If you truly want to experience the monsoon in its raw, untamed glory, then Monsoon Trekking is not just an option—it’s a calling. There’s something deeply poetic about setting out on a trek during the rains, where every raindrop whispers a story and every gust of wind carries a secret. The scent of wet earth fills your lungs, the lush green hills stretch endlessly before you, and cascading waterfalls sing a song only nature understands. It’s a feeling that tugs at your soul, urging you to lose yourself before you can truly be found.
About Shindola Fort
One such mystical journey led us to the hidden Shindola Fort, tucked away in the misty embrace of Malshej Ghat. Unlike the well-known forts etched in history, Shindola remains elusive, a quiet sentinel of forgotten times. We found no elaborate records, no grand tales of conquests—only whispers from the local villagers who spoke of its past as a watchtower guarding the ancient trade routes. A humble fort, with only a few water cisterns, a solitary Ganesha idol at the entrance and the worn-down ruins—yet, it held an unexplainable pull, as if it had been waiting for us all along.
The Journey
The journey to this enigmatic place was not easy. The path was as uncertain as life itself—confusing, exhausting, and riddled with obstacles that tested not just our endurance but our spirit. I had always believed trekking was an adventure but this trek taught me something deeper: It’s always farther than it looks. It’s always taller than it seems. And it’s always harder than you ever expect. Shindola Fort made sure I learned these lessons the hard way.
Somewhere along the steep ascent, I met a fear I never knew I had—a fear of heights. My legs trembled as I struggled to find solid footing, my hands scraped raw against the thorny bushes lining the path. Every time I looked down, the valley seemed to swallow me whole, and my heart pounded so loudly I thought it might burst. The trek, which I had once dreamed of as an exhilarating adventure, suddenly felt like a fight for survival. But then, something within me refused to give up. I reminded myself: every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. And so, I climbed. Our group leader ‘Nikhil Datye’ was a constant source of motivation.
Step by step, struggle by struggle, we pushed forward. Fatigue clawed at our bodies, uncertainty loomed over us, but the fire in our hearts burned brighter. And then, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the summit.
And in that moment, the world stood still.
The view was not just breathtaking—it was soul-stirring. The mist rolled in waves over the emerald hills, waterfalls cascaded like liquid silver, and the sky stretched infinitely, painting the horizon in hues I had never seen before. It was as if we had stepped into a dream, where time lost its meaning, and all that mattered was the sheer beauty surrounding us.
What We Earned
Shindola Fort had nothing grand to offer in terms of history or ruins but it gave us something more valuable—it gave us a story. A story of struggle, of resilience, of pushing past fears and limitations. A story of camaraderie, where we lifted each other up, encouraged when strength faltered and celebrated each tiny victory together.
Just as we prepared to descend, nature decided to challenge us one last time. The wind howled, threatening to knock us off balance, and within moments, the skies unleashed their fury. Rain poured down in torrents, soaking us to the bone, turning the already treacherous path into a slippery, unpredictable descent. Every step was a battle but somehow, we made it back down. And as we turned back one last time to look at the fort, a wave of emotions surged through us—pride, relief, gratitude.
In a Nutshell
It was more than just a trek. It was a moment of triumph, an experience that touched the deepest corners of our souls.
Three cheers to the AFLATOON Trekkers (our official trekking group)—together, we conquered not just Shindola Fort, but a part of ourselves we never knew existed.
Some journeys are not just about reaching a destination; they are about discovering who you truly are. This was one of those journeys, and its echoes will stay with us forever. When we look back on those memories today, after a decade, they still fill us with the same thrill and give us goosebumps.
At the end I would say, “Create memories that lead you to discover a new version of yourself in life’s unexpected little moments.”
How to Reach Shindola Fort
By Road from Mumbai (Approx. 140 km, 4-5 hours)
• Take the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH160) up to Kalyan.
• From Kalyan, drive towards Murbad via Murbad-Karjat Road.
• Continue on Murbad-Malshej Ghat Road (NH61) towards Khubi Phata.
• The base village for Shindola Fort is Shindola or Khireshwar, accessible from Khubi Phata.
By Public Transport
• From Mumbai or Pune, take a train to Kalyan Junction.
• From Kalyan, board a ST (State Transport) bus or shared jeep to Murbad.
• From Murbad, catch another bus to Malshej Ghat or Khireshwar village.
• Local transport (jeeps or hired vehicles) can take you to Shindola village.
Trek Details:
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trek Duration: ~4 hours one way
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (lush greenery) or Winter (pleasant weather)
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