Lohagad

About:

Lohagad (literally "Iron fort" in Marathi) is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji. It is situated 52 km from Pune in western India. Lohagad is at an elevation of 3,450 feet (1,052 m).Lohagad and Visapur are excellent forts near Lonavla more than ten century

Lohagad is a fairly large fort. This is one of the better preserved forts in the region, and many of its distinctive medieval defense features can be seen during the serpentine winding ascent to the top. From the nearby village, there are four doors to the top of Lohagad: Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja. All the doors are still quite strong and in good condition. Of the four doors, the Hanuman Darwaja is the oldest; the remaining three doors were built by Nana Phadnavis. Maha Darwaja has a few sculptures.

Between the second and third doors, there are some cellars that were (probably) used as granaries. After entering the Maha Darwaja, a structure containing some tombs can be seen. There is a spacious rock cut cave called the Lomesh Rishi Cave along the fortification. There are several water tanks with one of them having a natural spring in it containing fresh clean water.

On top of the fort, there is a a Mahadev temple adjacent to which is a tank with steps descending to the water. There is also a grave of a muslim pir.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji captured it in 1648 AD, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 AD by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it for keeping his treasury. It is said that when Shivaji raided Surat, all the wealth was brought to this fort under the supervision of Netaji Palkar. Legend has it that Shivaji's treasure still lies buried in and around the fort but no evidence of this has been uncovered so far.

Shivaji also used this fort to keep a close watch on Konkan and Bhor Ghat from these forts.

The adjoining fort, Visapur, is larger and at a greater elevation than Lohagad. This height advantage was used by the British troops in 1818 AD who set up their canons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagad, thereby forcing the Marathas to leave.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

• The other fort near Lohagad is Visapur. It is 3500 feet high and situated between Lohagad and Bedse Caves. A huge cannon (almost 10 feet long) on Visapur is very vital as it has an impression of royal crown. One can see Purandar on south-east. Sinhagad as well as Tung and Tikona can also be clearly seen. Both these forts are of Satwahan Era and of great importance in Shivaji's period as to keep watch on Konkan and Bor Ghat. These two forts are historically very crucial and must be visited by trek lovers and history lovers.
• The Bhaja caves , situated in Bhaja village, are nearby and it is a 4 kilometer walk from Lohagad to these caves and so also from Lohagad to the main road. The nearest railhead is Malvali, 10 kilometers away.
• Caves at Lohagad
• Tikona Fort
• Visapur Fort
• Well at Lohagad Fort
• Extension of Lohagad Fort
• Water tank at Lohagad Fort
• Karle Caves near Lohagad- Visapur

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

• Malawali railway station
• Mumbai-Pune Expressway (10 km)
• Bhaja Caves (2 km from Malawali), once home to Buddhist monks
• Karla Caves
• Lonavala hill station (20 km)
• Bushi Dam from Lonavala Market.
• Ambey Valley Around 22 km from Bushi Dam.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

• Lemon Tree Hotel, Hinjawadi, Pune
• Ginger Hotel
• Can find lots of hotels at Pune.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Nearest Hospital:

• Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital
  
• Khopoli Hospital
  
• VIDYA PRABHA HOSPITAL