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. 

Haji Malang Gad Trek Difficulty

Haji Malang Gad, also known as Shree Malanggad, is a fort located at a height of 3200 ft above sea level, near Kalyan in Maharashtra. It derives its name after a Sufi saint Hazrat Haji Malang Baba who is believed to have spent his life on this hill. His holy shrine - Haji Malang Dargah is a pilgrimage for people from diverse beliefs and faiths who visit the dargah every year. Known for its religious significance, Malanggad fort also has an elaborate history of the Maratha-British war of the 18th century, a captivating view of the district from the hilltop, and a well-designed fort structure which makes it a perfect trek destination to explore.

The trek is best suited for both amateurs as well as experienced trekkers looking for an enthralling adventure as the trek is divided into three difficulty levels - easy, moderate, and difficult.

Malanggad fort Kalyan

Easy Part of the Trek –Visiting Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Dargah situated at the lowest plateau of Malang Gad is the easy part of the trek. The route from the base village to the dargah consists of 1500 concrete steps. It takes about 2-2.5 hours from the starting point depending on whether the route is crowded with the devotees. The concrete steps covered with a shade for most of the part and numerous shops providing refreshments make it less of a trek and more of a tourist destination that can be easily covered by everyone.

Concrete steps leading to Haji Malang Dargah

The major stops are Pehli Salami, Doosri Salami, and the main Haji Malang Dargah. After a further climb, you can visit Panch Pir Dargah at the Pir Machi. There are also many Hindu temples along the way.

Haji Malang Baba Dargah

Pilgrims climbing down the mountain of Malanggad

Moderate part of the trek – Visiting Sone Machi

Those seeking a spectacular trek experience after visiting the holy shrine can continue climbing the mountain and head towards the main fort. Sone Machi, which resembles an elephant's trunk, is a long plateau measuring 25 meters wide and 250 meters long, with a 70-foot-wide and 100-foot-tall rock projection at one end. The route towards Sone Machi consists of narrow steps cut between rocks and boulders and can be rated as a moderate difficulty level. Although it could get a bit exhaustive for beginners, it is fairly easy for experienced trekkers. 

Steps leading to the Malanggad fort

Once you reach the Sone Machi, all the tiring journey becomes worth it for the breathtaking view of the hills and valleys around.

Plateau of Sone Machi – imposing citadel summit

Difficult part of the trek –Visiting Balekilla

After enjoying the spectacular landscape at Sone Machi, the real challenge lies ahead as you approach Balekilla(citadel), the trek's highest, difficult, and final destination. The citadel is 200 yards long and 70 yards tall. However, getting there requires crossing a 14-foot gap connected by a narrow pipe. Crossing this path without a safety belt and rope is extremely dangerous. The climb is very steep and involves high risk. Hence it is not advisable to ascend the pinnacle without a safety harness and experienced guide to ensure safety. 

Stone structure built at Balekilla

Balekilla pipe crossing

Steep climb to reach Balekilla

Risky pipe crossing with the rope support

In a nutshell, Haji Malang Gad trek can be divided into three levels of difficulty-easy, medium, difficult making it a suitable trek destination for beginners as well as experienced. However, it is important to take necessary precautions while attempting to trek the higher levels. 

Want to plan a trek soon? Read our travel guide of Haji Malang Gad trek for detailed information.