Trek to Lohgad Fort & Drive to Pawana Lake

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/3/c/0/600_376989152.jpeg

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/4/0/6/600_376989222.jpeg

Do u need to be there.. Right amongst the clouds. And that's what we are planning to do.. Dont take this as a tough trek coz if it was I wouldnt be going there. But to be there ready to do a bit of hard work. :)

Start for Lohgad by 8 am

We start for Lohgad by 8 from Lonavla Station. Intend to be back at base by 12pm. Lohagad Fort or the Iron Fort is certainly one of the most spectacular sightseeing spots in the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. The narrow, zig zag steps leading up to the fort are estimated to be about 500 in number. Enveloped in a rich historical past, the fort was said to be used by Chatrapati Shivaji and other dynasties which ruled Maratha and Vidharbha kingdoms. The walk to the fort takes about 1.5 hours. If you want to avoid climbing the steps, you can also take an alternate route with clearly defined paths. Completely worth the effort, the view on top is bound to leave speechless.

Visit Bhaja Caves (Optional- will be decided after the trek down and by majority )
Bhaja caves, second century old Buddhist caves, in Lonavala is rare Buddhist tourist destination. This rare Buddhist destination reveals the Indian mastery in sculpting and ancient architecture. The notable feature of the caves is its group of 14 stupas, which enfold an irregular excavation with five stupas inside and nine outside.

Finally after a good Sunday work out proceed to Pawana lake for the wonderful views which it offers in monsoon. This beautiful lake is mesmerising with great views along the road skirting it. The lake has blue-turquoise water and is surrounded by mountains. And for all water sports enthusiasts there are water sports available.

Head back to our destinations.

Cost : Rs 1000/-
You need to deposit 1000 Rs for confirmation of your trip. We will do all the expenses from the same. Return if excess and take more if the common pool dries up.

Travel : By Car pool/ Train (included in above cost)
If we travel by train then for local travel in lonavla we will hire shared rickshaws.

Cost Includes :

Travel from Mumbai to Lonavla ( Train/ Car pool)

Local Travel ( Auto Rickshaw/Car Pool)

Break fast at Lonavla

Lunch at a Dhabha/ Decent Restaurant

Evening Tea and Bhajiye

Cost doesnot include:

Any Snacks en route to lonavla

Mineral water In short the only costs mentioned above are included. Anything other than is extra.

Details of locations covered:

Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort or the Iron Fort is certainly one of the most spectacular sightseeing spots in the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. The narrow, zig zag steps leading up to the fort are estimated to be about 500 in number. Enveloped in a rich historical past, the fort was said to be used by Chatrapati Shivaji and other dynasties which ruled Maratha and Vidharbha kingdoms. The walk to the fort takes about 1.5 hours. If you want to avoid climbing the steps, you can also take an alternate route with clearly defined paths. Completely worth the effort, the view on top is bound to leave speechless.
Located at an altitude of more than 1050 metres, the hill fort is designed in the shape of fangs of a scorpion. However, additional structures, which include step well and big tank, were added to the fort during the late 18th century.
The three gates of the fort are connected to the main entrance gate, known as the 'Delhi Gate'. At the third gate, there is a small cave, which was initially used for storage of food material. All the four gates of the fort are still intact.
The actual date of original fort is not clearly known but the known records points out some additional constructions such as a step well and big tank during eighteenth century. The ancient fort’s four mammoth gates are still intact and are in good condition.

Bhaja Caves
Bhaja caves, second century old Buddhist caves, in Lonavala is rare Buddhist tourist destination. These caves encloses 18 rock cut caves constructed by Buddhist nuns and enshrines many sculptures like a prince in a chariot, a prince seated on an elephant, three armed warriors and dancing couples. All these sculptures are the specimen of Indian architectural age and the mastery in sculpturing.
The first cave is believed to be the residential place of the master of the caves, the next ten caves are Buddhist viharas with one cave contains the Chaitya hall. The rest seven caves are adorned with inscriptions including the details of the donor. Popular are the 22 rock-cut caves, which depict various sculptures, like that of a prince in a chariot, a prince seated on an elephant, three armed warriors and dancing couples, among others. Close to the last cave is a waterfall, which ends in a small pond. This rare Buddhist destination reveals the Indian mastery in sculpting and ancient architecture. The notable feature of the caves is its group of 14 stupas, which enfold an irregular excavation with five stupas inside and nine outside.
The Bhaja Caves were built by the Buddhist nuns around 200 BC. Located in Karli, these caves are on an ancient trade route, which extends from the eastward side of the Arabian Sea towards the Deccan.

Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake (Pavna Lake) is an artificial lake formed by the Pawna Dam built across the Pawna River nearby Lonavala. The lake attracts many tourists due to its imposing natural ambience and cool climate. From the dam site one can view the majestic sights of Tungi, Logagarh and Tikona forts. The boating in the lake gives you a magnificent view of the surrounding forts and the hillocks. The place is mostly cool and it is a nice place to sit and relax in the lap of the nature