How to Reach Pargad Fort

Pargad Fort is located in Chandgad taluka of Kolhapur district, near the intersection of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa. The fort’s coordinates are approximately 15.8165° N, 74.0456° E (Pargad Fort). It lies about 28 km from Chandgad town (Pargad Fort), and is well-connected by road from nearby cities. Below are directions and travel options from Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Goa:

From Kolhapur (Maharashtra)

• By Road: Pargad Fort is roughly 100–110 km south of Kolhapur by road. The drive takes around 3 hours via Gadhinglaj/Ajra or via NH48 towards Nipani, then state roads to Chandgad. The final stretch is a paved road up to the fort via Patane village (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad). Private cars or taxis can reach Pargad village (atop the fort) directly, as there is parking available on the fort (Pargad Fort: A Testament to Maratha Glory – Pargad).

 

• By Bus: Regular MSRTC state transport buses run from Kolhapur to Chandgad (about 3–4 hours). From Chandgad, a local bus or jeep goes directly to Pargad Fort village, dropping you at the base of the fort (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad) (Pargad – Wikipedia). The Chandgad–Pargad ST bus is the most convenient public transport, as it goes up the hill and terminates near the fort.

 

• By Train/Air: Kolhapur’s nearest railway station (C. Shahumaharaj Terminus) and Kolhapur Airport (at Ujlaiwadi) are options if coming from other regions, but from Kolhapur city you’ll still travel by road as above. (Kolhapur Airport is ~110 km from Pargad; no direct connection except via road.)

From Belgaum (Belagavi, Karnataka)

• By Road: Pargad is about 50–60 km from Belgaum and can be reached in ~1.5 hours by car. The usual route is Belgaum – Shinoli – Patne Cross – Motanwadi – Pargad (Forts In And Around Belagavi – All About Belgaum). This scenic drive goes via Shinoli (on the Karnataka–Maharashtra border) into Maharashtra, then through Patne village. From Motanwadi, the fort is about a 45-minute uphill drive (Pargad, Western Ghats, Sahyadri, Adventure, Trekking). The road is paved up to the fort, and you can park at the top.

 

• By Bus: There may not be direct buses from Belgaum to Pargad. However, one can take a Karnataka bus or taxi to Shinoli (around 25 km), then find local transport towards Pargad. Alternately, buses from Belgaum towards Gadhinglaj or Chandgad could drop you at an intersection (Patne Phata), from where you’d hire a jeep to the fort. Due to limited public transport on this route, driving or hiring a taxi is recommended for convenience.

 

• By Train/Air: Belgaum has a major railway station and an airport (IXG). Visitors arriving by train or flight can go Belgaum to Pargad by road as described. Belgaum Airport is approximately 60 km from Pargad. Taxis are available at the airport/station; the ride to the fort would be around 1.5–2 hours.

From Goa

• By Road (via North Goa): Pargad is accessible from North Goa (e.g. Panaji or Mapusa) by driving north-east toward Dodamarg on the Goa–Maharashtra border. Distance is about 70–80 km from Panaji. One route goes Panaji→Mapusa→Bicholim→Dodamarg (MH). From Dodamarg, you can either trek or drive to Pargad:

 

• Trek Route: Drive to Morle village (Dodamarg taluka, Sindhudurg) – this is a base on the Goa side (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad). From Morle, an approx. 12 km trek leads up through dense forest to Pargad Fort (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad). This is a challenging trek but scenic (used by some adventure enthusiasts). There is a clearly marked trail from Morle’s temple to the fort plateau. (Note: Only attempt if you are prepared for a long hike.)

 

• Drive Around: If trekking is not for you, continue driving from Dodamarg through Maharashtra’s internal roads. Head towards Patane/Isapur village in Kolhapur district, which connects to the Pargad road. Essentially, you’ll be looping around the hill to approach Pargad from the east side (the same road that comes from Chandgad). This route is longer (about 2.5–3 hours from North Goa) but allows you to reach the fort by vehicle. Ask for directions to Pargad via Tilari or Chandgad at Dodamarg – locals will guide you to the correct road.

 

• By Road (via South Goa): Those coming from South Goa (e.g. Margao) might find it faster to go via NH748 to Belgaum, then follow the Belgaum→Pargad route. This avoids the trek and uses better highways for most of the journey. Margao to Belgaum is about 130 km (2.5–3 hrs), then another 60 km to Pargad.

 

• By Bus/Train: There is no direct bus from Goa to Pargad. If relying on public transport, one option is to take a bus from Goa to Belgaum or Sawantwadi, then proceed as above. The nearest major rail stations from Pargad are in Goa (Thivim or Madgaon, but these are 100+ km away by road) or Belgaum. If coming by Konkan Railway to Thivim/Mapusa, you’d still need to hire a car or take buses to Dodamarg and beyond.

 

• By Air: Goa’s Dabolim Airport is ~115 km from Pargad, and the new Mopa Airport (North Goa) is closer (roughly 60–70 km). From either airport, you must travel by road as described. Expect ~3 hours driving from Dabolim, or ~2 hours from Mopa/Pernem side to reach Pargad.

