Temple.
• Sati Temple:
On the way, a small dome-shaped temple is seen, known as the Sati Temple. Inside, there is a stone idol. It appears that this temple was built in memory of a woman who performed Sati after her husband’s death.
• Hanuman Temple:
Further ahead, after climbing, one reaches a plateau where a vermilion-colored idol of Lord Hanuman can be seen. The surrounding structure is ruined. There is a tin sheet above, and the idol is in an open space below. Since Hanuman is considered the deity of strength and protector from troubles, his idol is commonly found on or near forts.
• Rock-cut Steps Path:
After crossing the plateau, a steep rock face appears, in which steps have been carved to climb upwards. This path is used to reach the top of the fort.
• Cave:
While climbing the steps, slightly aside from the path, a cave carved into the rock can be seen. It is approximately 3×3 feet in size and about 10 feet long. It was likely used for surveillance purposes.
• Water Cistern:
After climbing up, on the left side, a filled-up water cistern can be seen. It was likely constructed for drinking and other daily needs.
• Fort Top:
Further ahead, one reaches the top of the fort. It is relatively small. Bushes have grown in the area, making it difficult to clearly see the structures. From here, the surrounding region can be viewed.
• Remains of Buildings:
The structures on the fort have been destroyed over time. Only the foundations (remains) can now be seen.
• Water Cisterns:
On the fort top, a wide water cistern can be seen. Local people believe that after recovering from serious illness, one should bathe in this cistern. Nearby, another cistern and some broken idols can be seen.
• Series of Eight Water Cisterns:
On the slope of the fort, along the water flow path, a series of eight connected cisterns can be seen. These were designed for rainwater collection and purification. The stones extracted while making these cisterns were used for constructing the fort’s buildings and fortifications. Thus, they served a dual purpose. Currently, they are in a deteriorated condition.
• Places Visible from the Fort Top:
From here, one can see the Satmala and Sahyadri mountain ranges, including Rawalya hill, Jawalya hill, Dhodap, Saptashrungi fort, Tavlya hill, and Bahiarya hill.
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• Historical Information of Achala Fort:
• This fort belongs to the medieval period and its structure resembles forts from the Yadava period.
• It was built to monitor trade routes leading to Surat port and the Konkan region, as well as to keep watch on enemy movements.
• Earlier, this region was under the rule of the Yadava dynasty.
• Later, it came under the Bahmani Sultanate, then the Nizamshahi, and afterward under the Mughal Empire.
• For some time, it was under Maratha rule. It is believed that after the second loot of Surat, Maratha commander Gondaji Narayan hid some treasure on this fort for safety.
• Later, the region came under British rule.
• After India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the fort came under the Government of India.
• Due to neglect over time, the fort is now in a deteriorated condition.
This is the complete information about Achala Fort.
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