Rawlya
Range
Saatmaal
Altitude
1331m
Difficulty
Hard
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About Rawlya
Explore the twin forts of Rawlya-Jawlya in the Saatmaal mountain range! Situated on a huge plateau. Start with Rawlya fort—it's a difficult climb, so tackle it first! Both forts are easily visited with a day's halt from Mumbai and Nashik.
Best time to visit
Best Time to Go: Sept - Mar
History & Significance
The fort's original name: "Rola-Jola." Key ownership timeline: Mughal ruler Shahajahan (won by Aliwardi Khan, 1626) -> Shivaji Maharaj (1670). Marathas successfully fought off Dilerkhan's siege in 1671. Mahabat Khan took control, followed by the Peshwas. British captured it in 1818, leading to Captain Briggs devastating the steps and fortification wall in 1819.
Places to See
Rawlya & Twin Forts: Visit Tiwari's Hamlet! Follow the path (caution: not easily traceable) left from the hamlet settlement to Rawlya Fort. Reach a cleft in 15 mins (cave on right). Pro tip: Reaching the fort requires a Chimmney climb to the tree at the top. Technical climbing expertise/equipment is required for the broken edge; experts may free climb. Look for the saffron flag—no remnants remain. Dried water tanks are on the other side. Enjoy views of Markandya, Achala, and Ahivant forts in clear weather!
Journey & Transport
Time to Reach
Plateau is 2 hrs away! Reached from Babapur & Mulane-Bari.
How to Reach
**Getting to Rawlya Fort** Start 3 km from Babapur on the Nashik-Vani-Babapur-Mulane route. Look for a cleft where you must descend. * **Right Road:** Takes you to Rawlya-Jawlya. * **Left Road:** Takes you to Markandya.**Ascend Time Breakdown:**1. **Vani to Cleft:** 30 minutes. 2. **Cleft to Plateau:** Take the well-used right path of the mountain ridge. It takes about 1 hour (30-minute ascend, then path turns left/right to plateau). 3. **Plateau to Base:** 45 minutes to reach the base, passing patches of dense vegetation, until you reach a hamlet.**Crucial Warning:** The plateau has many routes. **Stay cautious\!** Always keep Rawlya fort to your left to avoid getting misled by the wrong path. Head for the cleft between Rawlya and Jawlya hills.
Facilities
- StayStay: Hamlet houses sleep 4-5. Open-air camping also available!
- FoodNo food on site.
- WaterDrinking Water: Available