Lohagad Fort: A Historical and Scenic Trekking Destination in Maharashtra

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the footsteps of the great Maratha warriors? Do you want to experience the thrill of trekking to a majestic fort that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys? If yes, then you should definitely visit Lohagad Fort, one of the most popular and beautiful hill forts in Maharashtra.

Photo of Lohagad Fort 1/2 by — (C) Wiki Voyage

Lohagad Fort, which means “iron fort” in Marathi, is located near Lonavala, about 100 km from Mumbai and 70 km from Pune. It stands at an elevation of 1,033 meters above sea level and is connected to its twin fort Visapur by a narrow ridge. The fort was built by the Yadava dynasty in the 11th century and later occupied by several rulers, including Shivaji Maharaj, Nana Phadnavis, and the British.

Lohagad Fort is a perfect destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, a splendid display of architecture, and a challenging yet rewarding trekking route. It also has many nearby attractions that you can explore, such as Visapur Fort, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, Pawna Lake, and Rajmachi Point.

In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and attractions of Lohagad Fort, and provide you with some useful tips and information for planning your visit. Read on to discover why Lohagad Fort is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature.

History of Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort has a rich and glorious history that spans over several centuries. It was originally built by the Yadava dynasty in the 11th century as a part of their southern defense system. Later, it was captured by the Bahmani Sultanate in the 14th century and then by the Nizam Shahi dynasty in the 15th century.

In the 17th century, Lohagad Fort became a part of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji Maharaj, who used it as a treasury to store his loot from Surat. He also strengthened the fort’s defenses by adding new gates, walls, and bastions. Lohagad Fort witnessed several battles between the Marathas and the Mughals, such as the Treaty of Purandar in 1665 and the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670.

After Shivaji’s death, Lohagad Fort was occupied by his son Sambhaji and then by his grandson Shahu. In the 18th century, Lohagad Fort became the residence of Nana Phadnavis, a prominent minister in the Peshwa administration. He built a large palace complex inside the fort, which included a court hall, a temple, a water tank, and a tomb.

In 1818, Lohagad Fort was captured by the British after a brief siege. They used it as a prison for Indian freedom fighters until 1862. After India’s independence in 1947, Lohagad Fort was declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Also Read: A Weekend Gateway To Lonavla

Architecture of Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is an impressive example of medieval Indian architecture. It has four gates that lead to its main entrance: Ganesh Darwaja (Ganesh Gate), Narayan Darwaja (Narayan Gate), Hanuman Darwaja (Hanuman Gate), and Maha Darwaja (Great Gate). The gates are adorned with carvings of animals, birds, flowers, and geometric patterns.

The fort has a spacious courtyard that houses several structures and monuments. The most notable ones are:

Vinchu Kata: Vinchu Kata (Scorpion’s Tail) is a long and narrow fortified spur that extends from the fort towards the west. It resembles the shape of a scorpion’s tail and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Laxmi Kothi: Laxmi Kothi (Laxmi House) is a large vaulted chamber that was used by Shivaji Maharaj to store his treasure. It has three rooms with arched windows and doors.

Ganesh Darwaja: Ganesh Darwaja (Ganesh Gate) is one of the four gates that lead to the fort’s main entrance. It has a carving of Lord Ganesh on its top and a small temple dedicated to him inside.

Tomb of Nana Phadnavis: The tomb of Nana Phadnavis is located near the Laxmi Kothi. It is a simple stone structure with a dome and a spire. It marks the resting place of Nana Phadnavis, who died in 1800.

Lohagad Fort is connected to its twin fort Visapur by a narrow ridge. Visapur Fort is larger and higher than Lohagad Fort, but less well-preserved. It was built by the first Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath in 1713 and later captured by the British in 1818. It has several ruins of buildings, water tanks, cannons, and walls.

Trekking to Lohagad Fort

Trekking to Lohagad Fort is one of the most exciting and enjoyable activities that you can do in Maharashtra. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, as it has a moderate difficulty level and a well-marked trail. The trek can be done in any season, but the best time is during the monsoon, when the fort is surrounded by lush greenery and misty clouds.

