The Birwadi Fort was of some importance for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He built the fort so that he could keep an eye on the Revdanda waterway and his enemy, Siddhi of Janjira. Therefore, the fort has an integral role in the Maratha War of Independence.
Birwadi Fort has weathered well, and you will be able to recognize many of the structures inside the fort. To begin with, you will see a large water tank right at the entrance. The walk to Birwadi fort is a trek and begins with a visit to the Bhavani temple at the base. Near the temple is a life-size statue of the Chhatrapati. The statue is around 6 feet and looks glorious in the background of the lush greenery and the valley.
While going up, you will see water cisterns and a secret door that has probably saved some lives during its prime. There are three water cisterns along the route to the Birwadi fort. It is one of the few forts that still has small-sized water tanks made from rock along its fortifications.
It is a different fort because there are no inscriptions or carvings that you generally see in the other forts. It is also a smaller structure as compared to the other forts in the Maharashtra region.
The trek starts from a village and a temple, but there is no commercial activity all around. So, tourists need to pack water and some snacks. The fortifications that you need to climb to reach the top of the Birwadi fort do not have fencing. As you move, take a moment to look down at the valley below, and soak in the mesmerizing view. The entire area truly comes alive during the monsoon season, but then the risk increases as well.
Places to Visit Near Birwadi Fort
The Birwadi fort is a quick visit, you can start in the early morning, and you will complete your descent by the afternoon. There are some places that you can visit nearby, making for a more fruitful and memorable trip to this village.
About an hour from the Birwadi Fort is Ghosalgad fort. It is a medium difficulty trek as well, and if you time it right, you can visit both the forts in one day.
At around thirty minutes from Birwadi fort is the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. At around fifty minutes from Birwadi fort is Nandgaon beach in Kashid.
At an hour’s drive from Birwadi fort is Murud Beach, one of the more famous beaches in the Konkan area. And if you are up for it, you can take a two-hour drive to reach Tamhini falls. Of course, going to these falls will make sense only during the monsoon season.
A three-hour drive takes you to Alibaug beach, one of the most popular beaches in the Konkan area. The beach has watersports and is clean enough for you to plan a quick dip.
How to Reach Birwadi Fort
Birwadi Fort is connected by road to the village Chanera. State buses and rickshaws are available to reach Chanera from Roha. The way to the fort is pleasing with rice-fields and dense pockets of the jungle around. There is a trek to the fort from the village. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the fort from Birwadi village.