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Dhak Bahiri

Thinking of any place perfect for adventures, we come across many place in Sahyadris like the differences of Naneghat, Kokan Kada, Kalakrai etc. where we can also experience the thrill of technical climbing and natural rock climbing. One of them is the fort of Dhak, situated in Karjat region, and is a quite thrilling trek. The fort was discovered by great historian G.N. Dandekar, popularly known as GoNiDa.

Location: Karja, Raigad
Distance from major cities:
Mumbai -130 km
Pune - 80 km
Villages at Foothills: Vadap, Sandshi
Altitude: ft (1317 m)
Latitude: 18°53'58"N
Longitude: 73°24'33"E

History The fort is believed to be built to keep watch on Dive ghat along the Pune-Saswad route. The fort was built during the period of 1757 to 1760. The fort was built by Panse, a Peshwa Sardar, who was the chief incharge of Tofkhana of the Peshwas. Citations of a visit of Elder Madhavrao Peshwe to the fort are available in historic documents. A palace, belonging to Panse, can be seen in the Sonori village though much of it is in ruins.

Attractions

- Bahiri Cave -
An important part of this thrilling trek is the cave, which is situated on the other side of fort, and the way goes through dense vegetation. Walking for few minutes, leads to a diversion and the way to right directs to a cliff called the cliff of "Kalakrai". The narrow ridge between the cliff and the mountain descends to a narrow straight path where we come across two caves. One should proceed from here by taking support of the rocks and should be quite careful. Ascending
the rock patch where a bamboo and a rope are used to climb to the caves. The caves as such are sacred as the Lord of Bahiri resides here. From the caves, we can have a glance of the terrifying beauty of peaks of Sahyadri. We can also see the beautiful twins forts of Rajmachi, Shrivardhan and Manranjan.

- Kalakrai Pinnacle -
This pinnacle is quite famous and frequently visited by mountaineers. The way to the left of the ridge takes to the cliff, but a rope and rock climbing equipment is necessary.

Trek Routes

- From Vadap (Grade : Tough) -
From Karjat one should aboard the S.T. bus for the village of Wadhap. We have to cross a rivulet, and a way leads straight to the fort. There is a temple on the fort. To the left of the temple is the way, which leads us to the ridge between the fort and the pinnacle.

- From Sandshi (Grade : Tough) -
From Karjat, S.T. buses ply regularly to Sandshi. Its better to board the bus in the early morning as the midday sun heats the rocks. From here, a guide is required, as the way proceeds through dense vegetation and is quite confusing. After a walk of 2 hours we reach the ridge between the pinnacle on the left and the mountain of Dhak on the right. Way through the ridge leads to the cave of Bahiri. There are rock-hewn steps, and following them is a rope, bound to a bamboo. Here we have to climb safely. Above the cave is the wall of mountain on which the fort of Dhak is situated.

- From Rajmachi (Grade : Tough) -
While going to Rajmachi from Lonavala, we come across three prominent waterfalls. After we pass all waterfalls and cross the stream, we come to a distinct diversion. The way to the left goes to Rajmachi, and to right is Dhak. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the fort from here, via Vadap.

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