Image Source: siddesh koli
Kurdugad Fort is a small but significant fort located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It was built under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and played a crucial role in monitoring the Tamhini Ghat and surrounding regions.
The fort is named after Goddess Kurdai, whose temple is located at the base of a hill.
How to Reach
From Pune: Take the road towards Tamhini Ghat and continue via Dhamanwal to reach the fort’s plateau.
From Jite Town: Follow the path alongside a water stream. Look for a rock patch with an idol—take a left turn
here. The trail then passes through a farm and multiple ascents before reaching the plateau at Pethwadi village.
Trekking Route to Kurdugad Fort
The trek to Kurdugad is relatively short but involves a challenging journey to the base. The route:
Dhanamhole Village Approach
It involves crossing a hillock and descending a rocky hill.
The trail passes through dense forest and an unpaved trail.
The trek from the base to the fort takes 30 minutes.
Jite to Pethwadi Route
Trek involves multiple turns with a 1.5-hour trek.
Pethwadi Village houses the Kurdai Temple and a water tank.
The final ascent begins to the right of the temple.
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon (July–September): During monsoon, the region changes into lush greenery with miscovered landscapes and scenic waterfalls. But be careful and avoid slippery trails.
Winter (November–February): It’s one of the best times to visit because during this time the weather is ideal for trekking.
Summer (March–May): Avoid visiting in the summer months because the weather becomes hot, which is not ideal for doing trekking.