Irshal Prabal Fort Trek In Maharashtra

Irshal is also known as Vishalgad. Its two peaks look like a replica of pitch fork. The large hole in the rock's center is seen even if you are miles away. It was an important site which guarded a trade route, warning the Marathas of approaching enemies. Prabal Fort was once considered by the British to be turned into a decent location for building a hill station there but the scarcity of water failed their motives. Irshal-Prabal Fort trek in Maharashtra makes you trek one of the most beautiful but abandoned areas of India.

Season to trek Irshal-Prabal Fort

It is from November to March.

Location of Irshal-Prabal Fort

It is located in Karjat region, Chowk area, south-east of Mumbai, in Raigad district.

Trekking Irshal-Prabal Fort in Maharashtra

1. Day 1
2. Irshal-Prabal Fort

Start from Chowk on the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4). It is also known as Matheran-Karjat turn off. Tread to Mumbai and turn right. Catch a path leading to an easy spur. to the plateau and to Irshalwadi-village at Irshal's base. The path to the top goes around the left across the ridge and then to the other side of the hill. Now climb steeply to a rock face till you come to a hole in the rock. Walk a little more till you come above the hole to an opening between the two peaks. You will reach the pinnacle's base if you move left from this gap.

Here you are on a very narrow stretch and strong breeze often blows. Retrace your steps down to Irshalwadi. You can camp here or ascend to Prabal Fort and camp at the Ganesh Temple. The ridge which connects the Prabal Fort takes you to the lower plateau of the fort. From here, the path turns along the fort's base. The route up a steep gully takes you into the fort. It will be good if you take a guide from Irshalwadi with you.

1. Day 2
2. Prabal Fort-Shedung

A path takes you to another entrance of the fort from the Ganesh Temple. On the opposite, an apex is connected to Prabal. Descend steeply to come out of the fort. Also move down a spur to a col. From here, descend through a gully to Thakurwadi. Now 30 mins are left to reach Vardoli Village. You can get a transport from here to Shedung which is located on NH4. From here, Panvel is at a distance of 8 kms from where you can get a bus or local train to Mumbai.

Trekking Options

1. Start trekking at Vardoli and Thakurwadi. Ascend to Prabal Fort, come across to Irshal. Move down to Varose village from here and then to Matheran via Shivaji steps.
2. Carry on as mentioned above. Then continue your trek to Savna Lake, Manekgad, Sankshi and Karnala Fort.
3. In the vicinity of Irshal, there are two lakes-Nadhal and Pazar. Plans are framed for a new earthen dam on the eastern side at the base. These places serve good places to camp and enthralling walks.

It is wise not to climb the route to the apex on the first day of the trek as it includes a 10 m rock climb which is very dangerous. If you don't have a climbing experience or you are alone, avoid it completely. Though the Fort lies in ruins, overgrown by a jungle but for the trekkers, this makes an ideal walking place. Irshal-Prabal Fort trek in Maharashtra takes you to another interesting trekking place in India.