Trekking through the Sahyadris has always been a spiritual experience for me. Last year, I went exploring Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) with my friends Nilesh and Shrikant, which is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly hikes near Pune and Mumbai. The adventure was more than just climbing a fort; it was also a walk through history, environment, and culture, all of which can still be heard within its walls.
Beginning the Journey
Our journey began early in the morning by taking a local train from Pune to Lonavala. The journey itself was enjoyable, with cool breezes and rich green scenery, especially during the rains. We boarded a jeep at Lonavala station and traveled to the base village of Lohagadwadi. After a brief breakfast, we prepared and began upward.
The route was full of life, with little waterfalls, chattering birds, and the wonderful fragrance of damp earth. Along the way, we exchanged laughter, anecdotes, and some classic Bollywood tunes that wonderfully set the tone. Trekking with companions makes the trek much easier!
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About Lohagad Fort
Lohagad, which stands 3,389 feet above sea level, lives true to its name: Iron Fort. It is ideally placed near Lonavala, overlooking Pavana Lake on one side and connecting to Visapur Fort on the other by a hill.
The fort was vital to the Maratha Empire and saw kings such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Mughals, and the British. Inscriptions on its walls, some going back to 1794, refer to leaders such as Nana Phadnavis, who utilized Lohagad as a treasury.
The fort is famed for its four major gates.
- Ganesha Darwaja
- Narayan Darwaja
- Hanuman Darwaja, the eldest
- Maha Darwaja
Walking through these gates felt like traveling through time. Between Narayan and Hanuman Darwaja, we spotted two granaries that used to store food supplies. Inside, there is also a Dargah, Laxmi Kothi (Nana Phadnavis’ treasury), and a few cannons that lie calmly, reminding us of its great history.
On the western side, the centerpiece is Vinchu Kata (Scorpion’s Tail), a small 1.5-kilometer length that resembles a scorpion’s sting. Standing there, gazing out at the surrounding valleys, was one of the most spectacular experiences of the walk.
Exploring the Lohagad Fort
As we approached the fort, we saw historic stone walls, water cisterns, and stunning views of Pawna Lake in the distance. The location exuded a unique tranquility, combining history and natural beauty.
The inscription referencing Sarvadharma Sambhava (same regard for all religions) struck me as particularly noteworthy. The fort has temples, a mosque, and relics of cultural concord, demonstrating how several faiths coexisted.
Trek Details & Itinerary
- Height: 3,400 feet (1,033 m)
- Base Village: Lohagadwadi
- Difficulty: Easy (perfect for beginners)
- Trek Distance: ~5 km
- Time to climb: ~2 hours from Malavli or 40 minutes from Lohagadwadi
- Best Season: Monsoon (June–September) when the fort is covered in mist and greenery
One-Day Trek Itinerary (from Pune)
- 06:30 am – Board local train from Pune
- 07:50 am – Reach Lonavala
- 08:00 am – Jeep ride to base village
- 08:45 am – Breakfast at base
- 09:30 am – Start trek
- 11:00 am – Reach top & explore
- 12:30 pm – Descend
- 02:00 pm – Lunch at base village
- 03:00 pm – Return to Lonavala
- 04:00 pm – Take train back to Pune/Mumbai
SUGGESTED READ: Bhaja Caves – My Walk Through 2,200 Years of History
Best Time to Visit Lohagad Fort
While Lohagad is accessible all year, the monsoon season is perhaps the greatest. The fort becomes shrouded in mist, the pathways becoming greener, and waterfalls add romance to the journey. Simply bring excellent hiking shoes and rain gear to thoroughly appreciate it.
How to Reach Lohagad Fort from Pune
- By Train: Take a local train to Lonavala or Malavli (nearest station). From Malavli, either trek ~45 minutes or take a rickshaw to Lohagadwadi.
- By Road: Drive via the old Mumbai-Pune highway towards Lonavala. The fort base has parking available.
Final Thoughts
Trekking to Lohagad was more than simply a weekend excursion for me; it was a welcome blend of history, adventure, and environment. Walking through its historic gates, standing on Vinchu Kata, and taking in the views of Pawna Lake made me feel more linked to the Maratha heritage and the majesty of the Sahyadri mountains.
If you are new to hiking or seeking for a brief adventure retreat near Pune or Mumbai, Lohagad Fort is the ideal destination. With its simple track, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, it deserves to be on every trekker’s bucket list.