Korigad Fort — The Fort of 27 Cannons
Korigad Fort, perched at an elevation of 920 metres in the Sahyadri hills, is a beautifully preserved Maratha fort located about 20 km from Lonavala and 70 km from Pune. What makes Korigad exceptional among Maharashtra's many hill forts is its remarkable collection of 27 cannons still mounted on the ramparts — one of the largest preserved cannon collections at any hill fort in the state. The fort also features an active Korigad Devi temple that draws pilgrims year-round and twin natural ponds that provide water even in the driest summers.
For weekend trekkers from Pune and Mumbai, Korigad offers a satisfying combination of history, architecture, and nature in an easy half-day trek. The trail from the base village of Peth Shahapur is mostly stone steps, making it accessible for families, children, and first-time trekkers.
How to Reach Korigad Fort
From Pune by Road: Take the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, exit at Khandala/Lonavala. From Lonavala, take the road towards Peth Shahapur (Korigad base). Distance: ~70 km, about 1.5 hours.
From Mumbai by Road: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exit at Khopoli. Follow signs to Peth Shahapur. Distance: ~110 km, about 2 hours.
From Lonavala: Peth Shahapur is just 20 km from Lonavala centre via Old Mumbai-Pune Highway.
Distance & Travel Time
| Origin | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pune | 70 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Mumbai | 110 km | 2 hrs |
| Lonavala | 20 km | 30 min |
| Khopoli | 25 km | 35 min |
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon (July–September): The hillside is lush and waterfalls appear. Highly recommended for the atmosphere. Stone steps can be slippery so trekking shoes are essential.
Winter (October–February): Cool, clear, and comfortable. Best for families and groups. Views of the valley and surrounding ranges are superb.
Summer: Possible but hot — start before 7 AM if visiting in March-May.
Trek Route
Start: Peth Shahapur village (base camp)
The trail starts from the village and climbs through the hillside via well-maintained stone steps. The path leads through a forest section before opening up to the fort entrance through a massive stone gateway. The trek is approximately 1.5 km one-way.
Highlights on the route:
- Stone gateway entrance — well-preserved with carvings
- Ramparts with 27 cannons mounted — a unique sight in Maharashtra
- Korigad Devi temple — active shrine; devotees offer prayers year-round
- Twin ponds (Korigad Talav) — natural water tanks inside the fort
- Panoramic views of Lonavala valley and the Sahyadri ranges
Things to Do
- Count and photograph the 27 historic cannons
- Visit the Korigad Devi temple
- Explore the bastions and perimeter walls (mostly intact)
- Enjoy views of the Lonavala valley and Kune Falls area in the distance
Budget Guide
| Category | Cost per Person |
|---|---|
| Trek (no entry fee) | ₹0 |
| Transport from Lonavala (taxi) | ₹300-500 shared |
| Snacks at base | ₹50-100 |
| Total budget day trip | ₹400-700 |
| With Lonavala hotel stay | ₹1,500-3,000 |
Food Guide
No food at the summit. Small tea stalls at the base sell chai and snacks. Carry your own lunch. After the trek, Lonavala offers excellent food options — chikki shops, Maggie stalls, and restaurants serving full meals.
Accommodation Guide
- Lonavala Hotels/Resorts — 20 km; wide range from ₹1,000-8,000/night
- Khandala Hotels — 22 km; quieter, slightly cheaper than Lonavala
- Camping near Pawna Lake — 25 km; great option for nature lovers
Things to Carry
- ✅ Good trekking shoes (non-slip sole)
- ✅ 2 litres of water per person
- ✅ Snacks and lunch
- ✅ Raincoat/poncho in monsoon
- ✅ Camera for the cannons and views
- ✅ Sunscreen and hat
Nearby Attractions
- Lonavala and Khandala — 20 km; hill stations with viewpoints, chikki shops, and restaurants
- Lohagad Fort — 30 km; another easy fort trek in the area
- Visapur Fort — 32 km; can be done in the same day as Korigad by fit trekkers
- Pawna Lake — 30 km; perfect for evening relaxation or camping
- Tiger Point, Lonavala — 25 km; dramatic cliff viewpoint
Safety Tips
- Steps can be very slippery in monsoon — use proper footwear
- Do not stand on the fort walls or cannons for photos
- Carry enough water — no reliable water source on trail
- Start by 8 AM to complete comfortably before noon
Travel Tips
- Korigad is less crowded than Lohagad and Visapur — ideal for a peaceful experience
- Best combined with a Lonavala trip for a full weekend
- The base village Peth Shahapur has limited facilities — fuel up in Lonavala
Browse more Maharashtra trek guides on Weekend Wander and find fellow trekkers on our groups page.
