About 12 km from Lonavala City, there is one of the oldest forts in Maharashtra state that is Lohagad Fort. It is one of the popular weekend destinations for a tourist visit.

How to Reach Lohagad

Roadway

Lohagad is well connected by roads to other cities in Maharashtra.

From Mumbai, you can take Mumbai-Pune Expressway – Lonavala – Kevaregaon – Dudhiware Khind way.

From Pune, you can take Mumbai-Pune Expressway – Ekvira Devi Road – Malavli way.

Railway

Lonavala railway station is the nearest railway station to Lohagad. On local railways (which runs between Lonavala and Pune stations), Malavli is the nearest station to Lohagad. From there it is about 6 km to Lohagad Fort.

Trekkingway

Lohagad is a famous destination for trekking. The trekking course passes through Malavli – Bhaja Cave. From Malavli railway station it is roughly 3 km to Bhaja Cave, from there you can trek for Lohagad which is around 5 km.

Way to the Fort

If you drove here then there is a parking lot beside the bottom of the fort. Though if you come on weekends then you will see lot vehicles park in a queue up to a km from the base of the fort, you have to park your vehicle there and walk onto foot the rest of the way.

You can also leave your vehicle at Malavli Village from there you can hike and enjoy the wondrous landscape of nature. It is an about 6 km trip from Malavali Village to Lohagad.

Reaching to the Top

When you reach the fort you will see several stalls. You can buy food and beverages there. The stalls are extended till the few steps of the fort. the architecture of the fort is amazing because of that climbing is simple but due to wear and tear at some spots you will see broken steps.

In monsoon season water is flowing from steps which makes it slippery and difficult to climb. In the holiday season, it is jammed in some sections, climbing space is very narrow, therefore you will waste much time on the stairway. On the way, you will pass through four gates that are Ganesh Darwaaja, Narayan Darwaaja, Hanuman Darwaaja, Maha Darwaaja respectively.

After moving through the last gate you will see Laxmi Kothi. It is a huge cave with many rooms. You can explore this cave.

Lohagad Fort

Upon arriving at the peak of the fort there is a mesmerizing view, If it pouring then you will feel rain droplets like needles, the wind will blow heavily, everywhere will be fog, it will be a little cold, this feeling is one of kind. On top of the fort, you will see Old Darga, Hatti Talav, Shiva Temple, Raja Rani Temple, and Vinchu Kada.

Vinchu Kada is the faraway point of the fort. To reach it you have to pass through a narrow pathway.

Climbing Down the Fort

You have to take the same stairways as you took before to come here. If you come through the congested path you may have to again walk through it as there are no alternative stairways.

Nearby Places to Visit

To know more regarding famous places in Lonavala read The Ultimate Weekend Getaway Lonavala.

Visapur Fort

You will notice this fort from Lohagad. if you come here in monsoon season then on the way you will see a lovely waterfall. scaling this is tough compared to Lohagad.

Prati Pandharpur Temple

The temple is a Prati (replica) of Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur.

Dudhiware Waterfall

You have to come here in the monsoon season to view this gorgeous fall. people can do waterfall rappelling here.

Bhaja Caves

One of the ancient places with stone carvings and stupas. This place is under the protection Monument of National Importance, by the Archaeological Survey of India. Hence it is a well maintained and very neat place.

Bhaje Waterfall

Near the Bhaja Caves, you will see this magnificent waterfall.

Where to Stay

Lohagad visit can be done in a day but if you want to stay here then you can stay in Lonavala City since it is one of the favourite vacation destinations there are so numerous hotels and resorts available here. You will also find some cottages and villas for a stay here.

There is mid-range to luxury ones all sorts of housing alternatives are available here. Though you have to reserve it in advance as availability might be an issue here particularly on weekends.

Best Time to Visit

June – September (monsoon season)

Monsoon is the best season to visit Lohagad. It is breathtaking at that time of year. The atmosphere is simply refreshing and happening. If you are an adventurer then this is the perfect season to trek. The Hiking in monsoon season is a truly unique experience.

February – May (summer season)

Since Lonavala is hill station summer is an excellent period to visit this place, mainly if you don’t like the rain. In the rainy season due to mist some of the sections of the fort are not noticeable. This is the right season to see them and make the most out of them.

October – January (winter season)

Even if it is freezing in this season, in the afternoon it’s hot enough to ascend this place. If you can manage a little bit of cold than this is a fitting season for you.

To know more about attractive places in Lonavala

Weekend Getaway Lonavala