Lohagad Trek – The Must Visit Trek

 

 

‘Loha’ in hindi means Iron. In Marathi, Lohagad means Iron fort. It is situated near Lonavla Khandala at 3,389 ft. above sea level (elevation of 1,033 meters). Located 52 km northwest of Pune, Lohagad fort has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeology Survey of India. It is a short trek and can be easily covered in a single day and is perfect for beginners. If you want a quick getaway from the busy town, this trek is the one for you. The base village for this trek is Lohagad Wadi. Lohagad Fort is also a UNESCO world heritage site and is an architectural delight.

 

History

The Maratha Empire had this fort for a long time and the Mughal empire had this fort for 5 years. It is one of the many hill forts captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals. Later he captured it once more and used it for keeping his treasury. 

 

Difficulty level

It’s an easy trek for beginners and a short one as well. It takes 200-300 steps to get to the top.

 

Time of trek

The trek can be easily completed in one day. It takes nearly 1.5 hours to climb to the top.

 

Best time to visit

Every season except Monsoon is good for this trek. In monsoons, the trails tend to get slippery and there’s a chance to slip so you need to be cautious.

 

Trail Information

The trail is simple and easy to get hold of. You connect and bond with nature a lot in this trek. Short and beautiful, this trail leads to one of the most beautiful architectural statement. It is a 5 kilometer trek.

 

Hygiene

You’ll find this fort very clean as smoking and drinking is prohibited. People aren’t allowed to litter around as well.

 

Activities

  • You can see the famous four doors at the peak. The first door is called ‘Ganesh Darwaaja’, the second door is called ‘ Narayan Darwaja’, the third one is called, ‘ Hanuman Darwaja’, and the fourth door is called ‘Maha Darwaja’. The Hanuman Darwaja is the most ancient door.
  • You get to see the architectural and engineering wonders of ancient India.
  • You can treat this trek as a quick getaway.
  • You can see cannons in the fort.
  • You can see Vinchu Kata ( scorpion’s sting). This was used to keep a watch on the surrounding area regions.
  • The top provides a panoramic view of the place which is truly breathtaking. 
  • You can learn about the rich history as you explore.
  • You can visit the Bhaja and Karla caves nearby.
  • You can set campsite  near Pawna Lake.
  • You can see Lomesh Rishi Cave.
  • You can boat in Pawna Lake.
  • If you’re careful enough in monsoons, you can see the clouds hovering around the fort which is a delight to the eyes of trekkers.
  • You can see the Mahadarwaja.
  • You can see Laxmi Kothi.
  • You can see the newly built Dargah which is the tomb of Sheikh Umar.

 

Precautions and Essentials

  • Have good trekking shoes that have a good grip.
  • Have water and some food packed in a double strapped backpack.
  • Do not litter around.
  • Carry torches.
  • Carry a raincoat and extra clothes.
  • Carry sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.
  • Carry a camera to capture the moments and marvelous architecture.
  • Carry your medicines and first aid.
  • Walk carefully through the trails as they tend to be slippery sometimes.
  • Wear full sleeve clothes.
  • Have mosquito repellent with you.
  • Carry your identity proof.
  • Stay and stick to a group if you’re on a group tour.
  • Carry energy bars and dry fruits.
  • Don’t wear lose shoes or clothing.
  • Take care of your belongings.

 

Overall, this trek is simple but memorable. It provides insights into the rich history and architecture of India. This trek provides peace, knowledge, relaxation, and a lot more. If you want a short trek, this is great for you. Also, it’s one of the best things to do near Lonavala. Perfect for history and photo enthusiasts, this trek is a must on your bucket list. If you’re wondering if you should take this trek, then you should not think twice. Book your trip through Banbanjara Travels they are great in this industry