October 2005: Mahuli
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Why do you need to visit Visit Mahuli? Mahuli Fort: A history Located around four miles from Sahapur in Thane district, the fort is around 2,815 feet above sea level. It is the tallest fort in Thane. In the year 1485, the Nizams of Ahmednagar had captured several forts, including this one. In 1636, Shahaji Raje Bhosle along with a young Shivaji and Jijabai did his best to defend the fort against the Mughals but failed against Mughal chieftain Khan Jaman’s army. The fort almost became a witness to the fall of the Nizamshahi regime. In 1658, Shivaji conquered the fort from the Mughals but in 1666, it was won back by them. Its the highest point in the Thane district. The forest surrounding Mahuli has been declared as a sanctuary. Once Shahaji Raje, father of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had this fortress under his belt. Precautions: Its better to take sufficient amount of water stock from temple itself since there isn’t water source in the way. Its better to have someone with you who had already been here because the area at the top is very confusing. Make an inquiry in the temple whether the informative booklet of Mahuli(with the map) published by Nisarga Giribhraman Sanstha, is available. After reaching the top search for the caves only on the right side. Avoid going in months of March, April and May (water scarcity).