28/12/2016
jangali - Jaygad:
A) Geographical Importance:
Geographical location of Jangali Jaygad is 170 27’ 13’’ North Latitude and 730 41’ 37’’ East Longitude. The height is 1029 mtrs (3376 ft) above the mean sea level. Jangali Jaygad fort is about 8 kms north towards north-west of Koyna Nagar, which lies on the spur projecting from the main range of the Sahyadri’s in to the Konkan. It is located north west to the village Navaja in Patan. There is a fine dense and evergreen forest. While proceeding from Navaja towards the fort one have to pass through the dense forest. A steep slope having thick vegetation is on the fort located as a part of the western slope. The fort is oblong in shape having half km long and 30 to 60 mtrs wide. The sides of the fort are with sharp and sudden dropping cliffs, escarpments. The fort is on westerly spur, which narrows down to being about 15 mtr long and 1 mtr wide cracked by an earthquake. This is the entrance to the fort.
B) HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE:
This fort was built by Shilahar King Raja Bhoj - II. This fort also belongs to Maratha Kingdom. It came under British force under Col. Hewlett in May 1818. This fort was
used to keep watch on the western territory and also to work as a check post between Konkan and Desh.
c) cultural characteristics:
Remnants of buildings and ramparts, bastions are found on the fort. There are two large size and number of small size tanks on the fort and below the skirting of the bastion. There are cave type tanks having perennial water. Due to be unused this water is polluted now. There is ruined temple of Lord Shiva. No human habitat is found near the fort.
d) how to reach the fort:
Jangali Jaygad is situated in the south-west side of the Satara district. To reach here one can take a bus from Satara to Patan (70 kms.) and then from Patan to Navja (32 kms) by bus or private vehicle.
E) adventure tourism:
Jangali Jaygad is important fort for adventure activities. Thick dense forest provides ample opportunities for bird watching, botanical, zoological research work. A small spring, oozes, water in the way is the only potable water source. There are arrangements for camping in jungle. Near the well point trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing sights are plenty hence one can arrange a trekking camp for the beginners. Near Dicholi there is a creek created due to a back water of Shivsagar. Crocodiles can be seen easily at this point. Ozarde waterfall is in the way to Jangali Jaygad. You can enjoy this beautiful juncture also. Especially in rainy season hundreds of tourists visited this fort. In winter season backwater is available for swimming and river crossing experience.
f) expenditure:
Travelling expenditure requires 150 to 200 rupees per person. Accommodation is available at Satara, Karad and Patan.
G) number of visitors:
Tourists visiting Jangali Jaygad monthly are about 25 to 30.
h) best season:
All seasons are suitable to visit this fort. Mainly rainy season is the best season to visit. You can also see an Ozarde waterfall, Koyna Dam also. The June to November is the best season to see beautiful greenery, Nehru Park, and Koyna Hydro Electricity generation station.