The trek starts from Malavli or Bhaje village, which can be reached by road or rail from Pune or Mumbai. The distance from Malavli to Lohagad Fort is about 9 km and from Bhaje to Lohagad Fort is about 6 km. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours one way, depending on your pace and stamina.

The trek offers a scenic and diverse experience, as you pass through forests, fields, streams, waterfalls, and villages. You can also see some ancient rock-cut caves and temples along the way, such as the Bhaja Caves and the Visapur Temple. The trek culminates at the top of the fort, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley, the lake, and the hills.

The trek to Lohagad Fort is not only a fun and adventurous activity, but also a great way to learn about the history and culture of Maharashtra. You can witness the legacy of the Maratha Empire, admire the craftsmanship of the fort’s architecture, and feel the spirit of patriotism and bravery that inspired the freedom fighters.

You May Like: Short Hikes and Treks near Mumbai

Photo of Lohagad Fort 2/2 by — (C) Praveen Musafir

Nearby Attractions to Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is not the only attraction that you can visit near Lonavala. There are many other places that you can explore, such as:

Visapur Fort: Visapur Fort is the twin fort of Lohagad Fort, located on a higher hill. It has a longer and steeper trekking route than Lohagad Fort, but also more ruins and relics to see.

Bhaja Caves: Bhaja Caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BC. They belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism and contain sculptures, paintings, stupas, and inscriptions.

Karla Caves: Karla Caves are another group of rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BC. They belong to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and contain a large chaitya (prayer hall) with a wooden roof and a carved facade.

Pawna Lake: Pawna Lake is an artificial reservoir that was created by the Pawna Dam. It is a popular spot for camping, boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Rajmachi Point: Rajmachi Point is a vantage point that offers a spectacular view of Rajmachi Fort and its surroundings. Rajmachi Fort is a hill fort that was built by Shivaji Maharaj and later occupied by his son Sambhaji.

Tips and Information for Visiting Lohagad Fort

Before you plan your trip to Lohagad Fort, here are some tips and information that you should know:

- The best time to visit Lohagad Fort is during the monsoon season (June to September), when the fort is covered with greenery and mist. However, you should also be prepared for rain, slippery paths, and leeches.

- The entry fee for Lohagad Fort is Rs. 10 per person and the timings are from 9 am to 6 pm.

- You should carry enough water, snacks, sunscreen, torches etc., as there are no shops or facilities at the fort.

- You should wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are suitable for trekking and climbing.

- You should respect nature and culture by not littering or vandalizing the fort or its surroundings.

- You should also be careful of monkeys, snakes, scorpions etc., that might be present at or near the fort.

Conclusion

Lohagad Fort is a historical and scenic trekking destination in Maharashtra that you should not miss. It offers a unique combination of history, architecture, nature, and adventure that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Pune or Mumbai, Lohagad Fort is a great place to visit for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It is a historical and scenic trekking destination in Maharashtra that you should not miss. It offers a unique combination of history, architecture, nature, and adventure that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.

Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Pune or Mumbai, Lohagad Fort is a perfect choice.

