Haji Malang Gad is a fort situated in the Raigad region of Maharashtra, India. The highest point of the fort is at 2590 ft. above sea level. It is also popularly known as Shree Malang Gad, Malang Gad, and known for Haji Malang Dargah. The nearby Chanderi fort in Badlapur is approximately the same height. It is located 17 km from Kalyan which has an extraordinary view of the district from the top. The trek toward Malanggad till Pir Machi is easy and crowded.
Haji Malang Gad is also known for trekking and the beautiful view from the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is facing the east-west side which provides a good view of dusk and dawn. On the lower level of the fort is the holy shrine of Haji Malang Baba called Haji Malang Dargah Kalyan. The fort is distributed into three levels – Pir Machi (first stop), Sone Machi (second stop) and Balekilla (final stop). To know more about Haji Malang Gad read our blog "History of Haji Malang Gad, A Trek Destination to Explore"
 |
| Haji Malang Gad Fort |
The Trail which leads to the top of the Malanggad fort -
Pir Machi (Big Plateau) –
"Pir Machi" is the big plateau on the lowest level and the first stop of the mountain. On the first level, a dargah is situated which is named after Sufi Saint Baba Abdur Rehman Malang known as Haji Malang Dargah. At the end of the first level, Panch Pir is established. Panch Pir is named after the five Pirs who followed and were the disciples of Haji Malang Baba.
 |
| View of Haji Malang Dargah on Pir Machi |
Sone Machi (Long Thin Plateau) –
Sone Machi is the long thin plateau on the second level of the mountain. This plateau is shaped like an elephant’s trunk. It also has a hidden door known as Chor Darwaja that opens into the valley towards the east side of the fort.
 |
| Long thin plateau on Sone Machi |
Balekilla (Citadel) –
Balekilla is the top and the final level of the fort. At this level, there are five water reservoirs that supply’s water to the lower levels of the fort through water pipes. Balekilla is a rectangular shape stone-built structure which is also called Devni or Bara Ansar Pinnacle, the trail towards the Balekilla from Sone Machi is broken
 |
| Stone-built structure on Balekilla |
How to reach Haji Malang Gad from Mumbai -
It takes about 1.40 hours to reach Haji Malang Gad from Mumbai by road. From Mumbai, you can take a local train on the central line to Kalyan Railway Station. Options of ST buses as well as local auto-rickshaws are available from the Kalyan Railway Station. Bus no. 45 is the well-known bus which travels from Kalyan Railway Station straight to the base of Malanggad which costs Rs.20 per person.
The Dargah of Haji Malang Baba -
Haji Malang Dargah is the first stop of the trek if you wish to complete the trek you can go forward and reach Sone Machi which is the second stop and the final stop is called Balekilla but the way for Balekilla have broken. To reach the haji Malang dargah it will take up to three hours from the base village and the Malanggad Bus Stop. It takes up to 20 mins from dargah to reach Pir Machi to Balekilla (Citadel). You will see more than 1500 steps to reach the dargah from the base village. When you are on the way towards dargah you will find multiple shops selling snacks, soft drinks, meals, and religious items for the people who are visiting the dargah and the Malanggad fort. You can check our blog "Haji Malang Dargah, A Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba" to know more.
 |
| Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba Dargah |
The journey towards the top of Haji Malang Gad is a mixture of religion and adventure. The journey from the second level of the fort is all about an adventurous, fascinating, and spectacular view of the top. This one-day trek will provide you with an adventure and beautiful views you will never forget. Check out our blog "Visiting Haji Malang Gad, A Complete Trek Guide" to get an overview of the trek destination.
