Are you looking for a thrilling and adventurous trekking destination in Maharashtra? Do you want to explore the rich history and culture of the Maratha empire? Do you want to witness the stunning views of the Koyna backwaters and the dense forest? If yes, then Vasota Fort is the perfect place for you.
Vasota Fort, also known as Vyaghragad or Tiger Fort, is a hill fort located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is situated on the banks of the Shivsagar lake, which is formed by the Koyna dam. Vasota Fort was built by the Mores, a Maratha clan, in the 12th century. It was later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1655 and became one of his most important forts. The fort was also used by the Peshwas and the British until it was abandoned in 1818.
Vasota Fort is a trekker’s paradise as it offers a challenging and exciting trek through the dense forest of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek starts from Bamnoli village, where you can take a ferry ride across the Shivsagar lake to reach the base of the fort. The trek then takes you through a steep and rocky trail that passes through the Nageshwar temple and the Babukada cliff. The trek ends at the top of the fort, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Koyna backwaters and the surrounding hills.
Vasota Fort is not only a place for adventure lovers, but also for history buffs, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. You can learn about the glorious past of the Maratha empire and its brave warriors at Vasota Fort. You can also admire the beauty and diversity of nature at Vasota Fort. You can spot various animals and birds such as leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, giant squirrels, hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles in the forest. You can also witness the sunrise and sunset over the lake and feel the peace and tranquility of nature.
If you are planning to visit Vasota Fort, then this article will provide you with a complete guide to everything you need to know about this trekking paradise in Maharashtra. You will find information about how to reach Vasota Fort, trekking route and details, things to carry and things not to carry, timings and fees, and online booking options. So, read on and get ready for an unforgettable experience at Vasota Fort.
Also Read: Lakeside Camping and Jungle Trek at Vasota
How to Reach Vasota Fort
Vasota Fort is located about 280 km from Pune and 380 km from Mumbai. You can reach Vasota Fort by road or by train from these cities.
By road: You can take a bus or a car from Pune or Mumbai to Satara, which is about 110 km from Vasota Fort. From Satara, you can take another bus or a car to Bamnoli village, which is about 36 km from Satara and 20 km from Vasota Fort. From Bamnoli village, you can take a ferry ride across the Shivsagar lake to reach Met Indavli village, which is the base of Vasota Fort.
By train: You can take a train from Pune or Mumbai to Satara railway station, which is well connected to major cities in India. From Satara railway station, you can take a bus or a car to Bamnoli village and then take a ferry ride to Met Indavli village.
Some tips and suggestions for choosing the best mode of transport are:
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and higher prices.
- Check the weather and road conditions before you travel to avoid any delays or cancellations.
- Carry some snacks and water with you as there are not many options available on the way.
- Enjoy the scenic views of the Western Ghats and the Koyna river valley on your journey.
Trekking Route and Details
The trekking route from Met Indavli village to Vasota Fort is about 6 km long and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. The trek is considered to be of moderate to difficult level as it involves a steep and rocky ascent through the dense forest. The trek requires prior permission from the forest department as it passes through the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek also requires a guide who can lead you through the forest and tell you about the flora and fauna of the region.
The trek starts from Met Indavli village, where you can register your name and pay the entry fee at the forest office. You can also hire a guide from here who will accompany you throughout the trek. You can then board a small boat that will take you to the other side of the lake, where the actual trek begins.
The trek begins with a flat walk along the lake for about 15 minutes. You can enjoy the views of the lake and the hills on both sides. You can also spot some birds and fish in the water. You will then reach a small temple dedicated to Nageshwar, which is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. You can take a break here and offer your prayers.
The trek then becomes steep and rocky as you enter the forest. You will have to climb over boulders, rocks, and roots as you make your way through the forest. You will also have to cross some streams and waterfalls on the way. The forest is home to various animals and birds such as leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, giant squirrels, hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles. You can hear their sounds and see their footprints on the trail. You can also see some rare plants and flowers such as orchids, ferns, and lilies in the forest.
The trek ends at the top of Vasota Fort, where you can see the remains of the fort walls, bastions, gates, and buildings. You can also see a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman inside the fort. The main attraction of Vasota Fort is the panoramic view of the Koyna backwaters and the surrounding hills. You can see the blue water of the lake contrasted with the green forest of the hills. You can also see some islands and peninsulas in the lake that add to its beauty. You can spend some time here admiring the view and taking pictures.
You can then descend back to Met Indavli village by following the same route. You can then take a ferry ride back to Bamnoli village and return to Satara by bus or car.
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Some tips and suggestions for making the trek enjoyable and safe are:
- Carry a valid ID proof and permission letter from the forest department for the trek.
- Hire a guide who is experienced and knowledgeable about Vasota Fort and its surroundings.
- Wear comfortable clothes, shoes, cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the trek.
- Carry enough water, snacks, first aid kit, torch, and insect repellent for the trek.
- Do not litter or make noise in the forest as it may disturb or provoke the animals.
- Do not venture off the trail or touch any unknown plants or animals in the forest.
- Do not stay at Vasota Fort after sunset as it may be dangerous.
Things to Carry and Things Not to Carry
Vasota Fort trek is a one-day trek that does not require much luggage or equipment. However, there are some essential items that you need to carry for the trek, some optional items that you can bring if you wish to, and some items that you should avoid carrying for the trek.
Here are some lists of things to carry and things not to carry for Vasota Fort trek:
Things to Carry
Water bottle (at least 2 liters)
Snacks (dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars, etc.)
Dry-fit clothes (t-shirt, pants, socks, etc.)
Winter wear (jacket, sweater, gloves, etc.) if visiting in winter
Sun cap/hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion
Sports shoes with good grip
Backpack with rain cover
Plastic bags for wet clothes
Personal medication (if any)
ID proof and permission letter
First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, etc.)
Torch with extra batteries
Insect repellent
Camera (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Trekking pole (optional)
Knee cap (optional)
Things Not to Carry
Denim wear (jeans, jacket, etc.)
Large amount of cash
Costly ornaments (jewelry, watches, etc.)
Loud music instruments (speakers, headphones, etc.)
Liquor and tobacco items
Any other items that are heavy, bulky, or unnecessary for the trek
Some tips and suggestions for packing light and smart are:
- Pack only the essential items that you need for the trek and leave the rest at your hotel or vehicle.
- Use a backpack that is comfortable, durable, and waterproof to carry your items.
- Distribute the weight of your items evenly in your backpack and adjust the straps to fit your body.
- Use plastic bags or ziplock bags to separate and protect your items from water and dirt.
- Label your items and backpack with your name and contact details in case you lose them.
Timings and Fees
Vasota Fort trek is open for visitors throughout the year, except during the monsoon season from June to September. The best time to visit Vasota Fort is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear.
The timings and fees for visiting Vasota Fort are as follows:
Entry fee Rs. 30 per person
Guide fee Rs. 500 per group
Ferry fee Rs. 1000 per group (for 10 people)
Photography fee Rs. 50 per camera
Some tips and suggestions for saving money and time while visiting Vasota Fort are:
- Book your ferry ride in advance as there are limited boats available and they may get full during peak season.
- Share your ferry ride with other groups or travelers to reduce the cost per person.
- Hire a guide from Met Indavli village as they are cheaper and more reliable than the ones from Bamnoli village.
- Carry your own camera as the photography fee is high and the quality of the photos may not be good.
- Visit Vasota Fort early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowd and the heat.
Conclusion
Vasota Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves trekking, history, nature, and wildlife. It is a place where you can experience the thrill of adventure, the charm of culture, and the beauty of nature. It is a place where you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience at Vasota Fort.
