Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort, Khandala is a UNESCO world heritage site and is situated at the height of 3400 feet near Malavali. It is around 52 km from Pune and is known for its architecture and history. The fort offers its visitors some amazing natural view. Many tourists and trekking visit the Lohagad fort every year to enjoy the adventurous trip and beauty of the place. The easy trek to the fort is also one of the reasons why many tourists endear to hike the fort.

History of Lohagad Fort, Khandala

Built in the 18th century, Lohagad Fort is known to be the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj kept his treasures. The fort has seen many dynasties and occupants from various periods such as Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Bahamanis, to name a few. The Mughals and Marathas also occupied the fort during their reining period.

Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1648. However, in 1665, the Mughals forcefully took over the fort by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji fought back to recapture the fort in 1670. After he recaptured the fort, he used it as a place to keep his treasury. Several structures such as stepwell, big tanks, etc. were built on the fort after it was used by Nana Phadnavis during the Peshwa time.

Structure of the Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort, Khandala is located at the height of around 3400 feet and is widespread. It has four doors or entrances namely Hanuma Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja. The Maha Darwaja is the most popular door as it has art that goes back to ancient times. The fort also has caves where Brahmi script in Prakrit language was found. The inscription was done on the outer wall of the fort. The Lohagad fort also has a step-well and large tank.

The gateways are arched in Mughal styles with bastions. The Ganesh Darwaja is made from strong iron armed with elephants and long spikes. The tourists can also find some dismounted guns inside the gate and other gates of the fort. Inside this gate, one can also find an image of Ganesh that is broken.

The Narayan Darwaja has images of Goddess Gauri who is seated with crossed feet with her soles upturned. The Narayan and Hanuma Darwaja are caves that were used as the nachi and rice stores by the Marathas. Even though the caves do not have any designs or ornament on the pillars, it represents the Marathas. The Hanuma Darwaja also has a broken image of Hanuman or Maruti. The final door is the Maha Darwaja which is also the main door. It is a plain wooden door which is set a Mughal arch. On entering the gate, one can find court and guardroom that is ruined with a standing arch.

In the front of the Maha Darwaja, there is a ruined mausoleum and along with that, there are ruined courts. Most of the caves or the fort have very small openings.

In the front of the Lohagad fort, there is a small temple and a grave of a Sufi master. One of the famous spots near the fort is the scorpion sting called Vinchukata. It got the name due to its natural shape. The complete structure of the fort looks beautiful during the monsoon season.

The Best Time to Visit Lohagad Fort, Khandala

Even though the fort is open throughout the year, the best time to visit the fort and enjoy its beautiful surrounding is during the monsoon season. The whole area is covered with clouds and the greenery makes the scenery amazing to look at. The ponds and water cisterns are full of water due to the rains throughout the season. However, if you plan to trek during this time, then you need to be careful as the road is bad and can be slipping during the hike. Driving up to the fort can also be a little uncomfortable due to the bad road conditions.

Reaching the Lohagad Fort, Khandala

Lohagadwali village can be reached by road (which is also the base point of the fort), you can trek up the fort. The trek is very easy and simple as there are stones laid throughout the path up to the fort. This trek can be easily done by beginners or inexperienced hikers. Reaching the top of the fort usually takes less than an hour. However, one needs to keep in mind the mosses and slippery stones on the way up during the monsoon season.

The nearest railway station to the village is the Malavali which is well-connected to the major cities around it. There are also many local trains that ply between Malavali and Lonavala. Malavali is also connected well with the highway that connects all the major cities nearby.

Attractions in and Near the Lohagad Fort, Khandala

When you are trekking to the Lohagad fort, you can witness the Darwajas along with some storage rooms where the Marathas stored their treasures. You will also find some ponds that are usually full during the monsoon season. Vinchukata is among the famous spots near the fort. It is shaped like a scorpion’s sting and has a narrow path in the hill with a deep cliff. This trek is considered to be a small adventure in itself.

Other places near the fort are Visapur fort, Bhaja caves, and Pawna Lake Camping. These are also the places that one must not miss out visiting while in Lohagad fort.

Tips to Remember While Visiting the Lohagad Fort

No matter how easy the trek up to the fort may be, you should make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothes. You should wear trekking or any comfortable shoes. If you are planning to visit the fort during monsoon, then make sure that you are carrying your raincoat. You can also carry some snacks and enough to drink in case you feel hungry or thirsty. However, there are some local restaurants that offer local Maharashtrian cuisines at the base of the fort.