Chandragad to Arthur seat
Range
Mahabaleshwar
Altitude
1257m
Difficulty
Very difficult
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About Chandragad to Arthur seat
Maharashtra's Sahyadris split the region into four: Konkan Belt, Sahyadri Mountains, Ghats, and Plateaus. Historically, the Ghats were key ancient trade routes, linking Konkan Ports to plateau markets. This spurred growth in trade centers like Kalyan, Mahad, and Rajapur. Major trade routes included Varandha Ghat, Aambenali Ghat, Paar Ghat, Madhya Ghat, and Dhawale Ghat, transporting goods from coastal ports to the plateau. Varandha Ghat (Mahad-Bhor) and Aambenali Ghat (Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar) are still used (paved roads). Forts were built to protect these vital routes: * **Coastal Security:** Bankot (Savitri river mouth) * **Trade Route Protection:** Kavla, Chandragad, Mangalgad, Pratapgad * **Plateau Protection:** Kamalgad, Kenjalgad**Challenge Trek Alert\!** The Chandragad to Arthurseat Point (Madhi Mahal) route, part of the old Dhawale Ghat, is one of the hardest Sahyadris treks. It requires ascending up to 4729 ft. above sea level to Arthur Seat—a true test of stamina and patience\!
Best time to visit
All year round / Check local forecast
Places to See
**Chandragad to Arthurseat Point Trek Milestones** Total Estimated Time: 10-11 hours (may vary by 1-2 hours) **1. Dhawale Village to Chandragad Fort** * **Time:** 2 - 2.30 hrs Approx. * **Start:** Dhawale Village (Fort not visible, locate temple, keep left). * **Route:** Through farm fields into jungle. Circling hill (20 min walk) to fort base. * **Ascend:** Medium steepness, loose soil. Look for the sign board\! * **Climb:** 15-20 min walk to open patch, leads to rock patch (must climb). * **Fort Top:** Plateau reached in 10-15 min. Find Shivling & Nandi sculpture. * **North Route:** Bastion path. Cisterns: One on right is **Potable** (2 total), 3 on left are dry. Cistern on top route is **NOT potable**. * **Views:** Pratapgad and Mangalgad visible.**2. Chandragad to Bahirichi Ghumti** * **Time:** 5 hrs Approx. (Most tiring section\!) * **Start:** Descend Chandragad (same route), pass rock patch (15 min). * **Diversion:** Right to Dhawale Village; **Take Left to valley.** * **Warning:** Left path is very slippery, grass-covered. Steep valley on right, fort wall on left. **EXTREME CAUTION NEEDED.** * **Descend:** Steep, covered with trees, loose soil. Use trees for support (high slip risk). * **Trail:** 20 min in trees, 30 min in rocks, then dry stream bed. * **Ascend:** Turn right (South direction) for Bahirichi Ghumti. Dense forest cover. Continuous ascending (manage stamina). * **Spotting:** Path takes 'C' shape, small rock patch, then Bahirichi Ghumti (stone idols here). * **Water:** Just before Ghumti, take right to 'Jorache Paani' (old cistern). **This water is Potable.** (Only drinking water after Chandragad - STOCK UP\!) * **Nearby:** Path East to Joar village.**3. Bahirichi Ghumti to Gadhavacha Maal** (First sight of Arthurseat) * **Time:** 20 mins approx. * **Route:** From right of Jorache Paani, head South. Nominal ascend through thick vegetation. * **Arrival:** Plateau reached in 15-20 min. * **Views:** See mighty Mahabaleshwar Plateaus and **Arthurseat Point (Madhi Mahal).****4. Gadhavacha Maal to Arthurseat Point** * **Time:** 1.30 hrs approx. (Final stage\!) * **Route:** Mixed vegetation (thick trees/open ground with shrubs/grass). * **End:** Rock patch (15-20 min, easy to climb with proper holds). * **Finish:** This final rock patch leads to **Arthur Seat.**
Journey & Transport
How to Reach
**Getting Here:** Start at Poladpur (183 km from Mumbai via Mumbai-Goa Highway). Take the road toward Mahableshwar. 8 km ahead, reach Kapade Junction. From the junction, Dhawale Village (Chandragad Base) is about 18 km.
Bus Schedule
Important Notes
CHANDRAGAD TO ARTHURSEAT TREK: ESSENTIALS 1. **Hire a Guide:** Highly recommended from Dhawale village. The route is sparsely used—easy to get lost\! Negotiate fees: Guides may only go to Jorache Paani to return before dark. They charge more to accompany you to Mahabaleshwar (requires bus travel back to Dhawale). 2. **Beat the Sun:** Carry Glucose, Hydration packs/liquids, Fruits, and Light refreshments. Open areas up to Ghumti can be scorching. 3. **Cover Up:** Full-sleeve trousers and shirts are highly recommended due to thick vegetation. 4. **Water :** Next water source after Dhawale village is Chandragad, then Jorache Paani (near Ghumti)—almost a 7-hour walk. Carry enough drinking water\! 5. **Stay Healthy:** Pack proper medications and a medical kit. Long walks and dehydration can cause leg cramps/muscle pain. 6. **Rock Patch Safety:** There is one small and one large rock patch. Though easy to access, carry a 50/100 rope for extra safety. 7. **Avoid Monsoon:** DO NOT attempt the Chandragad to Arthurseat Trek during the rainy season. Only the Dhawale village to Chandragad trek is possible then.
Facilities
- StayNot Available
- FoodFood & Drink
- WaterNo Info Available