Korigad

Korigad, also known as Koraigad, Koarigad or Kumwarigad is a hill fort located to the south of Lonavala. It is set at a height of about 3,028 feet above sea level. Aamby Valley, the planned township near Lonavala is built over Korigad Fort’s southern and eastern foothills. The base village of this fort is Peth Shahpur.

Korigad’s date of construction is not known, but historians believe that it predates 1500. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj incorporated this fort under the Maratha Empire in 1657 alongside the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona. The fort was taken over by the British in 1818.

Today, Korigad Fort is a popular trekking destination. The climb to the top is easy. Atop the fort are two small temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and a bigger, newly renovated temple dedicated to Goddess Koraidevi. The Koraidevi Temple can accommodate upto 25 people. There are also several camping grounds on the fort.

There are six cannons atop Korigad, the largest of which is the ‘Laxmi Toph’ located near the Koraidevi Temple. There are several ancient structures and ruins atop the fort that are worth exploring, including a massive gate which remains intact. One of the highlights of Korigad is that its wall is completely intact, and one can walk along its entire 2 km perimeter.

Korigad can be visited any time of the year. During monsoon, the stunning fort and its surrounding locale come alive with a vibrant cover of green.