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Lohagad Fort means Iron Fort in Marathi. Situated close to the hill station of Lonavala Khandala and 52 km northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 meters, or 3,389 feet, above sea level. The Lohagad Killa is connected to the neighbouring Visapur Fort, which is on its eastern side by a small range. The range divides the basins of the Indrayani River and the Pavana River. Lohagad Pune overlooks the Pawna lake, located to the south of the mountain. The hill extends to the northwest to a fortified spur, called Vinchu Kata Scorpion's Tail, because of its resembling shape. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. The fort has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeology Survey of India. The best trekking routes near Mumbai and Pune for beginners. On the bucket list of all Mumbai hikers are places near Lonavala to visit.
We can reach the top of the fort by stairs. While reaching the top, we will come across four doors. The first one is called "Ganesh Darwaaja', the second one is called "Narayan Darwaaja', the third one is called "Hanuman Darwaaja" and the fourth one is called "Maha Darwaaja". Of these, Hanuman Darwaaja is the most ancient of all the doors. There are two godowns between Narayan and Hanuman Darwaaja that were used as granaries for storage. After entering the Maha Darwaaja, we come across an old 'Dargah'. Besides the Dargah, there are remnants of the court. Towards right, we come across 'Laxmi Kothi', which has many rooms. The treasury of Nana Phadnis was kept here. In front of this place are two cannons. On the western side of the fort is Vinchu Kata. It is a 1500 metre long and 30 metre wide part of the mountain, separated from the main part. Viewing from the fort, this area looks like a scorpion’s sting and hence it is called Vinchu Kata. As named, this portion was to keep a watch on the surrounding region, and any activity of the enemy in its vicinity could be tackled. Lohghad and Visapur are the most famous Lonavala Forts. Pune hikers prefer Lohghad fort near Lonavala for weekend treks.
Day 1
Train timings for Mumbai participants
Indrayani Express
Train timings for Pune participants
Lonavala Local Train
08:00 am - Meet at Lonavala station and move towards Lohagad fort by jeep.
08:45 am - Reach at base and breakfast.
09:30 am - Start ascending Lohagad Fort.
11:00 am - Reach at Lohagad top and explore.
12:30 pm - Start descending.
02:00 pm - Reach at Lohagad Wadi and lunch.
03:00 pm - Move to Lonavala Station by jeep.
04:00 pm - Departure for Mumbai / Pune from Lonavala station.
The monsoon season (June to September) is the best time to visit Lohagad Fort. With cool rains, the surroundings become lush and green, providing relief from the heat. The fort's water cisterns and ponds fill up, inviting visitors to splash and enjoy themselves. The scenic beauty is enhanced by the presence of dark clouds, making it ideal for nature lovers and trekkers. The monsoon season provides a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, making a visit to Lohagad Fort an absolute treat. So, grab your rain gear and set out on an enjoyable trek through the lush greenery!
To reach Lohagad Fort from Mumbai using public transport, start by boarding an express train heading towards Pune. Once you reach Lonavala Station, switch to a local train heading to Pune and get off at Malavli Station, which is the closest stop to Lohagad Fort. From there, you have two options: either take a shared auto-rickshaw to Lohgadwadi Village, the base village for the trek to Lohagad Fort, or you can choose to walk to the fort directly. The trek from Malavli to Lohagadwadi Village is around 45 minutes to an hour.
To reach Lohagad Fort from Pune, start by heading to Pune's main railway station or bus depot. Take a local train towards Lonavala and get off at Malavli Station, which is the closest railway stop to the fort. From Malavli, you have two options: either hop on a shared auto-rickshaw to Lohgadwadi Village, the base for the Lohagad Fort trek, or you can choose to trek to the village, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Once at Lohgadwadi Village, begin your trek to Lohagad Fort
By Road: The base of the fort is well connected to other cities and towns by road. Hence, you can drive on your own directly to Lohagad Fort.
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