Weekend Travels: June 2012

Kenjalgad (Ghera Khelanja)

Kenjalgad or Ghera Khelanja Fort, 4,269 feet above sea level, is situated on the Mandhardev spur of the Mahadev range eleven miles north-west of Wai. The fort is situated on the ridge which separates Pune and Satara districts. Both the Krishna and Neera rivers are visible from the Ghera Khelanja fort. Bhor with its surrounding villages and Wai with its surrounding villages are also visible clearly. Therefore during the time of Maratha Empire the fort successfully performed the role of Watch Guard.

This was last fort taken by Shivaji before coronation ceremony! Just in front of the fort is Raireshwar where Shivaji took his oath for swaraj and this fort he conqured before sitting on throne, 24.04.1684 from Gangaji Naik Kirdat (Adilshahi Sardar).

I had visited Raireshwar many times but never got chance to visit Kenjalgad. So this I plan to visit Kenjalgad along with my friends. It was Sunday 17^th June 2012 when we started our journey towards Kenjadgad. Kenjalgad is around 70kms from Pune. The fort is easy to climb. There are water tanks, Caves on the fort.

Food and accommodation facility is not available on the fort. Best time to visit this fort is from October to May.

Route to taken:

Pune - Khed Shivapur - Kapurhol - Bhor Phata - Bhor - State Highway 70 - Titeghar - Kenjalgad.