The Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur’s 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’ in Marathi).

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.

Depart from Pune by 23:00 hrs.
Meet our representative at your pick-up point. After all pick-ups are done we’ll proceed to the starting point of our trek.

Day 0: Highlights

• Travel (approx.): 210 km, 5-6 hrs. (Overnight Journey)

Early in the morning, we reach the base village, Baari. Here, you can have a breakfast.

Start the trek from Baari village. The initial part of the trail is moderate, with a gradual climb through the forest. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and rockier. Use caution and take your time, especially during low-light conditions.

Reach the summit of Kalsubai Peak 5,400 ft. Celebrate your achievement and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Bhandardara Lake and other Sahyadri peaks. At the summit, take your time to rest and appreciate the scenery.

Begin your descent, following the same trail back down to Baari village. Post-completion of the trek, we’ll have our meal and proceed to Pune.
Arrive back in Pune by 22:00 hrs. (approx.)

Day 1: Highlights

• Altitude: ⇑ 2,790 ft. / ⇓ 2,790 ft.
• Trek (approx.): 10 km, 7-8 hrs.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea
• Travel (approx.): 210 km, 5-6 hrs.

The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references for Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in the 6th century, during the rule of the Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves, idols of Lord Vishnu were carved. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya.

Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in the 14th century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions on the fort and those existing in the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.

Water can be seen falling down through the narrows in seven stages. Hence it might have got the name Samvatsada. Saatsada Falls is an incredible and hidden waterfall in a dense forest. The famous Madhe Ghat waterfall came down in Konkan and takes the form of Saatsada falls.

It can be reached in 10 minutes by road. No need to walk much.

‘Vardayini Kund’ is a pool in the river ‘Kal’, in a gorge below the village Dapoli, Taluka Mahad, District Raigad. ‘Vardayini Kund’ is famous for its sacred fish, which villagers believe as the Children of Goddess ‘Vardayini’ that is held in veneration by the people surrounding the place.

The pool is full of fish, namely Kadas, Kolas, and Shindas. Some of the Shindas are of great size, five or six feet long, but they seldom show themselves. A handful of rice brings them to the surface in thousands; some of them are as much as four or five pounds in weight.

This Kund is also popularly known as ‘Aai chi Kond’. The Goddess ‘Vardayini’ is referred here to as ‘Aai’ (Mother).