Asava fort (आसावा गड़) is located in Palghar on a hill about 1070 feet high. Palghar has eight forts divided into two groups – five sea forts that are along the coast to the west, and three hill forts on the sub-range of the Sahyadris to its east. This satellite picture provides a good reference to the above two views with the three forts along with the mountain range
I was keen to explore Asava for I had already visited Tandulwadi and Kaldurg. I got the opportunity today. There are two routes ways to climb Asava starts from Mamacha Gaon resort. I parked my car next to a small hut and went down a path that runs through a stream. As I climbed higher, the short grassy path gave way to a path through thick vegetation and forest. Thankfully the climate was pleasant it was easier to trek.
I got this super view once I got to the top of the hill. There is an old Cannon on the top and two tanks brimming with water overlooking the valley below. The only structure other than water tanks on the fort is a rectangular structure that seems to be the remnants of living quarters or guardhouses.
There is a small gate of sorts to the east, not too far from the big tank. I noticed the white arrow and guessed that this must be the way down the second route to the east. It was now time to start climbing down. I had read about a cave called Ganesh Gupha that is on the east slope of the mountain that I did not want to miss.
A short climb down brought me to this rock face overgrown with moss with water flowing all over it. The rock face continued for approximately 400-500 feet – about halfway down the mountain. I saw a path going towards the north and followed it to look for the cave.
The cave is quite large – my guess is about 50 feet wide and 30 feet high at the mouth. There were pug marks of leopards around the tank.
Downwards from the cave, the path is not as steep or difficult. There are arrows that continue to provide direction and I just followed them till I reached the bottom. It took almost an hour to reach the base village. Overall it was my first trek after 2019. Really worth trying though it’s a difficult trek.
More to follow soon…
