Vasota Fort straddles the Ghat line, protected by a bear-infested jungle. It is inaccessible except for a long and arduous trek. It has two forts, an old one and a newer one. It is possible to visit the new Vasota Fort through thick jungles.

At Bamnoli (Base Village) regular motor ferry services are available that take us to Met-Indavali from where we can walk on the western shores of the lake. Proceed along an arm of the Koyna Lake to the west. The route is now thickly forested with no human habitation. Climb through the dense forest by a tricky route to reach the top of the fort.

Entrance in the dilapidated state, remnants, Hanuman temple and Mahadev temple are the only monuments still standing on the fort. But the plateau offers a breathtaking view of the thick forest and the Koyna Back Waters. The hill where Nageshwar Cave is situated can be seen from the Kalkai Machi. From here one can observe both sides of the Ghat area as well as long drops in the Konkan.

The most fascinating point is Babu Kada, which offers a spectacular view of the steep cliffs of the mountain range falling straight deep into the Konkan area. The mountain in front is known as Old Vasota Fort.

The Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahar chief Bhoja II (1178-1193) of Panhala. In the 16th century, Vasota was always held by the Marathas, Shirkes and Mores.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj incorporated the fort in Swarajya while conquering Jaoli in 1655. Due to difficult natural defences, Shivaji Maharaj renamed the fort “Vyaghragarh” (Vyaghra – means tiger).

This fort was occupied in 1806 by a woman named Tai Telin. It was famously defended by Tai Telin a mistress of Pant Pratinidhi a Killedar of the fort when he was captured. Bapu Gokhale, the Peshwa general, ousted her in 1810 after several battles.

Later, around 1815, it was used as a prison and among other prisoners were two British officers, Hunter and Morrison. Gen. Fitzgerald led the British army in May 1818. They used elephants to make their way through the dense forest and stormed the nearby old Vasota fort. From its good height, they fired artillery, destroyed many buildings in Vasota (Chandika Temple, Storage Rooms etc.), looted property worth 5 lakhs, captured the fort and freed all the prisoners.

23:30:
Once you reach your pick-up point, mark your presence with the SG-Trekkers representative. Then we will travel by private bus to the starting point of the trek.

03:30 – 05:30
We reach Bamnoli village at the base of Vasota Fort.
Have a rest for 2 hrs. (Carry your own bedding, if possible.)

05:30 – 06:30
Wake up & refresh yourself. (Toilets are available.)
Have breakfast & tea. (Pack your lunch in your empty tiffin.)

06:45
Our field experts will provide pre-trek information and instructions to all participants.

07:00 – 09:00
We will travel by ferry boat to reach Vasota fort base; after boating about 12-13 km, we reach Met Indavali. To complete all the formalities enter into the Koyna WLS at check post.

09:00 – 11:00
Enjoy the vast & dense forest of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary while moving towards Vasota Fort. En route, we can see some of the historic war monuments in the nearby forest.

11:00 – 14:00
Explore Vasota Fort.

To the south, you can visit one of the majestic cliffs of the Sahyadri, the “Babu Kada”. To the north, there are remnants of an old structured lord Shiva temple as well as an old prison structure. In the centre of Vasota Fort, you will find the foundation of the building structure, Maruti temple, large water ponds as well as small and joint water tanks, limestone mix grinders, etc.

Have a Lunch.

14:00 – 17:30
Now we start to descend; It takes 2 hours to reach the base. Returning by boat, we reach the base village.

17:30 – 22:00
Refresh yourself. Have a tea.
Start the journey back to Pune with very pleasant memories.

22:00
Reach Pune and it’s time to say goodbye to your travel companion. Let’s stay in touch via phone/social media and meet again for another memorable trip.

SEE YOU SOON! 🙂

Day 1: Highlights

• Altitude: ⇑ 1,480 ft. / ⇓ 1,480 ft.
• Walk (approx.): 6 hrs., 8 km.
• Accommodation: N/A
• Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea