Weekend Travels: Vasota Fort (also called Vyaghragad) and Nageshwar

Vasota Fort is also known as Vyaghragad. Vasota is the most popular Jungle trek in Maharashtra. Situated on the western edge of the Satara District, Vasota is covered with dense forest all the way through. With panoramic view of the shiv Sagar Lake on the eastern side and surrounded by the river Koyna, Vasota makes a special treat for trekkers. Vasota is divided in to three Old Vasota Fort, New Vasota Fort and Nageshwar. Old Vasota is surrounded by deep forest and wild animals.

Vasota is situated near Bamnoli village in Satara District. Bamnoli is just 35 kms from Satara. To reach Vasota, first we need to reach at Bamnoli, it is a common way to reach Vasota. From Bamnoli we can go by Launch. The lunch journey is 1½ hrs. One can experience the peaceful and beautiful nature while traveling through launch. If you want to stay at Vasota or Nageshwar you should have a prior permission of Forest Department. The office is in Bamnoli. Lunch takes Approx Rs.1,600 for 10 person or plus.

I have been to Vasota twice. There are wild animals and snakes in the forest, commonly called as Koyana Abhayaranya (Koyana Wild-life Century).

History of Vasota Fort

Vasota Fort (also called Vyaghragad) is located in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. 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.

Best time to Visit:

December to May

What to see?

Bastian, Fortification, Cannon, Water cisterns, Temple of Mahadev, famous Babukad, ruined palace, Old Vasota, Nageshwar, Dense Forest, Koyna backwaters

Water and Food

No water & food on the Fort. Need to carry food and water along with. Water is available on the way and on the fort, but depends upon season which you are visiting. Food can be taken from hotels in Bamnoli or bring from home.

Stay / Accommodation

No place to stay on the Fort. One can stay at Bamnoli

Places around

Nageshwar, Tapola, Kass Plateau, Ajinkyatara Fort, Sajjangad, Thoseghar Waterfall

Approximate Distance from Pune

145Kms (till Bamnoli) and there after the lunch journey is 1½ hrs.

Route Available from Pune

Pune – Khandala – Satara – Satara City – Kass Plateau - Bamnoli

For more photos see link below

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