Lohagad Fort Trek: Guide For A Perfect Getaway

The Lohagad Fort is one of the forts constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji and is a fine example of the facets of Maharashtrian architecture. One of the interesting facts about this fort is that it served as a prison site during the reign of Shivaji. At other times, it served to house stolen valuables.  Lohagad fort trek in Lonavala makes it an ideal trekker attraction for both Pune and Mumbai residents. In this TripzyGo guide, explore the one-day Lohagad fort trek, the best time to visit, and places to explore nearby.

Significance of Lohagad Fort Trek in Lonavala

Lohagad Fort Lonavala has had multiple owners, including Lohtamiyas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals, and Marathas. It was first captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1648 AD but subsequently lost to the Mughals in 1665 AD under the Treaty of Purandar. 

He recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it as a treasury to store the spoils from Surat, all of which you will see later in the blog at Lakshmi Kothi cave. Afterward, during the peshwas, Phadnavis Nana occupied the fort for some time and built several structures, including a large tank and a step well.

For many years, achieving the fort of Lohagad was challenging due to the absence of a tar road leading to its base. However, since the road was constructed, the Fort has become the most miniature Lohagad trek in Lonavala, ideally suited for beginners. 

Undoubtedly, the Lohagad Fort is one of the easiest and most decently popular treks in Lohagad Lonavala. From the driving parking spot, clearly defined stone stairs make hiking easy for families. 

The fort is on a vast, flat plateau, enabling easy movement on its surface. The only area some may find inaccessible is the path leading to Vinchukada. Some boulder routes could be slippery during the monsoons, but reaching them would be straightforward if aided by fellow trekkers.

One day at Lohagad Fort Trek

Within the same hill station of Lonavala, Lohagad is highly famous among the places to visit in Pune. Found on a scenic hillock by Malavali, Lohagad fort trek is a popular destination for trekking fanatics in Pune. Built in the 18th century, it is a fantastic site for admirers of ancient architecture combined with beautiful natural surroundings.

Lohagad Fort trek is on a beautiful hill about 50 km from Pune. It is astonishingly 3,400 feet above sea level. This fort, constructed in the 18th century, boasts ancient architectural structures and spectacular scenery.

The climb to the fort is very short and can be completed in a matter of hours. The stunning structure of the Maratha empire is closely connected to the Visapur Fort, which is by far the strongest and most beautiful hill fortress in the area. 

It is a site worth visiting if you plan a weekend trip or an adventure. However, Lohagad Fort trek does not allow entry after 6 p.m., making staying or camping there impossible. 

Although the place has some basic accommodation facilities, this Lohagad trek is best suited for a one-day trip. For convenience, it is highly recommended that you stay at Lonavala if you are planning a weekend excursion.

1. The distance from Lonavala is 16 km, from Pune to 50 km, and from Mumbai to 110 km. Lonavala is also the nearest major city and express railway station. 
2. The best and most economical way to access Lohagad is via the Malavli railway station on the Lonavala—Pune local line. 
3. Numerous shared vehicles from Malavali station are available on the weekends. They will take you around 6 km from the base of Lohagad to Lohagadwadi.

Places to Explore Near Lohagad Fort

Lonavala is one of the best honeymoon spots in Maharashtra. The Lohagad fort permits views of several dams and forts like Visapur, Korigad, Dukes Nose, and Rajmachi, which are within the Pawna’s range. Other forts within the Pawna’s range include Tikona, Morgiri, and Tung on good days.

Pawna Lake 

Due to the breathtaking view of crossover activities set on the border of Lohagad, it is no surprise that Pawna Lake has garnered much attention from other regions of Maharashtra. Pawna Lake, being the gem of Pune, has tourist hotspots that are rich in history. The stunning geographical features around the lake are undoubtedly captivating.

Bhaja Caves

Located near the pestering Pune city of Maharashtra, Bhaja Caves is a magnificent sight exploring around 22 rock-cut caves. These caves belong to the Theravada branch, later associated with Hinayana Buddhism. Alongside the Ajanta, Bhaja resembles Karley caves and is one of the oldest caves in the western region of India.

