Do you know Maharashtra has the most number of forts in India? The state has over 350 forts and many of them tucked in the Western Ghats have played a crucial role in history. Nestled 15 km from Lonavala, one of the popular hill stations close to Mumbai, Lohagad Fort stands out as an iconic structure.
This is also one of the most accessible forts in Maharashtra because of its proximity to Mumbai and Pune. Hence, you will find plenty of hikers, trekkers and one-day picnickers heading to Lohagad Fort in groups. This is also an excellent getaway from the bustling urban life and an opportunity to get out in the open world.
History of Lohagad Fort
If we go back in time, we can trace the origins of the fort to the Satvahana Dynasty which ruled various parts of Maharashtra in the 2nd century CE. However, over various centuries, the control of the fort went through various hands until it came under the hands of the Marathas.
The Marathas named the fort Lohagad Fort meaning “Iron Fort” based on its architecture and design. The fort has stood the test of time through centuries and is still in pretty good shape. This indicates that the Marathas named the fort Lohagad based on its strength, durability and made-to-last factor.
Historically, the location of Lohagad Fort also played a crucial role as it overlooks the Sahyadri Range safeguarding the primary trade routes. Hence, Lohagad Fort became an important location for the Marathas in defending the region from invaders. Right opposite to Lohagad Fort is Visapur Fort which makes it even harder for the invaders to pass through undetected. Across the Pawna Lake, the smaller Tung Fort stood as a sentry that warned these forts of imminent danger.
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In terms of height, Lohagad Fort is 1033 meters (3,389 feet) offering a perfect vantage point for the guards atop the fort. During the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Lohagad Fort was used as a treasury to store the loot from the Surat campaign of 1665.
However, soon after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death, the fort changed hands between the Marathas and Mughals several times. The British, an emerging colonial power then realised the strategic importance of Lohagad Fort and eventually captured it in 1818. However, a few years later they abandoned the fort as the trade route was no longer important.
Architecture of Lohagad Fort
While the fort’s origins date back to the 2nd century CE, Marathas made various modifications to the structure of the fort making it a robust structure. The overall architecture was redesigned with a functional design to enhance their military strength.
As you hike the fort, you can see that there are four grand doors. They are Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Maha Darwaja. These gates were designed to slow down the opponent’s marching army and confuse and trap them. This made the Lohagad Fort difficult to breach and it remained that way until the British used Visapur Fort to bombard and capture Lohagad Fort.
One of the things that you would notice is the large stone blocks that make up the walls of the fort and that remain intact to this day. Inside the fort, you will find granaries, residential apartments, a mausoleum, water reservoirs, and caves.
However, one of the most striking features of Lohagad Fort is the “Vinchu Kata” (Scorpion’s Tail), a long narrow fortified extension that acts as another line of defence.
Best Time to Visit Lohagad Fort
The months of September and October can prove to be a good time as there would be plenty of lush greenery around. While Lohagad Fort can be visited at any time of the year, visiting it right after the retreating monsoon can offer a great experience.
Many hikers prefer to hike Lohagad Fort during monsoon season because it adds to the overall experience. With the rain and foggy environment, it becomes an interesting outdoor adventure. However, when you are heading out in torrential rains you need to be careful of the loose soil and slippery stones.
While summer offers a dry and sunny environment, the hot weather and scorching sunlight can make your hike less enjoyable.
Hiking the Lohagad Fort
Hiking the Lohagad Fort seems like a perfect weekend outdoor adventure. It is an easy to moderate hike and therefore even first-timers can try it. Various families and groups of friends enjoy this hike as a day trip adventure. Hence, it often finds itself on the list of top forts in Maharashtra for hikers and history buffs.
The hike begins at the base village of Malavli and you can walk through narrow and winding roads. The total length of the hiking trail is 6 km and therefore it should take around a couple of hours to reach the fort.
The trail is well marked and the gradual ascent makes it an enjoyable experience as you walk through a quaint village, fields, cascading waterfalls (in monsoon) and amazing views of the Pavna Lake.
Once you reach the top you will find an expansive plateau that has various historical remnants. You can take your time to explore them and even relax for a while. From Lohagad Fort you can also enjoy views of Visapur Fort. If you are looking for adventure you can also walk the aforementioned Vinchu Kata ridge.
Conclusion
Hiking historic forts is one of the unique travel experiences in India that you should try. It provides you with an opportunity to learn interesting stories and facts and enjoy some stunning landscapes that fancy travel magazines rarely cover.
If you are planning a short outdoor adventure trip close to Mumbai or Pune, a hiking trip to Lohagad Fort sounds like a perfect idea. The fort is more than just a hiking destination as it offers a window into Maharashtra’s rich history and culture.
You can couple this hiking adventure with your trip to Lonavala or an overnight tented stay in a camp at Pawna Lake which would allow you to unwind and relax. The best part about Lohagad Fort is that there is something for everyone here. Hence, whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker or a nature lover a hike to Lohagad Fort must be on your list.
Author’s Bio
Sharukh Bamboat is an aspiring travel blogger and writer based in Mumbai, India. He blogs at Travel India Destinations, where he shares his passion for travel, food, and culture through engaging stories and vivid photography. With a focus on showcasing the lesser-known aspects of Mumbai and India, Sharukh brings a fresh perspective to the travel blogging scene, often highlighting hidden gems and local experiences in India that tourists might otherwise overlook. Follow him on Facebook and Pinterest.
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