Jivdhan Trek, MUMBAI | Weather, Best Time @Holidify

Jivdhan Trek, Mumbai Overview

Jivdhan is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. It is a part of the 'famous five' fort in the Sahyadri mountain range. The other forts which are a part of the famous five include Naneghat, Shivneri, Chavand and Hadsar.

Although the fortifications have crumbled down, there are well built water tanks atop the fort. There are large stone constructions which were used presumably as warehouses or granaries. From the top of the fort, the peaks of Harishchandragad is visible to the North-west, Hadsar to the North-East and Chavand to the East. The pinnacle is an upright block of stone, about 60 metres in height, and is known popularly as Vanderlingi. The western side of the pinnacle has an idol of goddess Jivai, who is supposed to be the patron deity of the fort.

Water availability

There are cisterns of water available at the top, but it is advisable to carry your own supply of water along with you.

Tips and Tricks

The fort of Shivneri, which is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, can be visited as it lies in proximity to Jivdhan fort.

Food availability

Food is available in the base village of Ghatghar. You may have a light snack before setting off for the trek, and carry a light meal along with you.

Accommodation

There are no caves at the top of the fort. The storehouses within the citadel may be used for resting purpose though. The base village can be used as a stop-over point.

Trek Routes

There are two ways to reach the fort. The one which proceeds from the base village of Ghatghar is much easier. After reaching the base, we may need to take the help of local villagers to help locate the way which goes up to the eastern part of the fort. This path will lead us to stone-cut steps after walking for some time. The steps have disappeared for most of the part, and the entire path has turned slippery. We may need to exercise some extra precaution while climbing these steps. Climbing these steps will lead us eventually to the eastern part of the fort. The other route is through Naneghat which goes through the main entrance of the fort. We may need to take the help of a guide as this path is surrounded by thick forests for most of the part. The trail to Naneghat fort passes through a diversion after the dirt road ended. At the diversion, we need to take the right diversion to arrive at the base of the pinnacle. This route is filled with beehives and must be tread with extra caution. The entrance is blocked with huge boulders, and we need to squeeze through a small gap in the boulders in order to reach the top of the fort.

Best Time To Visit Jivdhan Trek

It remains open all year round. However, October to February is the best time to visit.

How to reach Jivdhan Trek

Rail: Kalyan is situated between Mumbai and Kasara rail line, and is therefore connected well with Gujarat, north and south India.The frequent availability of passenger trains provide an additional benefit in the form of hassle free conveyance.
Road: The base village of Ghatghar can be reached from Kalyan via state terminal buses. Moreover, the village of Vaishakhare is easily accessible from Kalyan via road, which is just a 10 minutes walk away from Ghatghar. Kalyan is well connected to Mumbai through Nagpur-Aurangabad-Mumbai Expressway.