The mediaeval fort of Lohagad is situated in Maharashtra, India’s Sahyadri mountain range. It is located 52 kilometres (35 miles) northwest of the Pune city at an elevation of 1,033 metres (3,389 feet).
Several governing regimes, notably the Marathas and the Mughals, used the fort, which was constructed in the 18th century, as a fortress. The fort is well recognised for its stunning construction, which includes a huge gate, ramparts, and a lovely tank.
The Vinchu Kata, a rocky pinnacle with expansive views of the surroundings, is one of Lohagad Fort’s key draws. The Bhaja Caves, a collection of nearby rock-cut caves, and the nearby Visapur Fort, which is connected to Lohagad Fort by a beautiful journey, are additional noteworthy aspects of the fort.
The fort draws tourists from all over the world and is a well-liked location for hikers and history buffs alike. The monsoon season, from June and September, is the ideal time to visit Lohagad Fort since the surrounding hills are lush and green and the temperature is mild and comfortable.
History Of Lohaharh Fort
Lohagad Fort is an ancient hill fort located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. The fort is situated at an elevation of 1,033 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The history of Lohagad Fort dates back to the 18th century when it was under the control of the Maratha Empire. The fort was used as a strategic stronghold by the Maratha rulers during the wars against the Mughals and the British. In 1760, the fort was captured by the British under the leadership of Colonel Prother and was renamed “Iron Fort”.
During British rule, the fort was used as a prison and a storage facility for ammunition. After India gained independence in 1947, the fort was taken over by the Indian government and was declared a protected monument.
The fort has several notable features, including a massive entrance gate, a fortified wall, a large water tank, and several temples dedicated to Hindu deities. The fort also has a unique feature called “Vinchu Kata”, which is a narrow passage carved out of the rock that connects the fort to the surrounding hills.
Today, Lohagad Fort is a popular tourist destination and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The fort is also a popular trekking destination, with several trekking routes leading to the top of the fort.
How to Reach Lohagad Fort
In Maharashtra, India’s Sahyadri mountain range is where you’ll find Lohagad Fort. The closest large city, Pune, is easily reachable from there. How to get to Lohagad Fort is listed below:
By car: To go to Lohagad Fort from Pune, take a taxi or a bus. It is 52 kilometres away from Pune and can be reached by car in around two hours.
By train: Malavli, which is located around 17 kilometres from Lohagad Fort, is the closest railway station. At this station, a number of trains from Mumbai and Pune stop. To get to the fort from the railway station, take a taxi or a local bus.
By air: Pune Airport, which is 67 kilometres from Lohagad Fort, is the closest airport. To get to the fort from the airport, take a bus or a taxi.
You can begin the climb to the fort’s summit once you get at Lohagad Fort. The climb up is not too difficult and takes one to two hours. One can hire a guide to help them along the way on any of the well-marked trails that lead to the fort.
Photos of Lohagarh Fort
Best time to visit Lohagad fort
Between June and September, during the monsoon season, is the ideal time to explore Lohagad Fort. The temperature is cool and pleasant, and the hills in the area are lush and green at this time. Heavy rainfall throughout this region’s monsoon season adds to the beauty of the landscape.
It is also possible to see the region’s seasonal waterfalls, which are in full flow during the monsoon season, by visiting the fort during this period. Due to the slick and muddy terrain, the trek to the fort can be a little difficult during the rainy season, thus it’s recommended to wear appropriate footwear and bring rain gear.
However, the winter months of October to February are also a wonderful time to explore Lohagad Fort if you’d rather escape the rain. These months provide temperate weather with temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, which is pleasant for hiking and fort exploration. It is advised to avoid travelling during the hot and muggy summer months of March to May.
Nearest places
In Maharashtra, India, close to the city of Lonavala, the Lohagad Fort is situated in the Sahyadri range. The following are some locations close to Lohagad Fort:
| Place | Distance from Lohagad Fort |
|---|---|
| Visapur Fort | 2.5 km |
| Tikona Fort | 13.5 km |
| Bhaja Caves | 16.5 km |
| Karla Caves | 20 km |
| Pawna Lake | 20 km |
| Tung Fort | 22 km |
| Rajmachi Fort | 25 km |
| Korigad Fort | 30 km |
| Bedse Caves | 32 km |
| Visarjan Kund Waterfall | 33 km |
Stay option at Lohagad fort
There are many lodging alternatives close to Lohagad Fort. Popular examples include:
MTDC Resort: The MTDC resort is about 2 kilometres from Lohagad Fort. Its restaurant provides regional food and offers cosy lodging with minimal conveniences.
Hotel Hari International: The distance from Hotel Hari International to Lohagad Fort is approximately 11 kilometres. It is situated in Lonavala. It has roomy accommodations with contemporary conveniences including television, air conditioning, and attached bathrooms.
Wellness resort Fazlani Natures Nest: The Lohagad Fort is about 16 kilometres away from the opulent wellness resort Fazlani Natures Nest. It provides luxurious accommodations with private balconies, spa amenities, and a variety of wellness services.
Eco-Cottage by Sai Farms: Eco-Cottage offers comfortable cottages with basic utilities and is situated around 7 kilometres from Lohagad Fort. The home has a tranquil environment and is surrounded by beautiful vegetation.
Glamping at Amanzi Resort: For people who enjoy nature and adventure, glamping at Amanzi Resort is a novel option. The establishment, which has opulent tents with all contemporary conveniences, is situated about 13 km from Lohagad Fort.
FAQ
Sure, here are some inquiries concerning Lohagad Fort that are frequently asked:
Where is Lohagad Fort located?
Lohagad Fort is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the town of Lonavala and is approximately 52 km from Pune and 96 km from Mumbai.
What is the history of Lohagad Fort?
Lohagad Fort has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it was under the control of the Maratha Empire. The fort was captured by the British in 1760 and was used as a prison and a storage facility for ammunition. After India gained independence in 1947, the fort was taken over by the Indian government and was declared as a protected monument.
What are the timings and entry fees of Lohagad Fort?
Lohagad Fort is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 20 per person, and for foreigners, it is Rs. 200 per person.
Is trekking allowed at Lohagad Fort?
Yes, trekking is allowed at Lohagad Fort. There are several trekking routes that lead to the top of the fort, and it takes around 1-2 hours to reach the top.
What are the main attractions of Lohagad Fort?
Some of the main attractions of Lohagad Fort include the massive entrance gate, the fortified wall, the large water tank, and several temples dedicated to Hindu deities. The fort also has a unique feature called “Vinchu Kata”, which is a narrow passage carved out of the rock that connects the fort to the surrounding hills.
Is there any accommodation available near Lohagad Fort?
Yes, there are several accommodation options available near Lohagad Fort, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. The town of Lonavala is also nearby and has several accommodation options for visitors.
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