Kohoj

Kohoj Fort is a medieval military installation situated near Waghote village in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. Located approximately 104 kilometers from Mumbai off the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, the fort stands at an elevation of roughly 2,000 to 3,200 feet. It is positioned strategically to monitor the nearby coast, ensuring territorial security for the regions it once protected. The site is accessible via a moderately difficult trek from the base village, which takes about two and a half hours to reach the main plateau, passing by a lake known as Pazhar at the foot of the structure.

Historically, the fort is estimated to be around 800 years old and holds significant importance in the region's military past. It is notably mentioned in the Treaty of Purandar signed on June 11, 1665, where it was listed among twenty-two forts surrendered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the Mughal Empire. Over the centuries, control of the fort shifted between the Maratha Empire and the British Raj before coming under the ownership of the Government of India following independence. Its primary function was to serve as a lookout point and defensive stronghold for the surrounding coastal areas.

Currently, Kohoj Fort exists in a dilapidated and abandoned condition, though it remains open to the public for trekking and historical exploration. The plateau features several remnants of its past, including a rehabilitated temple dedicated to Lord Shankar and an idol of Lord Hanuman near ancient water cisterns. While many of the original ten rock-cut cisterns are clogged or spoiled, some still hold clean drinking water. A unique natural attraction on the site is a man-shaped pinnacle formed by wind erosion, which appears to change shape when viewed from different angles. Despite its ruined state, the fort offers panoramic views of neighboring landmarks like Tandulwadi Fort.