PEB FORT OR VIKATGAD

Grade- Moderate

Base Village- Anandwadi – Fanaswadi, Neral

Closest Railway station- Neral

Distance from Mumbai- Around 75 kms

Distance from Pune- Around 115 kms

The name Peb has been derived from the Goddess 'Pebi'. Also called 'Vikatgad' for its distinctive shape similarity with the Elephant Headed God, 'Ganesha'. The trek to the top involves surmounting a small rock patch and a ladder. The fort is famous for its caves which are maintained by disciples of Swami Samartha and the meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain. To get inside the meditation chamber, one has to crawl through a narrow passage in the rock and then climb down into the meditation chamber. The chamber is very well maintained with tiles on the floor for people to sit and meditate.

If you visit this fort during monsoon, just walk out of Neral railway station and ask for the waterfall. The way along the waterfall goes through forests and it’s not possible to proceed along this way. Whereas the way along the towers is very very lengthy and there is a diversion on this route, which go towards Panvel. One might get lost on this way. So the best way is the central one, which takes us to the cave on the fort. On this way we see a rock with carving of Lord Ganesh. Ascend from the right side of this rock. Though this is the way of a small waterfall, proceed along the same way. This way takes us at the ridge. From the ridge turn at left and go further. Here we see a big white rock. Climbing this small patch and walking for 10 minutes we reach at a cave.

Not to Miss- Waterfall in the Monsoons, Fresh Tea at the village. There are a couple of caves on the way. Lord Ganesha carved in stone. Walk through the railway track. Food, you will not find any for the next 5 hours, please carry it.

Best time to Visit- June to January

Min-Max Pax- 10-50

Time required- 1 Day trek

Arrangement- Organized by The Highland AdvenTourist. Breakfast, travel, high tea, travel by private Bus or local Train

Avg Cost- Rs.650- Rs.1200 depending on the mode of transport