Visit to Pir Machi at Malanggad Fort

The "Malanggad fort" is well known for trekking towards the top of the mountain and Haji Malang Dargah situated at level one which is known as Pir machi. It Is located in the hill range of the Matheran. The nearest city to the Malanggad fort is Kalyan city which is 17km away near Mumbai.

People visit the Malanggad fort to experience the adventure and visit the Haji Malang Dargah to worship. This Haji Malang Dargah is the famous shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Haji Malang Baba, which is situated at the lowest plateau of the fort. Every year people from different religions visit the dargah to pay their respect and many more visit the dargah in February to celebrate the "Urus Festival"

Malanggad Fort

Pir Machi

The lowest level of the mountain is the plateau where the 2500 ft. long and 1000 ft. broad dargah of Sufi Saint Hazrat Haji Malang Baba is situated. Also, at the end of the plateau, the Panch Pir (Panch Peer) lies which is named after the five pirs who followed the "Haji Malang Baba" to Malanggad fort. It is 45 to 60 mins away from the Haji Malang dargah. Further at the edge place called chasma is located where people visit to pray. People believe that the water emerging from the ground because the Haji Malang Baba’s horse tapped the ground. 

 

Haji Malang Dargah on Pir Machi

Battle of British and Marathas

The Malanggad fort was ruled by Pandurang Sambhaji Ketkar in the 17th century. The Britishers moved close in the month of August instead of May and July to avoid the heat and captured the lowest level of Malanggad, Panch Pir. Later, ketkars shifted their base to Sone Machi (Second level) they fought bravely with Britishers but in the end, they had a shortage of food supplies. Other families staying on the Pir Machi fought with the Britishers and ketkars on the Sonemachi. Marathas bought their cannon to Pir Machi and bombarded the British army. Heavy damage was caused to the Britishers on Pir Machi and taking the advantage of the situation Marathas decided to attack together on 18th September which resulted in the end of blockade by the British army. To Know more read our blog "History of Maratha-British War at Haji Malanggad"

 

Old British Painting of Malanggad

Trip to Pir Machi

Malanggad fort is located 17 Km from Kalyan Station. By road, it takes about 1.40 hours from Mumbai to reach Haji Malang Gad. There are buses and Auto-rickshaws available from the Kalyan Railway Station. From the base village, it takes 3 hours to reach the Pimachi and to visit the Haji Malang Dargah. There are more than 1500 steps till Pir Machi. At the end of the lowest level of Pir Machi, you can also visit the Paanch pir, the graves of five followers of Haji Malang Baba. On the way to the Pir Machi, you will also see few Hindu temples situated and dargahs called Pehli and Doosri Salami. To know more about Pehli and Doosri Salami read our blog "Haji Malang Dargah, A Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba"

 

Pehli Salami

Doosri Salami

Paanch Pir

The journey to the top of the mountain is a combination of adventure and religion. The journey to the first level of the fort is rated as medium difficulty. This trek will give you a beautiful view and adventure to remember.

History of Maratha-British War at Haji Malanggad

A battle between the British East India Company and the Marathas took place in 1780, for control over Malanggad. Malanggad is also known as Haji Malang Gad, which is situated near Kalyan in the Matheran hill range, in Maharashtra.

Initially, in 1780 the British aimed to conquer and secure the Island of Mumbai, as a base part of India. They wanted to secure main cities like Mahim, Sion, etc., Ghats like Bor Ghat and Kasur Ghat. They planned of disconnecting all the routes between Mumbai and Pune. Pune then was under the control of Marathas. Nana Phadnavis considerably were residing here with the forces. 

Kalyan was the most favorable location, it was had two major routes which connected Pune-Khopoli and the North which has Kasara Ghat passing through. The Malanggad fort is situated right next to Kalyan and had a great view from the top. The British then planned to capture the fort.

After capturing forts and places in Panvel, Taloja, and Kalyan, now the British gained attention towards Malanggad. 

Malanggad

Malanggad

Malanggad fort consists of two Machis namely, "Pir Machi" and "Sone Machi", and Balekilla. The fort is very huge and one can spot the Mumbai-Pune Expressway from the top of the fort. On the other side, the whole of the Ulhasnagar and Ambernath area is visible. Also, many other hills are very prominently seen from here. 

Old Painting of Malanggad by the British

The Marathas and the British

The fort was under the control of Pandurang Sambhaji Ketkar. After Kalyan fell, The British awaited for months before moving towards the fort. On 4th August 1780, the British attacked the fort, Pandurang Ketkar fought bravely, but still the British managed to capture the Pir Machi. At this Machi the Dargah named Haji Malang Dargah is situated. 

Pandurang Ketkar pulled back the other Machi that is Sone Machi. The Marathas decided to make a stand over this Machi. After a few span of time, 175 soldiers left the fort, as there was no enough stock of grains for all the three hundred soldiers who were present on the fort. Pandurang Ketkar continued to fight for a few months with his troop.

The Marathas managed to hold back the fort and the British were considerably damaged. The British were weekend but not dismissed. Abbington asked for help from Westphal at Kalyan. Westphal then responded by sending troops. Colonel Hartley started from Mumbai via Belapur – Taloja route. And reached the Shiravali. 
Nana Phadnavis, looking at this situation decided to send Gangadhar Karlekar, Kashipant, and Anandrao Dhulap to help Pandurang Ketkar. On the other hand, Abbington now tried capturing Sone Machi and Balekilla but failed to so as Pandurang Ketkar kept fighting with his Gardi Musketeers. They managed to assault back the British and also they retreated to Pir Machi. Meanwhile, Gangadhar Karlekar managed to send all essential supplies and provisions to the Marathas. 

Old Picture of Haji Malang Gad

Pandurang Ketkar with his two Gardi musketeers Aziz Khan Jamadar and Abu Sheikh Jamadar kept responding to the British on their attacks. 

The British Lift Their Seige

At this stage, Nana Phadnavis himself decided to step in. He reached Kalyan by Rajmachi route with his few Marathas. Col Hartley kept fighting at various places at the same time with his troops. Phadnavis kept fighting bravely with 10,000 strong army men and answered the attacks of the British. 

It was being two months that the war was continued on the Malanggad fort, but the Marathas were still strong. Finally, around November 1780 the British decided to leave the fort and lifted the siege of Malanggad.

In this whole war between the Marathas and the British, the Marathas managed their supplies on the fort. Pandurang Ketkar and his Gardi Musketeers fought bravely and saved the fort from falling into the hands of the British. After the success of the 1780 war, the Ketkar family continued to be the caretaker of the fort.

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.