# Lohgad

Lohgad is in Maharashtra, India. It's a fort that belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There were three forts, near one another. The only existing structure is the remains of the Lohgad Fort. It is very close to Lonavala, another famous hill station.

## Get in

One can take a private vehicle all the way to the base of the Fort, although as of March 2019 the road is being repaired and part are difficult for small single axle cars. The nearest main railway station is Lonavala, the local train station of Malavli being closer.
* 18.744373.48061 Malavli railway station. Local trains between Pune Junction - Lonavla, Shivajinagar - Lonavla stop here. The only passenger train having a stop at this station is the Pune - Karjat Passenger. (updated Mar 2019)
For people traveling from Mumbai or staying back in PCMC, the route is via Lonavala. If starting from Pune take old Mumbai Pune highway. Just after you cross toll plaza before lonavala, keep your left till you cross “Manshakti”. There is a Y-type left turn just after “Manshakti”. Take that left and drive for another ~200 m to take very first left again. You are on the way to Lohgad after crossing the place called “Bhangarwadi” from where it is 8-10 km. If you come across a railway crossing and Mumbai-Pune highway twice you are on right track. You are on way to Paud, continue till you reach “Dudhiware Khind”. Just before it, take left for Lohgad from here it is around 4 km. The road ahead is very steep with couple of sharp turns but safe.
For people traveling from Pune city, the route is via Chandani chowk – Pirangut - Paud. After reaching Paud take right and drive for around 40 km. Just after you cross “Dudhiware Khind” you reach to the same place. Take right for Lohgad base. It is tar road and you can reach comfortably till the “Paytha”. It’s a wonderful place and should be tried in between mid August to mid September​ when you can still have rain but the intensity comes down.

## Understand

Since the place is inside Maharashtra, knowledge of Marathi would be an added advantage. However, the locals also do understand Hindi.

## Get around

The main attraction is the fort. It is approximately 915 m above sea level. The climb is not that difficult, but is steep. It is advisable to have the best footwear as the mountains can really get very slippery during the monsoon.

## See

* 18.714573.46951 Vinchu Point. Of all the sections of the fort, the main attraction is the point called "Vinchu Kata". In Marathi, vinchu means scorpion, and this point resembles the shape of a scorpion's tail. It is a little inaccessible and requires some effort to get to the end of it. (updated Mar 2019)
* 18.72777873.4819452 Bhaja Caves. Buddhist holy site consisting of a number of rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. (updated May 2017)

## Eat

There is a place where you get home food just at the base of the fort. These are locals serving exclusive Maharashtrian food at rates as cheap as ₹40 per person- unlimited. Do not forget to savour their "aamti" and "sheera".

## Drink

It is better to carry your own water.

## Sleep

* 18.714273.48181 Lohagad Valley Camping. Area to pitch a tent, can get cover for sun. (updated Mar 2019)
* 18.708773.47932 Shivkrupa Hotel, ☏ +91 83907 39304. Basic accommodation at the food of the fort stairs. Meals available. (updated Mar 2019)

## Stay safe

If it rains very heavily, it is advisable not to climb too far up as various parts of the fort become extremely slippery and there are little gushes of water flowing from all ends, making climbing even difficult.

## Go next

* Lonavala
* Aamby Valley City
* Pune