Visapur Fort
There are many forts in India, which are the contributions of various rules and rulers here. However, the hill forts definitely attract a lot more attention; what say? A fort atop the hill, with verdant beauty around, sounds exciting. The Visapur Fort is one such hill fort located in Maharashtra. The height, the location, and the tranquil ambience of this fort make it a frequent spot for tourists. However, there is a catch too. However, a proper full-fledged trek is necessary to reach this beautiful hill fort. The journey to this fort is even more alluring than reaching the destination.
So keep on reading. In this article, I will discuss everything about the Visapur Fort and Visapur Fort Trek. You will get all the information you might need to plan a successful trip to this location.
Overview of Visapur Fort
Located at 4000 feet above sea level in Lonavala, the Visapur Fort is one of the popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Moreover, the Visapur Fort trek is among the most popular treks in the Pune Mumbai area. This is like a trekking expedition where you need to put in real effort to reach the top of the fort. The level of this trek is easy to medium, but it would require a lot of effort, too. Visapur Fort trek time is approximately 2 hours from the base; however, it depends on the route that you are taking.
This fort is a few centuries old, and according to people, Chhatrapati Shivaji was the creator of this fort. Visapur Fort’s height is approximately 3556 feet. It was one of his ways to keep a check on all the movements downhill and in the plains. This place almost served like his watch tower. Moreover, the construction of this fort dates back to the period from 1713 to 1720 CE. According to some historians, Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Maratha empire, was the creator of this fort. Because of the strategic location of this fort, it was tough to attack it first. Furthermore, it took a lot of work to fire cannons here, even after some attempts.
At present, there is not much to see here, as most of the Visapur fort Lonavala is in ruins. But what makes it exceptional is the all-encompassing view that this location offers. On the western side of the fort, there is a bastion. Unlike many other forts, the bastion here is quite unique in its structure and construction. On the northwestern side, there is a fountain present, too.
The best time to visit Visapur Fort
This is one of the most popular intermediate-level treks on the Pune- Mumbai Express highway. It is a popular trek, too, because of the waterfalls. Most waterfalls are in their best form during or after monsoon season. During summers, these waterfalls look like nothing but dried rocky beds. You can easily opt for this waterfall trek during the monsoon season to enjoy the lush greenery and gushing waterfall. It will undoubtedly be one of your life’s most memorable experiences. Also, remember that this is a day trek. However, it is also possible to camp overnight on the top of the plateau. So, if you are opting for that, plan your visit accordingly.
Visapur Fort Trek
You can reach the top of the fort in some ways.
Malavali to Visapur Fort
To reach Visapur Fort via this route, you must first reach the Malavali station. It is, however, a confusing route to reach the fort. From Bhaje caves, walk for 15 to 20 minutes, leaving the stairway. There will be some small huts and broken stairs on the way. And then there are some more stairs you need to climb until you reach a temple. Also, two big caves here can accommodate up to 40 people. Further from there, you must climb a few more stairs to the Visapur Fort.
Visapur Fort from Pune
This route to the Visapur Fort is one of the most convenient options for reaching here. You can drive from Pune to Lonavala on NH 48 if you have your own vehicle. Then, exit the highway at Karla to reach Malavali Station; from there, you need to reach Bhaje village. Moreover, there is a pay-and-park service where you can keep your vehicle. Another route is to drive through the Pune Mumbai Expressway and then turn towards Lonavala. Then, the route will be similar to the previous route.
You can also take buses from Seagate at Pune and get down at Malavali station. From there, you can find shared auto rides for Rs. 40 per person, or you can walk down for 2.5 km.
Another option is to take a local train to Lonavala, which runs hourly. Tickets cost about Rs. 10 to reach the Malavali station. On all the routes mentioned above from Pune, you must first reach Malavali, the base of the Visapur Fort. Visapur Fort is about 65 km from Pune, and the driving time is about 90 minutes.
Bhaje Village Trail
This is another way to reach the Visapur Fort. You must drive via the Mumbai-Pune expressway to reach Lonavala and then Malavali for this route. From there you will have to reach Bhaje village. Pay and park services are available as well. You can also take a bus to reach the base location as well. Also, if you are travelling from Lonavala, you can hire a rickshaw to reach the Malavali station. The distance from there is only 12 km to Malavali and another 4 km to Bhaje. Local trains are also available from Pune to Lonavala. From there, you will have to reach the Malavali station and then take a shared ride or walk to Bhaje village.
Bhaje village trek to Visapur Fort
Visapur Fort trek distance from Bhaje village is 2.5 to 3 hours, and the difficulty level is moderate. This is primarily a flat walk; you can even spot the fort’s walls from the trail. After the first 4 km of the trek, you will have to take the left trail, which goes towards Visapur Fort. For convenience, some arrows that go through the forest are marked here. This trail is also famous for the Visapur Fort waterfall, and if you wish to enjoy that view, try this journey during the monsoon. It is that time when the waterfalls are at their fullest, and you can enjoy the waterfall here. In summer, however, you will find only dry rocks here. But the way is not uncomfortable as there are enough shredded trees here, too.
Then, you will have to continue for another 30 to 40 minutes to reach the top of the plateau. It can be one of the most mesmerizing views that you can enjoy here. You will have ample options to explore at this spot, like small and large water tanks. A flag, a Hanuman temple, and grinders were used for various constructions earlier here.
Patan Village Trail
This is another village close to Lonavala. However, this is one of the trickiest routes to reach the fort. Initially, you will have to go through the forest from Patan village. Then, you will find a dried waterfall in Visapur Fort. In monsoon, however, this waterfall gushes water in its full glory. You must stick by this waterfall for the rest of the journey.
Furthermore, after about 15 to 20 minutes, you will find a bifurcation. From there, take the right trail to Visapur Fort. This trail is another 40-minute walk before reaching the fort’s entrance. In this route, the Visapur Fort distance can be covered in about 2 hours.
