Madhu makarandgad

Reach Ghonaspur village (at Madhumakarand fort summit) via two routes: Chaturbet or Haathlot. Both lead to the Mallikarjun temple. **Fort Highlights:** * **Inscriptions:** See "Veergali" (warrior sacrifices) and "Saati haat" (wives' sacrifice) stone inscriptions near the temple. * **Makarandgad Climb:** Follow the temple route to Makarandgad fort. A steep 15-min climb leads to the natural, stone-carved entrance doorway. * **Split Paths:** Inside the doorway, one path goes directly to the summit, the other circles right toward the back. * **Water Tank:** 10 mins down the circling path is a pillar water tank (water is *not* drinkable). * **Summit Steps:** Return from the tank to find broken steps. Climb carefully (5 mins) to the top. * **Summit Features:** A Mallikarjun temple with an outdoor Nandi statue. Note the memorial built using stones from a dilapidated square structure. * **Views:** From Makarandgad, spot Mahabaleshwar mountain, Chakdev hill, Madhugad, Rasaal Sumaar, and Mahipatgad forts. * **Descent Path:** A dusty path down features a unique, wind-weathered rock with a tunnel. * **Doorway Exit:** At the entrance doorway, turn left (walking alongside the mountain edge) to find a dried-up water tank on the right. This path leads to Madhugad. * **Madhugad Trek:** The Madhugad track is destroyed—ropes and safety equipment are essential. Madhugad has a large water tank.