Come prepared
this is a full-day outing best attempted from June to February, avoiding the harsh summer and the slippery, cloud-blind peak of the monsoon. Carry ample water, sturdy footwear and a wind layer for the exposed summit.
Nashik
Dhodap Fort
Nashik, Maharashtra · fort
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Open dailyEntry Fee: Free EntryOpen daily, best attempted sunrise to sunset; no gate or ticket. Prepared, self-sufficient trekkers sometimes camp overnight on the plateau.
Rising to roughly 1,472 metres in the Satmala (Satmalा/Chandwad) range of Nashik district, Dhodap Fort is widely counted among the tallest hill-forts in Maharashtra and is often cited as the second-highest after Salher. Its silhouette is unmistakable: a broad, table-like summit crowned by a slender, needle-shaped pinnacle known locally as the Ikhara, so that from the plains around Chandwad the fort seems to carry a twin-peaked crest. For trekkers driving out from Nashik along the Mumbai-Agra highway, that distinctive skyline is the first reward long before the climb begins.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg dhabas and thali kitchens in Chandwad town (ask for the pure-veg/Jain option)
- ✦Vegetarian highway dhabas along the Mumbai-Agra highway (NH-160) near Chandwad
- ✦Self-packed vegetarian tiffin (poha, theplas, fruit) carried from Nashik
About
Rising to roughly 1,472 metres in the Satmala (Satmalा/Chandwad) range of Nashik district, Dhodap Fort is widely counted among the tallest hill-forts in Maharashtra and is often cited as the second-highest after Salher.
- Its silhouette is unmistakable: a broad, table-like summit crowned by a slender, needle-shaped pinnacle known locally as the Ikhara, so that from the plains around Chandwad the fort seems to carry a twin-peaked crest.
- For trekkers driving out from Nashik along the Mumbai-Agra highway, that distinctive skyline is the first reward long before the climb begins.
- The usual base is the village of Hatti, near Chandwad, from where a moderate trail winds up through scrub, seasonal streams and rock-cut steps to the fortifications.
- The route passes remnants of bastions, cisterns and gateways, and a rock-cut cave or two that once sheltered the garrison.
- Reaching the plateau, walkers are met with an enormous horizon: the Satmala ridgeline rolling away in every direction, the patchwork farmland of the Chandwad plateau below, and, on clear post-monsoon mornings, a chain of neighbouring forts pricking the skyline.
- Historically, Dhodap is remembered for the Battle of Dhodap of 1768, when, by most accounts, Peshwa Madhavrao I confronted his uncle Raghunathrao here during the internal struggles of the Maratha confederacy.
- The fort's commanding height made it a natural watch-post over the trade and pilgrim routes threading the range.
- Today it is valued less for conquest than for its solitude, its wildflowers after the rains, and its unbroken sunsets.
- For food, plan to eat before or after the climb rather than on the hill.
- Chandwad town and the Mumbai-Agra highway (NH-160) nearby have simple pure-veg dhabas and Maharashtrian thali kitchens serving bhakri, pithla, dal-rice and hot chai; ask for the pure-veg or Jain option to be sure.
- Most trekkers also pack their own vegetarian tiffin, poha, theplas or dry snacks and fruit, since there are no reliable eateries at the base village or on the trail itself.
Timings & Entry Fee
Entry FeeFree Entry
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Dhodap Fort, near Hatti village, Chandwad taluka, Nashik district, Nashik, Maharashtra, 423101
How to Reach: Dhodap lies roughly 60-70 km northeast of Nashik city via the Mumbai-Agra highway (NH-160) towards Chandwad; from Chandwad, drive to the base village of Hatti (about 15-20 km) by taxi or local vehicle. There is no direct public transport to the trailhead, so a hired car or two-wheeler is easiest. From Hatti the summit is a moderate trek of a few hours each way. Nearest railhead is Nashik Road; nearest airport is Nashik (Ozar), with Mumbai the major gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dhodap really the second-highest fort in Maharashtra?
Dhodap rises to roughly 1,472 metres and is widely regarded as one of the tallest hill-forts in Maharashtra, frequently ranked second after Salher. Exact rankings vary by source and measurement, but it is unquestionably among the highest in the state.
How difficult is the Dhodap Fort trek?
It is a moderate trek from the base village of Hatti, taking a few hours each way over scrub, rock-cut steps and exposed sections near the top. Reasonable fitness, sturdy shoes and plenty of water are needed; the final stretch to the pinnacle is best left to experienced trekkers.
What is the twin-pinnacle feature on Dhodap?
The summit carries a slender, needle-like pinnacle known locally as the Ikhara, which combined with the broad plateau gives the fort its distinctive twin-peaked skyline visible from the plains around Chandwad.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Dhodap Fort?
There are no reliable eateries on the trail or at the base village, so eat in Chandwad town or at a pure-veg dhaba along the Mumbai-Agra highway (NH-160), where simple Maharashtrian thalis, bhakri and pithla are served, and always confirm the pure-veg or Jain option. Most trekkers also carry their own vegetarian tiffin and snacks.
Is there any historical significance to Dhodap Fort?
Yes. The fort is associated with the Battle of Dhodap of 1768, when, by most accounts, Peshwa Madhavrao I confronted his uncle Raghunathrao during the Maratha confederacy's internal conflicts. Its great height made it an important watch-post over the surrounding routes.
Categories
#Dhodap Fort#Satmala range#Chandwad#Nashik forts#trekking#Maratha history#twin pinnacle