Keri: A field study of Portuguese era maps, combined with global positioning system (GIS) mapping, by researcher Subodh Naik has confirmed that Avachitgad is Goa’s second-highest peak, with a height of 891m above mean sea level.Avachitgad lies inside the densely forested areas of Caranzol village in Sattari, within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.All these peaks falls inside the Western Ghats areas of SattariUntil now, Catlachimauli was believed to be the second and Vaguriem the third, based on a study in the Goa Gazetteer, published in 1979 and edited by V T Gune, former director of archives and archaeology of Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.The document has recorded Sonsogor as Goa’s highest peak.“After studying the maps of the Portuguese era and personally visiting the Sonsogor, Avachitgad and other peaks of Sattari, Sanguem, Canacona and calculating the height through modern equipment and interacting with the locals, I found that Avachitgad is the second-highest mountain peak of Goa,” said Naik. He added that Tulsi Dongar at 883m and Ravan Dongar at 862m are the other high peaks.Gajanan Shetye, a wildlife enthusiast from Keri, who was on the team that visited the area, said, “After crossing the streams of Karkacho and Dabacho vhal and through arduous hiking from Viranzol, we reached Padangi Sawad of Caranzol and studied the summit of Avachitgad along with the boulders of Mudyacho guno that helped us determine the height of the peak.”Avachitgad also shares borders with Tambdi Surla of Dharbandora from where an old pathway leading to the ghat region capital of Palasika (Halshi) associated with the Goa Kadamba queen Kamaladevi, Ranichi paaz was passing.Suryakant Gaonkar from Bhuipal of Sattari, who also visited the area, said, “This hill has the finest patches of evergreen forest, that provides refuge to the variety of wild animals like tiger, leopard, sloth bear as well as reptlies, birds, butterflies.”As per the locals, Dipaji Rane, a valiant fighter who revolted against the Portuguese in 1852, used to take shelter in the natural fort while engaging in guerrilla warfare against his rivals.
