8 Must know Safety Measures for Malang Gad Trek

Haji Malang Gad, a popular trek destination in Maharashtra is suitable for both novice and seasoned trekkers looking for an exciting adventure. Situated at 3200 feet above sea level near Kalyan, Malanggad fort is named after Haji Malang Baba, a Sufi saint who is said to have spent his life on this hill. Haji Malang Dargah, his holy shrine, is a pilgrimage for people of various beliefs and faiths who visit the dargah every year. But the real challenge is climbing till Sone Machi and Balekilla which has rock-cut steps, boulders, and a steep climb. However, these trek points offer a breathtaking view of hills and valleys which makes the entire journey worth it. 

Haji Malang Gad Trek in Kalyan

If you are planning a trek to Haji Malang Gad, these expert safety tips are intended to guide you in planning smartly. 

1. Physical Preparation

Malanggad trek can be rated as medium-difficult as you are required to climb steep rock structures ahead of Sone Machi to proceed towards Balekilla. It would test your physical ability. So, if you are an amateur trekker, it is advisable to build your stamina and endurance. Training your body with exercises like jogging, brisk walking, cycling a few weeks before will avoid muscle soreness post the trek.

2. Choose the appropriate season to visit

Planning the entire trek properly is of utmost importance. For any last-minute unwanted situations, know the exact way to reach Haji Malang Gad base village. Plan your trek in the best-suited season. Trekking during summers can get very exhaustive considering the temperature trend during this season. Malanggad offers a spectacular view during monsoons, which is a preferred season for most of the treks in Maharashtra. However, you need to be careful during this season while climbing the slippery rocks. The hill is subjected to high erosion which makes it very risky altogether and it is advisable for the beginners to either avoid this season or travel with an experienced guide/ trekking group. Trekking in winters could be safe.

Lush green Haji Malang mountain view during monsoon

3. Avoid trekking alone

To avoid being stranded alone in a risky situation, travel with your friends preferably having some trekking experience in the past. They will not just help you through rough trails but will also make the entire journey more memorable. 

4. Carry safety equipment

To proceed towards Balekilla of Malanggad fort, one needs to cross a 14-foot gap with the help of a narrow pipe. It involves high risk and could lead to injuries or accidents. Hence you must carry ropes and a safety harness to ensure safety.

Narrow pipe crossing towards Balekilla

Steep rocks can be climbed with the help of support using ropes/harnesses

5. Packing your essentials

Make it a point to plan everything for a hassle-free trekking experience. Gather all the essentials before you set out towards Haji Malang.

• Keep a basic first-aid kit handy in case of any emergency
• Sun protection (cap, sunscreen) in case you are visiting the fort during summers
• Raincoat/windcheater during monsoon
• Eatables – Although refreshments are available till Haji Malang Dargah, the route ahead has no shops that provide refreshments. Hence it is safe to carry eatables like fruits, power bars etc. for instant energy. 
• Walking pole – Although this is optional it will certainly help amateur trekkers as it acts as a support and reduces stress on the knees. This will also help you to protect yourself from the aggressive monkeys that could cause a trouble along the path.
• Even though mobile phones may not work in the mountains, do not forget to carry your phones and power banks. Also, you might want to capture the spectacular view from the Haji Malang mountain.  

For additional information, visit our blog "Things to Carry While Trekking at Haji Malang Gad".

6. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear

Opt for comfortable clothes and good quality footwear that fits properly. A proper grip is important while climbing the slippery rock structures of Haji Malang. The shoes should have good cushioning to avoid blisters.

Steps towards the Malanggad fort

7. Stay Hydrated

Make sure that you take small breaks and sip water every few minutes. Proper hydration is necessary to keep you fresh and maintain your body temperature. Dehydration may lead to fatigue and other problems. You can purchase water bottles from the shops along the way to Haji Malang Dargah to avoid weight. However, you need to carry water as you head towards the Sone Machi trek as no shops are available after the Pir Machi trek point.

8. Beware of the monkeys

Encounters with monkeys at trek points and tourist hotspots is common. Although accustomed to human interaction, they are unpredictable and may end up creating a trouble and snatching away your food. Hence, keep your food and other belongings away from them. Feeding them is risky as that might surround you with a troop. Avoid provoking them, limit your interaction by maintaining a safe distance.

A monkey found in Haji Malang Dargah

With all the planning in place, Haji Malang Gad is a perfect trek with a mix of adventure, spiritual experience, and spellbinding views. For a detailed guide of the trek journey, and routes to follow, read our blog "Visiting Haji Malang Gad, A Complete Trek Guide".

Ropeway to Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Dargah is a Holy shrine of Baba Haji Abdur Rehman Malang which is situated on a fort called Malanggad. "Malanggad Fort" is located in the Matheran region in Raigad, Maharashtra. The fort’s height is 789 m above sea level. People visit the Malanggad fort for the Haji Malang Dargah and for the trek which leads to Haji Malang Dargah and the top of the mountain

"Haji Malang Dargah" is one of the few dargahs which is 300-year-old. The holy shrine is of the Baba who travelled from the middle east to India in the 12th Century. Along with Haji Malang Baba few followers visited India, you can see their tomb named Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Dargah (Pehli Salami), Hazrat Sultan Shah Dargah (Doosri Salami) and Tomb of Panch peer around the Haji Malang Dargah

"Haji Malang Dargah is well known for the communal Harmony" around the dargah, on the Malanggad Fort and during the "Festival of Urus". It is one of the few dargahs where a Muslim mutavalli (distant kin of the Saint) and a Hindu vahivatdar (Priest from a Hindu karandekar Family) is working together to fulfil the religious rituals of the Dargah. Devotees of all culture and community visit the Dargah to pay their respect and take the blessings of the Haji Malang Baba.

