Mohandari Fort / Shidaka Fort, Nashik
• Location:
Mohandari Fort, also known as Shidaka Fort, is situated near Mohandari village, close to Nanduri village in the Satmala Mountain Range, near the famous Saptashrungi Fort in Nashik district, Maharashtra, India.
• How to Reach:
From Mumbai or Pune, travel to Nashik and then take the Saputara Road to Vani. From Vani, proceed towards Nanduri–Abhone Road. Mohandari village is about 3.5 km from Nanduri. From the village, the fort can be reached by trekking for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
There are several routes to reach the fort from Mohandari village.
- After reaching the famous natural rock arch (Nidhe), cross to the other side. The valley lies on the right and the fort on the left. Following this trail, the fort can be reached in about one and a half hours.
- Another route leads through a natural rocky gorge on the eastern side of the hill, allowing access to the fort from its eastern end.
- A rope ladder installed near the Nidhe can also be used to climb to the fort.
• Places to Visit on Mohandari Fort
• Hero Stones (Virgal)
Near Nanduri, while approaching Mohandari, several Hero Stones (Virgal) can be seen. These memorial stones were erected in honor of warriors who died bravely in battles. Three more Hero Stones can be seen near the Mohandari junction.
• Nidhe (Natural Rock Arch)
After leaving Mohandari village and following the trail, trekkers reach the famous Nidhe, a natural rock arch.
This geological formation was created over thousands of years in volcanic basalt rock. Softer layers of rock gradually eroded due to wind and weather, leaving behind a large natural opening while the harder rock remained intact. This unique formation is locally known as Nidhe.
• Local Legend
According to local folklore, when Goddess Saptashrungi appeared to slay the demon Mahishasura, he fled in the form of a buffalo. While chasing him across Mohandari Hill, the Goddess struck the mountain with her foot, creating the large hole seen today. Local people believe this natural arch was formed by that divine strike.
• Fortification and Bastions
The fort stands on steep and inaccessible cliffs. Most of its fortification walls have disappeared over time. Only a few remains of bastions can be seen near the rocky gorge.
• Water Cisterns
While walking from the western end towards the east, two silted-up rock-cut water cisterns can be seen.
• Structural Remains
A little further uphill, the foundation remains of ancient buildings can still be observed.
• Three Water Cisterns
Further ahead are three more rock-cut water cisterns. Water is available in them but is not fit for drinking.
• Summit Plateau
The fort has a broad plateau at the top. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Ahivant Fort to the west, Kanher Fort to the east, Saptashrungi, Markandeya, Ravlya, Jawlya, and Dhodap Forts to the south, and Abhone village along with Mohandari village at the foothills to the north.
• History of Mohandari Fort
Mohandari Fort is one of the important watch forts in the Satmala Mountain Range and forms part of a chain of around 18 forts in this region.
During the medieval period, the Yadavas, Sultanate rulers, Mughals, and Marathas used this fort to maintain control over the surrounding region. It was strategically built to monitor important trade routes and keep watch over the nearby territories.
The Hero Stones found in the surrounding area indicate that many brave warriors sacrificed their lives here during various power struggles.
Today, agriculture and trade flourish in the surrounding region, but the fort has gradually fallen into neglect. Only archaeological remains and traces of its glorious past survive.
• Accommodation:
Visitors may stay at the Ashram School in Mohandari village after obtaining permission from the local authorities.
• Food Facility:
Food is available in Nanduri village.
• Water Facility:
Water is available in the rock-cut cisterns on the fort; however, it is not suitable for drinking.
This is the information about Mohandari Fort (Shidaka Fort), Nashik, Maharashtra.


























































