Situated 68km to the north-west of Pune, the hill fort of Lohagad near Lonavala, is perfect for a one-day trek with the squad, especially during monsoon.
Nestled in the lush green Sahyadri ranges, Lohagad is well connected with rail and roadways. If you’re driving, take either the Mumbai-Pune highway, through Lonavala to reach Malavli or opt the route from Paud via Kolvan and Dudhiware Khind.
If you want to avail the public transport, take the Indrayani Express from Pune Station at 6.20 am and reach Malavli station by 7.40 am. The two-hour trek from Malavli to the top of the fort is a stretch of approximately five kilometres.
Considered as one of the best built forts of the Maratha Empire, Lohagad is situated at a height of 3,389 feet above sea level. The iron fort divides the Pavana-Indrayani basin, thus guarding the trade route from Deccan Plateau to Konkan during the reign of Shivaji.
The climb to the top of Lohagad is quite simple and is suitable for all ages. Magnificent during rainy season, this trek is full of picturesque views of the tall hill ranges and the dark green meadows. Once you reach the top, the fort is enveloped in mist and cloud and the path is particularly wet with moss and vegetation. If you’re climbing the fort from the Lohagadwadi village, do visit the famous Buddhist caves of Bhaja. Also visit the Vinchu Kata point at Lohagad, that resembles a scorpion’s tail. The view from the edge is breathtakingly beautiful!