The short answer
Birwadi Fort: what visitors should know first
Birwadi suits a short, quiet fort visit if you are staying near Roha or Kolad and are happy with a 45-minute climb on a rough trail. Expect ruins and views, not facilities.
History and context
The story behind Birwadi Fort
Wikipedia says Shivaji Maharaj built Birwadi in 1648, along with Lingana, after capturing Kalyan, and that it watched the Kundalika River and the Siddhis; that claim lacks a citation. Control then passed through the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Portuguese, the Marathas and the East India Company.
During British rule the surrounding area was a game shooting reserve for district officers. Another local site says the fort is not mentioned in recorded history, so treat its origin story as tradition.
Useful facts
Birwadi Fort facts at a glance
- Location
- Birwadi village, Roha taluka
- Experience type
- Short hill-fort climb
- Height
- About 1,200 ft per Wikipedia (sources differ)
- Climb
- About 45 minutes from Chanera
- Known for
- Four bastions, gate, cisterns, cannons at temple
Why it matters
Why Birwadi Fort is worth your time
Birwadi is a good example of the small local forts that dotted the Konkan, built to watch a river valley rather than to hold a large garrison. It overlooks country close to the Kundalika River.
Because it is short, quiet and mostly intact in its bastions and gate, it is a gentler alternative to the bigger Raigad forts for travellers who want a feel for the architecture without a full day.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The main gate and bastions
Both are in good condition and show the fort's original shape.
- 02
Cisterns
Many stone-cut tanks remain, showing how the garrison stored water.
- 03
Cannons at the temple
Two cannons have been moved to the base temple.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Reach Chanera village by bus or rickshaw from Roha, then continue to the trailhead behind the newly built Devi temple. Wikipedia puts the walk to the top at about 45 minutes.
On the summit, the four corner bastions and the main gate are in good condition, and there are numerous stone-cut water cisterns. Two cannons have been moved down to the temple at the base, so look at them before or after the climb.
The top gives a view of rice fields and dense jungle. Go in the cooler months, take water, and talk to villagers for directions, since the signage is minimal. This is a short, low-key outing and works as a half-day combination with other Roha forts.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Take the bus or a rickshaw to Chanera
- Start behind the Devi temple
- Carry water; none is guaranteed
- Ask villagers about the trail
- Plan the climb for the cooler hours
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Birwadi village, Roha taluka, about 18 km south-west of Roha on the Roha-Salav road
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours including the approach
- Best time
- October to February
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The path is a roughly 45-minute climb from behind the village temple, with uneven ground and little shade. Older visitors with steady knees can manage slowly; others should skip the summit.
- Tickets and access
- The fort is government-owned and open to the public per Wikipedia; no fee is published. Villagers may let you stay at the school or temple, but check locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Birwadi Fort
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The path is a roughly 45-minute climb from behind the village temple, with uneven ground and little shade. Older visitors with steady knees can manage slowly; others should skip the summit.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long is the climb?
Wikipedia says about 45 minutes from the temple at Chanera.
Is it open to the public?
It is listed as government-owned and open to the public; no fee is published.
Is the origin story certain?
No. Wikipedia credits Shivaji in 1648 without a citation, and a local site says the fort is absent from recorded history.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
