Kunjargad(Kombadgad)
Range
Baalaghat
Altitude
1280m
Difficulty
Medium
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About Kunjargad(Kombadgad)
Kunjargad (Kombadgad) sits on the Balaghat hill range, behind Harishchandragad. Part of the Kalyan-Murbad crossing via Malshej ghat. Nearby forts: Kalal, Kunjar, Bhairavgad. Name origin: "Kunj" (Sanskrit for Elephant)—from base village Vihir, the fort resembles a giant elephant. Avoid visiting June–September due to heavy rainfall, dense clouds, and lack of sun. Region features many waterfalls.
Best time to visit
Visit: Jul-Feb!
Places to See
Approach Highlights: Path found 3/4 way up, between the fort and adjoining hill. It leads to two idols in dense trees (villagers tried to move them, but failed). To Reach the Fort:1. Proceed ahead via the edge through dense shrubs. OR 2. Move back and take the cleft route.Route Details: The first route circumvents the hill, reaching the opposite side of Vihir village. This is where the route from Fofsandi village joins. Ascend Features: Look for rock-cut steps on the final patch. Midway on the steps is a cave carved into the mountain wall. This cave was used to keep watch on Vihir and Fofsandi villages. Nearby Structures: Remnants of structures near the cave. Water tanks (2 dried up on the right, 3 dried up on the left). Further remains of a mansion and a series of rock-carved water tanks. Heading Back: Visit the hill to the fort's right. Find three caves here. Descend this hill to reach Vihir village.
Journey & Transport
Time to Reach
Hike time: 2 hrs (from Vihir/Fofsandi villages)
How to Reach
**Kunjargad Fort: Two Routes to Reach the Summit\!** **1. Vihir Village Route (Base Village)** * **Access:** Reach Otur (on Mumbai-Kalyan-Murbad-Malshej Ghat route). Follow the road from Otur bus stand to Brahmangaon (16km) -\> Kotul (16km) -\> Vihir (16km). * **Ascent Options:** * (A) Fastest way: Ascend via the cleft/pass between the fort and the right-side hill. Allows access to all parts. * (B) Scenic route: Climb the hill to the right; pass natural formed caves. * **Recommendation:** Ascend via Cleft (A), descend via Hill (B).**2. Fofsandi Village Route** * **Access:** Reach Khireshwar (on Mumbai-Kalyan-Murbad-Malshej Ghat-Khireshwar route). Route to Fofsandi is next to Khireshwar. * **Note:** The direct route from Fofsandi village does NOT include the idols of Lord Hanuman and Kaloba. To see them, you must circumvent the hill to the Vihir village side and turn back. A separate route is needed to visit the caves. * **Recommendation:** Ascend from Fofsandi, descend via Vihir village.**Pro-Tip:** Bus services are minimal. Traveling by personal vehicle is recommended.
Important Notes
2-Day Fort Challenge (Own Vehicle): Hit Kombadgad, Bhairavgad (Kolthe), Kalalgad, & Bhairavgad (Shirpunje). Day 1: Start early at Kunjargad (finish before noon). Lunch at Kolathe base village temple, then tackle Bhairavgad. Overnight: Pachnai village (Food/Stay available). Day 2: Conquer Kalalgad (Difficult Grade) before noon. Finish strong with Bhairavgad (Shirpunje).
Facilities
- StayStay: Vihir Village School
- FoodNo Food Facility
- WaterWater available all year!