Vasota Fort Trek

Top View from Vasota Fort 

When you talk about fitness, there is nothing more pleasant and adventurous than trekking. A human body is put to the limit when it comes to the challenge a trek can provide. So, being a manager of a fitness center I wanted my trainers and members to experience a real thing, it was like cardio training & weight training combined; that too for hours.

So, as far as Vasota Fort is concerned, it can be reached from 2 sides. [1] If you are on a coastal side of Maharashtra, Chiplun is a major city, from where one needs to go to Choravane. From Choravane one can reach Nageshwar Temple (Nageshi) and Vasota. This is a longer route compared to the eastern side. [2] From the eastern side Vasota can be reached through Boat only, there are no alternatives. Tapola (Near Mahabaleshwar) and Kasbe Bamnoli (Near Kaas Platue) are the 2 towns one can get boats (launch). 

The history of  Fort Vasota as per Wikipedia:

Vasota Fort (also called Vyaghragad) is located in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.^[1] It was famously defended by Tai Telin a mistress of Pant Pratinidhi a killedar of the fort when he was captured. Vasota fort is attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahara Raja Bhoja II (1178–1193) of Panhala. Vasota always remained with Marathas, Shirkes & Mores in 16th century & then incorporated in Swarajya by Shivaji Maharaj in 1655 during the conquest of Javli. Shivaji Maharaj named the fort "Vyaghragad" (Vyaghra – means tiger), owing to its difficult natural defense. After Shivaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha Bajirao Peshwa carried on the Swarajya mission of ousting the Mughal invaders from our country. In 1818 however, British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery thereby destroying many buildings on Vasota (Chandika mandir, Daru-kothar, etc.) & looted property worth 5 lakhs. Today the fort stands in a dilapidated condition in a thick jungle with remnants of Shree Mahadev mandir, the plinth of a huge "sadar" (discussion place), the fallen ramparts & spectacular view of Nageshwar peak & Shivsagar lake (Koyna backwaters).

We started our journey from Solapur on Saturday at 10.30. Our trek was scheduled on Sunday so we took Saturday as the day to have a relaxing journey and a sound sleep at a resort so that we can be fit n fresh for the trek next day. Fro Solapur we reached Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar around 18.30. 

Mapro Garden, Mahabaleshwar

Walking Street, Mahabaleshwar

After some fun and shopping at Mahabaleshwar, We went towards Tapola Road to Sakha Niwas Resort, 25kms from Mahabaleshwar. This is a wonderful resort located on the banks of river Koyna at a small town Harchandi. The hospitality, hygiene and food quality is remarkable. We had the night well spent at Sakha Niwas. The morning walk towards River Koyna was spell bound.

A/p Harchandi

Koyna River

After having breakfast, we took our PACKED LUNCH from Sakha Niwas & left for Tapola, where our Boat was booked for Vasota. The fee for a wonderful stay, breakfast, tea and a packed lunch at Sakha Niwas was merely Rs. 750/-.

From Tapola we commenced our boat journey and went to Kasbe Bamnoli. This is another beautiful village on the banks of Shivsagar Lake (Koyna Backwater). People often stay at Bamnoli (before visiting Vasota) in a temple, there are no hotels to stay though. This is also a good option as the temple is clean and big (can accommodate 50-60 people). A forest office is situated at Bamnoli and bacause Vasota Fort is located in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (Koyna Wldlife Sanctuary), we had to take permission from the forest department. You must provide name and contact no. of each member as well as PAN CARD no of any one. Then one of the officials will come and check your bags in case if you are not carrying any alcohol or undesirable items. The guide fee is Rs. 300/-. per person entry Rs. 30/-. per camera Rs. 50/- and boat charges Rs. 150/-.

Boat at Tapola

Forest Office, Kasbe Bamnoli

Kasbe Bamnoli

Hotel at Kasbe Bamnoli

   After finishing the formalities we commenced our boat ride again towards Vasota at 10.00. It takes around 90 mins to reach Vasota from Bamnoli by boat.

Shivsagar Lake (Koyna Backwater)

Vasota Fort first look

Getting near the fort base

After reaching Met Indavali (Base village of Fort Vasota) we followed the river trail which lead us to another Forest Office. Lots of Jambhool Trees can be seen alongside. At the office our bags were checked and some guidelines were given by forest officials. There was a man selling Buttermilk (Taak) at the office. This was a pleasant surprise for all of us.

Forest GAte, Met Indavali

Forest Office at Met Indavali

After the final set of formalities, the much awaited trek to the Vasota fort was started through the dense and evergreen forest of Koyna. There is a marked road till the end so one can do without guides. For the average person it might take around 2 hours to reach the top. Even if the sun is out, the density of the forest wont allow its rays to reach the ground, that means you can have a nice walk along in the shadow of the big trees throughout the trek. The trek is long but not difficult by any means. we came across couple of streams but very early in our trek when almost all the water bottles that we carried were full. But still we drank the purest and actually the MINERAL WATER and began to walk again. There are lots of informational boards installed in the pathway by forest department explaining which animals/plants can be found in the Konya Wildlife Sanctuary and some more information about them, List of animals found around this area includes Wild Dogs, Giant Squirrel, Sloath Bears, Leopards, Bamboo Pit Vipers, Pythons & Tigers. Even though there is dense forest, Vasota Trek is not confusing because Path is clearly marked by stones and there is a clear trail. 

Stream on the way

Maruti & Ganesh Mandir 

There are couple of steep climbs along the trail. None of them is too difficult. Then there is the only junction in the trail that we come up. If you go right you can end up reaching Nageshwar Temple (Nageshwar Cave) which is located far west and can be seen after reaching the top. It takes another 90 mins approx to reach there. The trail to the left will continue towards Vasota.

Nageshwar Temple View from Vasota 

Machi 

Koyna Backwater from the top 

Old Stairs 

Maruti Mandir on the top

Babu Kada

Nageshwar Temple Junction 

After some excursion on top, we started our return journey by 14.45. The decline at some forts is risky and dangerous, but here it is completely easy. We reached the base at 15.30. Had some Bhaji and Buttermilk and returned to Bamnoli before 18.00.

The experience was so good that all the members have already stated to wish for the next trek. The beauty of the nature and its handsomeness is mesmerizing. No one could ever imagine and explain it better than the following lines:

"Life and nature are similar concepts because nature is the study of how life acts and interacts within the circle of existence. When we take the time to examine the beauty of the world around us, we are able to see parallels within our own lives. One who is attuned with nature is attuned with the practice of living. All of nature moves in a spiral as do our personal lives. It is important to spend time in nature because in this way we can become attuned to its wisdom." 

Till the next adventure..

Chetan M Padiyar

January, 2014.