An easy hike near Pune to witness the Visapur-Lohagad Fortification
Forming part of the Visapur-Lohagad fortification, the Visapur Fort is a vibrant trek with lush green surroundings and ancient ruins. The fort is rich in history and offers a glimpse into the Maratha Empire which held this fort for the longest time after which it was taken over by the British. While most of the fort is now in ruins, the top of the fort offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadris.
At a height of 1083 M, Visapur Fort is located around 57 kms away from Pune and makes for a great one day trek! The climb is easy and can be done by beginners as well.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Visapur Fort trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Visapur Fort Trail
The trail starts from Baje village, which is the base for this trek. Take the mud trail heading out of the village towards the fort. The fort walls are visible from here. You can ask a local for guidance if you are confused. The trail is easy and takes you through the peripheries of the village with hills all around you. After 4 kms on this trail, the path splits. The path on your right will take you to Lohagad and the one on your left will lead you to Visapur. Take the path on your left.
The path begins to gradually ascend into the forest ahead of you. The trail is clearly demarcated with arrows indicating the direction. You will arrive at a hut after trekking some distance. At the hut, you will find a stone with the painting of a horse. Turn left here and continue on this path.
Tall trees surround you as you make your way up through a rocky path. During monsoon, you will have water gushing down these rocks which makes the climb more exciting and also a tad bit challenging. Continue on this path for around 40 minutes after which you will arrive at the top of the fort.
In the monsoon months, the ruins are covered in moss and the surroundings are lush green in colour. Explore the top which is home to large water tanks, canons and a Hanuman temple. Spend some time here and maybe have a bit or two enjoying the views from here. You can see Lohagad and a few other forts in the distance.
The descent back to the starting point is the same way you followed to reach the top. Be careful on the rocks when you are descending as they can be slippery with the continuous flow of water.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Waterfall Trail
Trekking through a waterfall is a rare occurrence and there are very few trails that offer it. The trek to Visapur Fort during the monsoon sees water gushing through the rocks that form the trail to the top. The experience is exciting and quite enjoyable!
2. Views of Lohagad
From the top of Visapur, you can see Lohagad standing in all its might. A big part of Lohagad is still intact and it is a breathtaking sight to see from the other side along with the surrounding hills and greenery.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared for on This Trail
Visapur is an easy trek and there are no real challenges on the trail. The trail through the waterfall could be mildly tricky during the monsoon but can be navigated with ease. Ensure you get a good grip while ascending and descending this section of the trail.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Visapur Fort is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Visapur Fort Trek
The best time to do this trek is during the monsoon and post monsoon months. The landscape is blanketed in a carpet of lush green with small waterfalls cascading down the surrounding hills. The views during these months are beautiful and the weather also makes the trail more enjoyable.
Summer months are too hot as the temperatures soar and there is no tree cover on the top.
How to Reach the Base
You can reach Baje by a private vehicle or by public transport.
From Mumbai:
If you are reaching by public transport, you can take an Asiad or ST Bus from Dadar station. Ask to be dropped at Malavali. From here, you can take a shared auto to Baje or walk 2.5 kms to reach the village.
Alternatively, catch the Intercity train from Dadar to Lonavala. The general ticket costs INR 60-70. From Lonavala, you take an auto to Malavali or all the way to Baje which is around 15 kms away. You can also catch another local train running between Pune and Lonavala and get down at Malavali station and get a shared auto from there.
From Pune:
You can take an Asiad or ST Bus from Swargate. Ask to be dropped at Malavali. From here, you can take a shared auto to Baje or walk 2.5 kms to reach the village.
Alternatively, catch the local train to Lonavala and get down at Malavali station. The ticket is around INR 10-15. From here, you can take a shared auto to Baje or walk 2.5 kms to reach the village.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visapur Fort
1. How long does the trek take?
The trek will take 2.5-3 hours each way. If you account for exploring the top of the fort, the trek will take close to 6-7 hours.
2. Is this trek for beginners?
The trek to Visapur Fort is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners. Having an active lifestyle and a good fitness regimen will make it more enjoyable.
3. Are there food stalls on the trail?
You can buy some snacks from the small shops in Baje. There are no stalls beyond this point. It is advisable to carry food and water from home.
That’s all about the Visapur Fort trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to the Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
