The hill fort of Korigad is about 20 km south of Lonavala in the district of Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The height of the fort above sea level is about 923 m. No one knows when it was built, but historians believe it existed before 1500 AD. Chhatrapati Shivaji reportedly took it from the Mughal Empire in 1657. Even though the fort is ancient, its walls and towers are still in pretty good shape after the British fixed them up.
What Makes Korigad Fort a Hidden Gem for Trekkers?
The road up to the fort is clear and winds through lots of trees and plants. There are stone-cut steps that go up to the top of the fort. As one of the popular places to visit in Lonavala, visitors can see a lot of land around them, including the beautiful Aamby Valley, once they reach the top.
On the top of the fort, there are temples to the protectress goddess Koraidevi and a number of big ponds. Trekkers and history buffs like Korigad Fort for its beautiful views and easy-to-reach trails. The hilltop fort offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Lakes inside the Fort: A Unique Feature of Korigad
Korigad can also be written as Koraigad, Koarigad, or Kumwarigad. The name of the fort comes from the church of Koraidevi, which stands on top of it. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj added this fort to Swarajya in 1657, along with Lohagad, Visapur, Tung, and Tikona.
The British took over Korigad in 1818, but they accidentally hit the stored ammo on the fort with a gunball, causing an explosion. They also took over Ghangad and this fort.
The Role of Korigad in Shivaji Maharaj's Legacy
Korigad can also be written as Koraigad, Koarigad, or Kumwarigad. The name of the fort comes from the church of Koraidevi, which stands on top of it. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj added this fort to Swarajya in 1657, along with Lohagad, Visapur, Tung, and Tikona. The British took over Korigad in 1818, but they accidentally hit the stored ammo on the fort with a gunball, causing an explosion. They also took over Ghangad and this fort.
Best Season to Visit for a Picturesque Experience
June to September is a good time to visit Korigad because it is cloudy during the summer and green during the winter. The lakes still have a lot of water in them.
For wildlife fans, though, Korigad Fort is also a great place to see the sunset in the summer. In the summer, going on a night walk is fun. The entrance to the fort is open 24 hours a day, and many Lonavala tour packages include visits to this scenic spot.