Image Source: pratik mhatre
About Sankshi fort
Offering breath-taking views of the Karnala region, Sankshi Fort is a lesser-known hill fort located in Raigad district, Maharashtra. The historically significant fort, which is surrounded by lush greenery, is a great place for history buffs and adventurers to escape to.
History
Sankashi Fort dates back to the era of the Marathas and the Bahamani sultanate. It sat at a strategic location and served as a watchtower to keep an eye on trade routes on enemy movements. The fort was later controlled by the Peshwas and British forces. Today the fort is not in good condition, and not much remains of the fortification. However, the site is interesting due to its historical importance and geographic location.
Architecture
Though the fort is in ruins, you can still spot remnants of:
Fort Walls and Bastions – Some parts of the fortification remain intact.
Caves and Water Tanks – Ancient rock-cut water reservoirs that provided drinking water for the fort’s occupants.
Temple Ruins – Small shrines that indicate the presence of religious practices in the past.
Trekking to Sankshi Fort
Sankshi Fort is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Passing through rock patches, open patches, and dense forest paths offers a good experience to the trekker. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from the base village. Be careful in the final ascent because it involves steep climbs that require careful footing.
Once at the top, stunning views of Karnala Fort, Manikgad Fort, and the nearby valleys await you.
How to Reach Sankshi Fort
By Road: The fort is accessible from Mumbai (70 km) and Pune (120 km) via the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH48).
By Train: The nearest railway station is Pen, about 15 km from the fort.
By Bus: MSRTC buses run between Mumbai/Pune and Pen, from where you can hire a local vehicle.
Nearby Attractions
Karnala Fort & Bird Sanctuary – Located at a distance, the bird sanctuary is a perfect spot for trekking and bird lovers.
Manikgad Fort – The historic fort is located on a nearby hill that is located 25 km .
Ballaleshwar Pali (Ashtavinayak Temple) – A sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. It’s a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located 30 km.
Raigad Fort (65 km) – The capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire.
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon (July-September) – During monsoon the region changes into lush greenery, scenic waterfalls, and cool weather
Winter (November-February) – Its the best time to go for trekking. Pleasant weather and a clear view give a good experience of trekking.
Summer (March-May) – Avoid visiting in the summer season because weather becomes hot during day.