Indrai Fort

Indrai Fort, also called Indragiri, is one of four forts in a line on the Satmala range in Chandwad taluka of Nashik district, with Chandwad, Rajdher and Koldher. Though an important fort, it sees few trekkers. Little of its history is known; its garrison surrendered to Captain Mackintosh in 1818 after watching nearby Rajdher burn.

The base village, Indraiwadi, is 9 km from Chandwad. The climb is easy but long: about two hours through dense scrub with no marked path, so a local guide is advised, then a detour round the scarp to 150 rock-cut steps, 2 m wide, which take about fifteen minutes. A Persian inscription is cut into the walls at the entrance. On top are many rock-cut cisterns with plenty of water, the Kacheri, a Mahadev temple and 10 rock-cut caves, which can be used for overnight stays.