To visit Hiradongri fort, get off at Safale station by a local train of Western Railway. ST buses and private rickshaws are available from Safale station to Datiware. Hiradongri fort is 16 km from Safale railway station and 35 km from Warai fork on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. Since there are 2 forts in Datiware village, the locals misunderstand the place while talking about this fort. The second fort is the Datiware fort which is within the densely populated village and the Hiradongari fort which is in the form of a pinnacle outside the village. The credits for bringing this fort to light and telling the exact location of the fort goes to Dr. Shridutta Raut, a member of Vasai Mohim. As no information is available and the locals do not have much information, one should take complete information before going there. ... The locals call this fort Datiware Hiradongri or Dongri. To reach Hiradongari fort we have to walk 15 minutes from the Village. While walking we can see a sculpture of a young man sitting on a horse. Hiradongri fort is in the coastal area and is located on a hill about 20 meters high in front of Arnala island. Hiradongri is a series of 3 small hills. A man-made partially carved cave and a natural crater are found on the adjacent hill. This fort may have played an important role in Chimaji Appa's Vasai expedition to Arnala fort, but it would be risky to make such a statement due to lack of evidence. While reading the details of the Vasai campaign around 1937, it is mentioned that the Maratha army landed at Dativare port and its environs via the Arnala Dativare route. The remains of the Hiradongari fort are a matter of research as to whether the fort was built for permanent or temporary Maratha camp was here. The Dativare area in North Konkan is referred to as Dattamitriya in the Bakhar of Mahikavati. 30 minutes is enough to see the entire fort. People coming here with the expectation to see a fort are likely to be upset but if you want to see the ancient maritime trade route and its geographical importance them you can visit this fort.
© Suresh Nimbalkar