Shree Malanggad, also known as Haji Malang, is a fort near Kalyan. Situated at the border of the Thane-Raigad district, it is popularly known for Haji Malang Dargah, which is a holy shrine of Haji Malang Baba, a Sufi saint from the middle east. Devotees from diverse communities and faiths visit the dargah to pay their respect and seek the blessings of Malang Baba.
However, there is a far more secret thrill for trekkers above the Dargah with a breathtaking view of the district that one would not expect. The history, geological structure, scenic view and enthralling adventure make it an interesting trek destination to explore in Maharashtra.
Here is a detailed experience and guide of the trek to Malanggad fort-
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| Malanggad Fort Kalyan |
How to reach Malanggad?
Haji Malang Gad is located at 15 km from Kalyan. By rail and road, Kalyan is well connected to Mumbai. Once you reach Kalyan, you can board S.T. buses from the Kalyan railway station to the base village of Malanggad fort, also known as Haji Malang Wadi, which would take about 30 minutes to reach. Taxis and shared autorickshaws are also available. For detailed information, check our blog on "How to Reach Haji Malang Gad - A Trek Destination in Kalyan".
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| Bus stop at the base village of Haji Malang |
First Part of the Trek – Spiritual Experience at Haji Malang
What is estimated time and total number of steps to reach Haji Malang Dargah?
After getting down at the base village, one has to climb around 1500 steps to reach the holy shrine of Malang Baba which takes around 2.5 hours. With steep climbing steps and sharp turns, the first half of the journey becomes quite challenging. Numerous small shops sell soft drinks, snacks, meals, and religious products along the way. Large number of devotees visiting the holy shrine make the route crowded due to which it may take longer to reach than usual. |
| Shops along the way to Dargah |
Traditions followed while visiting Haji Malang Dargah
The pilgrims arrive at the dargah of Hazrat Bhaqtawar Shah Baba, after completing the steep climb halfway through. The offering at this dargah is known as ‘Pehli Salami’. A few minutes of walking after this spot will lead you to Hazrat Sultan Shah Dargah, popularly known as ‘Doosri Salami’. Both were companions of Malang Baba and it is a tradition to visit Pehli Salami followed by Doosri Salami before paying respect at the main Haji Malang Baba Dargah, where the holy body was of Malang Baba was buried. The beautiful domed structure has 2 Mazars (tombs), one of the Baba and the other of Ma Fatima who was Baba's disciple. In gratitude, the pilgrims offer floral and cloth 'chaddars' at the Mazars. Also, there are "many temples like Ganesh Mandir, Datta Mandir and Navadurga Devi Mandir".
To know more about the holy shrine, read our blog "Haji Malang Dargah, A Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba"
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| Haji Malang Dargah |
Visiting Panch Pir Dargah at Pir Machi
The pilgrims find the remaining journey easier after trekking a little higher, as they walk through an inclined slop with stretches of narrow muddy road and steps at intervals. After a walk ahead for nearly 30 minutes, one reaches the tableland known as ‘Pir Machi’. The plateau houses the sacred tomb of 5 disciples of Baba, popularly known as Panch Pir Dargah. Along this stretch, one comes across a place known as ‘Ghode ki Taap’. It is believed that this is the place where Malang Baba’s horse Duldul set his footprint and water started flowing. The water continues to flow even today which is considered sacred by the devotees. To discover the mythological stories of Baba, read our blog on "History of Haji Malang Baba, A Sufi Saint of Malang Gad".
This completes the first level of the trek.
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| Panch Pir Dargah at Pir Machi |
Second part of the trek – Enjoying the spectacular view from Sone Machi
After a pilgrimage to the holy shrine, those seeking a thrilling trek experience can continue climbing the mountain and head towards the main fort. "Sone Machi", which resembles an elephant's trunk, is a long plateau that is 25-meter-wide and 250-meter-long with a rock projection towards one end which is 70 feet wide and 100 feet tall. It is the lower part of the fort. The road towards the Sone Machi is a narrow lane near the main dargah. To find this lane that leads to the Malanggad fort, walk 100 meters backward from the dargah.
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| Steps leading to the Malanggad Fort |
The route consists of steep rock-cut steps which will take you to the main Bastion of the fort or entry gates. This is the only way through which one can enter Malanggad apart from a 'Chor Darwaja' (hidden gateway) which opens into a deep valley on the east.
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| Chor Darwaja at the Machi |
On reaching Sone Machi, one can see beautiful terrain and a breathtaking view of the valley. According to history, the Ketkars stood firm against the British forces. They attempted to seize the fort but failed due to its sheer walls and overall tough approach. There are three intact bastions on Sone Machi, one facing the west and the other two facing the east. Read our blog "History of Haji Malang Gad, A Trek Destination to Explore" to unfold the history of the fort.
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| Plateau of Sone Machi - imposing citadel summit |
Third part of the trek – Adventure trail of Balekilla
Enthralled by the beautiful view, the real challenge lies ahead while reaching the highest and the final spot of the trek – Balekilla (citadel). The citadel, which is 200 yards long and 70 yards wide, is the highest level. There are no fortifications on the hill's summit. There are five reservoirs at the top of the hill for water supply which are connected to the lower levels by a copper pipe. Balekilla also known as ‘Devni’ or ‘Bara Ansar Pinnacle’ offers a view of Chanderi, Matheran range to the south, Kalyan city, Mahuli to the north, and Mumbai to the west.
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| Stone-structure built at Balekilla |
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| Water reservoir at Balekilla |
However, reaching there requires you to cross a 14-foot gap that is joined using a narrow pipe. It is extremely dangerous to cross this route without a safety harness and rope. Hence it is advisable to avoid climbing the pinnacle till the moving pipe is fixed with proper ropes to ensure safety.
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| Balekilla trek pipe crossing |
Malanggad Trek Difficulty and Things to Remember
- Trek Difficulty –
While the path to the dargah consisted of concrete steps, the path to the Malanggad fort consists entirely of treacherous rocks and boulders. Hence the trek can be rated as medium till Sone Machi and difficult onwards and requires endurance.- Estimated time and total steps –
There are around 1500 steps till the Haji Malang Dargah which can get exhaustive as the route is mostly crowded. The total time taken to climb Haji Malang fort is approximately 3.5 hours.- Water Availability –
There are many shops at regular intervals up to the dargah where you can buy water and food. However, you need to be equipped with whatever you may need after Pir Machi as there are no shops ahead.
- Base village –
Ample parking space is available at the base camp near Malanggad bus stop. Equipment like sticks to provide support while climbing (recommended for senior citizens and children) are available in the shops at the base village.- Best Season to visit –
Although the greenery and gushing streams look beautiful during monsoon, avoid visiting Haji Malang Gad during this season due to the risk involved.
- Safety –
Mountain is subjected to high erosion and huge chunks of rocks are loose. Be careful of such rocks and footings while climbing.
The hill is infested with aggressive monkeys who try to snatch your bags/ food items.
- Haji Malang Gad Ropeway –
A 1.2 km two-way ropeway to reach Haji Malang shrine is a long pending project, which would make the journey convenient for people, especially senior citizens who visit the dargah. The foundation stone of this project was laid in February 2013 and is under-construction.
For detailed instructions and accommodation options check out our blogs -
In a nutshell if you are looking for a thrilling experience, Haji Malang Trek is a perfect blend of adventure, religious importance, and scenic views.
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