Lohagad Fort Reviews

Digdarshinee Rout

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Lohagad fort-A trek to Paradise! Hey, guys, I hope you all are having the best of the festive season among your family, friends and loved ones… So I am back with another travel blog wherein I will arouse your inner voice and soul to let it free from the work chaos and explore your own city that is “Queen of the Deccan’s” this very weekend. So somewhere in mid-September, my mom, Avinash and I found ourselves amidst the lush green eye strobing surreal monsoons in Pune , also known as the city of Marathas. I am romantic but I hate the monsoons-the season of love. (I am weird, i know right?) Yes, let me mention that I HATE rains /monsoons because… (what? Are you shocked? )… How can someone actually love rains except farmers? It’s so muddy, dirty, gloomy and wet everywhere. So irritating! On the other hand, I was tickled pink because I have heard that”Western ghats in monsoon is the most beautiful miracle of nature” And you know what? The fact proved to be absolutely correct, I hated rains until I met Pune in the bewitching monsoons which completely hypnotized me and changed my mind. Yes! We reached Pune around 6;30 in the morning by a deluxe bus from Hyderabad. The distance covered was 662 km. And according to the plan, more two of our friends also joined us from Gujurat as well. Mk Mom and I were staying at my mom’s friend’s place, whereas Avinash got split into his friend’s place and so. Lohagad trek-the easiest and the closest trek to Lonavala. Day one was all about testing our endurance by trekking through Lohagarh fortof 300 crooked, unparallel steps and an attempt to make me fall in love with the rains of Pune city. But you know what I was most excited for the day? The scorpion trail of Lohargarh fort! Which my next blog post whill be about. So we booked an XUV Mahindra from Blue Ridge, Hinjewadi( we were staying there) to Lohagarh fort which was a distance of 52 km. How to reach Lohagad fort? You can reach the fort if you take a train from Malavli station to Bhaja caves or Lohagadwadi stop which is the base of the fort. Or you can take a taxi from Lonavla directly to the base. Mom decided to stay at home and spend time with her long-distance best friend or maybe they had some other plans you know It was drizzling then, and I was already very skeptical to trek through the fort but the journey to Lohagrah left me spellbound as I could see the whole city coming alive from the indescribable joy and beauty of the monsoons. Everything was viridescent and enchanting. I could see small cascades of falls here and there which transposed me into a child. I started to feel elevated. Deficient roads will test your patience out… It took us around 1 hour and 45minutes to reach the base of the fort as the roads were very bad and bumpy and the rains just made it worse. But fortunately, our driver was a professional one and made sure that we reach the base of the fort without any hitch. On reaching the base, We gathered our raincoats and other belongings including water bottles, some cash, and mobile phones from our car, we banged the door and started to walk towards the uphill castle. As we climbed one or two steps we found a few bhutta (corn) and maggie stalls scattered on either side of the route, which craved our taste buds. So we thought of satisfying our hunger then as there were no food joints at the top. What to do when monkeys try to attack you in the fort? Surrender! haha yes.! We were relishing our bhutta time, savoring the sizzling hot and soft corn, donned with the drops of lemon and salt (yum) and guess what the next moment looked like? The monkeys were eyeing on our bhutta and trying to snatch(there were a lot of monkeys there) very aggressively and we were trying to counter them. hahaha… A cold war rose! Then we eventually decided to compromise on half-half corn sticks. funny no? As we trekked the steps, we learned a little about the history and geography of the fort. No, I am not going to put you to sleep by delivering a lecture on Marathas, but one or two lines shall not harm anyone.. what say? Lohagad fort -a UNESCO world heritage site.. worth it? Lohagrah fort stands tall and ineffable since Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj constructed it in the 18th century. It is at an elevation of 1022 meters. It is said he used to store/keep all his treasury there. Then as we trekked a little more, we came across four gigantic doors named Ganesh, Narayana, Hanuman, and Maha Darwaza respectively. Out of all these, Hanuman Darwaza is ancient. You can spot pawna lake towards the south when you peep out from the boundary of the fort. Ahhh, serene and calm, the lake is a perfect picnic spot for the tourists, and I have heard quite a lot of quirky camping stories besides the lake as well. ooooh! Wait, did I forget to mention that it began raining cats and dogs by then? yeah, we all got slipped into our disfigured raincoats. I never realized that rains could make everything so dreamy, romantic and peaceful. The steps got steeper and water was flushing from the top like a stream over the steps which made it difficult for us to climb up. But when you look up, oh my my it was a heavenly abode with clouds at your finger touch level making the fort look float in the air. I shall not exaggerate it, but it actually seemed that the fort was rejoicing its salvation from a curse! (whatever!). It seemed like, the gods spelled a cast on nature and it all bloomed into green and emerald as far as the eye could see. I never realized so fast that had I not been here in the monsoons, I would have regretted so bad. I instantly fell in love with the monsoons. Tip: The trek can be leveled as easy to moderate but you gotta be very careful in monsoons especially because of the slippery and mossy steps, advisable to wear waterproof crocks or shoes. The long haul is hardly deterrent when you see the whole city put to sleep under the blanket of grey clouds! We were all panting as we reached the top, but what we saw just blew our mind. And this time we were levitating along with the fort amongst the clouds and mists. It was uncanny yet magnificent. It was super windy and cold, I remember Avinash saying” tu to ud hi jayegi, catch hold of a rock and sit down”. hahaha… We spotted a few tomb-like structures in the middle on reaching the top, and a few small puddles or may be lagoons that are used to reserve the rainwater. OK, now you would be lying if you say you haven’t played pebble tossing in the pond ever. The boys in our group were like “chal dekhte hain kiska pathar kitni bar toss hota hain “(” lets face-off -whos stone tosses the maximum times”). It was so much fun and a good time. We left no spot to click our pictures. And oh god! What lush flora and fauna..so fresh, distinctive and beautiful. We sat on a rock for a few minutes and got captivated by the enthralling beauty of the Pawna lake and the dense forest at a stretch right in front of us… It was mesmerizing. We wished not to leave the place. Thankyou Pune for changing my mindset and let me explore little of myself and you as well.you were amazing. Next,read about the s Trek to Scorpion trails on the other side of the fort which is thrilling, adventurous and spooky at the same time... I hope you like this post.. Thankyou for reading. #wanderuffles

