Lohagad - An amazing Journey of steps towards the Iron Fort

Lohagad or as it is popularly known as Iron Fort is a part of the western ghats of Maharashtra. One of the historic forts of Maharashtra & all the more important during the rule of Marathas. Located closely to lonavala, it is almost 52kms to the northwest of Pune. Lohagad has an elevation of 1033m. Visapur is another fort just opposite to Lohagad. As this fort is very easily accessible, we decided to trek this fort.

Lohagad trek was done with the help of my office colleagues. We actually wanted to visit Devkund waterfall. But due to heavy rainfall we had to cancel Devkund and we planned for Lohagad. A group of 15 people were going to complete this trek. We were supposed to meet at 6am in the morning. Everyone reached at the meeting point at 6am except me. As usual I had to bear the brunt of coming late, as I reached at 7am. The purpose of leaving early was to avoid traffic.

So at around 7.30 we started our journey towards Lohagad. Keeping the mood enlightened, we reached lonavala where the mesmerizing view just started our day. The foggy & chilly weather gripped us, which just freshened us and the ones who were sleeping surely must have waked up. We took a halt for breakfast and started again towards Lohagad.

While coming to Lohagad, there is a railway station named Malavali. We reached the point where we saw the first waterfall and parked our vehicle. We started our journey. There are proper roads leading up to the fort also there are shortcuts by which we don’t have to travel around, but it takes a lot of energy as it is very steep. We continued on the shortcut paths. Lohagad fort happens to be very crowded in the monsoon period, So it’s an advice to visit here in the winters. After continuing for around 45mins, we took a halt & refreshed ourselves near a small waterfall. We had fresh lime juice which was enough to refuel us. We continued our journey again towards the fort. We came across the Visapur fort which looked very steep. After walking for another 25mins we finally reached the base of Lohagad fort where we were greeted by Monkeys. 

One look of the fort & we felt the greatness of the fort. The Steps of the fort made us imagined what it was to be a Maratha Warrior. Loahagad fort is very well built and the way it has been built gives a very majestic view. Though the steps are not proper & it can be difficult to climb & get down during rains, the walls, doors still looks strong & huge. It takes around 45mins to climb the steps & reached to the top of the fort. Once we reached to the top, we got to the see the great Visapur fort. 

The fort is enormous. The famous Vinchukata a long and narrow wall-like fortification which resembles a scorpion’s tail. Apart from this, there are few temples and small ponds at the top.

After spending around 1hr on the fort, Fog started covering the view & in no time, we were greeted with fierce rains. It was very difficult to sight anyone as such was the visibility. The most amazing part was that we actually got to see the movement of fog covering the mountainous areas.

Soon after the rains stopped we started descending the fort and it had got a lot crowded by then. We literally had to form a queue while leaving the fort and carefully descend the fort. The huge doors have pointed needle like structures, which had to be very careful about. The steps had a sharp cut & so we had to be very precise while going down. In no time we reached again towards the base of the fort.

We took a halt to refill ourselves. Hot maggi, Corn and lime juice refreshed us. As most people were first time trekkers, all got tired. Luckily we got a ride of tempo for a very worthy price till the parking lot.

Upon reaching the parking space, we got into our bus and started our way back again. But we were not going to reach home early as it being Sunday, Traffic was going to there and our journey was not going to end soon. At around 8.30 after all the fun & frolic and the amusement we reached andheri and everyone bid adieu to each other. Lohagad happens to be one of the best & easiest places I have been on. but the historical importance & the serenity & the architecture it has is insignificant.