by Peb Fort also known as Vikatgad stands as a testimony to the wealthy records and herbal beauty of Maharashtra Located approximately sixty-five km from Mumbai, the castle offers a perfect blend of journey, centers complete with sights and ancient allure, making it the ideal destination for an afternoon trek you experienced Whether you are a hiker or a nature fanatic trying to get away the hustle and bustle of the city, Feb Castle guarantees a memorable revel in.
It is thought that this fort derived its name Peb from the ‘Goddess Pebi’ at the bottom of the citadel. Historical references suggest that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used the caves at the citadel as silos for grain storage. The cave at the fort is occupied by the disciples of Swami Samarth, a tremendous saint. They have contributed a lot to the development of this castle for the remaining ten years. They have controlled successfully to keep the cave and the castle easy and maintained the honor of the Peb castle. Near to this cave are meditation caverns, which can be underground.
These caverns are nonetheless desirable situations. One has to crawl into these, and the handiest one man can enter at one time. In the monsoon, they are filled with water. On the pinnacle, we can pass through climbing the citadel’s wall; On the top, we can see some remnants. The primary enchantment right here is the bastion on the topmost element. Bastion faces the mountain of Matheran. Here we can see the ridge connecting the mountains of Matheran and Peb. When we stand right here, we feel like we are 7 at the top of the arena.
On the other side of the citadel is a temple of a deity. Here is a large cistern. The disciples are constructing a good temple right here. We can reside right here for some time. The lovely waterfall on the way is the main attraction here. The surrounding scenery looks fabulous from the cave in the monsoon. We additionally see the pinnacles of Navara-Navari, Bhatoba, and Irshalgad Fort, Chanderi Fort, Prabalgad Fort, Kalavantin Durg and Malanggad and additionally Nakhind Ridge. This hike is the best of all seasons.
So the first question is how to get Peb Fort?
First, reach Mumbai utilizing any transport you would like to prefer and the rest I will tell you, let’s begin.
Once you reach Mumbai the cheapest and easiest way is to take the railways take the local and reach Neral station, if traveling from Pune get down at Karjat station and take the local to Neral station & travel from the other side of Mumbai catch a local which will take you to neral station, Once you arrive neral junction, From Neral station, you can catch a shared Taxi for Matheran and ask the driver to drop you at the start point of Peb Fort trek (which is few km before the Dasturi Point.
For PEB Fort/ Vikatgad there are two routes to reach this destination,
- Matheran toy train route:
This is the easiest route among all available. It starts from the rail marking 134 NM written on a marking until you reach the 154 NM marking point from where you leave the railway track route and start the descent for the Peb Fort. After the descent, one has to ascend for around half an hour to reach the Fort top where there is a temple. Believe me, this route is one of the most beautiful routes to explore through the old tracks onto the top of the hill.
- Aanand wadi/Fanaswadi route:
From Neral station, you can take a shared auto to reach Aanand Wadi which is around 3-4 kms. You can also walk all the way to the base village. The trek route to reach the Peb Fort from the village is a bit confusing and one has to follow the electric poles which guide you to the correct path. If you are a beginner or new to the please, I would like to recommend that you take a local guide along with you.
Things that you can do at PEB fort
1. Scenic Views:-
Panoramic views: The fort offers you panoramic views of the surrounding valley, mountains, and cities beyond. To give your eyes a treat of nature’s beauty is really amazing, especially in this monsoon season.
Matheran: From the fort, you can visit Matheran, which is one of the nearby hill stations known for its pristine beauty and scenic beauty.
2. Historical Ruins:-
The castle walls and buildings: Though the castle is in ruins, the remains of its walls and buildings reveal its historical significance. Walking through these ruins gives you an understanding of the importance of the castle in the process beforehand.
3. Caves and temples:-
Shiva Temple: There is a small temple dedicated to Shiva Temple near the top of the mountain. It is a quiet place where hikers often take a moment to pray and reflect.
Caves: There are a few caves around the fort. These caves are modest but add to the fort’s mystery. They are great for exploring and provide a cool break while traveling.
4. The Plateau:-
Rest area: The plateau is a focal point of the trip where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. It’s a great place to relax, have some snacks and take pictures.
5. Flora and Fauna:-
Lush vegetation: The road to Peb Fort is surrounded by dense forests and lush greenery, especially during the rainy season. Plants make the journey beautiful.
Bird watching: The area is home to a variety of bird species around the globe since this place is too far away from the city area, making it a great spot for birders.
6. Adventure Elements:-
Rock climbing sections: Several sections of the walk involve climbing small boulders and traversing narrow paths. These sections add an interesting element to the journey.
Natural Beauty: The entire trail is full of waterfalls during the monsoon season, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination
Peb Fort/ Vikatgad is a hidden gem that offers you a perfect day-long escape from the hustle of Mumbai life. A perfect one-day trip, With a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and historical significance, this hike provides an enriching experience for hikers and nature lovers Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge, a peaceful break, or a brush with history, Peb Castle has something to offer everyone. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and set off for an unforgettable Peb Castle!
Also Read: Matheran Hill Station: A Complete Guide
