Irshalgad Fort Trek

Irshalgad is located near Nanivali Village in Khalpur Taluka of Raigad district in Maharashtra, India. Irshalgad is continuation of Matheran Mountain Range of Sahyadri Hills.

Base Village: Irshalwadi Village

Elevation/Height:  3700 ft.

Nearest Railway Station: Panvel and Karjat

Grade Level: Medium

Endurance level: Medium

Irshalgad Information: Irshalgad is located between Panvel and Matheran. Irshalgad is sister fort of Prabalgad. Talking about history of Irshalgad is that this fort was under the Maratha rule when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the regions of Kalyan and Bhiwandi. Irshalgad can not be called as fort as there is no fortification available.

Irshalgad is a pinnacle which has Nedhe. Nedhe is the Marathi ( Local Language ) which means Natural Hole in the Mountain. Irshalgad offers amazing view of Morbe Dam, Karnala Fort, Sondai Fort and Prabalgad Fort.

Irshalgad Trek Route: Irshalgad Trek routes starts from Nanivalli village. Irshalgad Trek route is simple and well marked till the top of Irshalgad. Nanivalli village is about 2km from Chowk. The initial route goes through open field and provides amazing view of Morbe Dam. Morbe Dam is restricted to trekkers by government after some accident happned over there.

After 2km of tiring route, we reach base village of Irshalgad which is known as Irshalwadi village. Irshalwadi is small village and situated at the base of Irshalgad. After Irshalwadi village, trail goes through forest. There is small temple dedicated to Goddess Irshaldevi. We will reach at small plateau which provides excellent view of Irshalgad Pinnacle. Now moving further, we reach at the Nedhe. Nedhe is the Main attraction of Irshalgad Fort. The Top of Irshalgad has very small area. There is small cave and water tanks.

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and Winter

Time Required to Reach Irshalgad Top: 2-3 Hours

How to reach Irshalgad: Irshalgad Fort can be reached via Panvel as well as Karjat. There are regular ST buses available from Panvel as well as Karjat. We have to get down at Chowk Bus stop. Bus frequencies are very good from Panvel as well as Karjat.

Things to See on Irshalgad Trek:

1. View of Morbe Dam
2. 3 Water Tanks
3. Small Temple of Goddess Irshaldevi
4. View of Prabalgad and Karnala Fort
5. View of Matheran Mountain Range

Camping / Accommodation Facility: Irshalgad has very small area and Camping is not possible on top. The Best place to stay is at Irshalwadi Village.

Food / Water Facility: Food and Water Facility is available in Irshalwadi Village. There Multiple water tanks on Irshalgad trek but water is not potable. Carry enough water with you.

Places to Visit near Irshalgad:

1. Prabalgad Fort
2. Karnala Fort
3. Sondai Fort
4. Matheran
5. Kalavantin Durg