Brief About Visapur Fort Trek
Visapur Fort is an amazing trekking destination located near Visapur village in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The fort, which was built during 1713-1720 CE, is known for its moderate difficulty level and lush greenery during the monsoon season. One of the trails to the top is particularly special as trekkers need to climb through a waterfall for most of the route.
Visapur Fort is part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification and is known for its height, being more massive than the twin fort Lohagad. The fort is home to several historic structures including caves, water tanks, & waterfalls.
Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 1 day
Trek Distance: 3 Km
Trek Altitude: 3,556 Feet
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (15 km)
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
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Best Places to Visit & Explore at Visapur Fort
The trek offers not just a scenic trek but also many nearby attractions for travelers. For those interested in photography and sightseeing, a short detour to Lohagad Fort is a must. The Bhaje Buddhist Caves, one of the many natural caves in the area, is over a century old and a great place to explore.
Pawna Lake and Dam is a popular spot for camping and water activities, with easy accommodation options available. Aamby Valley City, with its high-tech, exclusive atmosphere and scenic views, offers a lot of private bungalows, houses and fun activities. The Karla Caves, known for their Chaitya cave and unusual carvings dating back to 160 CE, are also a must-visit. Additionally, Lonavala, a popular hill station and weekend getaway, is situated amidst lush green mountains and offers easily accessible hotels and food options.
What is the best time to visit Visapur Fort Trek?
The best time to visit the fort is between mid-June and the end of February, with the monsoon months of July to September being particularly scenic due to the lush greenery and gushing waterfall trail. However, trekkers need to be cautious as the trails become slippery during the monsoon season.
For those interested in exploring the fort itself, the winter months between October and February are the ideal time to visit, with perfect weather and dry trails. However, it is best to avoid visiting the fort during weekends as the trails tend to get busy with local trekkers.
How to reach the Starting Point of Trek?
Getting to Visapur Fort by road:
The fort is located near the Visapur village in the Pune district. It can be reached by driving from Mumbai or Pune via the Mumbai-Bangalore road that leads to NH 48. Take the left on Mumbai-Pandharpur road to Ekvira Devi road to reach Malavali, which is the base village of Lohagadwdi, 5 km from the Malavali railway station. Alternatively, the trek can start from the Patan village, which is a longer route but equally picturesque.
Getting to Visapur Fort by train:
Visapur Fort is 5-8 km from the Malavali railway station. You can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the base village from the station, which takes about 16 minutes by auto. Note that the road is steep in some parts.
Getting to Visapur Fort by air:
The closest airport to Visapur Fort is Pune Airport, located 65 km away. You can drive from Pune to the trekking base in 1 hour and 52 minutes. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach from Mumbai airport, 105 km away, via the route mentioned above.
Availability of Accommodations & Food near the Trek
The trek can be done as a day trip from Mumbai or Pune, but if you plan to stay, there are a few options for accommodation at the base of the fort in the village of Lohagad and at Viraj Farms at the start point of the trek.
Food options are limited, with simple Maharashtrian dishes like Misal Pav and Vada Pav available only until Bhaje Village. It is recommended to carry your own food and water, as well as a tent if you plan to camp overnight. The Quechua Arpenaz 2 Tent, which can accommodate 2 people, is a popular option for camping.
Difficulty Level of Visapur Fort Trek
Visapur Fort trek is a great option for beginner trekkers, with a difficulty level of medium. It usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the top and there are plenty of rest stops along the way. While the trek is easy during the dry season, it can become slippery during the rainy season, so extra caution is advised.
Physical & Mental Preparation Required for Trek
Visapur Fort trek is considered easy, but it’s important to note that there are no washrooms or freshening-up facilities on the mountain. Lightweight luggage is recommended and comfortable sports shoes or trekking shoes are a must. Floaters and sandals are not allowed. Despite these restrictions, the trek is considered easy and manageable for most people.
