Tringalwadi
Grade : Easy
Region : Igatpuri
Base village : Tringalwadi
Landmark : Tringalwadi Dam
Number of Routes : 2
Highest Altitude : 3238 Feet (987m)
Trek Duration : 2 hours one way
Surrounding Peaks : Kavnai, Harihar Fort
Ideal Season : June to February (Monsoon months are good weather wise and Winter months for clear views)
Major Attarction :
Ruins of Ancient Jain Caves at Base, Rock Carved Hanuman Idol, Rock cut steps to reach the Top, 360 view from Top and View of Tringalwadi Dam
1. Pandav Leni Caves - As one approaches this fort through Tringalwadi village at the foothills of the fort, we come across ‘Pandav leni’ caves. These caves are divided into three major areas viz. an outer verandah, ‘Vihar’, the abbey and internal ‘Garbhagriha’. Its entrance door is decorated with beautiful carvings on it. A statue of Lord Gautam Buddha can be seen inside the ‘Vihar’. Below this sculpture one can see the inscriptions carved on the stone. Three of the four pillars of Verandah are collapsed.
2. Water Cisterns - As we approach further, we come across underground cisterns, the water of which is suitable for drinking. Pillars of these cisterns are carved with beautiful designs.
3. Lord Veer Hanuman - There is an idol of veer Hanuman or maruti (6-7 ft high) near the entrance gate and two sharabhaidols carved on the top of the entrance gate.
4. On the fort are ruins of old buildings and a small Bhavanimata temple.
Water Sources :
A rock cut water cistern on the western side of the hillock on the fort. However water is not potable at times hence it is recommended to carry water from Base Village itself.
Special thing about structure/route :
Rock cut stairs leading to the Top
History Info :
Era :
Around 10th century, No evidence regarding construction. However, it was built to overlook the trade route which connected Konkan to Nashik area
Brief War History :
Although the exact period of construction of this fort is not known, however, by virtue of ‘Jain caves’ near the foothills, one can roughly estimate the fort to be in existence since 10th century. Also there is no evidence regarding the period during which it was under control of Marathas. In 1636 the Shahaji (father of king Shivaji) had to cede it to the Moghuls after the defeat at mahulifort. It is not known when Shivaji took control of this fort, but in 1688 this fort was won by Moghuls. It is one of the 16 forts which was surrendered to British in 1818 after the fall of Trymbakgad fort.
