Location: Near Lonavala
Distance from Mumbai: 96 Km
Distance from Pune: 77 Km
Trekking Duration: 1 day trek
Trek Length: 2 hour and 30 minutes
Starting Point: Malawli is the base village.
Best Season to Visit: All round the year (Monsoon preferable)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Height: 1051 m (3450 feet) above sea level
A brief history : Lohagad Fort also nicknamed as ‘The Iron Fort’ was built and extensively used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was later ruled by the members of the Maratha dynasty and many structures were built in and around the fort during their rule.
Today, it is one of the favorite destinations for trekkers especially during Monsoon season i.e. July to September and every year it attracts trekkers and tourist from Mumbai and Pune.
Usually seen as a beginners trek, the fort is a perfect blend of history and adventure. During monsoon the top of the fort is covered with mist and clouds. The surrounding hills are covered in shades of green making it a sight to behold.The fort is easily accessible as there are only steps and less amount of trekking required.
Once atop the fort offers splendid views and once can view the Tung and Tikona hills, the Pavana Dam and the Duke’s nose. This is one of the most scenic and picturesque treks near Mumbai.Experienced trekkers can go for twin treks in one day i.e. Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort which is connected.
Adventure and Astronomy lovers can also take part in The Astronomical Night trek to Lohagad Fort.
What to see at the fort
- A tomb
- A manmade lake
- 4 large gates
- Walls of the fort
- Temples
- Water tanks and Reservoirs
- Long stretch of greenery
- Visit the Bhaja and Karla caves on your way back
Camping Info:
During monsoon ideally avoid camping as it can be dangerous unless you are part of an expert group of trekkers and campers. Winters are the ideal time for camping at the fort if you have the required gear.
How to reach :
Trekkers planning to reach by public transport can board a train from Mumbai and alight at Lonavala or Malawli station the next stop after Lonavala (Make sure the train you take has a stop at Malawli).After reaching Malawli walk for a few minutes and reach ‘Bhaje Goan – Junction’ this is the starting point of the trek.
If you are traveling by car then take the Mumbai – Pune Expressway and after passing Lonavala, look for signs for Malawli or take directions and reach Malawli station. Once here drive towards Bhaje Goan – Junction nearby.
For bookings for a Monsoon Trek to Lohagad Fort PLEASE CLICK HERE
Caution: The roads and trails leading to the fort are quite slippery during Monsoon so be careful while venturing on a trek.For more information read: Precautions to be taken during Monsoon trekking.