Hatgad Fort is an old fort in Hatgad village, Nashik district, Maharashtra, near Saputara. Situated on the Saputara-Nashik Road, it is a popular trekking destination on the Gujarat-Maharashtra border and one of the top historical sites to visit as part of the Saputara tour package.
A statue of Lord Ganesha is at the top of the fort. Inside the fort is a tombstone, a water tank, mansion fragments, decaying fort walls, and an arch-shaped structure. The two reservoirs, Jamuna and Ganga, separate the Hatgadh. They were previously the water source for the settlements in the surrounding area. Tourists can enjoy stunning views of the entire valley and Suragana Village from the top of the fort.
History
Hatgad Fort is at an elevation of 3,600 feet in the Sahyadri hills. It was erected in the 17th century AD by the renowned Maratha monarch Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Hatgad Fort, one of Saputara's most popular tourist attractions, was built as a watchtower overlooking Nashik and Gujarat's inner valleys. Officially, the fort is under the maintenance of Maharashtra's Archaeological Department. The fort is a famous place for people who love history and trekking.
What is the speciality of Hatgad Fort?
The fort is very famous among the trekkers. The fort has also had historical importance since the era of the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji. The height of the fort is 3600 feet above sea level. The tourists can look at the beautiful surroundings from the top of the fort.
What is the difficulty level of Hatgad Fort?
The difficulty level of the Hatgad fort trek is easy to moderate. The walk is relatively easy; the families traveling with the kids can do it. During the rainy season, the steps can be slippery, and the trekkers must be careful. However, the Hatgad Fort is a must among the places to visit in Saputara.
The only way to get to the fort is by trekking down a small rocky trail. The route to the fort begins near the Anando Restaurant in front of the Club Mahindra Resort. It takes around an hour to get to the top of the fort from the parking area. The trek can be tough for old people and children.