Meaning ‘iron fort’ in the native language, Lohagad Fort is a popular tourist destination in the hill station town of Lonavala in Maharashtra. Due to its proximity to the bustling cities of Mumbai and Pune, it is a well-known trekking and day trip destination for city dwellers. This historical fort has been associated with many rulers, most notably with the valiant Maratha king, Shivaji Maharaj, in the 1600s. Part of the Western Ghats range, the fort is situated about 3389 feet (1033 metres) above sea level and much of it is still intact. Visitors have to climb up a steep set of stairs to reach the main entrance of the fort. Amazing views of the surrounding areas can be enjoyed from the fort, especially in the monsoon season when the hills are carpeted in lush greenery.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Lonavala, you’ll find a plethora of options. You could stay in luxury villas and Airbnb vacation rentals that provide excellent amenities. If you’re travelling with your partner, you’ll find many wonderful hotels for couples. To get more details about this historic place, take a look at our guide to Lohagad Fort, Lonavala.
Things to do
Admire the sculptures at the various entrances
Lohagad fort is spread across a large area on a hill and has four entrances. Of these, the entrance called Maha Darwaja has the most exquisite sculptures and carvings on and around it. Ganesh Darwaja also has beautiful sculptures ensconced around it. The fort entrances and doors are also made in traditional Indian style and their architecture is admirable too. The other two entrances are called Narayan Darwaja and Hanuman Darwaja. A small cave used for storing food and other materials is situated close to one of the entrances.
Hike the Vinchu Kata
Probably the most popular spot in Lohagad fort is Vinchu Kata, meaning scorpion’s sting’ in the local language. The name comes from the fort’s narrow protrusion out over the hills that resembles a scorpion’s sting. This natural formation is a popular hiking trail for adventurous visitors because it offers panoramic views of Karla-Bhaja caves, Pawna Lake and the valley below. A popular time to hike Vinchu Kata is in the monsoon, but care should be taken of slippery paths and moss-covered rocks.
Check out the big and small ponds
Dotted all over Lohagad fort are several small and big ponds of water. These were created as reservoirs for storing water accumulated during the monsoon. An 18th-century tank and a stepwell are also present in the fort. All these water bodies fill up with freshwater during the monsoons and many visitors love to take a dip in them. You can choose to jump in too or just admire them from afar.
Travelers tips
Wear comfortable footwear
Looking for a Lohagad Fort trek guide? Well, the first thing you should remember is to wear appropriate and comfortable footwear. Even if you are not trekking, there is a lot of steep climbing and walking involved while exploring the fort, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Best time to visit
Undoubtedly, the monsoon season is the best time to visit Lohagad fort. The fort is very picturesque at this time due to the mist surrounding it, the moss-covered stones and rocks and the lush greenery carpeting the surrounding hills. Plus, rains bring cooler weather and provide much-needed relief from the harsh sun.
Be prepared for the monsoon
The flipside to visiting the fort during monsoons is that the roads, paths, and hiking trails can be wet and slippery. Rains also mean that rainwater may continuously flow over steps and stones making them quite dangerous to peruse. So, caution is to be exercised while trekking or walking. Those going on treks to or in the fort should carry supplies like food, water, raincoat, first aid, etc.
How to get there
Taxis
If you’re thinking about how to reach Lohagad Fort from Lonavala, most locals agree that the best way is by taking a taxi from the base of the hill where the fort is located i.e. Lohagadwadi village. You can then make your way up to the fort on foot.
Public transport
Public transport is available in the form of local (suburban) trains running regularly between Mumbai, Pune, and Lonavala. The station closest to the fort is Malavali and well-connected to all the nearby cities and towns. From the train station, you can take a taxi or trek your way up to the fort.
On foot
Hiking is by far the most popular way to reach the fort. It is also the most scenic and pleasant of all. Most visitors start their trek at Malavali and reach the fort within two hours. The trek is not difficult and especially enjoyable during the monsoons. Alternatively, you can even drive or take a taxi to the base of the fort at Lohagadwadi village and then walk up to the fort by climbing its steep steps.
Private car
If you’re wondering how to go to Lohagad Fort from Mumbai, you can simply drive your car or rent one from Mumbai, Thane, or Pune via the Mumbai-Pune Highway or any other nearby towns in the state. But the road to the base of the fort is said to be steep and a single-lane road and gets very slippery in the monsoon. It is not advisable to drive in such conditions.
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Lohagad Fort information
Lohagad Fort
Address: Lohagad, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Department of tourism: Maharashtra Tourism
Traveler's tips
After climbing 250-300 stairs, I finally reached the top of Lohagad Fort and got myself clicked. It's advisable to start your trek to the fort early in the morning to watch the sun rise over the lush forest and villages as you reach a higher elevation. As for the amenities, you can bring your vehicle, as parking is available here. Also, several eateries serve delicious hot breakfasts at the start of the trek, and you'll find a public restroom, too.
The difficulty level is medium, but carry water, some light snacks, and a cap. Although most of the citadel is in ruins now, Lohagad Fort is a must-visit for adventure seekers who'll love the breathtaking views from the top. The best part is that the entry is free.
Private Lonavala Sightseeing Trip from Mumbai, India - Klook
Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration
History
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