Korigad is the easy fort with the complete wall. It rises about 923 m above the valleys south of Lonavala, above the village of Peth Shahpur, and its rampart is still whole: you can walk all the way round the top. A short climb of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours brings you to six cannons, two lakes and the temple of the goddess Korai Devi. It is one of the best first forts for beginners and families.
Why Korigad matters
Korigad is old; it probably stood before 1500, though nobody knows who built it. In 1657 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought it into his kingdom along with the nearby forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona.
Its last stand came in the Third Anglo-Maratha War. On 11 March 1818 the British under Colonel Prother attacked. The garrison held out for three days, until a British cannonball set off the fort’s ammunition store. Korigad fell on 14 March 1818.
Today the Aamby Valley township covers the fort’s southern and eastern foothills, and its artificial lakes lie to the east.
How to reach Korigad
- By road: from Lonavala, drive about 20 km south on the Aamby Valley road to Peth Shahpur. Park near the village bus stop.
- By bus: buses towards Aamby Valley run from Lonavala bus stand, but there are few of them. A cab from Lonavala is easier, especially in the rains.
- From Pune or Mumbai: about 90 km from Pune and 107 km from Mumbai, via Lonavala.
The climb
From Peth Shahpur, a wide earthen track leads to the start of the stone steps, and the steps climb steadily to the gate. It is an easy climb; most people take 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Then give yourself an hour or so for the rampart and the temples.
What to see on Korigad
- The rampart. Complete all the way round. Walk the full circuit for views of Tung, Tikona and Rajmachi.
- The Korai Devi temple. The fort’s own goddess, with a 4-foot idol and a lamp tower in front. The temple has room for about 25 people to shelter.
- Laxmi Toph. The biggest of the fort’s six cannons, beside the temple.
- The two lakes. On top of the fort, full in the monsoon.
- Shiva and Vishnu temples. Two smaller temples on the plateau.
Tips for your visit
- Come with your own transport or a cab; buses are rare.
- Carry water and snacks.
- Wear shoes with grip in the monsoon; the steps get slippery.
- No litter, no writing on walls.
Places near Korigad
- Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort, the twin forts above Malavli.
- Tikona Fort, the triangular fort above Pawna Lake.
- Rajmachi Fort, on the other side of Lonavala.