Unlike other Dargahs, Haji Malang Dargah is upon a hill like other "Hindu temples" where the trail is of normal stairs to visit the dargah and the devotee visiting the dargah must climb these stairs or trek their way up to visit the Dargah.

Funicular Ropeway for Haji Malang Dargah

The state governments proposal for a funicular ropeway to Haji Malang Dargah was accepted by the National Forest Council. The Public works Department in the Kalyan City has started the construction of a two-trolley ropeway with a carrying capacity of around 60 people each which will make it easier for the devotees especially senior citizens who need to walk almost 4 kilometres to reach the Haji Malang Dargah.

In Maharashtra, this funicular ropeway is a first-of-its-kind and soon it is going to be more famous as a tourist destination in this region. It is said that the ropeway will be able to transport 390 passengers in both the direction. It will be easy for the devotees to visit the dargah using the ropeway rather than climbing 1500 steps to the "Pir Machi" where the Dargah is located. 

There will be two stations on which the ropeway will be functioning, one at the Haji Malang Dargah and the other at the Base Village. The distance between the two stations will be approximately 2 km apart. Along with the Funicular ropeway, the public works department is also ready to build emergency evacuation routes and public parking spaces. In the year 2020, "The Maharashtra government sanctions an additional fund of Rs 5 crore for the funicular ropeway project" as the project cost was increased.

Once completed this funicular ropeway to Haji Malang Dargah is bound to attract a huge crowd of all group age. Also, you can enjoy the view of the mountain and its surroundings while travelling through the ropeway. This tourist destination will become lively once the ropeway is up and running along with the Dargah and adventurous trekking.

Tourist Attractions near Haji Malang Gad

Haji Malang Gad is a beautiful place for trekking and religious visit for people from all caste and creed. It is nearest to Kalyan city. Haji Malang Gad is also known as Shree Malang Gad or Malanggad. This fort has a significant history as there was a war fought between the Marathas and the British. 

At the first level of the Malanggad Fort, which is called Pir Machi the Haji Malang Dargah. This dargah is said to be named after a Sufi Saint Baba Abdur Rehman Malang, also known as Haji Malang Baba. People from all the places and caste visit this religious dargah to seek blessings. Also, there is a huge festival that is celebrated in the month of February, named the Urs festival. This festival continues for almost 8-9 days.

This fort is best known as a trekking spot, where many people visit during the monsoons and winters. The trek grade is medium to difficult, it becomes difficult and challenging as and when you move towards the top of the hill. People usually return from the second level of the fort, that is Sone Machi. After this level, it is very difficult to trek upwards to the Balekilla or Citadel. Balekilla is very risky as the roads are very narrow and it is connected with two pipes. Expert trekkers take a risk to cross this road with the help of ropes and reach the Citadel.

 

Haji Malang Gad

Places to visit near Haji Malang gad

There are a few places near Haji Malang Gad, which are worth visiting. I would like to suggest a few good places near the Malanggad fort that one should surely visit. 

Durgadi Fort

Durgadi Fort is situated in the west of Kalyan city. Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from Adil Shah on 24th October 1654. Then he built the fort with the help of 340 Portuguese workers. It was said the wealth was found at the time of the excavation of the fort. It was named Durgadi after the goddess Durga. It was believed that it was her blessings that the fort was captured and built. This fort is just 18 kilometers away from Haji Malang gad. It approximately takes 50-55 minutes to reach the Durgadi fort via roadways.

 

Durgadi Fort

Kala Talao Lake

Kala Talao Lake is a lake in Kalyan. It was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur and was half a kilometer away from Kalyan railway station. The lake covers an area of 24 acres. It was previously known as Shenale Lake. The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation maintains the lake. People come here to exercise, morning and evening walk, and boating.  This lake is approximately 18 km that is about 50-55 minutes of distance from Haji Malang Gad. It is worth visiting during the evenings. 

 

Kala Talao Lake

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir is a historic Hindu temple since the 11th century. This temple is located near the banks of the river Vadavan. It is 2 kilometers away from the Ambarnath railway station. It was built beautifully and was carved in stone. The temple is of Lord Shiva, where thousands of people visit to seek blessings. Hindu festival Mahashivratri is celebrated on a huge scale with all the rituals. This Shiv temple is 17 kilometers away from Haji Malang Gad, which takes around 40 minutes to travel through roadways.

 

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir

Chikhloli Dam

Chikhloli Dam is a beautiful dam near Haji Malang Gad. It is 19 kilometers from the fort that is around 50 minutes by road. It is best to visit during the monsoon season, where nature is in its purest form. The trees, bushes, grass are a fresh green and the water making is way to flow from the streams. All this is just a mesmerizing view. Chikhloli dam is nearest to the Ambernath and Badlapur railway station. When you are at Haji Malang Gad, make sure you do give a visit to Chikhloli Dam.

 

Chikhloli Dam

These were a few places near Haji Malang gad which are worth visiting.