Manikgad

Start your Manikgad Fort trek behind Vadgaon village. Climb to Thakarwadi, then cross a plateau to the fort base. Follow a steep, dense path that detours around the fort to reach the side opposite Vadgaon. **Fort Highlights:** * **Entrance:** Enter via wrecked fortifications on the east side. See the grooved stone used to mix lime (a replica is now present). * **Doorways:** Straight path leads to the ruined north-facing entry (idol smeared with Shendur inside). The second, south-facing doorway is intact with a Lord Ganesha carving. * **Fort Top:** Features large decrepit architecture and the fort's biggest water tank. * **Northern Point:** Climb down steps to a ruined bastion, then turn right for the ruined **Chor Darwaja** (hidden escape door). * **Shrines:** Find the open-air Shivpindi of Lord Shankara and Nandi. Nearby are two soil-filled tanks and four tanks in line (the smallest has potable water). * **Bastions:** Reach the eastern edge bastion (slippery route, avoid in rain). The bastion at the **highest point** is well-preserved with flower petal stone structures (Charya). * **Total Time:** The entire visit takes about 30 minutes.**Nearby Forts:** * **North:** Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Matheran * **Northwest:** Karnala Fort * **Northeast:** Sankashi Fort