Introduction
Shirgoan fort is like 7 km from palghar station located in shirgoan village.Not much is known about whether who constructed this fort some sources say Portuguese and some local say 'Chimaji appa'who was Maratha.
Anyway as per my knowledge and experience with what i have noticed is that most of the coastal fort were mostly built by Portuguese and Hills/Mountain fort by Maratha's in Maharashtra.
Population and Occupation
Population out here Mostly consist of Muslim who speak Urdu and it also consist of Mangela Kolis who speak mixture of Marathi and Gujarati.Probably the racism and discrimination might be less out here compared to other places in Maharashtra since most of the people within family they come from different culture and hybrid religious background.
Obviously Main occupation like other coastal place is fishing and selling of Palm wine/fruits.
Journey
It was 30th April 2016 which means very Humid/Heated Summer therefore i selected the fort which is directly accessible, means which is build on the ground unlike long hour trek on mountain which would be terrible experience in this season.
We took early morning train to virar from Andheri station, While halting at virar station it is advisable during office hours to stand on one side of the row and leave other side empty so that people can board train easily without any barrier.
After halting at virar station,we waited for Dahanu train which was after 45 minute so plan accordingly after looking at Mumbai indicator app. In that mean time we purchased Biscuit,Cold drink,Mineral water and we discussed about our college days like how we were frequent visitor in the staff room not for queries but for not completing assignment on time and bunking lectures.Talking of vice principal,Once upon a time he warned aakash during lectures with various law section which we were even not aware about, he was like if remaining 500 Rs out of 1000 Rs fine is not paid within specific Time - he was going to put aakash behind bars as he was caught with mobile in his pocket during exam times and the way he said it,he meant it.We were reminiscing about all this old stories and could't stop laughing.
Finally the dahanu Train arrived and we boarded it. After alighting at palghar station we took sharing Tumtum to shirgoan Village which costed us 15 Rs per person.
Shirgoan fort is well Fortified like Madh fort but inside there are Ruins like Vasai fort.There was construction going on within fort premises.One can explore the fort fully within 1-2 hours.Fort got that vintage feel to it like Indus Valley civilization.
After entering the fort we went to the right side of the fort to explore.One can only view shirgoan beach from right side of the fort.Palm trees and Oak trees around the fort was keeping the environment Mild and also providing enough shadow which was helping us from being exhausted in this summer season.There was Mild wind every now and then.
Ground above as seen in the above pic reminded me of cold country place,grass was perfectly cut and trimmed.Looking at the field one could easily say that it was perfect for Cricket practice match.If those Oak trees aka Christmas trees as seen in the above pic is illuminated with lights during December time,it would look damn beautiful.What surprised me the most was that there are very few places in Maharashtra where oak tree can grow perfectly and this was one of that place due to perfect balance of Hot/humid and Mild climate out here.
I saw some local kids playing hide and seek game inside fort, which was kind of risky as one fall is enough to end one's life,if not that,it can disable a person forever.
According to my Instagram friend 'Pratik Meher' who got a small bungalow near this fort said - this place is not accessible during night time because of drug addicts and few illegal activities that took place in the past,now they got a watchman over there to monitor.
After leaving the fort,we headed to the shirgaon beach by walking which is nearby.
One thing i can promise you on this beach is that it is not commercialized yet which means no Hawkers,Hotels and Villa on the coast.
We could feel heat waves blowing from the sea,so perfect time to visit here would be - Early morning or Sunset time/Maybe night time.
After resting for couple minute,we decided to head back home and we took the same means of transport mode to head back as we took while coming here.I was home till 4 Pm and the trip costed us around 200 Rs including Travelling and Snacks/Drinks Charges,i mean that's less than your tax money that incurred when you visit Louge, Bar or Cafe so give a Visit.
Shirgoan fort is like 7 km from palghar station located in shirgoan village.Not much is known about whether who constructed this fort some sources say Portuguese and some local say 'Chimaji appa'who was Maratha.
Anyway as per my knowledge and experience with what i have noticed is that most of the coastal fort were mostly built by Portuguese and Hills/Mountain fort by Maratha's in Maharashtra.
Population and Occupation
Population out here Mostly consist of Muslim who speak Urdu and it also consist of Mangela Kolis who speak mixture of Marathi and Gujarati.Probably the racism and discrimination might be less out here compared to other places in Maharashtra since most of the people within family they come from different culture and hybrid religious background.
Obviously Main occupation like other coastal place is fishing and selling of Palm wine/fruits.
Journey
It was 30th April 2016 which means very Humid/Heated Summer therefore i selected the fort which is directly accessible, means which is build on the ground unlike long hour trek on mountain which would be terrible experience in this season.
We took early morning train to virar from Andheri station, While halting at virar station it is advisable during office hours to stand on one side of the row and leave other side empty so that people can board train easily without any barrier.
After halting at virar station,we waited for Dahanu train which was after 45 minute so plan accordingly after looking at Mumbai indicator app. In that mean time we purchased Biscuit,Cold drink,Mineral water and we discussed about our college days like how we were frequent visitor in the staff room not for queries but for not completing assignment on time and bunking lectures.Talking of vice principal,Once upon a time he warned aakash during lectures with various law section which we were even not aware about, he was like if remaining 500 Rs out of 1000 Rs fine is not paid within specific Time - he was going to put aakash behind bars as he was caught with mobile in his pocket during exam times and the way he said it,he meant it.We were reminiscing about all this old stories and could't stop laughing.
Finally the dahanu Train arrived and we boarded it. After alighting at palghar station we took sharing Tumtum to shirgoan Village which costed us 15 Rs per person.
 |
| Shirgoan Fort |
Shirgoan fort is well Fortified like Madh fort but inside there are Ruins like Vasai fort.There was construction going on within fort premises.One can explore the fort fully within 1-2 hours.Fort got that vintage feel to it like Indus Valley civilization.
 |
| Inside the fort |
 |
| View From the fort |
Ground above as seen in the above pic reminded me of cold country place,grass was perfectly cut and trimmed.Looking at the field one could easily say that it was perfect for Cricket practice match.If those Oak trees aka Christmas trees as seen in the above pic is illuminated with lights during December time,it would look damn beautiful.What surprised me the most was that there are very few places in Maharashtra where oak tree can grow perfectly and this was one of that place due to perfect balance of Hot/humid and Mild climate out here.
 |
| Cannon |
 |
| Me simulating Hide and Seek Game |
According to my Instagram friend 'Pratik Meher' who got a small bungalow near this fort said - this place is not accessible during night time because of drug addicts and few illegal activities that took place in the past,now they got a watchman over there to monitor.
 |
| Me,Aakash and Mandar |
 |
| Way to the beach |
 |
| Hut near Beach |
We could feel heat waves blowing from the sea,so perfect time to visit here would be - Early morning or Sunset time/Maybe night time.
After resting for couple minute,we decided to head back home and we took the same means of transport mode to head back as we took while coming here.I was home till 4 Pm and the trip costed us around 200 Rs including Travelling and Snacks/Drinks Charges,i mean that's less than your tax money that incurred when you visit Louge, Bar or Cafe so give a Visit.
