Alang Fort
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| Alang Fort | |
|---|---|
| Nashik district, Maharashtra | |
 Alang Fort | |
  Alang Fort Shown within Maharashtra | |
| Coordinates | 19°34′58″N 73°39′40″E / 19.5827°N 73.6612°E |
| Type | Hill Fort |
| Height | 4500 feet(1371m) |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of India. |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Not good[citation needed] |
| Site history | |
| Built | Maratha Empire |
| Materials | Stone, Lead |
Alang Fort, also known as Alangad or Alang, is a fort located in Nashik, Maharashtra, India, in the Kalsubai range of the Western Ghats mountain range.
It is one of the three most difficult forts to reach in Nashik, with the other two being Madangad Fort and Kulang Fort. These three forts (and the trek formed by them) are known as Alang, Madan, and Kulang (AMK). As mentioned on the Maharashtra Culture Government website,[1] Alang-Madan-Kuland is regarded as the most difficult trek in Maharashtra as it involves challenging traverses and dense forests. It also requires a high level of mountaineering knowledge. These three forts are somewhat neglected due to heavy rainfall in the area and because the paths required to reach them are difficult and confusing. Despite these challenges, Alangad is a popular tourist site.
The top of the fort is a large plateau. On the fort, there are two caves that could accommodate 30 - 40 people, a small temple, and 11 water cisterns. Remnants of buildings are spread throughout the fort. Kalasubai, Aundh Fort, Patta, and Bitangad are located at the east of the fort, while Harihar, Trymbakgad, and Anjaneri are all located to the north. The Harishchandragad, Aajobagad, Khutta, Ratangad, and Katrabai are located in the southern direction.
Climbers are required to carry their own food to Alang. Although ample water is available in the reservoirs during all seasons, climbers still need to carry sufficient amount of water for their trip to the top.
Instructions to Reach the Fort
Igatpuri/Kasara-Ghat-Pimpalgaon-Ambewadi
To reach Alang, one has to locate Kasara or Igatpuri and then get to Ambevadi by route of the Igatpuri/Kasara-Ghoti-Pimpalgaormor. There is bus service from Ghoti to Ambevadi (32-kilometer distance) available at 7:30 AM, and the drive takes around three hours. From Ambevadi, you can easily see Alang, Madan, and Kulang; the bus takes you on the ridge between Alang and Madan. From the ridge, the fort visible on the left is Alang, while the one on the right is the Madan.
From that point, there are two ways to go towards Alang. The first descends from the ridge and within one hour you can reach the plateau. Keeping Alang to your left, you will reach a cavern after about an hour's walk. From there, you can get higher by rock climbing, and reach a flat patch. Keep left and go ahead towards the pinnacle. After 10 to 15 minutes, you will reach a cave in the fort. From Ambevadi, it will take you about 8 hours to reach the fort.
Another way is by coming from the ridge and after light rock climbing, you will reach a few steps. After climbing up these steps, followed by climbing a broken pinnacle of 80 to 90 ft. Only trained climbers should consider this route. To reach the fort via this route will take around six hours.
Ghatghar via Ghoti-Bhandardara
Another way to reach the fort is from Ghatghar. Go via Ghoti-Bhandardara. From there, in 2½ hours, one can come to the third cavern. Via Bhandardara from Udadvade. Another way to the fort is via Bhandardara from Udadvade gaon. It takes you to the plateau and then connects you to the second route.