ketaki koltharkar

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Hello everyone ! So this was my first visit to lohagad, for very first time trying treking kind of things. as someone said unplanned trip are the best one,this is what happens with us. only one night before the trek we(me & my brother) decided to go and the plan is not even sure, but fortunetly i done my first trek successfully. best thing about this trek is when you come here there are 2 forts right next to each other, which is also best to visit. but you need strong will power to climb both of them at the same day. if you are crazy enough for it or a experienced trekker then it is easy for you. Lohagad (iron fort) is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. This name is given because it stands just like an IRON. Wind and Rain doesn't affect the fort & the fort is as it is from hundred's of years. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea. The fort was under the Maratha empire for the majority of the time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal empire. Lohagad Fortdivides two rivers Pawana and Indrayani. as i mentioned visapur fort is right next to this fort so Visapur fort is clearly visible from the top of the Fort. You can see the Tung and Tikona forts as well. What I like the most on the top of the Fort is view and fresh wind. believe me the view from top is worth the climbing fort. that feel can't be expresed you have go there to take that kind of feeling. what to see? Below are the main atractions on the Fort. 1. Ganesh Darwaja 2. Narayan Darwaja 3. Hanuman Darwaja 4. Maha Darwaja 5. 16 angle lake 6. 8 angle lake 7. Drinking water tank 8. Vinchu kata 9. Burunj 10. Laxmi kothi 11. Tof 12. Kabar 13. Mahadev temple Near by places 1. Pawana Dam 2. Visapur Fort 3. Tikona Fort 4. Tung Fort 5. Prati Pandharpur temple 6. Navagraha temples 7. Karla caves Must see places • Vinchu kata this is my personal favourite spot. Also known as 'Scorpion Sting' as it resembles the scorpion sting, located on the other side of the Lohagad Fort. Covered with lush green patches all over it, and has two ways to reach the end, one through the trek trail that's on the left side and the other is to climb through the rocks in front, the latter is tough and one wrong move, you'll see stars in the day light. Once you reach the bottom, you'll love it. (this is toughest way to climb) •Bhaja caves Bhaja Caves - 2 km (1.2 mi) from Malavli, once home to Buddhist monks. The Bhaja Caves share architectural design with the Karla Caves. Bhaja Caves is a group of 22, rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. Entry fee is 25rs per person. what I like the most of these caves is the architecture , arrangement of rooms and the view from the top. •Lonavala- 20 km (12 mi), a famous and scenic hill station. How to get there? HOW TO REACH LOHAGAD FORT FORM MUMBAI- • BY AIR The Pune International Airport is the closest airport and you can easily reach Lohagad by taking the Mumbai-Pune Highway. • BY TRAIN The nearest railway station is Malavli. You can take suburban trains that runs between Pune and Lonavala to reach Malavli. Lonavala is another major railway station near Lohagad. Bord any express train goes towards pune • BY ROAD Lohagad is accessible from Paud via Dudhiware Khind and Kolvan or follow the Mumbai-Pune Highway to reach the place. FROM LONAVALA / MALAVLI- There are two methods of reaching lohagad fort. one is by trekking from malavli station towards base of stairs to bhaje caves and then to village lohgadwadi which is the base to climb lohagad fort. this would take about 2 to 3 hrs. another way is to get started taxi/auto from lonavala station to lohgadwadi village. Difficulty Level Lohagad trek is an easy trek, which can be opted by the first-timers. but all you need is strong will power and good stamina. What will be the total expense? Lohagad trek is a cheap one day trek which does not require any high budget. The average total expense for the Lohagad trek is around 1100/- per head (including meals and sightseeing). *you have to pay entrance fee for the fort and caves separately.(approx.25 for Indian tourist) FEW TIPS ■ Try to go there in monsoon and winter seasons. (take care while climbing the fort during rainy season as it is slippery to climb) ■ Carry sufficient food and water. ALSO REMEMBER DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT SPOIL THE BEAUTY OF THE PLACE. DONT WRIGHT NAME AND ANY OTHER THING ON THE WALL OF THE FORT, DON'T THROW GARBAGE .THIS FORTS ,CAVES ARE THE PRECIOUS GIFT FROM OUR ANCESTOR , SO PRESERVE OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE. I am sure this will be your one of the best trekking experience ever. THANK YOU ! ~Ketaki Vikas Koltharkar

Swetal Parmar

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Yaadein mithai ke dibbe ki tarah hoti hai... Ek baar khula toh sirf ek tukda nahi kha paoge. Some basic details for travelling to Lohagad: Best Time: Monsoon and Winter (June - Feb) Fort timing- 09:00am - 06:00pm Distance from Pune- 52km Cheap transport - Train from Pune to Lonavala Other means of transport- Private vehicle(Parking available) Things to carry- Snacks, ready to eat food, Glucon D, raincoat(in monsoon), waterbottles Food and stay - Local stalls are available and night stay allowed at the fort. Shoes: Trekking shoes Total cost: Rs.150 - Rs.200 Max In this time of quarantine, lets cherish some amazing memories where I can share my experiences and y'all can read and enjoy it. Lohagad is also known as the iron fort. It is situated in the Western ghats of Maharashtra. The best time to visit this place is in the monsoon season. It is situated neighboring to the Visapur fort and close to the Lonavala hill station. I had visited this place in September 2015 with my office friends. It was one of the best time we visited this place. We had started off from Pune Hinjewadi. We had taken a train from Pune to Lonavala station and then continued walking towards the fort from the base itself. Trekking to Lohagad fort was not an easy task but with friends it does become one of the best experience. The climate was at its best moist, raining, cool breeze and what not. On our way we came across a waterfall at the foot hill. It was mesmerizing and we had some great time over there. Playing, splashing water on each other and capturing some memories. Through our journey towards the fort we had a lot of fun dancing in the middle of the road, screaming, shouting, teasing each other, clicking pictures, enjoying the climate,enjoying the beauty of nature and getting wet in rains and just being us. We also came across some scenic view where we rested for sometime. We also came across a river flowing near to the fort. The fort has five huge gates to enter, Ganesh Darwaja, Maha Darwaja, Nana Darwaja, Human Darwaja and Trimbakeswar Darwaja. The gates are still standing strong. The most difficult part came while climbing the stairs of the fort.As it was raining heavily we were not able to capture things and also the stairs had become slippery but each and everyone of us help each other to reach till the top. We finally managed to reach the top and saw a breathtaking view which till today cannot be forgotten. As you enter from the gates, you can see a temple, a small lake and some beautiful architecture of the fort. It was one of the best trekking experience each one of us had. We were tired but on reaching the top and seeing the view our tiredness had completely gone. Precautions: No risky poses or selfies No littering No swimming in any water storage tanks No harming any animals on the way No scribbling on the walls of the fort. Glimpse from the amazing trekking of Lohagad. Thanks for reading. Kindly comment if any suggestion.

