Lohgad Trek - An Exciting One Day Adventure Trip Near Pune And Mumbai

Lohgad fort is located at 8-9 kms from Malvali Station near Lonavala. This is one of the most popular trekking route near Mumbai and Pune for beginners.

The first gate is Ganesh darwaza, which can be identified by a Ganesh carvings flanking the gate. A shilalekh (Carved Inscription) in its vicinity indicates this gruesome fact.

Narayan Darwaja of Lohagad Fort

The Hanuman darwaza, which is the most ancient of all the doors of Lohagad Fort.

Main entrance of Lohagad Fort, Maha Darwaja. On the Maha Darwaja, the tourists can see some delightful sculptures cut out.

Midway there is also one cave (accomodates about 5-6 people) which may have been a storehouse. Next to it is a sheltered water cistern. These structures seems to be have been for use of soldiers at entrance.

After entering the Maha Darwaaja we come across an old 'Dargah'.

Top area spreads wide and mostly flat. The view from the top is astounding with Pawna Lake to the south and Visapur Fort to the North-East, Lohgad forest to the north and the most popular view of Scorpions tail towards the North West and Aundholi forest to the west.

Besides the Dargah, there are remnants of the court.

It is a very large cave with two cannons; can comfortably accommodate about 50 people. This cave serves as a shelter for the enthusiastic trekkers. The treasury of Nana Phadnis was kept here.

Biggest attraction of Lohagad Fort is magnificent Vinchu Kada (Scorpion's Sting) on western side of fort. This is long and narrow wall like fortified spur and called as Vinchukada due to its natural Shape.

Vinchu Kada was to keep a watch on the surrounding region, and any activity of the enemy in its vicinity could be tackled. This is one of the best fascinating, alluring and picturesque place of Lohagad Fort.

To reach Vinchu kada, we need to climb down this boulder. Its a thrilling experience.

After climbing down, a long trail over a broad and natural walls of Lohagad fort takes us to Vinchu Kada. This walk is enjoyable with epic scenic beauty.

A beautiful view of Tung fort with the vast expanse of the Pawna lake adorned with the lush greenery around it.

About Lohagad Fort:

Location: Lohagadwadi village, Malavali, Near Lonavala, Maharashtra, India

Best Time To Visit: July to January is the best time to visit the fort. Monsoon season is the ideal time to visit Lohagad fort.

Difficulty Level: This fort trek falls under easy grade trekking routes.

Elevation/Formation: 3389 feet (1033 meter) above mean sea level

The fort has been declared as a protected monument by the by Archaeology Survey of India. Lohagad Fort has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satvahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals, amd Marathas.

Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 AD, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it for keeping his treasury. This fort was used to keep the loot from Surat. Later in Peshwa time Nana Phadnvis used this fort for living for some time.