Trekking the forts of Maharashtra during monsoon is one of the best experiences that you get while in Maharashtra. Maharashtra as a state is blessed with many forts which includes all levels of trekking like easy, medium, and hard. So, to experience the monsoon trek me and my brother decided to trek Visapur Fort. The fort is situated in Malavli village near Lonavala, Maharashtra. The fort is a part of Lohagad and Visapur fortification.
We started our bike ride by 06:00am, and the fort is approximate 2-and-a-half-hour ride from Mumbai. We took around approximately 4hrs to reach the fort as we had encountered a major puncture in the front tyre. It took approximate 1 and a half hour to fix the puncture. At last, the puncture was fixed and we continued our onward journey. We then stopped for having breakfast and need to say the Chaaai was amazing along with Misal Pav (was too spicy for me). The roads were amazing along with wonderful views from the Ghat sections. The twistys on the ghat sections tested our machines as some parts were of the ghats were really steep. Off-roading can be enjoyed as there are potholes in straight continuous patch. Around few kilometers from the Trek start point, there will be a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from where one has to take the right turn.
On the way is the entrance to Lohagad fort and can park the vehicle in the designated area, there were people appointed for parking who were issuing the parking receipt. Can stop there if one wishes to visit Lohagad or move ahead for Visapur fort. There is no designated parking area at the start point of the fort and can be parked nearby to the small shops would take a minimal fee of INR 20 for bike. From the start point, its approximate 2kms straight road walk till the entrance of the fort. The entrance of the fort feels like walking inside the jungle. The entrance of the fort is very much steep upwards around 85 degrees angle.
As soon as we reached the top, we found an empty cave on the left side of the fort. The top of the fort will look like a huge plateau. The fort is considerably lengthy to walk, as it has three different view sides and 2 entrances. The fort also houses a Mahadev Temple. The condition of the fort is not that good, as most of the structures are in ruins. Even though there were no rain, cold breeze on the top took away all the tiredness of climbing and the view was from the fort was just delight to one’s eyes as it is rightly said “The best view comes after the hardest climbs.” One can view Pawna Lake from the top and the fort is surrounded by other forts and mountains.
After some photography session, we started descending. Descending was slightly easy just requires good balance. While descending met a local farmer and had a random chat and he also marketed his homely food business hahaha was good marketing technique but it was fun interacting. Even though there were no rains but the trek was one of the amazing treks. Apart from fun, adventure, the trek also teaches us the importance of physical health and be grateful for everything what the life has given to one.
Points to be remembered:
1. While visiting any tourist places do not litter and shop local to support local people.
2. Use appropriate shoes for trekking
3. It would be better to ask locals when you are on the wrong route than believing completely on maps.
4. During monsoon the rocks and the entrance will be completely slippery.
5. There are no proper sign boards enroute.
6. People visiting the fort on their electric cars, It would recommend to charge their vehicle in Lonavla as the fort is situated in the remote area and ghat area can consume more power.
7. Avoid making dance videos reels/ tiktok. Respect the importance of each historic monument.
8. Approximate distance both ways from Goregaon is 250kms.
9. Avoid bread/ paav during breakfast as it will make the climb difficult. (Self- Experienced)
Points for improvement:
1. Could have been better if there was some information provided regarding the fort on the site.
