Hello everyone !
So this was my first visit to lohagad, for very first time trying treking kind of things. as someone said unplanned trip are the best one,this is what happens with us. only one night before the trek we(me & my brother) decided to go and the plan is not even sure, but fortunetly i done my first trek successfully. best thing about this trek is when you come here there are 2 forts right next to each other, which is also best to visit. but you need strong will power to climb both of them at the same day. if you are crazy enough for it or a experienced trekker then it is easy for you.
Lohagad (iron fort) is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. This name is given because it stands just like an IRON. Wind and Rain doesn't affect the fort & the fort is as it is from hundred's of years. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea. The fort was under the Maratha empire for the majority of the time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal empire.
Lohagad Fort divides two rivers Pawana and Indrayani. as i mentioned visapur fort is right next to this fort so Visapur fort is clearly visible from the top of the Fort. You can see the Tung and Tikona forts as well. What I like the most on the top of the Fort is view and fresh wind. believe me the view from top is worth the climbing fort. that feel can't be expresed you have go there to take that kind of feeling.
what to see?
Below are the main atractions on the Fort.
1. Ganesh Darwaja
2. Narayan Darwaja
3. Hanuman Darwaja
4. Maha Darwaja
5. 16 angle lake
6. 8 angle lake
7. Drinking water tank
8. Vinchu kata
9. Burunj
10. Laxmi kothi
11. Tof
12. Kabar
13. Mahadev temple
Near by places
1. Pawana Dam
2. Visapur Fort
3. Tikona Fort
4. Tung Fort
5. Prati Pandharpur temple
6. Navagraha temples
7. Karla caves
Must see places
•Vinchu kata
this is my personal favourite spot. Also known as 'Scorpion Sting' as it resembles the scorpion sting, located on the other side of the Lohagad Fort. Covered with lush green patches all over it, and has two ways to reach the end, one through the trek trail that's on the left side and the other is to climb through the rocks in front, the latter is tough and one wrong move, you'll see stars in the day light. Once you reach the bottom, you'll love it.
(this is toughest way to climb)
•Bhaja caves
Bhaja Caves - 2 km (1.2 mi) from Malavli, once home to Buddhist monks. The Bhaja Caves share architectural design with the Karla Caves. Bhaja Caves is a group of 22, rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. Entry fee is 25rs per person. what I like the most of these caves is the architecture , arrangement of rooms and the view from the top.
•Lonavala - 20 km (12 mi), a famous and scenic hill station.
How to get there?
HOW TO REACH LOHAGAD FORT FORM MUMBAI-
• BY AIR
The Pune International Airport is the closest airport and you can easily reach Lohagad by taking the Mumbai-Pune Highway.
• BY TRAIN
The nearest railway station is Malavli. You can take suburban trains that runs between Pune and Lonavala to reach Malavli. Lonavala is another major railway station near Lohagad. Bord any express train goes towards pune
• BY ROAD
Lohagad is accessible from Paud via Dudhiware Khind and Kolvan or follow the Mumbai-Pune Highway to reach the place.
FROM LONAVALA / MALAVLI-
There are two methods of reaching lohagad fort. one is by trekking from malavli station towards base of stairs to bhaje caves and then to village lohgadwadi which is the base to climb lohagad fort. this would take about 2 to 3 hrs. another way is to get started taxi/auto from lonavala station to lohgadwadi village.
Difficulty Level
Lohagad trek is an easy trek, which can be opted by the first-timers. but all you need is strong will power and good stamina.
What will be the total expense?
Lohagad trek is a cheap one day trek which does not require any high budget. The average total expense for the Lohagad trek is around 1100/- per head (including meals and sightseeing).
*you have to pay entrance fee for the fort and caves separately.(approx.25 for Indian tourist)
FEW TIPS
■ Try to go there in monsoon and winter seasons. (take care while climbing the fort during rainy season as it is slippery to climb)
■ Carry sufficient food and water.
ALSO REMEMBER DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT SPOIL THE BEAUTY OF THE PLACE.
DONT WRIGHT NAME AND ANY OTHER THING ON THE WALL OF THE FORT, DON'T THROW GARBAGE .THIS FORTS ,CAVES ARE THE PRECIOUS GIFT FROM OUR ANCESTOR , SO PRESERVE OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE.
I am sure this will be your one of the best trekking experience ever.
THANK YOU !
~Ketaki Vikas Koltharkar
