Satmala Hills Biography: History
Satmala Hills Biography – Satmala is a mountain range that runs through Nashik District in Maharashtra, forming an essential part of the Sahyadri range. These peaks are visible from much of the district and serve as significant landmarks. The highest peak is Dhodap, standing at 1,451 meters. It ranks as the third-highest peak in Maharashtra, following Kalsubai and Salher, and is the 29th highest in the Western Ghats. The Chandvad range lies to the east of Satmala, and there is another Satmala range in Telangana.
The Satmala range is the most important mountain range in Nashik, resembling a necklace that stretches across the city. It spans from Saputara to Vani and from Chandwad to Manmad.
There are 14 forts along the Satmala range.
On the route from Nashik to Saputara, Hatgad Fort (3,656 feet above sea level) is located about 6–7 km before Saputara. It is easily visible from the road, and although its summit is not very tall, the fort remains historically significant. Moving from Hatgad towards Vani, two forts—Achala (4,062 feet) and Ahivant (4,024 feet)—stand close together. The base village for Achala is Pimpri-Achala, and the view from the top is remarkable, with the Taula mountain to the south and Ahivant and Saptashrungi to the east. Ahivant Fort, located to the right on the way to Nanduri, can also be accessed from Achala, and its layout is expansive.
Nearby is Mohandari, followed by Saptashrungigad (4,659 feet), a renowned religious destination for Nashik. Opposite it is Markandya Fort (4,370 feet), where vehicles can reach the foothills from Vani. Thousands of devotees visit Markandya annually on a special occasion. After this, the twin forts of Rawlya-Jawlya (4,056 feet) appear on a large plateau. The nearby Kanhergad (3,582 feet) is accessible by bus from Nashik via Nanduri. It is historically significant due to the heroics of Ramaji Pangera.
Dhodap (4,769 feet) is next and easily recognizable due to its unique shape, situated near the National Highway, about 7 km from Vadalibhoi. Dhodap is historically important, featuring fortifications, bastions, caves, and water tanks. Following Dhodap is Kanchana Fort (3,722 feet), a popular trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts.
Other significant forts in the Chandwad region include Koldher (3,209 feet), Rajdher (3,579 feet), Indrai (4,495 feet), and Chandwad (3,611 feet). These forts are particularly beautiful during the monsoon season. The Satmala range continues in Manmad with the Habdi pinnacle and the twin forts of Ankai-Tankai.
Other notable forts include Gorakhgad, Kanakgiri, Mesana, and Katra, all of which hold historical importance. The range extends further to the Ajanta region, known as the Ajanta range.
The ideal time to visit Satmala is from July to February, as the area becomes dry and hot during the months of March to June.
