Kamandurg Fort

Paye Gaon, Maharashtra, India

---

Kamandurg Fort, also called Kamavandurg in old records, is a medium-grade hill fort near Paye Gaon in the Thane district of Maharashtra, standing about 2,100–2,200 feet high and historically known as the second-highest fort in the district after Mahuli.

It was built to watch ships and trade routes along the Ulhas River between Kalyan and Vasai, and later played a role in the Vasai War and Maratha–Portuguese conflicts in the 17th and 18th centuries. The fort is reached by a footpath from Kaman village on the Vasai–Bhiwandi road, continuing through nearby Belkundi (Devkundi) village, and the climb takes around three to three-and-a-half hours.

Remains on the summit include rock-cut steps, ruined walls, bastions, and eleven carved stone water cisterns, all of which are now dry, and this persistent lack of water is said to be the main reason the fort was repeatedly abandoned despite several attempts by the Marathas, Portuguese, and later the Peshwas to repair and hold it.

From the top you can see neighboring forts such as Tungareshwar and Gumtara, and enjoy wide views over the Vasai Bay and surrounding countryside, making Kamandurg a quiet, adventure-focused trek rather than a heavily developed tourist site.