Trek to Visapur Fort : Trek Maharashtra

About Fort:

        Visapur Fort (likewise called Visapoor Fort) is a slope post close to Visapur town in Maharashtra, India. It is an aspect of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. It is situated in Pune area, 5 to 6 km from Malavli Railway station out of which 3 km is steep street. It has a rise of 1084 meters above ocean level.[1] It is based on a similar level as Lohagad.

        A good ways off of 18 km from Lohagad Fort (3 km by Walk) and 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station, Visapur Fort or Visapoor Fort is a slope fortress close to Visapur town in Pune locale of Maharashtra. It is important for the Lohagad-Visapur stronghold. It is one of the famous traveling places in Lonavala and furthermore one of the significant spots of enthusiasm for Lonavala.

        The post has a rise of 1084 m above ocean level. It was worked during 1713-1720 CE by Balaji Vishwanath, the principal Peshwa of Maratha Empire. Visapur fortress was worked to monitor the Lohagad Fort and it has a great stronghold and level at its top. Utilizing its higher height and closeness to Lohagad, the British soldiers set up their guns on Visapur and besieged Lohagad, driving the Marathas to escape. Subsequently, in 1818, Lohagad and Visapur were taken over by the British.

        Visapur Fort is bigger and at a higher height than Lohagad fortress. The stronghold is acclaimed for its defensive dividers and perplexing plans. The fortress has a few structures like caverns, reservoirs of water and the vestiges of a huge stone constructed house known as the Peshwa's castle. Notwithstanding an immense cutting of Hanuman, and a few sanctuaries dispersed everywhere. Hanuman was likely the supporter god of Visapur post. Directly the fortification is in ruins and very few structures left in the post. The beautiful environmental factors and the glorious all-encompassing perspectives on the fields are the best fascination here.

        There are 2 journeying courses to arrive at Visapur post, one is from Goumukh Khind and another is from Patan town. The primary course needs 1.5 km moderate trip from Goumukh Khind which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to arrive at the fortress. The second course from Patan town is bit befuddling so better to enlist nearby guide from the town. This path at first experiences a little backwoods and afterward goes to an evaporated cascade. Adhere to the upstream of cascade for the remainder of the course. Subsequent to climbing for near 40 minutes on this path, one will run over a wrecked flight of stairs. This flight of stairs paves the way to the passageway of the fortification. It will take 2 hours to arrive at the post from Patan town. The primary course is very mainstream however the subsequent course offers some great perspectives on a few cascades in storm season.

History:

        Visapur fort is hill fort designed by Balaji Vishwanath throughout 1713-CE. Balaji Vishwanath was 1st Peshwa of Maratha empire.  Although Visapur fort is constructed a lot of later than Lohagad fort, the two forts are closely connected  as Visapur fort is fortified for shielding  Lohagad fort.  Both these forts are of Satwahan Era. Too keep watch on Konkan and Bor Ghat, these both forts were of great importance during Shivaji's period.

        The British invaded India in the early 1800's and Peshwa's fort came under attack, also known as the  Maratha kingdom's treasury and occupying the trategic strength of Lohagad fort was the best move British took. it had been occupied on 4 March, 1818 by a detachment of 800 native and 380 European troopers at the side of artillery from Chakan and two different British battalions. With Visapur having the advantage of upper elevation, Brits troops put in their canons there and bombarded Lohagad to make the Marathas leave.

        From 1818, Lohagad - Visapur forts were put under the command of Colonel Prother, the British representative. As each the fortifications are of strategic importance, they blew up each the north (Konkan) and therefore the south (Deccan) gateways. So, today Visapur fort is in ruins except some few huts. Though Lohagad fort is still intact.

        There was an iron gun ten feet long and of four-inch bore near the north wall. As it was marked with the Tudor Rose and Crown, carved with the letters E. R., it is probably a gun of Queen Elizabeth's reign. It is believed that probably it was taken as bounty from an English ship and presented to the Peshwa by Kanhoji Angre.

How to reach Visapur Fort? 

Journey through Route 1:

        The Visapur Fort trek begins with Bhaje Village trail which is 9km away from Malvali Railway Station. Covered with dense greenery, this path over rocky flat exterior give us enough practice to hold on the grip. The beginning part is damn exciting. When we start walking out of the village, the mud tracks prove to be our first challenge. It’s tricky yet fun to cross this 4km pathway.

        Finally, you can see the walls of the fort. That moment of relief & curiosity! 

        Take the route towards your left for Visapur Fort & follow the arrows painted to guide you. Brace yourself for the most exciting part of the trek. As you go ahead, water gushing through the stones adds thrill to your monsoon expedition.

         Keep going ahead for 30-40 minutes. Your final destination arrives. The top plateau wrapped with green looks like nature’s best creation. Don’t you skip to explore the caves, small water tanks & architecture of the fort.

Journey through Route 2:

        Here’s another route to Visapur which begins from Patan Village. It is not the easiest as compared to Bhaje but you can explore if you wish to. Be ready with the notes of landmarks when you go through Patan village. Locals are the best ones to ask in case there’s any confusion while trailing this route.

        The trail begins through the small forest & then you’ll see a waterfall. You can take a quick halt here & enjoy the monsoon waterfall. Just a reminder: You can click beautiful pictures of your monsoon trek quickly. Time goes but memories stay, right?

        Also, please stick to the same waterfall for the correct route, after approx. 20 mins road will split. For Visapur Fort take right.  At one point after 40-45 mins, you will see a broken Staircase which will lead you to the entrance of Visapur.

Best Time to Visit :

During the monsoon at Visapur, you can witness nature’s beauty that is the waterfall! A beautiful waterfall will grab all your attention and make you forget everything. If you are a beginner or a trekker looking for an easy trek to explore, then Visapur Fort Trek is just for you!

Things to carry:

·         2 ltrs water

·         Lunch

·         Trekking Shoes

·         Enerzyl powder or Glucon D powder

·         Snacks & biscuits

·         Extra pair of clothes

·         Clean napkin or towel

·         Rain coat/ Poncho / Wind cheater (Avoid umbrella)

·         Haversack or backpack (No sling bags)

·         Camera (optional)

·         Please carry personal medicines if any

·         Hand Sanitizer