Salher and Salota are the twin forts of the Selbari-Dolbari hill ranges located near the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat, in the Baglan region of Nashik district, approximately 280 kilometers from Mumbai.
Salher peak is the second highest peak in Maharashtra, only after Kalsubai. But, Salher Fort is the highest fort in Maharashtra, at 5,175 feet.
These are historic forts famously known for the Battle of Salher in the year 1672, between the Marathas and the Mughals. It is the first ever open-field battle the Marathas won against the Mughals.
The gigantic hills that house these forts atop are separated by a Col or a Saddle (the lowest point on a mountain ridge between two peaks) in the middle. Salher and Salota forts are very close to each other. Climbing on the top of one hill gives you a bird’s eye view of the other.
The historical remnants can still be seen at both the forts. The pond at the top of Salher Fort and the temple at its highest point remind us of the glorious past the fort holds. There’s a Hanuman idol at the top of Salota fort as well.
Add to that a number of caves built in a single line on the way to Salher fort. Why were these caves built? Who used to stay in them? We can only imagine! Although famous, the trek remains unknown to most of Maharashtra’s populace and that makes it a perfect offbeat trek to enjoy all by yourselves.
The vast space at the top of Salher makes for an ideal place to camp for the night and visit Salota the next day. From the top, one can witness the vast landscape towards Maharashtra and Gujarat in a wide panoramic sweep.
Part 1: Waghambe Village to Col to Salher Fort
Trek Distance: 5.2 Kilometres
Trek Duration: 3 Hours and 30 Minutes
GPS Coordinates of Waghambe Village: 20°44’31.87″N 73°57’46.81″E
GPS Coordinates of Salher Fort: 20°43’20.83″N 73°56’45.68″E
Alternate Route - Part 1: Salher Wadi Village to Col
Trek Distance: 3.3 Kilometres
Trek Duration: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
GPS Coordinates of Salher Wadi Village: 20°42’46.10″N 73°55’53.59″E
GPS Coordinates of Col: 20°43’21.20″N 73°57’3.24″E
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