Visapur Fort

Aside from the waterfall stairs, the Visapur fort has much to offer. During the Lohagad trek, you can go on a jam-packed rocky path with breathtaking views of Lohagar and other surrounding forts with Pegasus. There are also other steep falls and gigantic busty-looking cannons. Witnessing these magnificent features requires less packed days like weekdays for a more thrilling experience.

Della Adventure Park

Della Adventure Park is the biggest in India, with its 50-plus extreme adventure sports. India’s most extended swoop swing, Flying Fox, zorbing, and deuces on 700cc Yamaha Raptor ATV are some of the experiences you can have at Della Adventure, Lonavala. And that’s not all; we also have five types of Zorbing. Lonavala Della Adventure Park is one of the finest in Mumbai and Pune, and it’s not hard to tell why. There are endless options for adventure, boredom being the last thing any visitor has to worry about.

Shree Narayani Dham Temple

One of the most prominent temples in Lonavala is the Shree Narayani Dham temple. It is located in Dhankawadi, which is considered one of the most important localities. In this temple, three distinct idols are distributed throughout three different shrines. The curtain of the left-side shrine is drawn first, after which pooja is performed for Lord Ganesh and then for the Hanuman idol temple at the right side of the shrine. The last pooja is offered to the primary Goddess, Durga Devi.

Best Time to Visit Lohagad Fort

The ideal time to visit Lonavala is from October to February because there are low temperatures in the evening and high shininess during the day. Most people are familiar with the beautiful, breathtaking scenery, which includes spectacular views, green valleys, and astonishing waterfalls. People who wish to be in a serene environment also prefer visiting from July to September. During these months, the weather does get quite humid, with temperatures ranging from 29 to 34 degrees Celsius.

1. Lonavala experiences hot months from March to June when the temperature reaches 34 degrees Celsius, and the lowest is 23 degrees Celsius.
2. Lonavala is one of India’s best places to visit during the monsoon season. Between July and August, this fort receives monsoons, and everything around it becomes fresh. These are not the best months for trekking since the routes are a bit slippery, but if you can manage to have a steady footing, you are in for some fresh feelings and views. 
3. The fort is best visited from June to February when temperatures range between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius. This temperature is quite soothing, and the Lohagad fort trek is excellent.

How to Reach Lonavala

Lonavala is well-connected by train to Mumbai and Pune, the major cities nearby. Local trains run every two hours, and taxis and buses travel between them.

By Air

Lonavala is close to two international airports, the Lohegaon Airport in Pune, about 70 km away, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, about 90 km away. For flights, either of the two cities can be chosen and traveled to via road or rail. The nearest Airport is New Pune International Airport, 45 kilometers from Lonavala.

By Road

Lonavala, located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is easily accessible via a network of highways connecting the two cities. Many tourists travel to Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune to savor the beautiful scenic view. Comfortable MSRTC buses also frequently operate between Lonavala and Mumbai or Pune.

By Train

Lonavala Railway Station is a critical stop between Mumbai and Pune, positioned almost at the center of these two cities. So, every train from Pune to Mumbai and from Mumbai to Pune halt at Lonavala for some time. Trains from Mumbai take about two and a half hours, and trains from Pune take only one and a half hours to reach Lonavala. There are also non-stop rail services between Mumbai and Lonavala, such as the Pragati Express (12125), Indrayani Exp (22105), Chennai Mail (11027), Deccan Queen (12123), and Bsl Pune Exp (11025).

Conclusion

The beautiful trek to Lohagad Fort from Lonavala is perfect for anyone interested in trekking or experiencing sublime historical architecture featuring exquisite Maratha-style buildings. This place is a must-visit for its rich history and breathtaking views. This trek is also adventurous and filled with glorious scenes, perfect for beginners. Make sure to plan your visit with TripzyGo for the best experience! If you are from Mumbai or Pune, the Lohagad Fort trek can be the best weekend getaway near Mumbai.