When our nature-starved minds and hiking-starved legs cried ‘Trekking’ in unison we just couldn’t ignore the demand. With Saturday being ruled out because of work, we had to choose a place for a single-day trek which would also leave us with enough energy for Monday’s work. The choice was Lohagad (The Iron fort) just 2 hours from Mumbai. After a train journey to Malawli (one station after Lonavla) we walked the 7km to the fort.The fort is almost 2000 years old and many additions to its structure were made by Nana Phadnis in the 18^th century. The fort was captured by Shivaji from the Moguls in 1648 AD, but he was forced to surrender it in 1665 AD by a treaty. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it for keeping his treasury.

As we approached the fort, we were surprised to note that most of the architecture was intact; especially the recent structures which are about 250 years old. We entered through the Ganesh Darwajaa. There are 3 other entrances: the Narayan Darwajaa, Hanuman Darwajaa and the Maha Darwajaa.  On many rectangular pieces of stone there were inscriptions detailing the year it was constructed and under whom.

Between Narayan & Hanuman Darwaaja there are two godowns that were used as granaries. Across the Maha Darwaaja is an old ‘Dargah’ where we come across the remnants of the court. Beyond the Dargah is a small temple of Lord Shiva.

To the western side of the fort is ‘Vinchu Kata’ meaning (scorpion). From the fort this appendage of the fort looks like a scorpion’s sting and hence the name. The ‘Vinchu Kata’ was used for keeping a watch on activities and enemies in the nearby area without being noticed. Walking the entire length of the Vinchu Kata can be quite an experience. The width of path being just around 20 feet and the sides falling steep on either side, the ground seems to be moving faster when you walk. Avoid looking down and concentrate on the path to make it enjoyable.

We climbed on to the very top of the mountain from where it was a breath taking view of the panoramic plains below. The fort being at a height of 3400 ft above sea level, we were on level with the clouds. As soon as the first wisp of cloud touched us all the tiredness just vanished. We waited with open mouths to devour clouds as they came floating by and had a hearty snack of sandwiches which we had carried. The sight of the canons strewed around took us back in time when brave Marathas fired canon balls on the enemies below.

After spending around an hour more of eating clouds, admiring nature and clicking pictures we began our descent. Lohagad is an easy trek and is necessarily a single day’s affair since there are no hotels around. Make sure you carry eat things and plenty of water too as there are no eateries in the vicinity.

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