Article Published On - 09-04-2025
Snuggled within the sturdy Sahyadris exists the odd Takmak fort, a covert treasure waiting for exploration. Situated in the Vasai Tehsil of Thane area, this citadel continues to be fairly uncharted regardless of its closeness to the busy metropolitan area of Mumbai. The charming base village of Sakawar positioned mixed-up degree, works as the beginning factor for the trek. Rising progressively, the trail winds its means to approximately an elevation of 2,000 ft, supplying a beautiful and stimulating journey for those who attempt to discover this concealed treasure.
The background of Takmak Fort is substantial. It was constructed in the 12th century by King Bheemdev and at first functioned as a search tower for keeping an eye on trade routes. At Some Point, Shivaji Maharaj overcame this fort with Kohaj and Asheri. Situated near the Mumbai shore, the fort became a target for the Portuguese that got into India with the sea. After the Marathas, the Portuguese efficiently attacked and controlled the Takmak fort.Nonetheless, this was not a completion of the fort’s unstable background. British pressures confiscated control of the fort in the 18th century and used it as a jail. Over more than four centuries, Takmak Fort observed various battles for control between the Marathas, the Portuguese, and, ultimately, the British.
Takmak Fort Trek is focused around the village of Sakawar, which appears like a stunning village right out of a film. The scene is total with children playing, ladies cleaning clothing by the streams, and guys tending to the rice paddy areas.The Palghar area in Maharashtra is renowned for its thick woodlands, including bountiful plants and a varied series of plant and animal life. The location is especially home to many Curculigo Orchioides and starflowers, which display their elegance throughout the downpour period. As you trek via this rich landscape, you’ll be bordered by a highly environment-friendly yard and flowering blossoms, developing a calm ambience.While many crab types are commonly discovered in the sea, it is unusual to uncover that several crabs populate the forest area of this trek. These animals will certainly join you along the trip with their lotion and pink-coloured coverings, including a touch of dynamic appeal. A current study has determined 11 crab types in the Sahyadris, making the visibility of freshwater crabs throughout western ghat travels even more interesting.
Sakawar is the village where the base of Takmak Fort lies. The trek starts from among your houses positioned at the joint. You will discover a trail between 2 residences in the village, contrary to the joint. This trail takes you via paddy areas, and you will certainly stumble upon several tiny streams streaming through these areas.
Upon leaving the open area, one enters a thick forest with many trees and plant life. The forest is identified by its thick vegetation, developing a calm and peaceful ambience throughout the summer. Upon getting in, a feeling of both cold and eeriness is experienced, including in the experience of trekking in the forest. If trekking throughout the downpour period, one can witness vivid blossoms along the trail. On top of that, it is unusual to find freshwater crabs throughout the trek.Nonetheless, this specific part of the trek is recognized for its problem in navigating as a result of the thick plant life, making it difficult to locate the tracks. Furthermore, the visibility of various little tracks produced by citizens even more includes the danger of obtaining a shed. Luckily, instructions indicators have been put along the trail to assist guide travellers.
As soon as you arise from the timbers, a huge ridge extends before you, providing the first glance of the Takmak fort. From this perspective, you can observe the Sakawar village to your right and the combination of the Tansa and Vaitarna rivers on the opposite side. Remember the enforcing Navra – Navri twin height that impends behind the Takmak fort.
As you reach the top of Takmak Fort, you must work out care while browsing the slim ridge. Be careful of loosened stones and rocks on the trail, and take your time to guarantee a risk-free climb. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by rock-cut actions, water storage tanks, and old cannons. Take a minute to check out the fort and take in the background. The north end of the fort uses an awesome sight of the western ghats, and you’ll detect a peculiarly designed Vandri Lake distant, evocative Amoeba. To your left, you’ll see the assemblage of the Tansa and Vaitarna rivers, while a freeway and village appear on your right. If the weather allows, you’ll have a clear sight of the Arabian Sea. Note the bordering forts and peaks, and take in the stunning scenic view.
Unlike the majority of western ghat expeditions, which are difficult to climb up after the downpour period, the Takmak Fort Trek provides a possibility to witness the lavish plant of the western ghats throughout the gale. Furthermore, this trek is reasonably uncharted, leading to fewer groups. It is best to undertake this trek between June and February. Nevertheless, it needs to be kept in mind that the seaside area where the fort lies experiences high moisture and exceptionally heats throughout the summertime period, making it negative for trekking.
Takmak Fort Trek does not require approval from the forest division, and you can start this experience without constraints. Outdoor camping is additionally permitted on the fort and in the bordering clearings up, yet remember that there’s no accessibility to tidy alcohol consumption water. It’s important to lug at least 4 litres of water before camp.
The Takmak Fort Trek has no resorts or dining establishments in the neighbouring Sakawar location. Nevertheless, you can locate food alternatives in Shirsad, the closest location to obtain food. There are several little resorts near the bus station where you can acquire sufficient food for your trek. In addition, Virar has resorts and dining establishments where you can get jam-packed food. It’s vital to remember that there is no water resource on the fort itself. To remain hydrated, you can load your canteen in the village, where there is a hand pump and a well readily available for this function. It is advised to bring at the very least 2 litres of water with you.
After you walk to Takmak Fort, there are many various other locations you can see. One alternative is Kohoj Fort, which lies 40 kilometres from Sakawar village and consists of a lake called Pazhar. One more choice is Kaldurg Fort, which is likewise 40 kilometres away from Sakawar and is positioned in the direction of the shore. Both Takmak Fort and Kaldurg Fort can be gone eventually. Asawa Fort is an additional close-by location, situated 40 kilometres from Sakawar and can be quickly covered together with the Takmak Fort trek. If you’re interested in waterfalls, Chinchoti Waterfall near Naigoan and Vasai Eastern is an excellent option. The trek to the waterfall takes an hour and a fifty per cent and uses lovely surroundings with tiny streams and environment-friendly woodlands.Last But Not Least, Asheri Fort Trek in the Palghar area, Thane, deserves consideration. It functioned as the north border of the Portuguese area and was the resource of 38 towns. The fort includes Portuguese arms inscribed on a rock, rock-cut actions, and fish ponds loaded with lotus blossoms.
Operations Manager
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality and brings over 16 years of experience in adventure and leisure travel. He has led multiple Himalayan expeditions, contributed to ATOAI, and is trained in first aid by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A strong supporter of sustainable and ethical tourism, he plays a key role at Trekup India. Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
