Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level.
A small range connects the fort to the neighboring Visapur fort. The impressive hill near Malavali, 52 km away from Pune, holds Lohagad and Visapur Forts, which builders constructed in the 18th century.
A 1 km long ridge separates the two forts.
Lohagad, which is 3,400 feet high, is a very wide spread fort. Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Maha Darwaja are the four doors to Lohagad from the nearby village.
The backside of Lohagad offers a view of Pawana Dam, while Sinhagad fort, Tung fort, and Tikona fort can be clearly seen from the Visapur fort. Trek lovers and history lovers must visit these two forts, which hold significant historical importance.
Lohagad Fort History 1:
Lohagad is one of the strongest and most famous of Deccan forts and is probably a settlement of very great age.
It must have always been important due to its position, commanding the high road to the Bor pass. In 1489, Malik Ahmad took it as one of the Bahmani forts when he established himself as an independent ruler. During the reign of Burhan Nizam Shah II, the seventh king of Ahmednagar (1590-1594), he was confined here. The Bijapur kings gained control of Lohagad in 1637 after the fall of the Ahmadnagar dynasty. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 AD during his reign from 1648-1670.
but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD by the Treaty of Purandar.
Lohagad Fort History 2:
In 1670 AD, Shivaji recaptured the fort after the successful operations that followed Tanaji Malusre’s capture of Sinhgad, and the Marathas surprised Lohagad. After recapturing the fort, Shivaji used it for keeping his treasury.
They used this fort to keep the loot from Surat. Angria captured it in 1713, and Balaji Vishvanath was given control of the fort in 1720. In 1770, a Koli named Javji Bomble took the fort in the interests of Nana Fadnavis. Javji Bomble was a famous outlaw who had some capital rocket-men. He advanced one of them to a favorable position and pointed out the direction to fire. One of the rockets landed among some powder near the door of the magazine, causing an explosion that forced the garrison to surrender.
Places to Visit on Fort:
Lohagad is part of the Western Ghats.
It rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level, and is located to the southwest of the larger Visapur fort.
The range divides the basins of the Indrayani river and Pavana lake. Lohagad overlooks the Pavana reservoir, located to the south of the mountain.
The hill extends to the northwest to a fortified spur, called Vinchu Kata (Scorpion’s tail) because of its resembling shape. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact.
How to reach:
Lohagad fort can be accessed by various modes of travel. The nearest airport is the Pune International Airport.
The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport will serve as the nearest airport in the coming future.
The nearest major train station is Lonavala, on the Mumbai-Pune railway line.
People can also hike all the way to the fort. Bhaja Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon season.
The trek from Malavli to Lohagad is simple, very scenic, and pleasant, and it takes around two hours to cover the distance.
A tar road exists all the way to the top from Malavli station and one can hire a tempo or cab to the top.
The best season to visit the fort is in the monsoons. It is absolutely safe and many vendors selling onion fritters and lemonade are present by the roadside. One can cut across the hills as well. These hills offer a chance to spot a variety of birds and insects.
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