MightyHikers: Lohagad Fort (Lonavala)

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

Lohagad Fort (Lonavala)

LOCATION: 104 kms from Mumbai, 64 kms from Pune, 15 kms from Lonavala, 5.6 km from Malavli.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September or you can travel any time throughout year.

Lohagad Fort

In the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, Lohagad Fort stands as an awe-inspiring testament to India’s historical grandeur. Rising 1,033 meters (3,389 feet) above sea level, this “Iron Fort” is a stunning fusion of nature’s beauty and human ingenuity. With a history spanning centuries and an architecture that continues to captivate explorers, Lohagad remains an unmissable destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Fort Information:

Location Details : Lohagad Fort

Base Village : Lohagadwadi

Nearest Railway Station : Lonavala and Malavli

Fort Height : 3389 ft

Difficulty : Med - High

History:

Lohagad Fort’s rich past is a tapestry woven with the reigns of multiple dynasties. Initially established during the Lohtamia dynasty in the 10th century CE, the fort soon became a coveted prize for rulers across the ages. Over time, it bore witness to the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals, and Marathas, each leaving an indelible mark on its strategic and cultural significance.

In 1648 AD, the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seized Lohagad, recognizing its defensive and strategic importance. However, due to the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, he was forced to relinquish it to the Mughals. Undeterred, he recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it as a treasury vault to store the riches from his successful Surat campaign. Later, during the Peshwa era, statesman Nana Phadnavis sought refuge here, constructing essential structures like a large tank and step-well, which still stand as silent witnesses to history.

Beyond its military role, Lohagad also carries religious and spiritual significance. In September 2019, a group of trekkers from Pune discovered an ancient inscription in a cave on the fort’s southern face. Written in Jain Brahmi script and dating back to the 2nd or 1st century BC, the inscription suggests that the cave was once a Jain rock-cut sanctuary, adding yet another layer to Lohagad’s fascinating history.

Lohagad Fort’s architectural splendor lies in its robust military design and artistic craftsmanship. The fort boasts four grand gates—Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja—each narrating tales of war, resilience, and bygone eras. These gates, still largely intact, exhibit intricate carvings and remarkable masonry that highlight the exceptional engineering skills of the past.

One of Lohagad’s most breathtaking features is the ‘Vinchukada’, or ‘Scorpion’s Tail’—a long, narrow, fortified spur extending from the fort’s main structure. This naturally sculpted rock formation resembles a scorpion’s sting and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri landscapes. A trek along this stretch is both thrilling and rewarding, making it a favorite among adventure lovers and photographers.

How to reach Lohagad fort:

By Road: Base Village for Lohagad fort is Lohagadwadi.

To reach Lohagad Fort from Thane, Maharashtra by MSRTC bus, you'll first need to get to Lonavala. From Lonavala, you can take a connecting bus or a local jeep to the base village, Lohagadwadi.

There are no direct MSRTC buses from Thane to Lohagad Fort.

By Train: Lonavala station which is around 15.2 kms and Malavli is around 5.6 Km.

By Air: Pune airport which is around 64 kms.

Reference Link:

1. https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/fort/lohagad/

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

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