Ulysses 360 Degrees

Range: Matheran
Height: 3700 ft.
Grade: Easy (but Plnacle climb is very difficult)
Base Village: Irshaalwadi

Irshaalgad is a fort situated in the Karjat Region. Other forts in this region include Prabalgad and Malanggad. While driving along the Mumbai Pune highway, the forts of Malanggad, Devni Pinnacle, Matheran, Peb, Mhasmal, Prabalgad, Irshal attract one’s attention. The population in this area is quite normal. Because of the very heavy rainfall in this region, the most cultivated crop is rice. As the fort is very near to the highway, the approach road to the base village is available.

History :
The name Irshaalgad itself is a misnomer; Irshal is not a fort but actually a pinnacle. This is the reason why it hardly figures anywhere in history. Shivaji Maharaj captured the complete region of Kalyan and Bhiwandi, up to Rairi in May 1666. This fort too, must have come under the Maratha rule at that time. Irshal is the next-door neighbour to Prabalgad. A sad incident occurred on this pinnacle on January 23, 1972. Kumar Prakash Durve lost his life after falling down from this pinnacle on that day. To remember this day, all the trekkers from the Mumbai – Thane region assemble here on January 26 every year.

Sightseeing :
As mentioned above, Irshal is a pinnacle. There is a water tank on the route from the Irshal plateau to the peak. From there, we reach the needle hole near the top through a simple rock-climbing route. Proceeding little ahead, we see a water tank to the left and a cave to the right. This water is suitable for drinking. The route, which climbs up from near the needle hole goes to the top of the pinnacle. To reach the top of the pinnacle, it is essential to have artificial rock climbing equipment. From the top we can see the forts of Prabalgad, Matheran, Chanderi, Malanggad, Karnala and Manikgad.

Ways To Reach :
Via Prabalgad :
There is a traverse directly from Prabalgad to Irshaalgad. From the machi on Prabalgad one can reach Irshaalgad, traversing the fort of Prabalgad in approximately 3 hours.
Via Matheran :
Reach the One Tree Hill point at Matheran. From here we go down to the base village Varose of Irshal in an hour. This route is quite prominent. A path from this village goes to the col that joins the Irshal and Prabalgad. Trekking further ahead on this plateau one has to reach the village of Irshaalwadi. It takes an hour to reach the top from this village.
Via Chowk :
Chowk is accessible from the old Mumbai – Pune Highway. Chowk can be reached both from Karjat and Panvel. The time taken to reach Chowk from Panvel is approximately 1 hour and from Karjat it takes around 45 minutes. There is a prominent route from Chowk to Irshaalwadi. It takes around 2 hours on this route, with a bit of easy rock climbing put in.

Accommodation :
None on the fort, but people stay on request at Irshalwadi.

Food :
Food can be arranged at Irshaalwadi.

Drinking Water :
The water in the tanks last only up to March after which there is no water available on the area.

Time To Reach :
1-2 hour from Irshaalwadi.

Notes :
It is extremely difficult. To reach the top of the pinnacle, technical rock climbing expertise is necessary. It is essential to have a 100 feet rope and other rock climbing equipment.