Visiting the less explored Nandgiri fort near Satara

Nandgiri fort

, also known as Kalyangad, is an ancient hill fortress situated on a ridge in Nandgiri hill. The fort is famous for its round-the-year waterlogged cave temple dedicated to Lord Parshwanath and Lord Dutta. The temple is a big draw for both

Hindu

and Jain pilgrims. Rich in variety of flora and fauna, the fort makes for a pleasant weekend outing near

Kolhapur

.

How to reach
Nandgiri fort in Satara district is located at an altitude of more than 3,000 feet above the sea level. It is situated at a distance of 133 km from Kolhapur city. Travelling on NH4 towards Pune one has to take a right deviation at Satara near Wadhe phata and head towards the base of the Nandgiri hills after crossing Vadhe, Vaduth, Aasgaon, and Nikamvasti villages. From the base village an off-road trail leads to the fort located at a hill top, where only bike or vehicles with high ground clearance can go easily.

Legends have it
This fort dates back to the eleventh century. Prashant Salunkhe, a history researcher from Satara, said, “Kalyangad or Nandgiri fort was built by king Bhoj-II in the eleventh century. Many copper plate inscriptions from

Shilahara

dynasty suggest that they gave many donations to the Jain saints residing at the fort. In 1673 AD, Shivaji conquered Satara and the surrounding region following which the fort was under the control of the Pratinidhi, Peshwa and British.”

“There are two main entrances to the fort. Adjacent to the main entrance is a pond which remains filled with water up to three foot round the year. After wading through the waterlogged cave for around 30 metres, one can find idols of Lord Parshwanath and Lord Datta, one of the major attractions of the fort,” said Salunkhe.

Flora and Fauna
The location of the fort offers a panoramic view of the windmills surrounding all the four sides. Nandgiri fort is surrounded by rice fields. Turmeric is cultivated as a major crop. Palash trees are found in large abundance in the area. Birds like kites, pigeons, dove, sparrows etc are easily sighted here with breezy climate all year round


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