Located in Khodkona village, Asherigad is a fort that represents a layered slice of the history of Maharashtra. The fort itself was built 800 years ago under the Shilahara kings. Since then, the fort has been ruled by the Portuguese, the Maratha Empire, and the British.

At close to 2,000 ft above sea level, the summit offers a gorgeous view of the Manor area and a bird’s-eye view of the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway. Witnessing the sunrise with such a view is always special.

About the trek:

Difficulty: Moderate

Base village: Khodkona

Summit height: 2,000 ft

Time taken to climb/descend: 2–2.5 hrs climb / 1–1.5 hrs descent

Total distance of trek: 3 km

Duration: 1 day

Meeting point: Churchgate Station ticket counter (10:45 pm)

Departure point: Churchgate Station ticket counter (2:00 pm)

Itinerary:

10:45 pm: We will meet at the Churchgate Station ticket counter by 10:45 pm and board the 11:23 pm Virar Fast.

1:00 am: We arrive at Virar Station. You can also choose to join us here directly. We’ll board our private jeeps that will take us to the base village of Khodkona.

3:00 am: Arrive at the base village. We’ll do a quick round of introductions, some warming up, and start our trek to the summit. Torches out. Let’s go!

6:00 am: After a long climb through cobblestoned trails and steep ladders, we will reach the summit. It’s hard to imagine how they must have built something like this in the first place!

6:30 am: As we await the sunrise, we will find a place to relax. You can walk around the spacious fort, imagining the rich stories that the fort holds. This fort is also home to an ancient rock-cut cave temple of the local village deity. This is contrasted with the presence of a giant cannon from colonial times.

7:00 am: As the sun rises, the details of the fort will become clearer. Look out for the Portuguese coat of arms carved into the wall. It is also time to hog on the breakfast we have arranged for you at the summit!

8:00 am: We start our descent back to the base village.

9:30 am: Just as we had arrived, we will board our jeeps and start our journey back to Virar Station.

11:30 am: Reach Virar Station. It’s time to bid adieu! Goodbyes are a reminder that we shall meet again. Until next time, Vagabonds!

Inclusions:

Train transport (General compartment) from Churchgate to Virar and back

To-and-fro transport from Virar Station to the base village (private taxis)

Breakfast

Refreshments

Trek guide charges

Assistance by Vagabond EMs

First aid assistance