Visapur Fort, Lonavala

Visapur Fort is perched atop a lush green hill of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. It accounts for a popular tourist excursion point amongst adventure mongers and nature lovers. With an elevation of 1084 meters from the sea level, it offers some phenomenal views of the surrounding lush green hills.

Marking its prominence from the 18th century, this fort forms a part of the fortification of Visapur and Lohagad. This gigantic architectural marvel features ancient caves, arches, wells, and old houses. A bit further, notice the beauty of two roofless buildings. As Hanuman was considered to be the patron deity of Visapur, you can find many temples dedicated to him.

Within the Visapur Fort, there’s a famous well, which is believed to be built by the Pandavas. Somewhere nearby, you could find the presence of guns and other ammunitions belonging to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Within its vicinity, there are also remnants of Mahadev’s shrine. Other attractions of the Visapur Fort includes few isolated caves, old house ruins, ancient water cisterns, and a huge flour mill.

Trekking to the top summit of Visapur Fort is an unforgettable adventure for every single visitor. Although the climb is a rocky one, the trek is serene and tranquil. You could either start your trekking adventure from Lohagadwadi or Patan Village. You may also try a hand at paragliding activity which takes place nearby. 

By Train: 

From Mumbai: You need to board an express train to Pune and get down at Lonavala station if you are coming here from Mumbai. From Lonavala, you need to board a local train to drop you at Malavli Station. Once you get down, start walking in the direction of Patan Village. 

From Pune: Board any express train in the direction of Mumbai and alight at Lonavala Station. After that, follow the same route to reach your final destination. 

From Lonavala: You need to board a local train to Malavi. Once you get down, start walking in the direction of Patan Village. 

By Bus/road: 

From Mumbai: Your journey to Visapur Fort will last for 2 hours and 33 minutes. You need to opt for Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai Highway/ Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/ Mumbai – Pune Highway.

From Pune: Your journey to Visapur Fort from Pune will last for 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can either opt for –

Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai Highway/ Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/ Mumbai – Pune Highway

Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Old Mumbai – Pune Highway 

From Lonavala: Your journey to Visapur Fort from Lonavala will last for 31 minutes via Bhangarwadi Road. 

By Air: 

All those who are planning to fly to Visapur Fort will first need to take a flight to Pune Airport. The distance of 60 km between Pune Airport and Visapur Fort can be easily covered by hiring a direct rental cab. Alternatively, you may first board a bus to drop you at Lonavala, and from there, you can carry forward with your journey in a taxi.

Summers: Summers are not ideal for planning your visit to Visapur Fort. Although the fort is atop a hill, it takes great efforts to reach the top summit. The heat of summers might drench you entirely, and hence, to maintain your hydration level, you need to carry a lot of water. 

Winters: Winters are pleasant to visit Visapur fort as the cold weather conditions would ease your trekking adventure. 

Monsoons: Monsoons are the next best season to plan your visit to the Visapur Fort. The scenic beauty of Visapur during storms is unrivaled. Make sure that you hold on your steps firmly while trekking here as the path may turn out to be slippery due to the showers. 

Places to Visit Around Visapur Fort:

Bhaja Cave: Bhaja Caves is a combination of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. These caves once were residential points for Buddhist monks. This is a must-visit place for all the mythology buffs and history enthusiasts.

Amrutanjan Point: Amrutanjan Point is the start point of Khandala Ghats and offers panoramic views of the beauty of Khopoli. As the location is still untouched by commercialization, it is a great picnic spot and weekend retreat.

Bhushi Lake: Situated on the outskirts of Lonavala, Bhushi Lake is a placid water body. Small cascades of water and the verdant hills combine to portray the picturesque beauty of its surroundings.

Duke's Nose: Duke’s Nose, is a famous landmark and a hikers paradise. Trekking, hiking, and rock climbing are activities to enjoy here. If you happen to reach here in monsoons, you might see plenty of small waterfalls gushing forcibly from the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Things to Do Around Visapur Fort:

Explore Karla Caves: Karla Caves are amongst the oldest Buddhist shrines of India. There’s a Buddhist monastery inside, which is believed to date back to the 2nd century BC. Throughout the hall of Karla Caves, you could find the presence of sculptures of animals, males, and females.

Picnic at Valvan Dam: Valvan Dam of Lonavala serves as an excellent water resource for the nearby villages. The lush green beauty in the surrounding is good to spend some quality time with your family and kids.

Trek to Visapur Fort: Trekking Visapur Fort is a fun-filled adventure for both amateur and experienced trekkers. Thousands of deciduous forests lined along your trekking route assures you a tranquil trekking experience. Ideally, people complete their trekking to the top summit within 2 hours. Just make sure to carry ample food and water resources with you.

Tunga Fort Trekking: Hikers usually prefer to explore Tunga and Tikona Fort in a single go. The beauty of this fort lies both in its elevation and water bodies on its three sides. On top of the fort, there’s also a small Tungi Devi temple.