Fort in Maharashtra, India
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lohgad, literally meaning the iron fort, is a hill fort located in the Pune District in South Maharashtra near the hill-station of Lonavala. The fort stands on the edge of the Sahyadri Range and lies between the Indrayani and Pavana river basins. Because of its strategic location the Lohagad Fort is often considered as the strongest and most famous Deccan forts. Over the decade and centuries the fort has changed hands several times and each dynasty have contributed in strengthening its fortification turn the Lohagad into a mighty citadel. Lohagad along with 11 other forts are part of the UNESCO Heritage Site titled Maratha Military Landscapes of India.
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Winding stairways and paths with sharp hairpin bends lead through the top of the fort. The path passes through four massive gateways consisting of thick spiked wooden doors. The gates are flanked by bastions and guard houses.
This is the first of the four gateways of Lohagad Fort. It was constructed by Nana Fadnavis in 1789. Images of Ganpati (Ganesh) flank the gate on both sides and are probably the reason for the nomenclature. Next to the Ganesh Darwaja, a set of three cannons is on display.
The second gate, Narayan Darwaja, was also an addition of Nana Fadnavis in 1789. It is approached by a narrow flight of stairs and is strategically very important. The gate provides a great bird's-eye view of the winding stairs and pathways, along with the massive bastions.
Hanuman Darwaza is the third gateway of the Lohagad Fort. This is probably an older gateway and is said to have been constructed by Aurangzeb in the late 17th century. It once served as the main gateway of the fort.
Maha Darwaza, literally meaning the grand gate, is the last and final gate of the Lohagad Fort. Living up to its name, it is a grand structure flanked by bastions and complete with a guard and drum house. The Maha Darwaja is the last of the gateways and leads to the triangular table top. Adjoining the Maha Darwaja is a small display providing information on the history of the fort and about trails to explore the table top.
It is located slightly north-west of the Maha Darwaza. It is the largest standing structure in the fort complex. The square structure is topped with a dome. Sadly, nothing is known about the tomb or its occupants. Next to the tomb is an open paved area marked as sabha mandap or assembly area, housing three cannons.
A small flat-roofed stone structure. The area in front of the temple has been paved and houses a statue of a Nandi bull.
Tryambak Tank is an octagonal tank located north of the Mahadev Temple.
North of Tryambak Tank are small stone reservoirs that once supplied drinking water to the fort's inhabitants.
North of the drinking water source is the 16-sided tank. It is a large water body with two separate flights of stairs. It was built by Nana Fadnavis in 1789.
scorpion’s tail
At the northern vertex of the triangular table-top lies a narrow strip of elevated rock stretching about 500m with an average width of 15 m. It looks like a scorpion’s tail, which is why it’s called Vinchu Kata. However, the Vinchu Kata is not accessible to visitors. A barricade with a board saying “No Entry Beyond This Point” prevents visitors from getting into the narrow stretch of elevated land.
The table top of Lohagad is flat apart from a central knoll (a small, low, round natural hill or mound), located at the middle of the tableland. Atop the knoll stands a dargah with a couple of tombs. Nothing much is known about the occupants of the tomb. There are no structures. The graves stand on an elevated platform surrounded by a metallic railing. It is an active dargah with fresh sheets being laid above graves by locals.
Located in the shadows of the knoll on the north-eastern side lies a roofless structure consisting of two chambers. The chamber on the west houses the remains of Shaikh Umar Avalia. This is also an active dargh, and on the full moon day in the month of Poush (Dec – Jan), 1000 devotees (irrespective of religion) visit the place.
The eastern edge of the table top houses several rock-cut Buddhist caves. One of the caves is known as Lakshmi Kothi. Nothing much is known about the origin of the caves. According to experts they date back to 2nd century CE.
Buddhist archaeological site consisting of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. It is considered as the oldest Buddhist caves of the Deccan region. The caves are nestled 400 feet above the village of Bhaja, which is 12 km away from the popular hill resort of Lonavala.The caves are known for their unique architecture that replicates wooden structures in stone; the caves are a highlight of the region’s early cave architecture. The Bhaja Caves offer a tranquil retreat for travelers and a profound glimpse into early Buddhist monastic life in the Deccan.
Important caves of Bhaja Cave complex:
Visapur Fort is a majestic 18th-century hill fortress located near Malavli village, near Lonavala. Located at an altitude of 3,556 feet (1,084 meters) it is higher and bigger than its more celebrated neighbour Lohgad. It is a popular monsoon trekking destination.
The Bedse Caves are a small 1st-century BCE Buddhist rock-cut cave complex near Kamshet in Maharashtra. They include a chaitya hall with a stupa and a simple vihara, and are reached by a short uphill walk. Less visited than nearby Karla and Bhaja, they offer a quieter and more atmospheric experience.
Area to pitch a tent, can get cover for sun.
Basic accommodation at the foot of the fort stairs. Meals available.
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