Monsoon Trecking at Lohgad
First rains of the season always bring with it a sense of entrapment. With man perennially trapped in an urban cage, watching the rain fall evokes a desire to escape into the arms of Mother Nature. The primal instincts of roaming wild in nature and a thirst to escape the daily humdrums of our busy city lives takes over. To quenched this thirst many head towards the mighty mountain top of Lohgad.
Lohgad is one of the two forts guarding the trade route between Kalyan and Nalasopara harbors & markets of Deccan plateau (other fort being Rajmachi). Today, most of the forts are in dilapidated states, however Lohgad is
still in much better condition. For trekker's Lohgad should be a real treat to visit giving a wonderful panoramic view from its top. Lohgad is situated about 5 Km. from Malavali station. First one should reach Lonavala by any Central-Southern mail/express, catch a local train from Lonavala to Malavali. From Malavali one can catch a rickshaw to Bhaje village. 1½ hours walk from Bhaje will lead to Lohgadwadi.15 min walk from Lohgadwadi will take you to the top.Being a well preserved fort the entrance to the fort is in good condition. The fortification are also quiet good. There are some stone-scripts(Shilalekh) in the den, the only place where night stay can be made on Lohgad. There is a mosque atop Lohgad. From Lohgad, Tung and Tikona hills are seen to the south, Dukes nose at west, Pavana dam offers a wonderful view in the south direction.
Sightseeing at Lohgad :
Vinchu Kata :
The fort houses many old constructions and much of its fortification is very intact. This becomes clear as we move. The entrances and the ramparts are as they were 200 years ago. As we enter the Ganesh Darwaaja, we come across an inscription on a rectangular stone. If it is not stone, one has to check every stone there. The words on it tell that the construction was initiated and done by Dhondopant under Nana Phadnis. Here are the
galleries for guards.Between Narayan & Hanuman Darwaaja there are two go downs. These were used for storage of granary.After entering the Maha Darwaaja we come across an old 'Dargah'. Besides the Dargah we come across the remnants of the court. Going towards right we come across 'Laxmi Kothi'. It is a big cave where 50 people can stay. The Kothi has many rooms. On Lohgad Laxmi Kothi is the only place for us to stay. The treasury of Nana Phadnis was kept here. In front of this place are two cannons. Besides the cave are many other caves. On the northern side of the fort is a newly built Dargah. This is the tomb of Sheikh Umar. The history is interesting. Three Arabs named Sheikh Umar, Sheikh Salla and Sheikh Malang invaded Pune. Salla resided in Pune city and destroyed the temples. Malang went and stayed on what is known as Malanggad, near Kalyan. Umar seized Lohgad. A sage was meditating here. Umar threw him off the cliff and became the ruler here. Today his Dargah has gained importance as pilgrimage.
Bhaje Caves :
The fort is not so big as the main forts, but it acquired significance due to its geographical location and the
dominance of Buddhists and later the Satvaahans here. Building forts strengthened the peaks of Sahyadri, and the marvelous caves and sculptures beautified their faces. The artistic works not only reveal the cultural development, but also show an advanced architecture that is not achievable today. The caves of Ajantha and Verul are the best works, so are the caves of Karla and Bhaje. Karla caves are little farther from here, but Bhaje caves are near Malavali. The ancient Viharas and Stupas of Buddhists indicate that they were Heenyana Buddhists, who do not believe in idol worship. Mahayana Buddhists carved idols of Buddha. Here we can find 8 more Stupas. There is a temple, which is Surya-Mandir or Temple of Sun. the chariot of Sun God is carved hereFor more images, click here
For a 360 degree view of Lohgad click here (the view would take 2 minutes to load)
Labels: Forts, Trecking, Western India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 9:06 PM,
