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