Malanggad is a fort near Kalyan, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is most likely known as Haji Malang Gad. It is famous for its most famous Sufi shrine located on the hill. It is a three leveled fort with each having its specific names.
The lowest is the Pir Machi where the Sufi shrine Haji Malang Dargah is situated. The second is the Sone Machi which is a rocky projection. Ahead of the Balekilla or Citadel, it is the top-most fortification, which has some copper pipes and freshwater which is supplied to the lower parts of the fort. This water is supplied with the help of those copper pipes that are present at the Balekilla.
Haji Malang Gad is a combination of a religious and adventurous journey. The fort has many Hindu temples on its way upwards and a Dargah which is named after the Baba Abdur Rehman Malang, also known as Haji Malang Baba. The fort is famous as a trekking point. Many people visit Malanggad to trek and experience the mesmerizing view from the top of the hill.
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| Haji Malang Gad |
Urs Festival at Haji Malang Dargah
Urs is a festival that solemnizes the death anniversary of Sufi Saint Haji Malang Baba. It is a huge festival that is celebrated for 8-9 long days. The ceremonies of the festival are performed at the Haji Malang Dargah which is situated at the Pir Machi (lowest level of the fort). The festival is usually celebrated in the month of February when many devotees come to seek blessings. The devotees carry processions which start from the Haji Malang Dargah, then moves further and covers the whole mountain and comes back to the Dargah. Many devotees and followers from all caste and creed come and be a part of this festival. This is the best time to visit the Haji Malang Dargah.
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| Haji Malang Dargah |
Trekking at Haji Malang Gad
Trek to Haji Malang Gad is a must! The appealing and attractive view from the top of the fort shouldn’t be missed. Once you start from the base village it takes around 2.5 hours to reach the Haji Malang Dargah that is situated at Pir Machi. Then moving further to the rocky projection we reach the Sone Machi. This is the second part of the fort which is, a 25-meter-wide and 250-meter-long projection, and 70 feet wide and 100 feet tall. On reaching here, it is a wonderful breathtaking view. Further one can visit the Balekilla, which is a narrow gap connected with 14 feet long two pipes. The way is too risky and can’t be crossed without the help of a rope. The view from the Balekilla or Citadel is worth watching but at the same time, it’s too risky to be fatal.
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| View from Sone Machi |
The best season to visit Haji Malang Gad is Monsoon. It is best to visit when the rains pour and nature adopts the beautiful greenery around. The fog around while climbing up the fort altogether makes it a surreal experience.
From the top of Haji Malang gad fort one can enjoy the beautiful view of the Chanderi fort, Matheran range that is visible in the south direction. One can see Mahuli and the Kalyan and Ambernath city in the north direction. To the west is Mumbai city.
The best experience to visit the Haji Malang Gad for trekking is during the monsoon season.
