Trekking, what people consider, is just deciding locations and walking on foot towards them until you reach there. But most people don’t consider the type of trail each brings along with them. The trails are sometimes rocky, high altitude, snowy, grassy and all the other kinds we might not even know of. It’s more about appreciation for the path that takes you to a destination, reconnecting and building upon how people used to go about in life in the earlier days, recreating and persevering, the handwork that it takes to reach a beautiful end. It's not just a journey from point A to point B.
You might have heard about a lot of trails, with different altitudes and different climatic conditions but Visapur is different and totally unique. A trail going through a waterfall, rocky and slippery, to reach the destination – Visapur fort. This is the nature of the challenge that this trail brings.
In the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, the Visapur Fort Trek is the perfect location if you’re trying to take yourself to the next level. The trail goes from between a waterfall, and you must climb from there to the top. While it is a short duration and medium difficulty level trail but there is certainly an element of challenge present as the terrain is rocky and slippery. While the climb is difficult, the destination totally makes it worth it. We’re talking about the majestic Visapur Fort.
Overview of Visapur Fort
Visapur Fort, situated near Lonavala, is a significant historical fort built by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, in 1713-1720. At an elevation of 3,556 feet (about 1.08 km) above sea level, the fort offers great views of the surrounding region, including the neighboring Lohagad Fort, making it a popular trekking destination.
How to Reach Visapur Fort
By Train
The nearest railway station to Visapur Fort is Malavli, which is well connected by trains from Mumbai and Pune. The Fort is closer to Pune than to Mumbai. From Malavli, the base village for the trek, the fort is about 5 km away. You can either take a shared auto or walk to the base village.
By Road
If you are traveling by car, you can drive to the base village of Bhaje or Malavli. The distance from Mumbai is approximately 100 km (about 62.14 mi), and from Pune, it is around 60 km (about 37.28 mi). Parking is available at the base village so you dont need to worry about that.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to trek to Visapur Fort is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the region is lush green, and the waterfalls are in full flow. However, the post-monsoon period (October to February) is also a good time to visit, with pleasant weather and clear skies but you’ll miss out on the view at the top that comes with the monsoon season.
Trekking Routes and Difficulty Level
This is the route that people usually prefer as it is clearly marked and has a moderate climb through dense forests, streams, and waterfalls. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach the top, depending on your speed.
This is the more “non-popular” route. This is because the route has a steep ascent and can get tricky, especially during the monsoon when everything seems slippery. It takes about the same time (2-3 hours depending on your speed) but it the more challenging route
Points of Interest at Visapur Fort
The fort has several ancient caves and temples, including the Hanuman Temple. These historical structures add to the charm of the fort.
There are numerous water tanks and wells on the fort, which were once used to store water for the inhabitants.
The fort offers unimaginable views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the nearby Lohagad Fort. The surroundings areas are especially beautiful during the monsoon when the landscape is lush and verdant. It generally tops people's expectations, where they once expected just a moderately exciting view, this visual makes them awestruck.
Tips for Trekkers
This seems like a straightforward point but there are times where some people overestimate their water retention capacity and don’t bring water bottles due to added weight, but a general rule of trekking is to carry a water bottle, no matter how long the trek.
Wear appropriate trekking gear
Wear proper shoes. The terrain is rocky and slippery and due to the monsoon season, it’s going to be even for difficult, so a good grip is needed. Also consider wearing a raincoat considering the monsoon season will be at it best in the months from June to September
If you’re a beginner and it’s one of your first trekking times then consider heading to the top from the Bhaje Village Route. The route is small, and the markings are clear, but a guided group tour is generally what's best for this trail, if you're going in as a beginner.
By following this guide, you will be well-prepared to tackle the Visapur Fort Trek and fully enjoy the wonders it has to offer. The Visapur Fort Trek is a delightful adventure and we’re sure that you’ll really love this trail, whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner. This trek promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.
