As the people in Mumbai rejoice over the rains after a long sweaty summer, it won’t be long before they start cribbing over the water-logging and traffic mess that the rains in Mumbai usually brings along with it. To escape from that, we have a list of places awesome places to visit near Mumbai in monsoon. They are just outside of Mumbai, which makes them perfect weekend getaways.
LOHGAD FORT
Lohgad is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohgad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level. The fort is connected to the neighboring Visapur fort by a small range. The fort was under the Maratha empire for the majority of time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal empire.
One of the hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this fort near Pune ruins is a perfect blend of historic and adventure. The entrance of the fort is called the Wind Spot which leaves you literally swept off your feet. One of the best trekking option near Mumbai for a day, especially in monsoon, Lohagad Fort offers a splendid view from the top. From the top you can view the Tung and Tikona Hills, the Pavana Dam and the Duke’s Nose. In monsoon the fort is covered in various shades of green making it sight to behold.
How to go Lohagad:
Reach from Lonavala from Mumbai: Take the Pune bound train halting at Lonavala.
The change trains to local shuttle train between Lonalavala and Pune.
Reach Malavali Station (next railway station after Lonavala – towards Pune)
Trekkers from Pune can also come by local shuttle train between Lonalavala and Pune.
Get off at Malavali railway station.
Alternately one can also drive thru using the expressway and get off at Malavi exit.
Cross the railway crossing over to east side. Private vehicle can drive right up till the base village.
Places of Interest:
At we start to enter the fort we come across four successive entrances:
The Ganesh Darwaja
The Narayan Darwaja
The Hanuman Darwaja
The Maha Darwaja is an another superb creation is the Maha Darwaja, with a strong fortification and soild wall structure. Must have stood a great deal of resistance from both sides. One army try to defend the fort and the other trying to enter in the fort
On the for one can also see an old Dargah. Sometimes the one can sneak a peak and pay respect. However in the references that I have checked – was unable to validate the tomb beloges to whom.
As we wonder on the fort we can see a number of water tank, it is said that in one such water there is spring of fresh water. Also one can find a few scattered cannons.
Local guides mention of a majid – now in ruins. A Mahadev temple is also there on this fort.
Other Related Info:
Lohagad Height: 3450 ft.
Distance from Pune to Lohagad base: 65km approx. Driving time in 90 mins
Distance from Mumbai to Lohagad base: 105km approx. Driving time 2hr 30mins approx.
Difficulty: Easy
Water availability: Portable available at the base village.
Combined Trek option: YES
Suggested option: Bhaje caves ~ Karle caves ~Lohagad ~ Visapur ~ Bedse Caves.
Best time to Trek: June to February
Food availability: Place an order with the local villager and return to enjoy the delicacy.
Base Village: Lohagadwadi
Nearby Forts: Visapur fort, Tung, Tikona fort.
