Lohagad

Understand

Nothing much is known about the origin of the fort. The first record of the fort dates back to the mid 15th century, when it was mentioned as a fort under the Bahamani Sultanate. With the fall of the Bahamani Sultanate, it came under the control of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, followed by the Bijapur Sultanate. Shivaji took over the fort in 1657 but lost it to the Mughals in 1665. In 1670 the Marathas again took control of Lohagad. Finally, the British took control and the fort remained in their control till it was abandoned in the mid 19th century and declared a protected monument in 1909. In 2025, Lohagad, along with 12 (11 in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu) came under the UNESCO Heritage Site titled Maratha Military Landscapes of India.

Getting there

By plane Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport, Pune (IATA: PNQ), is the nearest airport (65 km).

By train 1 Malavli railway station. Local trains between Pune Junction - Lonavla, Shivajinagar - Lonavla stop here. The only passenger train having a stop at this station is the Pune - Karjat Passenger. (updated Mar 2019)

By car For people traveling from Mumbai or staying back in PCMC, the route is via Lonavala. If starting from Pune take old Mumbai Pune highway. Just after you cross toll plaza before lonavala, keep your left till you cross “Manshakti”. There is a Y-type left turn just after “Manshakti”. Take that left and drive for another ~200 m to take very first left again. You are on the way to Lohgad after crossing the place called “Bhangarwadi” from where it is 8-10 km. If you come across a railway crossing and Mumbai-Pune highway twice you are on right track. You are on way to Paud, continue till you reach “Dudhiware Khind”. Just before it, take left for Lohgad from here it is around 4 km. The road ahead is very steep with couple of sharp turns but safe. For people traveling from Pune city, the route is via Chandani chowk – Pirangut - Paud. After reaching Paud take right and drive for around 40 km. Just after you cross “Dudhiware Khind” you reach to the same place. Take right for Lohgad base. It is tar road and you can reach comfortably till the “Paytha”. It’s a wonderful place and should be tried in between mid August to mid September​ when you can still have rain but the intensity comes down.

Getting around

2 Lohagad Fort entry. Walking is the only option. The main attraction is the fort. It is approximately 915 m above sea level. The climb is not that difficult, but it is steep. It is advisable to have the best footwear as the mountains can really get very slippery during the monsoon. (updated Mar 2026)

See

Lohagad Fort The Lohagad Fort is located atop a table top approachable by a flight of zig-zag stairs passing through four gigantic gateways and past massive bastions. The triangular table top is devoid of any major structure, but does house an unknown tomb, a couple of darghas, rock-cut caves, tanks and water source, etc.

Gates. Winding stairways and paths with sharp hairpin bends lead through the top of the fort. The path passes through four massive gateways consisting of thick spiked wooden doors. The gates are flanked by bastions and guard houses. (updated Mar 2026) Ganesh Darwaja. This is the first of the four gateways of Lohagad Fort. It was constructed by Nana Fadnavis in 1789. Images of Ganpati (Ganesh) flank the gate on both sides and are probably the reason for the nomenclature. Next to the Ganesh Darwaja, a set of three cannons is on display. (updated Mar 2026) Narayan Darwaja. The second gate, Narayan Darwaja, was also an addition of Nana Fadnavis in 1789. It is approached by a narrow flight of stairs and is strategically very important. The gate provides a great bird's-eye view of the winding stairs and pathways, along with the massive bastions. (updated Mar 2026) Hanuman Darwaja. Hanuman Darwaza is the third gateway of the Lohagad Fort. This is probably an older gateway and is said to have been constructed by Aurangzeb in the late 17th century. It once served as the main gateway of the fort. (updated Mar 2026) Maha Darwaja. Maha Darwaza, literally meaning the grand gate, is the last and final gate of the Lohagad Fort. Living up to its name, it is a grand structure flanked by bastions and complete with a guard and drum house. The Maha Darwaja is the last of the gateways and leads to the triangular table top. Adjoining the Maha Darwaja is a small display providing information on the history of the fort and about trails to explore the table top. (updated Mar 2026) 1 Unknown Mausoleum. It is located slightly north-west of the Maha Darwaza. It is th

Sleep

1 Lohagad Valley Camping. Area to pitch a tent, can get cover for sun. (updated Mar 2019) 2 Shivkrupa Hotel, Lohagad Trek Rd, ☏ +91 83907 39304. Basic accommodation at the foot of the fort stairs. Meals available. (updated Mar 2019)