Visapur fort
Information:- Visapur fort (also called Visapoor fort) is a hill fort near Visapur village in Maharashtra, India. It is a part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification.
Visapur fort is located at an altitude of nearly 4,000 ft above sea level in Lonavala. One has to do a real trekking expedition to reach this historical fort. It is believed that the fort is built centuries back and was thriving with many activities during the rules of many Maratha dynasties. Chathrapthi Shivaji was using this as a place to watch the movements in the downhill and the plains.
Presently the fort is in ruins and there is not much structure left in the fort. The scenic surroundings and the majestic panoramic views of the plains are the best attraction here.
The forts of Lohgad and Visapur have played an important role in guarding the ancient trade routes and being the savior of Bhaje and Bedse caves. Among them, Lohgad is related to many significant historical events. Much of it is known. Unlike that, much less is known about Visapur. In spite of being a very big fort, protected by a highly impregnable fortification and presence of a large plateau, less is written about it, or much less records could have added to information about it.
Extra Places To Visit:- The main characteristic of this fort is the strong fortification built on a large plateau, to make it one of the strongest forts. A large plateau of this size is found on many less forts. It is difficult to fire cannons on the fort due to its position. We can see the injuries of destruction caused by Mughals and British on Bhaje caves, but this has not affected Visapur much. The long stretched ramparts fascinate us. On this same plateau we can see a huge stone wheel. It was used for grinding the mixture of lime, jaggery & lead. This mixture was used as cementing material for building purposes. The wheel was driven by bulls, and is the big one of its kind.
Other things that add to the uniqueness of the fort are constructions like the bastion on the western side of the fort. This bastion, unlike others is completely within the main ramparts. Such a construction is rarely seen on other forts. The other remnants include old residential places. There is a fountain on the northwestern side.
Type:- Hill Fort
Fort Range:- Lonavala
District:- Pune
Height Above Sea Level:- 3038 ft
Difficulty Rating:- Easy
Base Village:- Paatangaon
App Time To Reach Top:- 2 hours
Water Availability:- The lake water on the fort is suitable for drinking.
Food:- We have to carry our own food. Also available in base village
Shelter:- There are two caves, which can accommodate 40 to 50 persons.
Best Time To Visit:- Any time
How To Reach:- There are three to four known ways to reach the fort of Visapur. We have to reach at Malavali station. From there we can reach top by following ways
From village Malavali :
First route is quite confusing and we may need guide to reach the fort from the village itself. When the Bhaje caves come to our sight we leave stairways & go towards right. For walking upto15 to 20 min we come across small huts. From here the way through jungle takes us to the broken stairs. When we start climbing these stairs there is a small temple & two big caves which can accommodate about 40 people. These stairs straightway take us to the fort of Visapur.
From Lohgaon :
The second route is from just before Lohgaon. From here after reaching Gaimukh Khind we go towards left, which takes us to Visapur fort. This way also takes us through jungle and is much better. This must have been the main entrance, as it is in front of the main door to Lohgad. Moreover well-cut steps are seen here.
From Base Village Paatangaon :
The third route is from the base village named Paatangaon on the western side. Here the way is less confusing, and this joins the way on the first route. This was the way towards the trade route, and some cisterns are on this way. Also two caves and carved idol of Lord Hanuman is seen here. This way is very pleasant.
