Image Source: Prathamesh Nikhade
About Sumargad Fort
Forming a trio with Rasalgad and Mahipatgad forts, Sumargad Fort is located to the east of the Khed Ratnagiri district. It’s one of Maharashtra’s lesser-known yet intriguing hill forts that remains an untouched beauty, offering an offbeat experience for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
Architecture
Nestled in the dense forests of Ratnagiri district, the fort covers an area of around 120 acres. Relatively small, the fort is strategic due to its remote location and challenging terrain. Its location atop the steep cliffs makes it a formidable stronghold of its time.
The most notable feature of the fort includes:
Rock-cut Water Cisterns—These ancient reservoirs provided a steady supply of water to inhabitants.
A Sacred Cave with a Shivalinga—a spiritual relic adding a mystical charm to the fort.
Trekking to Sumargad Fort
There are no direct roads that lead to the fort. So reaching Sumargad is an adventure in itself that is accessible through two trekking routes.
From Mahipatgad: Taking about 2 hours, the dense forest trails pass from Wadi-Beldar and take around 2 hours.
From Rasalgad: Its more challenging and requires a longer time of 4 hours that passes through rugged terrain.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from October to January, when the weather is pleasant and the forest is lush but not too overgrown.
Tips
Nestled in the dense forests, the trail is not well-marked. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
How to Reach Sumargad Fort
By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai, about 270 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Khed, around 40 km from the fort base.
By Road: From Khed, travellers can drive to the base villages (Wadi-Beldar or Rasalgad) and begin their trek from there.