Hotels Near Haji Malang Gad - Guide for Accommodation

Haji Malang Gad is well known for Haji Malang Dargah and the trek towards the top of the mountain. Haji Malang Gad is a mountain situated in the Matheran hill range in the region of Maharashtra. The height of the fort is 2590 ft. above sea level and is located 17km away from Kalyan Railway Station. The Haji Malang Gad has approximately the same height as Chanderi fort in Badlapur which is nearby 

People come to Haji Malang Gad to Experience the trek towards the top of the hill and to take the blessings of Haji Malang Dargah located on the first level of the Mountain Trail. The mountain has three levels and on the first level the dargah is situated and the first level is called the Panch pir, the second level is called Sone Machi and the third level is called Balekilla which is the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is faced on the east-west side which gives an extraordinary view of Dusk and Dawn. To know the history read our blog “History of Haji Malang Gad, A Trek Destination to Explore” 

Malanggad

Haji Malang Dargah

A Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba is situated on the first level of Malanggad fort called "Pir Machi" which is 300-year old. The route to Haji Malang Dargah consists of more than 1500 steps which take approx. 2.5 hours. You will also find some Hindi temples on the way towards the dargah. Before you reach Haji Malang Dargah you will find 2 small dragahs known as Pehli Salami and the Doosri Salami. While you are climbing the steps, you will see a few stores selling snacks, soft drinks, meals and religious Items. The Dargah is managed by the Hindu Vahivatdar family and a Muslim Mutavalli. People from every religion come to the dargah to pay respect and take blessings of the baba. Read our blog called “Haji Malang Dargah, A Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba” to know more.

How to reach Haji Malang Gad

You can Reach the Haji Malang Gad by Car or bike, from Mumbai it takes 1.4hours by road. You can also travel by train on the central line to Kalyan Railway Station. Bus and Auto-rickshaws are available from the Kalyan Railway station to Haji Malang base village. You will find Bus No. 45 which takes you to Haji Malang bus stop from Kalyan Railway Station which costs Rs.20. The trek difficulty till Sone Machi is medium and the difficulty increases from Sone Machi as it requires stamina. The best season to visit is during Monsoon season for greenery and beautiful view from the top but is suggested not to visit during monsoon because of high risk. For detailed information, check our blog on "Visiting Haji Malang Gad, A Complete Trek Guide".

Hotels Near Haji Malang Gad are – 

Haji Malang Bismillah Hotel & lodging

The Bismillah hotel provides rooms to stays for a night and food of regional cuisines and it is open 24 hours

Amenities - Regional Cuisines

Location - Wadi, Behind Haji Malang Dargah, Near Dargah chowk, Haji Malang Hill, Kalyan 421306 India

Distance - 300 meters from Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Bismillah Hotel

Hotel Praveen International

Rooms with air conditioning are provided in the Hotel Praveen International also the customer staying in has the availability of room service. You can also enjoy the service of the on-site restaurant. Hotel Praveen is located near Vaishnu hotel family restaurant which provides Asian cuisine.

Amenities - Free Parking, Free breakfast, Bar/lounge, Business Centre with Internet Access, and Kitchenette

Location - 3, Udyog Vihar Ind. Estate Near Vithalwadi Railway Station, Ulhasnagar - 421003

Distance - 2.5 Km from Malanggad

 

Hotel Praveen International

Hotel Jawahar

Hotel Jawahar is one of the oldest restaurants in town which providing standard for Middle-Class crowd, light to the pocket menu. 

Amenities - Free Parking, Free high-speed Internet (WIFI), Bar/Lounge, Airport Transportation, Business Centre with Internet Access, Meeting Rooms and 24-hour Security

Location - Hotel Jawahar, Red Cross Hosp Road, Ulhasnagar - 421002

Distance - 4.2 Km from Malanggad

Official Website - http://hoteljawahar.com/

Hotel Jawahar

Krishna Palace Hotel

Krishna Palace Hotel is the first hotel with 58 rooms with the business class boutique hotel. Other then rooms they have exclusive restaurants, the finest banquet venues and conference facilities

Amenities - Free Parking, Free Breakfast, Free high-speed Internet (WIFI), Airport Transportation, Conference facilities and Banquet room

