Monsoon is the most awaited season for loads like me. It brings freshness and greenery back after the horrible heat of summers. The earth comes alive during monsoons and so starts the season of numerous treks. We are lucky to call Pune our home as it provides a number of opportunities to hike in close proximity to the city. Just 2-3 hours from Pune, you would find a number of trek tips being organised. So, on a Sunday morning, we decided to go for one such trek.
We squared on to Visapur-Lohagad Trek as its both adventurous and not very difficult. We started at 7 in the morning at and after a quick breakfast at Shri Radha Krishna at Wakad, we drove to the base point of the trek. Now remember to have a really light breakfast as walking uphill could get tiring leaving you nauseated.
Once you cross the bridge, there is this pay and park. We parked our cars at the parking lot and decided to walk to the base which was 4 kms ahead. Now, the pros and cons of this decision goes as follows:
Pros: the trek trails were very beautiful. There was a proper road uphill and there were these trails beside. A single trail would help cover as much as 2 sometimes 3 steep turns uphill. These were beautiful as well as adventurous.
The views enroute were mesmerising and the light drizzle made it even more pretty
Cons: We were hell tired when we reached the base. We had to choose between the two forts as we dint have the energy to cover both.
This can be avoided if 1) you go by bikes, you can park right at the base of the treks.
2) drive diesel cars or heavy cars like innova or so, as the turns are so steep that normal petrol cars wouldn’t make through them.
3) you would find many autos and cabs to drop you at the base for Rs. 30 per person or so. Just take one of these to save time and energy.
Choosing between the two forts was difficult. On the recommendations of the locals we chose Lohagad (translated to Iron Fort), as the views from Lohagad was much better than that of Visapur. Also, the former is a bigger fort the later. Trek to Lohagad was not very difficult. It had stairs all the way making climbing easy. Half way to the top, on the left side, there is a corner with the most beautiful view of the Pavana Lake. Spend some time there and enjoy the beauty around you. When you trek further up, the steps turn into waterfall. Its like you are walking through the flowing water finding your way up. These little addon’s make the hike more memorable. The four gates of the fort at still very good conditions. You could see the beautiful carvings on the stone still afresh. Once through the fort gates, you arrive at the table top, a vast expanse of green. There are three main corners in the fort, each overlooking the lake, Visapur Fort and the mountains. All three corners are a visual treat, specially the one towards the mountain. It is made as a thin and steep stretch which looks like a scorpion’s tail. Crossing this is a little challenging but the views from the end will take your breath away.
There is a small lake on one corner of the table top which could be your little photo corner. You could spend hours here, lost in the breeze.
You wouldn’t get anything on the top of the fort, so please carry some snacks and water. There are lots of small eateries on the lower side of the fort, which serves scrumptious Maggie and onion pakodas. Grab some with tea on your way down the fort.
Here is a list of essentials for a one day hike:
1. Shoes/comfortable and non slippery floaters
2. Raincoats/ Umbrellas
3. Water
4. Energy bars or glucose biscuits
5. Some bandaids/ First aid kit
6. Extra pair of clothes if you wish to bathe in one of the waterfalls enroute
7. A backpack
What to wear: Wear comfortable and airy clothes, avoid wearing tight denims.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Lonavala, you could hire a cab to reach any of these forts. The nearest Airport is Pune Airport.
