Mohandar Fort

Mohandar Fort, also called Shidaka Fort, lies 55 km from Nashik in Maharashtra, very near the forts of Achala and Ahivant. It was built to guard Ahivant, and its history is similar to theirs, seemingly remote from major battles. A needle hole in the cliff below makes it visible from a long way off.

The trek starts at the Ashramshala, a tribal boarding school, in the base village of Mohandarigaon, 13 km from Vani, where there are good hotels. A safe, wide path with few trees circles the hill to its northern side and reaches the fort in about an hour. From the saddle, one path goes to the top and another to the needle hole, which needs a rope for the 12-foot climb down. With no drinking water on the fort, staying overnight is not possible, but villagers can arrange food and a place to stay.