Location - P-35/36 Anand Nagar, Near M.I.D.C Road, Ambarnath - 421501

Distance - 7.9 Km from Malanggad

Official Website - http://www.krishnapalaceresidency.com/ambernath/

Krishna Palace Hotel

Nakshatra Residency

Nakshatra Residency offers a budget-friendly atmosphere with helpful amenities. They provide air conditioning rooms with free wifi. 24-hour front desk, room service and newspaper are some extra amenities provided by Nakshatra Residency

Amenities - Free Parking, Free Breakfast, Fitness Center, Free high-speed Internet (WIFI), Airport Transportation, Evening Entertainment and Indoor play area for children

Location - Uyog Bhavan No.2, Ambernath Industrial Area, Plot No. K-1, Near Anand Nagar, Ambarnath - 421506

Distance - 8.7 Km from Malanggad 

Official Website - https://www.nakshatraresidency.in/

Nakshatra Residency

Why look for an accommodation?

As Malanggad is an exhaustive trek and could take up at least half a day, for people travelling from faraway places it is recommended to look for an accommodation. Also, one can explore some interesting place like famous ancient Shiv Mandir temple in Ambernath the next day.

Things to Carry While Trekking at Haji Malang Gad

Trekking at Haji Malang Gad gives you a wonderful experience of religious and natural beauty. The fort situated at the border of the Thane-Raigad district has a magnificent view from the top of the hill. It is an east-west mountain facing dusk and dawn.

While on the way to your trek at Malanggad you will come across various shops that sell water, snacks, soft drinks, meals and religious products. You will also come across water reservoirs and a chor darwaja (hidden door).

The trek level of Haji Malang Gad is medium to difficult as a few parts of the fort are very challenging and dangerous to climb without any rope or safety harness. Read our blog to know in detail about How to Reach Malang Gad. There are a few necessary things that one should carry without fail while going on a trek to Malanggad.

Haji Malang Gad

Essentials for the trek at Haji Malang Gad – 

1. Shoes: It is necessary to wear shoes while trekking. The route at Haji Malang Gad has sharp turns and slippery rocks that can make you lose your grip. It is always preferred to wear trekking shoes and avoid sandals and slippers.

2. Backpack/Haversack: It is very important to carry a strong backpack, where you can carry things like snacks, water bottles, a camera, etc. It is very crucial to keep your hands free, as it becomes easier for you to climb the difficult parts of the mountain with the help of the grip of your hands.

3. Food Items and Water: It is very essential that you carry drinking water and snacks items like chocolates, biscuits or fruits. Keep drinking water sip by sip to keep your body hydrated. Avoid eating salty or spicy food, as it may dehydrate you soon. 

4. Seasonal Necessities – Do carry raincoat, windcheater, suncap as per the season. During summer it important to carry and wear a cap which will protect you from the sun. Also, carrying a raincoat and windcheater is sensible during the rainy season.

5. Extra Clothes – Carrying extra clothes while trekking is recommended. During the rainy season, if your clothes are drenched, it is very needy to wear dried clothes.

6. Rope/Safety Harness – A point at Haji Malang Gad is a 14-foot gap that is joined with a narrow pipe, which is extremely dangerous. To cross this area of the mountain a rope or safety harness is necessary. Without which it is very risky and difficult to climb.

Malanggad

7. Walking Pole – Carrying a walking pole can be optional. It can be used to reduce the stress that has been grown in your knees while trekking upwards the hill.

8. First Aid Kit – One should carry a first aid kit for emergencies if any. The kit should have Dettol/Savlon, cotton wool, bandages, antiseptic cream, Spray or ointment gel, basic painkillers.

9. Cameras - Nowadays, with good quality phones, people don’t feel the need to carry a camera. But, if you are a photographer, then know your equipment list to carry. 

10. Power Bank – Fully charged power bank is a good idea to carry while going on a trek. It would be useful if your phone’s battery dies out.

11. Other - Other small things that are needy are napkins, plastic bags and ID proof.

These are the necessary things that one shall carry while trekking to Malanggad. Apart from all these things mentioned above, you can also add things to your list that you feel are necessary to carry. For Details about the Trek and Experience at Haji Malang Gad you can read our blog Visiting Haji Malang Gad, A Complete Trek Guide.

Visiting Haji Malang Gad, A Complete Trek Guide

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-

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".

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"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stone-structure built at Balekilla

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.

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 - 

• Things to Carry While Trekking at Haji Malang Gad

Hotels Near Haji Malang Gad - Guide for Accommodation

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.