Tringalwadi Fort Trek: A Monsoon Tapestry of Green, Gold, and Adventure

 

September 21st, 2025 - A trek diary from the scenic hills of Igatpuri

The alarm buzzed at 3:30 AM, but excitement had already stirred me awake. My first adventure with Chakram Hikers was about to begin, and Tringalwadi Fort awaited. By 5:15 AM, I found myself at Mulund station, the early morning train having delivered me to the Chakram Hiker's office - our launchpad for the day's adventure.

The Journey Begins

At 5:45 AM sharp, our bus pulled away from Mulund, carrying a group of eager trekkers through the awakening streets of Thane and onto the Nashik highway. Light showers kissed our windows as we headed toward Igatpuri, painting the world in fresh, vibrant greens. The countryside transformed before our eyes into a living canvas of monsoon magic.

Our breakfast halt at Padgha was a delightful introduction to the day's Maharashtrian flavours - steaming hot poha and chai that warmed both body and spirit. Refuelled and energized, we continued through the scenic ghats of Kasara, where every turn revealed another postcard-worthy vista.

Igatpuri welcomed us with its signature mystic weather - clouds dancing between hills, mist playing hide-and-seek with the valleys. Another 12 kilometers through small village roads, flanked by lush green paddy fields swaying in the monsoon breeze, brought us to our destination: the village of Tringalwadi.

About Tringalwadi Fort

Before we dive into the trek experience, let me share what makes this fort special. Tringalwadi Fort stands proudly near Igatpuri, positioned strategically along the ancient Thal Ghat trade route. This mesa rock formation, perched at 3,238 feet above sea level, served as a crucial watchtower overseeing the historic trade route that connected the Konkan coast to the Nashik region.

The fort's origins likely date back to the 10th century, evidenced by the ancient caves at its foothills. What makes Tringalwadi particularly appealing to trekkers is its perfect balance - challenging enough to be rewarding, yet accessible enough for beginners. The trek typically takes 60-90 minutes to reach the summit, making it an ideal one-day adventure.

The Trek Unfolds

Trek leaders Alok, Saurabh, and Lalitesh gathered us for the essential briefing - dos and don'ts, safety protocols, and a warm round of introductions. The camaraderie was instant; strangers were already becoming fellow adventurers.

From the village, we took a left turn past a small temple, immediately immersing ourselves in the rural landscape. Walking through emerald paddy fields felt like stepping into a nature documentary - every step revealing the intricate beauty of rural Maharashtra. We crossed a gentle stream, its clear water adding a musical soundtrack to our journey.

The Cave Exploration

Our first significant stop was the ancient caves at the foothills - the famous Jain caves. The beautifully carved entrance immediately transported us back centuries. Inside, we discovered the large Sabha Mandapa and marvelled at the stone idol of Rishabhanatha in the Garbha Gruha. These caves, with their architectural sophistication, offered a glimpse into the rich heritage that Tringalwadi guards.

The Ascent Begins

From the caves, we veered left and began the gradual climb. Within minutes, we reached a plateau that offered our first taste of the spectacular views ahead. The weather was perfectly cool, with clouds gracefully passing through the hills in front of us like nature's own theater performance.

The real magic began to unfold around us. The landscape transformed into what I can only describe as nature's carpet - a green base adorned with bright yellow Sonavali flowers and delicate violet and pink Terda flowers creating a masterpiece that no artist could replicate. Our trek leader mentioned that in a few more days of sunshine, these slopes would be even more spectacular - a complete palette of green, yellow, pink, and violet hues.

PC Mahesh

The Challenge Awaits

After a gentle climb, we faced a choice of two routes. We chose the left path, which led us along the edge of hills with steep slopes dropping away below. The views were breathtaking but demanded respect - lush green and yellow vegetation stretched toward small ponds dotting the valley, with cattle grazing peacefully near the water bodies.

Then came the day's ultimate challenge - the ascent to Pashchim Darwaja (Western Gate). Around 50-60 steep rock steps lay ahead, made treacherous by moss and flowing rainwater from the morning showers. Each step demanded careful attention, but the thrill of conquering these ancient stairs was invigorating.

Reaching the Summit

At the top of these challenging steps stood the magnificent Pashchim Darwaja - the main entrance to the fort. The western entrance truly is a unique architectural marvel, with steps and the entrance gate carved from a single rock, just as described in historical accounts.

A towering 6-foot stone idol of Lord Hanuman guarded the entrance, welcoming us to the fort's sacred grounds. Above the entrance gate, two Sharabha idols carved in stone watched over all who passed through - silent sentinels from a bygone era.

                                PC Kaustaubh

Exploring the Fort

Once inside, we found ourselves walking through waist-high grass that covered most of the fort's top. The ruins of old buildings scattered across the summit told stories of the fort's strategic importance in medieval times. We made our way to the small Bhavani Mata temple, where devotion and history intertwined seamlessly.

But it was the views that truly stole the show. From the fort's highest point, Tringalwadi lake spread out below us like a jewel set among the surrounding hills. The monsoon had painted every surface in varying shades of green, creating a panorama that made every challenging step worthwhile.

A Feast Among the Clouds

At 1:30 PM, we settled down for lunch with the best possible backdrop - the entire Western Ghats stretching endlessly before us. But the real treat wasn't just the view; it was the traditional sharing of lunch packs among the group. Homemade rotis, sabzis, pickles, and sweets passed from hand to hand, creating bonds stronger than any formal introduction could achieve.

The Descend

After a well-deserved rest, we began our descend via an alternative route. While relatively easier than our ascent path, it presented its own challenges with a patch of broken, slippery steps that demanded careful navigation. The descend took about an hour, and soon we were back at the base village, our hearts full of accomplishment.

The Perfect Ending

No trek in Sahyadris  is complete without the post-trek refreshments, and Tringalwadi didn't disappoint. Hot batata vada and pav, kanda bhajjia (pakodas) with green chilly chutney accompanied by steaming tea provided the perfect fuel for our three-hour journey back home. As we sat around sharing these simple yet delicious treats, the day's adventures were already transforming into cherished memories.

Tringalwadi Fort offers something truly special - a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, moderate challenge, and accessibility. It's an ideal trek for those stepping into the world of Sahyadri adventures, yet rewarding enough to satisfy experienced trekkers seeking a peaceful day in nature.

The monsoon timing of our trek couldn't have been more perfect. The fort revealed itself as nature intended - draped in emerald green, decorated with wildflowers, and shrouded in the mystique that only the Western Ghats can provide.

My heartfelt thanks to Chakram Hikers, Mulund, for organizing this incredible experience. Special appreciation to trek leader Alok and co-leaders Saurabh and Lalitesh for their guidance and expertise. But most importantly, gratitude to the entire group whose enthusiasm, helping nature, and instant camaraderie made this first trek with Chakram Hikers an unforgettable adventure.

For anyone considering Tringalwadi Fort as their next trekking destination, I say this: pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for a day where history, nature, and adventure converge into something truly magical. The ancient trade route may have changed, but the timeless beauty of Tringalwadi continues to reward those who seek it.

The hills are calling, and Tringalwadi is ready to answer.