#30# Fort # Vasota Fort (Vyaghragad)

 MightyHikers

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki jai.....

Vasota Fort (Vyaghragad)

LOCATION: 299 kms from Mumbai, 153 kms from Pune, 38 kms from Satara.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to March.

Vasota Fort

Vasota fort is situated on the banks of the Shivsagar dam. Bamnoli is the base village of Vasota. From here the forest path leads us to the top of Vasota. It takes two hours to reach the top. It is a gradual climb and through dense forest. It is an ideal trek in winter and summer. The view from the top is breath-taking. The fort is covered by a thick reserved forest. On the east side are the backwaters of the Shivsagar dam. After that one can see the mountain range of Kas Mahabaleshwar. Steep falls or cliffs on the west side of the fort and the mountain ranges add to the beauty of the place. Nageshwar cave is visible on the north of the fort. It is a two hours trek from Vasota.

Fort Information:

Location Details : Vasota Fort

Base Village : Bamnoli

Nearest Railway Station : Satara

Fort Height : 3614 ft

Difficulty : Med - High

History:

Vasota Fort was famously defended by Tai Telin a mistress of Pant Pratinidhi a killedar of the fort when he was captured.

Ramabai Telin, also known as Tai Telin, was the wife of Pant Pratinidhi, the Raja Magadhoji Teli of Aundh. In 1806, Pant Pratinidhi was imprisoned by Peshwa Baji Rao II at Masur. During his absence, Tai Telin obtained the possession of Vasota and had the dash and courage to release her paramour. Pratinidhi declared himself the servant of the Raja of Satara, and broke off relations with the Peshva. He was, however, soon overpowered at Vasantgad by Bapu Gokhale, the former General of Peshwa. Tai Telin, however, continued to fight the Gokhale for over eight months at Vasota; but had to surrender in consequence of a fire which destroyed her granary.

Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahara Chief Bhoja II (1178–1193) of Panhala. Vasota always remained with Marathas, Shirkes & Mores in 16th century.It was mostly used as a prison.

 

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj incorporated the fort into the Maratha Empire in 1655 during the conquest of Javli. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renamed the fort "Vyaghragad" (Vyaghra – means tiger), owing to its difficult natural defense.

 

In 1818 the British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery, destroying many buildings on Vasota (Chandika mandir, Daru-kothar, etc.) and looted property worth 5 lakhs.

How to reach Vasota Fort :

By Road: Base Village for Vasota fort is Bamnoli.

- Best route for folks from Mumbai and Pune would be from come to Satara MSRTC bus stop.

To reach Bamnoli village from Satara by MSRTC bus, you can catch a bus from Satara bus stand. Buses depart at 5:45 am, 8 am, 9 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm. The journey takes approximately one hour, and the fare is around Rs 60 per person (Fare may change very person and time). 

Departure Times: The first bus leaves at 5:45 am, followed by buses at 8 am, 9 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm.

 

By Train: Satara station which is around 44 kms.

 

By Air: Pune airport which is around 159 kms.

Reference Link:

1.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasota_Fort

2.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pant_Pratinidhi_family

3.      https://www.treksandtrails.org/tours/vasota-trek-and-camping

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