Image Source: Vishvaraj Mane
Overview
The Lohagad fort, meaning “Iron fort,” is one of the impressive hill forts just 90 km from Mumbai. It’s located in the Sahyadari range of the Western Ghats near Lonavala and Pawna Lake.
It’s believed the fort dates back over 2,000 years and was occupied by several dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas. The fort was part of the Maratha Empire, especially under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who used to store in this fort from his successful campaign.
History of Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort has a rich history that spans centuries. It was built in 1564 CE by Guru Govind Singh as a prison. But in 1648 CE, Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort. In 1665 CE, Lohagad came under the control of the Mughals through the Treaty of Purandar. In 1670 he recaptured the fort and started storing his wealth collected from Surat. It is believed by the locals that loot from the Surat campaign was stored in secret chambers within Lohagad.In the Peshwa era, various structures were constructed by the Nana Phadnavis, including a stepwell and a grand tank that still stands as a testament to his vision.
After the downfall of the Maratha Empire, the British took control of the fort in 1818.
Architecture of Lohagad Fort
Lohagad has four massive entrance gates:
Ganesh Darwaza
Narayan Darwaza
Hanuman Darwaza
Maha Darwaza
The gates are made in such a way that the enemy doesn’t advance at speed. Its dual fortification system provides defence against invasions. Secret tunnels and escape routes are perfect routes to escape during enemy sieges.
Water Reservoirs and Cisterns
To ensure a supply of water inside the fort, there are several ancient water tanks and cisterns that ensure a steady supply of water. During sieges, such reservoirs prove to be very helpful to store potable water.
Temples and Dargahs
There are small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hanuman, and other deities. The fort also houses a dargah (shrine) of Sheikh Umar.
Trekking
A trek to Lohagad Fort starts from the base village of Bhaje or Malavali, which is located 7 km from Lonavala. It’s a relatively easy trek and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to climb. The trek is ideal for beginners and families.
At the top of Lohagad Fort, visitors get captivating views of the Bhaja and Karla Caves, as well as the serene Pawna Lake. Another notable feature that is visible is the Vinchu Kata fortification, which looks like the tail of a scorpion.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lohagad is during the monsoon season (June to September), when the fort is covered in lush greenery, and the waterfalls nearby are at their peak.
Winter (November to February) is also a pleasant time for trekking.
Nearby Attractions
Ancient Buddhist caves located near the base of Lohagad. They feature intricate carvings and stupas dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
Pawna Lake
A picturesque lake near Lohagad, popular for camping and picnics.
Visapur Fort
Located close to Lohagad, this fort is larger and offers more challenging trekking routes.
How to Reach
By Train: Malavali is the nearest railway station (10 km from the fort). From there, shared autos or taxis can take you to the base village.
By Road: Lohagad is well-connected by road and can be accessed from Pune or Lonavala via private vehicles or cabs.
Ticket Pricing and Visitor Information
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: 25 INR for Indians and 200 for foreigners