Bhivgad / Bhimgad Fort Information
Location
Bhivgad, also known as Bhimgad Fort, is situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, about 10 kilometers from Karjat town.
Height
The fort stands at an average elevation of approximately 785 feet above sea level.
How to Reach the Fort
From Mumbai, one must first reach Karjat in Raigad district. Bhivgad/Bhimgad Fort is located near Vadap village, around 10 kilometers from Karjat, and close to Gaurkamat village, which is about 1 kilometer from Vadap.
Places to See on Bhivgad / Bhimgad Fort
Bhivgad/Bhimgad is one of the lesser-known forts of the Swarajya period. From Vadap village, which is the base village for the trek to Dhak Bahiri, a separate trail leads to Bhivgad Fort. The fort can be accessed from both Vadap and Gaurkamat villages, although the route from Gaurkamat is more convenient.
Chapatdan Maruti Temple
Visitors can park their vehicles in the open ground near the Maruti Temple in Gaurkamat village and begin the trek from there. The temple houses a beautiful idol of Lord Maruti (Hanuman) covered with vermilion (sindoor).
Water Cistern
Further along the route, near the steps, a rock-cut water cistern can be seen.
Stone Steps Route
As the climb continues, visitors come across a series of stone steps. Most of these steps are now in a ruined condition, and only rocky patches remain visible along the path. Beyond this point, the trail reaches a narrow gorge. Since the steps leading through the gorge have been destroyed, trekkers must carefully negotiate the climb.
Caves and Chambers
After climbing through the gorge, two caves carved into the rock can be seen on one side. These caves were likely used as shelters for guards stationed at the fort. Inner chambers can also be observed inside these caves.
Hero Stone (Veer Shilp)
Outside one of the caves stands a hero stone depicting a warrior riding a horse and carrying weapons. Local villagers worship this warrior figure. Nearby, there is also a rock-cut cave or underground chamber. Bats can often be seen inside this cave.
Ruined Gateway
As you proceed further through the gorge, you can see some remains that appear to have belonged to a fort gateway. However, no significant structure of the gateway survives today.
Rock-Cut Water Cistern
Further ahead, there is a water cistern carved into the rock. This cistern is known as the Underground Cistern (Bhuyari Take) or Archana Tank. A drainage channel has been carved from the cistern to allow excess water to flow out. The water stored here is considered potable.
After climbing further up, the trail splits into two paths. Taking the left path leads to the remains of ancient building foundations.
Lime Grinding Pit
The fort contains a lime-grinding pit that was used to prepare lime mortar for construction. The lime was utilized in building the fortifications, residential structures, administrative buildings, and other constructions on the fort.
Water Cisterns
Several more water cisterns can be found on the upper section of the fort. One of them is a pillar cistern. These cisterns were probably excavated to collect and store rainwater during the monsoon season to meet the fort's water requirements throughout the year.
Balekilla (Citadel)
The highest part of the fort forms the Balekilla (Citadel). Here, visitors can see the remains of several ancient structures and foundations. From this point, beautiful views of Sondai Fort, Matheran, Irshalgad, and Prabalgad can be enjoyed.
Historical Information about Bhivgad
Bhivgad Fort was primarily constructed for military surveillance and to monitor the important trade routes passing through the mountain ghats.
The fort remained under the control of several dynasties, including the Hindu kingdoms of the Satavahana Dynasty, Shilahara Dynasty, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, and Yadava Dynasty. Later, it came under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate, Nizam Shahi, and the Mughal Empire, before becoming part of the Swarajya established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
After the decline of the Maratha Confederacy and the end of the Peshwa rule, the fort came under British control.
In 1818, after capturing the fort, the British destroyed the stone stairway leading to the fort, as they did with many other forts, to prevent future Maratha uprisings and rebellions.
Thus, Bhivgad (Bhimgad) Fort stands as an important yet lesser-known hill fort of Maharashtra, reflecting a rich military and historical heritage.
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