Visapur Fort, located close to Lonavala in the state, is an old fort with a strong Maratha Empire association. Visapur Fort was built between 1713-1720 CE by the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Balaji Vishwanath, for Visapur as a defensive fort to strengthen Maratha defences around the area. Aidefully situated on a level at 3,556 feet, Visapur possessed a clear vision over the valleys and trade roads encircling it. Said to be the twin fort to neighbouring Lohagad Fort, the forts belonged to an effective defence setup protecting against invasion as well as the safety of priceless routes of supplies. Historic trekking routes and mountain adventures are highlighted in our Treks in Maharashtra guide.Visapur Fort was captured by the British in 1818 in the Third Anglo-Maratha War. Visapur, being at the summit of Lohagad, was with the British. The British attacked Lohagad from Visapur and forced it to surrender. In the process of capture, the British set fire to a portion of the fort as a way of discouraging its use in the future as a possible headquarters of the Marathas. Subsequently, the fortifications of the fort ramparts, gateways, large cisterns, old bungalows, and a few temples are silent witnesses to its historical past and eventful history. A couple of buildings from the British era, an old bungalow and a couple of iron cannons, are still seen by tourists on top. The ruins are symptomatic of the stratified Maratha-British history of the fort. Rich in history, Visapur Fort is not merely a thrilling trek; it's a glimpse into the great military heritage of Maharashtra and the indomitable Maratha courage. History and adventure lovers often choose our Visapur Fort Trek Package for a guided fort trekking experience.Places close to Visapur FortLohagad Fort: Its other twin and sibling of equal fame, 2 km from Visapur Fort, is the Lohagad Fort.Constructed around the same period, Lohagad was war fort in Maratha Empire's war. The climb to Lohagad is relatively easy and renowned for the "Vinchu Kada" (Scorpion's Tail) a bow-like long parapet that is like a scorpion's tail. Lohagad fort also provides fine views of the Pawna Lake and is greatly desired during monsoon when the location is abuzz with greenery and mist.Bhaja Caves: Bhaja Caves, located at the trek base village, are 2nd-century BCE old Buddhist rock-cut caves. The caves have exquisite sculptures, prayer halls (chaityas), and stupas and are a symbol of the thriving religious and cultural practice of ancient India. A visit to the caves before or after trekking will give more historical intensity to your trekking experience.Pawna Lake: About 15 km from Visapur Fort is Pawna Lake, a calm man-made lake formed due to Pawna Dam. A favorite camping ground, boating spot, and picnic ground. Its calm water and scenery of surrounding forts like Tikona and Tung provide the ideal spot to unwind after a tiring trek.Bedse Caves: About 10 km from here are the less popular but no less interesting Buddhist caves of Bedse. They are renowned for their beautifully sculpted beauty and serenity. There is plenty of trekking to the caves, so an excellent offbeat discovery for aficionados of architecture and history.Karla Caves: Approximately 12 km short of Visapur is another stunning group of ancient Buddhist caves known as Karla Caves. Its crown here is the stunning Chaitya Hall, among the largest rock-cut prayer halls in the world. Karla Caves also include a Goddess Ekvira temple, so they are a mix of religion and history.Best Time to Visit Visapur FortMonsoon Season (June to September): The monsoon season is the best time to hike up to Visapur Fort. Heavy rains turn the whole landscape into a green paradise of flowering forests, foggy hills, and cascading waterfalls along the trail. The "staircase waterfall," from which water flows down the rock steps, giving a new and exciting experience, is one of the monsoon thrills of the trek. But paths are slippery and there is poor visibility due to thick fog, so be careful. For all the fantasisers and romantics of rains and greens, monsoon is the time to travel unparalleled.Post-Monsoon and Early Winter (October to February): The newly post-monsoon and heading towards the early winter season is ideal for a scenic and leisurely trek. Weather is relaxing and pleasant, the view is green, and the trek is safer compared to monsoon trekking. Blue skies are open to provide great vistas of surrounding forts, valleys, and Pawna Lake. Summer is the ideal time for photographers, beginners, and families who would simply adore to immerse in the scenic beauty of Visapur rain-free or water-logged trail.Summer Season (March to May): Sudmers are not so ideal for the walk to Visapur Fort with the too-windy weather, it being exhausting to walk. Trees also dry up too, and the sun can be scorching, worst of all, at mid-day. But if you begin as a morning trek, you can avoid the heat and enjoy peace without so many people. Enough water, sun lotion, and early morning leaves are essesntials if traveling during this time.How to go to Visapur FortBy Road: Visapur Fort is also accessible by road and is near Lonavala, a hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Drive or taxi from Mumbai (about 100 km) or Pune (about 60 km) to Bhaje or Malavli, base villages. Roads are good and the journey is pleasant during monsoons and winters. There is good parking facility near the base villages.By Train: It is the best way to reach Visapur Fort. The closest railway station to reach Visapur Fort is Malavli railway station, which comes under the Mumbai-Pune railway track. Take a local train from Mumbai or Pune to Malavli. The trekking destination is barely 2-3 km from Malavli Station, which can be walked or taken via a local auto-rickshaw.By Airport: The closest airports to Visapur Fort are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (about 120 km from there) and Pune Airport (about 65 km from there). On arrival at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take bus/train connectivity to Lonavala or Malavli and then proceed to the trekking base.
