Avandha Fort

 

 

Avandha Fort, also known as Avandha Killa, is a historic hill fort situated in Aundhewadi village, nestled between Nashik and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra, India. It stands close to the well-known Patta Fort in the Kalsubai mountain range of the Sahyadri mountains.   

History: The history of Avandha Fort is closely linked to that of its neighboring Patta Fort. It was initially under the rule of the Maratha Empire until 1688. In January 1688, the Mughal army, led by Matabarkhan, captured the fort and appointed Shyamsingh as its chief. Later, in 1761, the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire regained control. Finally, in 1818, the British forces took over the fort.  

Structure and What to See: Perched at an elevation of approximately 4,400 feet (1,300 meters), Avandha Fort has a distinctive needle-shaped structure, making it easily recognizable from a distance. The climb to the fort is considered challenging due to broken stone-cut steps at various points.

Key features and remnants on the fort include:

• Rock-cut cisterns: Several water cisterns carved into the rock.
• Rock-cut steps: Steps leading towards the summit, though many are in a dilapidated state.
• Cave: A cave on the top section of the fort that contains potable water and offers scenic views.  
• Remnants of structures: Few ruins of ancient houses and plinths can be found on the summit.  
• South-facing door: A doorway carved into the rocks in the south direction, with broken stairs descending from it.
• Bastion: A bastion (Buruj) near the south-facing door offering views of Patta and Bittangad forts.  

Strategic Importance: Due to its elevated position, Avandha Fort served as a strategic watchtower, providing panoramic views of the surrounding region. It is believed that it was built to keep a vigil on the adjacent Patta Fort (Vishramgad).  

Trekking to Avandha Fort: Trekking to Avandha Fort is considered a medium to difficult level activity. There are a couple of routes to reach the fort:

1. From Aundhewadi village: This is a more direct route that takes around 45-60 minutes for experienced trekkers. It involves navigating broken steps and a steep, approximately 25-foot rock patch that now has an iron chain to aid climbing.  
2. Via Patta Fort: Many trekkers undertake a combined trek of Avandha, Patta, and sometimes Bittangad forts. From the plateau of Avandha, a path leads towards Patta Fort.

Views from the Top: The summit of Avandha Fort offers extensive views of the surrounding landscape, including:

• Patta Fort
• Bittangad
• Alang Fort
• Madan Fort
• Kulang Fort
• Kalsubai Peak
• Mhasoba Peak
• Kadwa Reservoir