Vasota Fort, also known as Vyaghragad, is located in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Did you know that Tai Telin, a mistress of Pant Pratinidhi, defended this fort when he was captured? That’s some serious dedication!
This fort was attributed to the Kolhapur Shilahara Chief Bhoja II, but it always remained with Marathas, Shirkes & Mores in the 16th century. Shivaji incorporated the fort into Swarajya in 1655 during the conquest of Javli and renamed it “Vyaghragad” due to its natural defense, which was as difficult as a tiger’s.
But wait, there’s more! In 1818, the British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery, destroyed many buildings, and looted property worth 5 lakhs.
Now that the fort is declared as a tiger reserve, you can expect to meet leeches, leopards, sloth bears, and many other exciting animals on your trek. But don’t worry; the difficulty level is only medium with a long walk, gradual climb, and a slightly difficult patch on the way to Nageshwar.
What will you see on your trek? Breathtaking panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges from Nageshwar point, the Koyna backwater (Shivsagar lake) and the dense forest view from the fort, Hanuman temple, Ganapati, Hanuman Murti, and Chunyacha Ghana.
To reach the fort, you can travel from Pune to Bamnoli via Satara and then take permission from the forest office. From Bamnoli, you can reach the fort by boat (ride costs Rs. 3000 per 12 persons).
Now, for some precautions: use proper trekking gear, especially during or after the rainy season when leeches can be found in this area. Don’t remove your footwear and be careful. Also, GPS signals may not be available, and mobile signals are scarce.
The trek was a 3km walk with a lesser gradient and a difficult steep climb in the last 1km, but the view you get to see is worth the sweat. They say, “The best view comes after the hardest climb,” and I couldn’t agree more. All your tiredness will vanished when you feel the fresh, cold breeze touch the faces, and your eyes see the best view ever.
The fort may not be well restored, but one can still manage to see some fort ruins and remains of a mandir.
Overall, the trek was worth the pain, and I highly recommend the Vasota trek if you’re in or near Tapola. Who knows, you might even come back with a tiger as a new best friend!
recommended nearby places
Vandan Fort (Satara)
Chandan-Vandan Forts! These twin forts, located just 26 km from Satara, are a must-see for any traveler in the area.…
