AUNDHA FORT

About Aundha Fort

The Aundha Fort, sometimes called Avandha Killa, is located 4,270 feet above sea level on the boundary of the Maharashtra districts of Nashik and Ahmednagar. Being a part of the eastern Kalsubai mountain range, its prominent elevation and wonderful views made it a prime location for a watchpost. This fort can be reached by hiking from Patta Fort, climbing from Aundhewadi village, or driving along the Konkanwadi windmill path.

Here, you can encounter steep cliffs, a small temple, a tiger statue, rock-cut steps, and other caves built into the mountainside as you climb. On the last stretch, you can spot iron chains fastened to the rock being used to go up a steep cone. At the top, you can see the broken remains of stone walls, gates, homes, and several big water cisterns.

See Patta, Bitangad, Alang, Madan, Kulang, and the faraway Kalsubai peak from the side of the fort, making it one of the most famous forts in Maharashtra

 for both hikers and people who are interested in history.

Aundha Fort Highlights

• Climb the steep cone and rock-cut steps of Aundha Fort which was built as a lookout fort on the eastern edge of the Kalsubai Range.
• Observe the main gate, bastion, and ruined stone houses that show how the fort was built along with who dwelt there in the past.
• Explore the rock-cut caves with water tanks, one of which still holds drinking water, showing traditional water conservation methods.
• Visit the small plateau temple, the tiger figure, and the shendur-covered stones, which are signs of ancient worship and folk beliefs.
• Appreciate views of Patta, Bitangad, Alang, Madan, Kulang, and Kalsubai peaks, which shows how important the fort was for military contact and observation.

How To Reach Aundha Fort

By car/taxi: Take the Nandigram Express from Dadar to Igatpuri which takes around 2 hrs 16 mins. From Igatpuri bus station, you can hire a cab or take a bus via the Samruddhi Mahamarg to Kadva Colony Naka to reach in about 1.5 hrs. Then, you can reach Ninavi village via Kadva Dam in 45 mins approx. From here, you can choose between a steep ridge trail or an easier path past Hanuman Temple. The easier route can take 45 minutes to reach the plateau, followed by a 30-minute climb with rock-cut steps to the fort top.

Best Time To Visit Aundha Fort

1. Peak Season (October to March)

• Weather Insights: Cool, pleasant, temperatures ranging from 12°C to 32°C.
• Things to Do: Trek to the top of Aundha Fort, enjoy broad views of nearby forts and the Kalsubai range, explore the rock-cut water tanks, temple, and caves, and capture stunning sunrise or sunset photos.

2. Moderate Season (July to September)

• Weather Insights: Moderate temperatures between 22°C and 28°C, frequent rainfall making, dense greenery.
• Things to Do: enjoy peaceful treks on non-rainy days, spot seasonal water runoff in cisterns, snap misty views from the summit.

3. Low Season (April to June)

• Weather Insights: Hot, dry, day temperatures between 27°C to 38°C.
• Things to Do: Start treks before sunrise to avoid heat, rest at shaded caves and cisterns.

Aundha Fort Other Essential Information

Know before you go

• Carry at least 2 litres of water as there are no refill points once the trek begins.
• Avoid the cliff ridge route unless you are an experienced trekker with good stamina.
• Follow the Hanuman Temple path if you prefer a safer and less tiring ascent.
• Start from Ninavi village before 8 AM to complete the trek in cooler temperatures.
• Watch for the chain-assisted section near the cone-shaped cliff to grip firmly and move slowly.