Guru Gayatri

78 Followers

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About the Fort Lohagad Fortas the name suggests means Iron Fort (in Marathi), is situated about 50kms from Pune in the hill station of Lonavala. The Fort is located in the mountain ranges of Sahyadari and is said to be about 2000yrs old. This fort has been declared by the Archeological Survey of India as the protected monument. Experience It was almost the mid of September that a couple of us decided to explore the hiking in Lonavala. All the trek mates gathered at Lonavala on the decided date and decided to take the local train to Malavali station. From the station, we took a shared auto which dropped us to the base of the trek at Bhaje Village. It started raining as soon as we reached the base and the path was turning out to be wet and muddy. We decided to complete the trek before the weather gets too harsh and hence started walking. With lush green surroundings and a gradual ascent walk, we enjoyed the entire route. We stopped by a small shop for some tea and proceeded further. Soon we reached Lohagadwadi- the base village of Lohagad and started ascending ahead. After a long monotonous walk and two breaks in between soon, we started climbing the steps of the fort. On reaching half the way we were able to see a beautiful lake and rainbow. The entire scene of this place is very beautiful and admiring. There are 4 gates to the fort - Ganesh Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja. There is also an extension to this fort which is shaped in the form of the tail and is known as Vinchu Kata. While roaming around we came across many Monkeys who were ready to snatch the food items from the travelers. It was time to return and the descend as always seemed faster than the ascend. We stopped for some food and then started walking downhill. On our way back to the Bhaje village we came across a beautiful waterfall and stopped by for a few mins. While climbing down we also observed the sunset and in no time reached the base of the trek. From here we went back to Malavali station and got the return tickets for Lonavala. Some Tips - This is a beginner level hike with a very scenic and pleasurable walk. - Carry umbrellas and enough water - If you have time then do make it a point to visit the Bhaje caves - Don't miss the stunning views across the entire trek - Beware of Monkeys and do not carry plastic bags in your hands. Avoid monkey attacks. Thanks for reading the blog! Happy Travelling...

Bhakti Patil

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So let me take you back to the days when humankind was free, unlike the current caged liberty we are into. Free lectures are generally for gossiping and sleep sessions....but we used these 2 back to back free lectures to create a memory of life time....and How… ? Let me take you through the journey of 6 Soul'Ohh Travellers! Railway stations in India are all about vadapav valas and bhel valas shouting in unison. The last thing you'd want to miss on a railway station would be your Train…And yes! we almost almost missed it but thanks to the vadapav vala who's "Tai, tumcha train nighala..." saved our Day! And that’s how it all started. The train took us through the lush green mountains of Western Ghats, standing tall guarding the pride of Marathas. Around 45mins train ride from Pune station came to an end .We walked out of the station and Then comes the destination – Malvali village(base village). The point from where our foots had to fall in love with its sole(soul). The 20km trek up to Lohgadh Killa in Maharashtra was waiting for us with a road full of adventure and surprises. While we decide to trek up till the mountain top unlike others who were in the cars and buses. Every 5 minutes some or the other in the group would almost give up and want to hitch hike till the top but as decided we thought of sticking to the plan and somehow managed to reach the top. This 5km trek somehow turned out to be a 20km one, only because we wanted to take the shortcut routes who’s existence in today’s date can be thought of because these 6 crazy travelers decided to take the road less traveled. Meanwhile we reach the last phase from where the staircase (350 steps) to heaven i.e. the ‘Gadh Drawaja’ was awaiting to welcome every traveler every tourist with same warmth and love. The lush green spread of trees and mosses, wide stretch of amazing clouds and mist and everything about the place was just mesmerizing. Time froze. Taking us back in the era of Shivaji Maharaj. After reaching the mountain top …. only thing that caught our attention was beauty of this place and when we looked back to route out path from the start point, I know 6 hearts wept into happiness for having covered this beautiful trail not as tourists but as travelers. -Bhakti Patil