The Lohagad Fort with one year old!

Since many days I wished to take my year old -Swanandi to the fort. We also expect that she must know the forts, architecture, and history of Maharashtra. My husband Adinath and I were fascinated by many thoughts about the fort selection, distance from home, food to carry, and comfortability while hiking. But it is always said that " If there is a wish, there is a way" !! And yes, finding a way out of all these questions, we chose "Lohgad" which is close to Pune. ( It is a different type of fort than Sinhagad and Shanirwarwada ).

We left the house at 7 in the morning. As we left early, the road was not very crowded, so we reached the base of the fort in an hour and a half. There are 2-3 hotels at the base near the parking area. I picked up Swanandi. We had breakfast. After feeding to Swanandi we started hiking.

This fort is hasan altitude of more than 1000 meters. I found the fort tall but not difficult. Proper steps were leading to the fort. It's easy and beginners can start hiking or trekking from this place.

The fort has informative boards at each place, so there is no need hire a guide.

After climbing about 60-70 steps, we first reached "Ganesh Darwaja". I couldn't believe that we brought Swanandi here. Swanandi loves to walk with me as a "wheat sack" and we took advantage of this opportunity to take her around the fort. Thus the starting of fort view (Shri Ganesha) took place as soon as we entered the Ganesha Darwaza.

There is a picture of Ganesha carved on both sides of this entrance, hence it is called Ganesha Darwaza. Historians say that the Savale family was sacrificed at this place and in return, the Patilki of this village was given to their descendants.

We proceeded to Narayan Darwaza and Hanuman Darwaza later.

Stone carvings could be seen on the Hanuman door, which is big. There is a Carving of Maruti on both sides of this door. Some of the great features of this door are linear arch and strong door.

Finally, the steps of the fort ended and we saw the plateau. When we reached the fort in the middle, we saw the tomb, the cannon, and the temple of Lord Shiva in front of us. After seeing the Temple of Lord Shiva, we rested there for a while.

We were very happy to see the little steps are moving for hiking.

If you are visiting such forts with kids it's necessary to have fruits like orange, lemon, juice, glucose D, banana or some dry snacks with you.

On the next journey, we could not find any place to rest anywhere on the fort. The open, wide terrain and the yellowish grass growing on it also added to the beauty of the fort. I was very tired to carry my little one in the hiking carrier. This was the first attempt at hiking with my child and I was not prepared as this was just a trial run with a new bag and her comfort. On my first hike, I got help from my sister Monika and my Husband Aadinath to carry her.

Sixteen Cone Lake

We started exploring the fort and we visited many places at the top. I would say the lake is the best place for "group" photos. Everyone who came in a group could not proceed without taking photos sitting on the steps of the lake.

The road to Vinchukada

Jumping into the cold water of the lake, we proceeded to the last stage of the fort, which is "Vinchukata"!

The way to reach this mountain which looks like a string of a scorpion is a bit difficult. My father was also with me on this trek, so if you have children and elders with you, then be more careful while crossing this patch.

The road to and from Vinchukatya was through a rocky path. Walking down with Swanandi was a bit challenging, but Adinath slowly crossed the path very carefully. After this, however, the road ahead is very straight and easy which leads you straight to the bridge.

Sixteen Cone Lake

The rest of the forts around Lonavla are easily visible from this link. Fort of "Visapur" on the right-hand side and Tung, Tikona, and Pawan Dam on the left !!Pawana nagar and Visapur Fort

When I reached Vinchukata with Swanandi, I was as happy as if I had conquered the fort. Of course, my sister and father also helped a lot.

Taking Swanandi with me to this fort is like opening the door for my next journey. "Lohgada" is my honor !! Because this forts gave me confidence that now we can take Swanandi and visit many more forts.

How to get there

- Malvali station 65 km from Pune. The road leads to the fort across the railway station. If you come by train, you have to get off at Malwali station and walk (2-3 km). It is best to take a car if you are with small children. Car rental is available at many places near Malwali station.

Time to visit the fort - 5-6 hours (7-8 km.)

Dining / Accommodation - There are several small hotels at the foot. But you can't buy anything on the way up the fort, so you should have some food and water.

Dry air makes the throat dry, so you need to carry 3-4 liters of water throughout the trek, otherwise, you may get very tired the next day. Goggles and hats are a must, as there are few trees and shrubs on the fort.

Parking facility - Yes, but if you go early, you will not get a parking space near the fort, otherwise you will have to park the car for a long distance. (Rs. 50 car, Rs. 20-30 bike)