H A Treks for a Cause : Vasota Fort Jungle Trek

Type : Forest forts

Fort Range : Mahabaleshwar

District : Satara

Grade : Medium to Difficult

Include

1. Pune to pune Pvt Transport

2. Forest & Boating entry fee

3. 3 Time tea & Breackfast

4. 1 Night Stay

5. Campfire)

6. Guide

7. 1 Veg-Non-veg unlimited Diner & 1 Lunch 

7. First aid kit

 Situated in dense forests surrounded by river Koyna is the fort of Vasota, which according to the ‘Dnyaneshwari’ means a resting place. This fort is also known by the name of Vyaghragad.

History :

      We have to go back to the times of Sage Vasishtha to know how exactly old is the fort. It’s believed that a disciple of Vasishtha, a sage by the name Agasti, came to reside on a mountain on the banks of river Koyana. He named the mountain after his mentor. Later the mountain was fortified and converted into a military station. In the course of time, fort Vasishtha was pronounced as ‘Vasota’.

This fort is believed to belong to the Shilahar dynasty era, and probably named Vasota due to the name Vasantgad given to it during that era. According to ancient scriptures Shivaji took Vasota after his successful raid on Javli region. But it is untrue. Shivaji took Javli and other forts in the Konkan region but Vasota eluded him. When Shivaji was trapped on Panhalgad he dispatched a battalion from his main army and won Vasota on June 6, 1660. Later in 1679, 26,000 rupees were found on the fort. Among the prisoners caught in 1661 in Rajapur, Faren and Samuel were kept imprisoned on the fort.

Later in 1706, Tai Telini brought the fort under her control. The very next year Peshwa Senapati Bapu Gokhale fought with her. After 8-10 months of intense battle, Bapu Nadkarni conquered the fort.

There are two entrances to the fort Vasota. The first one lies in a dilapidated state. We enter the fort through the second one.

On entering the fort we see a Hanuman temple, now devoid of a roof. Three ways go ahead this temple. The path straight ahead takes us to the remnants of the fort. The one on the left takes us at ‘Kalkaiche Thane’. On the way is a Mahadeo temple which can accommodate 2-3 people. Moving along the path we arrive at ‘Machi’. The view of the surrounding region is simply spectacular.

The path on the left of the Maruti temple takes us to the joint water cisterns. Water in these cisterns is potable. The way proceeds to a fascinating cliff named Babukada, shaped like the letter ‘U’ that reminds us of Konkan Kada of Harishchandragad. The mountain seen in front of Babukada is the Old Vasota.

Old Vasota :

      The mountain that is seen from the Babukada on Vasota is Old Vasota. No way exists now that takes us to this fort. In addition there is an acute shortage of water. Also presence of wild animals in the area keeps the trekkers away from this fort.

Charge - 2,600/- PP

Registration Fee : 1,000/- Non Refundable

Gpay / Paytm :

744 744 0066 Jitendra Shinde

Any Query please call on   744 744 0066

What You Should Carry: Two Day Trek

Water Bottle (Important)

Identity Proof with a Passport Size Photo

Cap

Sport Shoes with Good Grip

Essential Medicines

Snacks as Needed

Raincoat

Extra Pair of Clothes 1 / 2 Pair as You Need

Extra Cash if You Wish to Buy Something

Torch, Good at Night

Pen & Notebook

Pocket Knife

For any questions or queries, please contact Jitendra Shinde on +91 7447440066.