Lohagad

Lohagad fort is a formidable fort near Pune. Lohagad makes an ideal trekking destination for trekkers from Pune because of its accesibility, ease of the trek and lush green surroundings. Lohagad is 3400 feet high and is a very wide spread fort. There are 4 doors to Lohagad from the nearby village Lohagadwadi. Lohagad divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna and is situated the Sahaydris.

To reach Lohagad from Pune one can either take a local train; there are a number of local trains operating between Pune and Lonavala; you can take any of them and alight at Malawli. If one is driving from Pune to Lohagad one has to take the Pune Bombay highways and get off the highway at Malawli. From Malawli railway station the fort is just 9 km away. Vehicles can go up to the foot of the hill. From here, which is near a village called Lohagaon, there are steps to the fort, numbering approximately 500.,However, people can also walk all the way till the fort. Bhaje Caves is on the way to Lohagad if a small diversion is taken. This walk is a particular favorite of trekkers, especially in the monsoon.

It is a simple and easy trek and the distance from Malawli station to Bhaje gaav takes about 20 min. Distance between Malawli and Lohagadwadi can be covered in around 2-2.5 hrs. The trekking route is easy even when it rains and even inexperienced climbers can easily walk till the fort enjoying the picturesque scenery, lush green grass, cool mountain air, and the pleasant salubrious climate. Lohagad is an ideal one day trek because of its ease and accesibility especialy the local trains.

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harishchandragad

Harischandragad

Harischandragad fort is situated in Ahmednagar District. The view of the sheer rock wall of Harishchandragad fort from the Malshej Ghat is awe-inspiring. Standing at a height of 4,671 feet from sea level, the edge of the hill plunges straight down into the Konkan kada. In fact, the unique feature of this entire mountain range which includes the mountains of Nakta, Ghodishep, Aajoba and Ratangad, right up to Kulangad, is that the western slopes plunge directly into the Konkan. The edge of Harishchandragad fort is like a deep pan and because of its distinctive shape and height, Harishchandragad fort is a popular trekking spot.To reach Harishchandragad Fort from pune it takes about 5 hours drive. Please check the road map from Pune to Harishchandragad for driving directions from pune to Harishchandragad trek. There are no hotels or resorts available in Harishchandragad fort and arrangements have to be made for accomodation and food. Harishchandragad Trek is a good destination to couple with camping. Harishchandragad trek is one of the difficult and long treks and is definitely not recommended for summers. Monsoons and winter is the best seasons for this trek

The most interesting point on this fort is the cliff, which has always fascinated many people from many years. The cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan. From here, one can have a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and the setting sun. This cliff is not just vertical; it is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood It is said that a rainbow as a circle can sometimes be seen from here; it is known as the Broken Specter.One amazing phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below and are thrown vertically into the sky reaching more than 50 feet. It creates a magical wall that is rising straight from the edge of the cliff without entering the landmass area. The fog show and hovering clouds below the cliff complement the season if one visits.
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Sinhagad

Easily the most popular getaway, not withstanding that it's much closer than the other forts, the Pashan Lake and the lovely drive makes it a much adored and a desired picnic and getaway spot. The Lion Fort, as it would quite literally translate into, is located 25 kilometers South of Pune perched on a steep hill. Once known as Kondhana, the proximity of this fort to Pune has been commercialized to quite an extent. Buses are available from the Sarasbaug Bus Stand, which drop you till the foothill. However, a bike or a car should be preferred to feel the breezy drive and the beautiful landscape

This 17th century fort has mostly fallen to ruin, but it is possible to literally walk backwards in history and recreate the scenes of the fierce battle fought by Shivaji's General Tanaji Malasure who died during the battle, to win the fort for Shivaji with the help of the monuments and signboards posted in the area. They have even created a monument at the spot where Tanaji lost his arm

On the grounds too is a memorial or samadhi to the slain leader. It is said that when Shivaji learned that his general had been killed in the battle he mourned, "We have gained the fort but lost the lion" and it is thus that the fort got its name. The bhaji's and dahi wati at the top are a crowd favorite. Also, we recommend that you try out the pithla-bhakri. Sundays here are busy with picnic groups, trekkers and tourists

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