Siddhagad (Malvan)
Range
Malvan, Sindhudurg
Altitude
499m
Difficulty
Medium
Explore Offline
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About Siddhagad (Malvan)
Siddhagad Fort (Malvan): Guarding Ancient Trade! Built in Sindhudurg district to watch the route from Malvan/Achara ports to Ajara market. It strategically overlooked the passage near Kasal River and Ghotgi mountain, essential for protecting vital trade shipments.
Best time to visit
All year round / Check local forecast
History & Significance
Siddhagad Fort, built by the Savant clan, faced a British attack in April-May 1818 led by Colonel Henry Imlach (1760-1830). Imlach failed initially due to strong defense, but returned with reinforcements (80th Regiment from Malvan) and successfully captured the fort.
Places to See
Siddhagad Fort, spread across 25 acres (though signs are gone), features a large laterite plateau known as 'Kaap' or 'Sada' in Malvani. This plateau hosts the small village of Siddhagadwadi. From here, enjoy views of the Kasal River and the fort surroundings. Tip: Visit in September (monsoon) to see wild flowers blooming!
Journey & Transport
How to Reach
**Reach Siddhagad Fort via Ovaliye (Base Village):** **Option 1: From Malvan** * Malvan → Achara Masade → Ovaliye → Siddhagad (35 kms) * Malvan → Kasal → Ovaliye (36 kms)**Option 2: From Kankavli** * Drive towards Kudal on Mumbai-Goa NH. Take a right turn \~1 km before Kasal. Ovaliye is 2 kms further.**Local Transport Tip:** State Transport (S.T.) buses run between Malvan/Kankavli and Kasal. *Bus access to Ovaliye from Kasal is limited.* **Book an auto-rickshaw (to/from Kasal) for reliability\!** **Final Trek:** A crude (Kaccha) road starts from Rameshwar Temple in Ovaliye Village, leading to Siddhagadwadi. Vehicles can access 3/4ths of the hill (as of 2009). From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the top of the Siddhagad plateau\!
Important Notes
Siddhagad Fort: A quick 30 min walk or 10 min drive from Ovaliye. Maximize your trip! With early start from Malvan, you can visit 4 forts: Bharatgad, Bhagwantgad (near Masure, ~12km from Malvan), Ramgad (~17km from Masure), and Siddhagad (Ovaliye, 10km from Ramgad). Return to Malvan via Ovaliye–Kasal route (~36km from Ovaliye).
Facilities
- StayOvaliye School Porch: Sleeps 10 easily!
- FoodBYOF
- WaterDrinking water available!