TREK TO PETH FORT / KOTHALIGAD & AMBIVALI CAVES

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About the Fort:-

Peth, also known as ‘Kothaligad’, approximately 21Km North East of Karjat. This fort stands tall in the company of various other forts Rajmachi, Dhak, Siddhagad and Bhimashankar, a witness to our illustrious history. 

Kothaligad is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base. This fort though small in stature has a vast historical background. Mughal chronicles provide us a lot of information on this fort. This fort was more of a ‘defense station’ than a strong fort. Peth was mainly used for ammunition storage. Peth gained importance during Sambhaji’s era..

Route:- One has to reach Ambivali via Kashele or from Karjat railway station on Mumbai-Pune route. The distance from Karjat to Ambivali is about 30 Kms. A road leads to village Peth from Ambivali. A tiring pathway leads to the fort door from village Peth. 
Ambivali to Peth Village – 2 hours
Peth village to top of the fort – 1 hour

Surroundings:- The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. It looks like a filed surface. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well-sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading to the top of the pinnacle. 

Four–Five potholes and some canon balls are scattered in the fort. Kalwawantinicha Mahal, Bhimashankar, Siddhagad, Malanggad, Chanderi, Prabalgad, Manikgad, and Matheran all these surrounding historical places are visible from top of the fort Peth.