Visapur fort (August 13, 2006)

Members: Amit Jagtap, Nitin Gavkar, Rajesh Raut, Vishal Chaugule, Jitendra Chaudhary, Dhananjay Deulgaonkar, Dhananjay Zope and Sambhaji Chopdekar

Actually I had been at Lohgad with my UICTian friends on 8th of July. However, I had promised my colleagues that I would be there for this trek again. Therefore, I tried to avoid the mistake of not visiting Visapur at that time and finalized our programme. We decided to visit Visapur followed by Lohgad to go to Bhaje caves.

We went to Lonavla by Pandharpur fast passenger that does not halt at Malavli- we were told. Hence, it was really painful spending those 3 hrs at the Lonavla platform as it was drizzling continuously. Thanks to our windcheaters, we were saved from the chilled atmosphere.

The first local train for Pune is at 0530 that carries us to Malavli in just 10 minutes. We had our breakfast at a nearby hotel. After that, we headed for Paatan instead of the usual Bhaje route as per the plan.

The road to the right from the over bridge goes to Bhaje while on descending to the left we are off to Paatan that is reachable in just 30 minutes. The Bhaje hill (as it holds those famous caves, accessible from Bhaje!) is always to our right.

Now the route goes from the padar of this hill towards the Visapur Khind. However, we thought it might be risky due to thick greenery and went ahead of the temple to cross a stream. The way is not too confusing here onwards as we should keep an eye to our right. To the left, one can easily see the Bhaatrasheechaa Dongar.

During this journey, we came across some well-built steps beside a waterfall and felt relieved to be on the right path. The Mumbai-Pune Express highway is always behind us. The fortification of Visapur is now easily seen ahead of us. But one should march towards the right to the khind.

The way was very well guided by the usual white painted marks (Rekhi). In the last stage, we went through thick bushes just below the left part of Visapur. The route leads us to a stream coming downwards through the khind, which has destroyed most of the steps.

Soon we reached a well-built cave where an idol of Maruti has been carved out on the nearby wall. After ascending those 60 odd steps, we had been atop! We were welcomed by a cannon! There are some water cisterns on the top and we were fortunate enough to locate two houses (vaadaa) also.

The atmosphere was full of thick fog, so it was not advisable to go for sight seeing! Hence we decided to go to the South for Lohgad. It was not easy due to thick fog still we could manage to come to the khind from where the route goes towards the Lohgad-Visapur Khind.

It was fun while going down through the waters. The route is not so difficult and within just 30 minutes we were on the way to Lohgad!...