Nearest Airports: The closest airports to Pargad are Belgaum Airport (about 60 km) and Manohar International Airport, Mopa (Goa’s North airport, ~60 km). Kolhapur Airport and Dabolim (Goa’s old airport) are around 100+ km away. Travelers can fly into these and then drive to the fort.

Coordinates for Navigation: 15°49′N 74°02′E (approximately) (Forts In And Around Belagavi – All About Belgaum). Enter “Pargad Fort” or “Kille Pargad” on Google Maps for guided directions. The last stretch of road is steep but motorable; drive cautiously on the ghats.

Where to Stay (Accommodation Near Pargad)

Despite its remote location, Pargad Fort offers a few basic accommodation options – perfect for participants of the Stauff India Pargad Heritage Run 2025 (8 June 2025) who wish to stay overnight. The emphasis here is on budget-friendly stays (~₹1000 per night for 2 people), including simple hotels, homestays, and tent camps. Amenities are generally basic but sufficient for a short stay in nature. Below are some nearby options:

• Hotel Giridurg (Pargad Fort Village) – Type: Small hotel / homestay on the fort. Rate: Approx ₹1000 per night for a double room (budget-friendly). Distance: On Pargad Fort itself (the hotel is atop the fort, in Pargad village). Contact: +91 8369909315 (Call/WhatsApp to book) (Hotel Giridurg – Stay Atop Pargad Fort Looking for a peaceful and …) (पारगड वरील ‘हॉटेल गिरीदुर्ग’ पर्यटकांच्या सेवेत…! ऐतिहासिक निसर्ग …). Amenities: Private rooms in a local house with simple furnishings; some rooms have attached Western bathrooms. Home-cooked Maharashtrian meals are usually available on request. Expect basic but clean accommodation in a rural setting – ideal for trekkers and families looking to experience fort life (Hotel Giridurg – Stay Atop Pargad Fort Looking for a peaceful and …). You can enjoy great sunrise/sunset views right from your doorstep. (Note: “Giridurg” literally means fort on a hill. This is a newly opened lodging run by local residents to serve tourists.)

 

• Pargad Camp (Fort Campsite) – Type: Tented campsite on the fort. Rate: ~₹500 per person (around ₹1000 for two), often including simple meals. Distance: On Fort – campsite is at the top of Pargad or slightly down the village slope. Contact: +91 9322421630 (WhatsApp) (Pargad Fort: A Testament to Maratha Glory – Pargad). Amenities: Alpine tents provided with floor mats or cots and bedding. Communal facilities are available: drinking water from wells, simple toilets (pit or portable toilets; limited but usable), and usually a common bonfire area. Meal packages (veg local cuisine) can be included – during the Heritage Run event, dinner and breakfast are often arranged for campers. Note that hot water may not be available; bathing facilities are limited (carrying wet wipes or a towel for a sponge bath is advised) (PARGAD HERITAGE RUN 2023 Tickets by RunBhoomi Races, Sunday, June 04, 2023, Kolhapur Event) (PARGAD HERITAGE RUN 2023 Tickets by RunBhoomi Races, Sunday, June 04, 2023, Kolhapur Event). This campsite, managed by local organizers, offers a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars in the fort’s ambiance. It’s affordable and clean – meant for nature lovers who don’t mind basic comforts (Pargad Camp – Facebook). (During the Heritage Run, this is the official campsite for participants.)

 

• Village Homestays (Pargad Village) – Type: Homestay (local family homes). Rate: Approximately ₹500–₹600 per person including meals (≈₹1000–₹1200 for two). Distance: On/around Fort – the homestays are in Pargad village on the fort or nearby hamlets at the base. Contact: Typically arranged on arrival – you can request villagers for accommodation, or coordinate via the above contacts (the Pargad Camp organizers can help connect you). Amenities: Expect very basic lodging – usually a spare room or floor bedding in a village home. Beds or cotton mattresses with sheets/blankets are provided. Electricity is available in the village for light/fans. Bathrooms might be shared Indian-style toilets; bucket water available for bathing (usually unheated, though villagers may provide hot water on request by heating it manually). Meals are home-cooked, giving you a taste of local cuisine (bhakri, rice, curry, etc.). This option is a great way to experience local hospitality – villagers often welcome guests with simple food and tea (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad). While not a formal “hotel,” the fort community has made arrangements to accommodate tourists with essential facilities (food, shelter, parking) (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad). It’s advised to carry your own toiletries and towel.

 

Additional Notes: There are no luxury hotels or resorts at Pargad – the charm here is in rustic stays. The above options ensure you’re close to the event start point. If you prefer more amenities, the nearest town with hotels is Chandgad (28 km) or the hill station Amboli (35–40 km), where a few resorts are available (prices ~₹1500+). However, staying on the fort itself is recommended for the Heritage Run to avoid a long early-morning commute. All local stays are limited in capacity, so it’s wise to book or inform the organizers in advance if you plan to stay overnight during popular events. Enjoy your time at Pargad, and soak in the history and nature during your stay! (Nikunj_The Home Stay: Pargad) (Pargad Camp – Facebook)