There’s no better time to explore the Sahyadris than Oct-Nov. It’s like springtime with hills perfumed by flowers after heavy rain.
Hitesh Brahmbhatt. Borivali
There’s no better time to explore the Sahyadris than the months of October and November. It’s like springtime with the hills perfumed by fresh flowers after the heavy monsoons.
It’s the pursuit of such pristine beauty that took me to Lohagad fort (Iron Fort). Lohagad is one of the many hill forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Shaped like a scorpion, this fort has the stands 3450 feet above sea-level.
When Shivaji raided Surat, all the wealth was brought to this fort under the supervision of Netaji Palkar. Shivaji used to watch over Konkan and Bor Ghat from this fort.
Access to Lohagad is quite easy. One can take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and take the bypass towards Lonavla.
Cross the city and head through old highway straight towards Malavli railway station. Malavli station is just 10km from Lonavla and the Lohagad village is a two-minute drive away. Do enjoy a hot cup of village tea before you begin the climb.
The trek to the top takes about an hour. The fort offers a panoramic view of the hills and landscapes. You will pass several waterfalls on the way up.
During this time of the year, the landscape is perfect with mountain peaks draped in mist, shepherds prodding their cattle through the lush green slopes and crisp air all around.
Though in ruins now, the fort speaks volumes of the architectural advances of its era.
There are four gates on the way to the top viz. Narayan Darwaja, Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja and Hanuman Darwaja. There are some ancient sculptures on the Maha Darwaja.
The fort was built during British rule by Shivaji.
After Peshwas, the Mughals captured the fort and turned all the Hindu temples into Muslim makbaras.
This fort was built not for defence but for communication and was the first ever built by Marathas.
There is a temple close by with pictures of Shiv-Parvati (probably built by Shivaji). A little ahead, there is a cemetery where a few Mughals lay buried.
Every Thursday, prayers are offered here.
I spent a night in the cave atop the fort. After enjoying the early morning view, I started descending down to the village.
After a light breakfast at the village, I left for the mundane Mumbai.
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