Article Published On - 18-07-2025
Tandulwadi Fort, located in Saphale, is conveniently obtainable from Mumbai. Its name stems from the base village, Tandulwadi. Although the fort on top no longer exists, it deserves trekking for the panoramas of the Vaitarna and Surya rivers. The altitude is 1,669 feet, and it takes about 2.5 hours to rise and 2 hours to come down. The trek slope is modest, with a primarily rough course. There are no water resources offered, so it is suggested to bring a minimum of 3 litres of water. Upon getting into the village, you will certainly see Tandulwadi Hill straight before you. Go by a play area and a vibrantly tinted institution structure on your left, with the gram panchayat workplace on your right.
The trail to the fort begins with the left side of the gram panchayat workplace. Follow this trail for approximately 30 minutes, leading to the initial plateau. Now, several routes might be complex. There is one trail that goes straight in advance, rising and an additional that is most likely to the right.
Comply with the course to the right. After 10-15 minutes, the course vanishes, and rocks will border you. This location is where a seasonal waterfall moves, so that browsing can be challenging. Go up with the rocks and bushes till you locate the course once more.
As soon as you’re back on the appropriate trail, you will certainly discover arrowheads showing the method to the top (if you’re having the problem, the trail shows up on Google Maps). Relax if required, yet understand that the trail in advance is rough and provides no colour. It is subjected to sunlight, so it remains hydrated, particularly throughout summertime. When you arrive, you will not locate the fort, as it vanished long ago.
Nonetheless, the “Marathi Yuvak Sangh” group has identified the different factors that are utilized to exist below, such as Bale Killa, holy place, water fish pond, water tank, and tool storeroom. From the top, you can see the Vaitarna River and the meeting point of the Vaitarna and Surya rivers.
To come down, adhere to the very same course, yet beware. The completely dry fallen leaves on the ground make the rocks unsafe, and it’s difficult to establish which rocks are steady due to the fallen leaves. It takes roughly 2 hours to go back to the village.
Start by taking a train to Saphale, the 2nd terminal after Virar. You can take the MEMU train that departs from Dadar terminal at 5:15 a.m. and comes to Saphale at 6:34 a.m. One more choice is to take the Churchgate-Dahanu regional train, which gets to Saphale at 7:03 a.m. When you leave the terminal, you can take an ST bus or a common jeep from the bus station on the eastern side. The jeeps will certainly take you to Varai Phata, which is 2 kilometres away from Tandulwadi village. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and you can bargain with the vehicle driver to take you to the village for an extra cost if you’re in a huge group. If you complete the trek by 2:30 –3:00 p.m., you can capture the 4:09 p.m. Dahanu-Dadar regional from Saphale.
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With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, he has summited multiple 6000–7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
