Palghar and Kelve

Palghar (पालघर Pālghar) and Kelve (केळवे Keḷve) are two towns on the North Konkan coast of Maharashtra. There are several forts in and around the two towns.

Get in

By train

• 1 Palghar  WR . (updated Jun 2023)
• 2 Kelve Road  WR . (updated Jun 2023)

See and do

• 1 Bhavangad Fort (भवानगड किल्ला Bhavа̄ngaḍ Killа̄). A fort built in 1737 by Chimaji Appa to check the atrocities by the Portuguese in Bassein (present-day Vasai-Virar). This fort played a prominent role in the conquest of Fort Bassein by the Maratha Army. Unfortunately, it is now in shambles and few remains of the bastion, fort walls, and the water cistern are seen on the fort. There is a temple of Bhavangadeshwar temple on the highest point of the fort. It takes about an hour to walk around the parapet wall and visit all the places of the fort. (updated Jun 2023)
• 2 Dativare Fort. The Fort is on a small hillock and at the commanding point for guarding the trade route along the Vaitarna River. Very little is known of the fort's history, other than that it was probably built by the Portuguese. The trekking path starts from the hillock north of the Dativare village. Now there is a very safe and wide road up to the fort. It takes about half an hour to reach the entrance gate of the fort. (updated Jun 2023)
• 3 Kaldurg Fort. The fort is at a height of at least 475 meters above sea level, giving views of the Arabian Sea and Palghar to the west, as well as views of the Surya River to the east. This rectangular shape of a fort can easily be located from a distance. There is no specific historic sign available except the fort structure. The fort is divided into the upper part and lower part due to a rectangular rock. There are a few steps that separate these two parts. It is a popular destination among hikers. The trek starts at Waghoba Khind temple on Palghar–Manor Road. (updated Jun 2023)
• 4 Kelve Fort (केळवे किल्ला). An island fort at the mouth of Danda Creek. The Portuguese built the boat-shaped fort to keep an eye on approaching ships. The fort is rectangular in shape. The entrance gate is east facing immediately followed by another gate at a right angle. There are four triangular bastions triangular on the four corners of the fort. During low tide, it is passable on foot but during high tide, local country boats provide access to the fort. The fort has never been more or less intact but overgrown with vegetation. It is better to visit the fort during low tide. (updated Jun 2023)
• 5 Kelwa Beach. Although not a very famous tourist attraction, the beach is overcrowded with local tourists during weekends, which indicates its growing popularity. Many restaurants and snack joints have come up near the beach to cater to the growing number of tourists. (updated Jun 2023)
• 6 Tandulwadi Fort (upon reaching Varai Phata you have to take a left turn after crossing the bridge over Vaitarna river. A few minutes drive on this road and one can see the Tandulwadi fort on the front hillocks). Tandulwadi is not a fully built-up fort, but a series of structures spread over the top of the mountain. The fort dates back 800 years and was primarily used as a watch tower over the surrounding plains. At a height of 1,524 ft (465 m), it has views of the surrounding towns of Saphale, the Zanzorli Lake and the confluence of the Surya and Vaitarna rivers. Tandulwadi has a moderately difficult gradient and it takes about a half hour to reach the main plateau from Tandulwadi village which is situated at the base of the fort. To reach the highest point it takes another one hour. Upon reaching the main plateau, one can find several rock-cut water cisterns. There are no bastions, walls or houses on the fort. There is no evidence of fortification except for a small stone wall on the southern side. A small water pond is situated in the centre. (updated Jun 2023)

Sleep

There are good hotels at Saphale and Edwan. Now tea and snacks are also available in small hotels along the coastal road.