Vasota Fort Trek

Hello Everyone

Recently went on a trek with friends to Vasota Fort, Bamnouli, Satara.

We started on 15th March 2024 Friday, with some members from Mumbai and others later joining from Pune. We took 11005 Dadar Puducherry Express which starts at 9:30 PM from Dadar and reaches Satara around 4 AM.

So the train was a bit late and reached Satara at 4:05 AM, ticket cost Rs. 290 from Mumbai and Rs 145 from Pune.

After reaching Satara on 16th March 2024 Saturday, we stepped out of the railway station to take a rickshaw to go to Satara Bus stand. The auto drivers at the station were charging 400 each auto and since we were a group 9 required 2. But we did not take the ride and walked 10 mins to the main road. At the main road, rickshaw is not always available(this is one big challenge because at times it is tough to get a ride).

But luckily we got a ride who was ready to take in all 9 of us at Rs 40 per passenger (if you are unlucky and require 2 rickshaws, please negotiate a bit they oblige on the main road).

After reaching Satara, we waited there for some time as the first bus to Bamnouli (Base village). Don't miss this bus as the next one is at 9 AM. The stalls outside Satara bus stand serve some good idli, vada and dosa so if anybody hungry help yourself before taking the bus. Word of advice, the roads are not that good at some places so avoid eating or eat very light. The bus started at 5:50 AM. The entire drive is around 90 mins. Ticket prices for male Rs 70 and Rs 35 Female passengers respectively. We reached bamnouli around 7:15 AM

At Bamnouli we had arranged homestay at Anant Jadhav's (Kaka) homestay. Kaka came to the bus stop to receive us. The homestay was beautiful, with clean rooms 2 washrooms and 2 bathrooms with tables set outside for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The homestay costs Rs 1500 per head and includes food, stay, boat ride, forest fees and kaka joins you as guide. At night you can sit outside kaka's homestay for stargazing.

After having breakfast, Poha and tea we started for the trek at 9 AM. The trek starts with a beautiful 75 mins (approx.) boat ride from from Kaka's homestay. At the forest office the officials check your bags and make a note of all the plastic items(bottles, chocolate etc.) and keep a security deposit of Rs. 500, this is refundable provided trekkers return back with all the plastic items carried with them and duly verified at the office on return.

The trek is about 7 Kms, and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. Currently, the trek is not as exciting as the as it is quite hot as the day progresses. At some point you can see beautiful views but there isn't much to see but the fort has a beautiful history which we should be aware.

On the trek be a bit careful at some places as the soil is dry and tends to slip even with trek shoes so be aware. We went up and sat at the fort having lunch that we carried, it is a beautiful experience sitting at the top eating lunch under the shadow of trees.

After lunch we spent some time looking around the fort and started alighting down. Also, point to note trekkers need to complete the trek by 5 PM as strictly mandated by forest officials.

We reached back to Kaka's homestay around 6:30 PM after the trek and return boat ride, had a glass of lemonade served by Kaka and freshened up. At night kaka served us dinner non-veg option is available provided it is informed early.

The next day 17th March Sunday, we started the day early at 4:30 AM as the return bus from Bamnouli to Satara is at 7:30 AM missing this would require a wait till 9:30 AM for the next bus price of tickets is same as mentioned above.

From Satara you can take bus to Mumbai, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM there are buses to Mumbai every 30 mins(These buses start from Satara). Also, there are buses coming from other parts of Maharashtra going to Mumbai (But these buses do not start at Satara so tough to get a seat).

Points to Note:

If you are taking public transport don't miss the 5:30 AM bus from Satara Bus Stand to Bamnouli, similarly the 7:30 AM return bus from Bamnouli to Satara Bus Stand.

The trek will be closed in monsoon and will again start in October. Best time to visit as recommended by Kaka

Carry atleast 2 ltrs. per person on the trek as once you start there is no way you will find water anywhere along the trail.

Carry cash as internet does not work in Bamnouli all the time (Only Vodafone, Jio and BSNL work at some places), you will find it tough to pay is using UPI or other online means.

Miscellaneous cost like water bottle, food out of pocket not included in this list but overall cost of the trip is around Rs. 3000

Cost Summary

Train ticket - Rs 290 (from Mumbai), Rs. 145 (from Pune)

Auto to Satara - Rs. 40

Bus to Bamnouli (per passenger) - Rs 70 (Male), Rs 35 (Female)

Home stay (Per person) - Rs 1500 (Includes food, stay, boat ride, forest fees and guide)

Bus to Satara (per passenger) - Rs 70 (Male), Rs 35 (Female)

Return bus to Mumbai (Ticket prices mentioned below is for male passengers based on bus Category)-

- Shivshahi (AC) - Rs 600

- Hirkani (Luxury) - Rs 510

- Lal Pari (Ordinary) - Rs 390.

Summary:

It is a good trek to start of the year, includes a boat ride beautiful views, and a chance to cut off from your daily hustle bustle of work and social media. Kaka makes you feel at home and way to relax and recoup oneself.

Anant Kaka's homestay contact details - +91 9920784879