Lohagad

Lohagad ("the Iron fort") is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet (1,052 m).

Geography

It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. Another fort called Visapur is located on its eastern side. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. Historical records show that in the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis (1742-1800 AD) built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well (bawali).

On the west side, there is a long and narrow wall-like fortified spur called Vinchukata in Marathi (scorpion sting) because of its natural shape. Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji captured it in 1648 AD, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it for keeping his treasury.

How to reach the fort

From Mumbai, you can take a train to Lonavla. Malawli is the next station from Lonavla in the direction toward Pune. There are a number of local trains operating between Lonavla and Pune; you can take any of them. From Pune, you can take any of these locals.

From Malawli railway station, the fort is just 9 km away. Vehicles can go up to the foot of the hill. From here, which is near a village called Lohagaon, there are steps to the fort, numbering approximately 500.

However, people can also walk all the way till the fort. Bhaje Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon. It is a simple and easy trek and the distance from Malawli station to Bhaje gaav takes about 20 min. Distance between Malavli and Lohagadwadi can be covered in around 2-2.5 hrs. The trekking route is not very treacherous even when it rains and even inexperienced climbers can easily walk till the fort enjoying the particularly picturesque scenery, lush green grass, cool mountain air, and the pleasant salubrious climate. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in these hills.

When it rains, the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet. It is advisable to carry protective gear during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). Further, food is not easily available on the route. Most of the food stalls sell water, poha, tea/coffee, snacks, and soft drinks.

There is a wonderful view of Pawna dam from the top of the fort.

Gallery

Places nearby

*Malawali railway station
*Mumbai-Pune Expressway (10 km)
*Bhaja Caves (2 km from Malawali), once home to Buddhist monks
*Karla Caves
*Lonavala hill station (20 km)

ee also

*List of forts in Maharashtra

External links

* [http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Forts/LohagarhVisapurfort.html/ Lohagad at MTDC site ]
* [http://www.amitkulkarni.info/pics/lohagad_trek/ Trekking to Lohagad]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/himanshu_sarpotdar/sets/72157600298371851/ Lohagad Photos ]
* [http://picasaweb.google.com/sagarepatil/LohgadTrek/ Lohgad Trek in Monsoon ]

References