LOHAGAD FORT

Situated close to the famous hill station of Lonavala, Lohagad is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Pune. Located on a beautiful hillock near Malavali, this place is one of the favourite destinations for trekking enthusiasts in Pune. Dating back to the 18th century, this place is an interesting visit to appreciate the charm of ancient architecture nestled in the midst of natural beauty.

Snuggled at a soaring height of 3,400 feet above the ground, Lohagad Fort is perched atop a beautiful hill approximately 50 km away from Pune. This elegant fort was built back in the 18th century and showcases an exclusive combination of ancient architecture and scenic surroundings.

Once you have reached the fort, you can gape at the deep history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era, as he used this edifice to keep all his treasures safe. Another great aspect of this place is the proximity of Pune and Mumbai that draws visitors throughout the year.

The ascend to the fort is quite an easy one and can be completed in a few hours. This mighty structure of the Maratha empire is interlinked with the Visapur Fort and is one of the best hill fortresses of the region. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an adventurous escape, this site is worth it.

How To Reach

By Train: Reaching out to the Lohagad Fort from Pune and Mumbai by train is quite easy as you can take a train to Lonavala and then opt for a local train to Malavli station. From here the fort is 5 km away and you can book a shared auto or taxi to the base.

By Bus: There are no direct connecting buses between Pune and Lohagad Fort and you will have to take a bus till Lonavala. Then you can take a private cab or taxi to Lohagad Wadi village that will drop you there in 1 hour. 

By Air: There is no airport in Lohagad and the nearest airport is Pune airport that is 65 km away from the fort. From here you can book a private cab or taxi to Lohagad Fort or reach Malavli station and trek to the top for about 3 hours.

Best Time To Visit

Summer: The summer months are from March to June when the temperature bar ranges between 23 degrees Celsius to 29-degree celsius.

Monsoon: In the months from July to August the fort experiences monsoons and the surroundings are all revived. These are not the preferred months for trekking as the routes are quite slippery. But if you can ensure firm steps, then you will be welcomed with fresh soothing vibes and splendid views.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Lohagad Fort is from June to February as the temperature ranges between 15 to 22 degrees celsius that is quite comforting and perfect for trekking.

Other Essential Information

Mobile Connectivity: The mobile connectivity at the summit of Lohagad Fort is moderate as you can expect basic connectivity but not high-speed internet. 

ATMs: No, there are no ATMs near Lohagad Fort and you will have to reach Lonavala as that is the nearest destination for ATM.

Food Joints: There are no food joints at the Fort and on the base, so one must ensure that they carry enough packaged food with themselves for the trek.

Minimum Duration for Lohagad Fort: The time needed to complete the trek two way is 4 hours as there are approximately 250 to 300 stairs. The total distance of the trek is 10 km and you can have a great day outing here.

Places to Visit Near Lohagad Fort:

Della Adventure Park: Have a fun time with your loved ones at Della adventure park that offers a range of fun and entertainment zones to the visitors. There are lounge areas, restaurants, roller coaster rides, and countless other things that will make your day outing a memorable one.

Narayani Dham Temple: Constructed back in the year 2002, this is one of the serene temples of the Dhankawadi area. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Narayani and devotees from different regions come here to seek her blessings.

Celebrity Wax Museum: The celebrity wax museum is the best place to have a fun time and click selfies with your favorite celebrities. The statues are made by local artists and his artworks are renowned all over the world.

Bhaja Caves: These caves are a cluster of 22-rock cut caves that were built back in the 2nd century and are a delight for the history lovers. This place is a perfect example of tranquility and is untouched by urbanization.

Things to Do Near Lohagad Fort:

Korigad Fort Trekking: Trek up to the elevation of 929 meters at the Korigad fort from where you can take a look at the bountiful ghats and take a deep insight into the Shivaji’s legacy.

Enjoy View at Lion' Point: This is one of the majestic points of the region and is settled overlooking the Shiva’s peak. If you are a nature lover then this is a treasure trove for you that awaits you with the natural wonders.

Pawna Lake Camping: The famous artificial lake camping site, Pawna lake is one of the trending hotspots for the visitors. Here you can not only enjoy the jaw-dropping views but can also enjoy camping under the star-studded sky.

Trekking to Lohagad Fort: Trace the heights of Lohagad fort and take a look into the culture of Shivaji’s time. There are almost 300 stairs and you will need half-day for this experience.