All you need to know about Visapur Fort trek before your visit

For Mumbai Trekkers: Drive along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway toward Lonavala; take the second exit for Lonavala. After reaching Malavali station, descend to Bhaje village. Here, parking is available for a fee.

Take the NH48 instead, then exit at the next exit after the JAVC campus and Jain temple. To go to Malavali station, proceed directly to Bhaje village.

Bus from Mumbai: From Dadar station, board an Asiad or ST bus and alight at the Malavali station. Use a shared vehicle which will cost you Rs 50 each, or travel 3 km by foot.

Intercity Train from Mumbai: Leave Dadar at 7 a.m. and board it. Make sure to purchase a ticket; after covid on the spot, tickets are not issued; buy in advance even if it is waiting for confirmation, and board the train.

At the Lonavala station, exit. You have two choices here:
1. Hire a rickshaw for Rs 150 for three seats to travel the 12 kilometers from Lonavala station to Malavali station. Negotiate the price if you wish to ride in the same rickshaw for the additional 4 km to Bhaje village.
2. Take the hourly local train that travels between Pune and Lonavala. You can get a ticket for Rs. 5 and get to Malavali station, the first stop after Lonavala, in 5 minutes.

Own a car: Drive to the Malavali station by exiting the NH48 at Karla and heading toward Lonavala. When you arrive at Malavali station, go down to Bhaje village, and parking is accessible here for a cost. Alternately, leave the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at the Lonavala exit and head south. To get to Malavali station and Bhaje village, keep going straight.

Pune Bus: From Swargate in Pune, take an Asiad or ST bus, and get off at Malavali Station. Use a shared vehicle which will cost you Rs 50 per person, or stroll the three km by foot.

Lonavala by Local train: Take the hourly local train from Mumbai to Lonavala. You can get to Malavali station for no more than Rs 5 in tickets, which takes 5 minutes. Take a shared vehicle for Rs 50 per person or walk three kilometers down.

Expect huge crowds: One popular hike in the Mumbai-Pune region is Visapur, which gets packed on the weekends.

Pro tip: Bhaje to Lohagadwadi jeeps are available; you can hire them to save time, and they drop you to the trailhead from here. The trek is only one hour till Visapur Fort.

By Air Visapur Fort: To get to Pune Airport, all travelers who intend to trek to Visapur Fort must first take a flight. A straight hire cab can be used to travel 60 kilometers from Pune Airport and Visapur Fort with ease. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Lonavala and then take a Jeep taxi to continue your journey.

The Visapur hike is moderately challenging; however, it is appropriate for both novice and seasoned hikers. Even though your walking route is somewhat rocky, you will have a peaceful experience because the path is lined with numerous deciduous forests and waterfalls.

It also depends on the type of route taken. The complex Patan village and Bhaje caves route require high endurance and stamina. The Lohagadwadi route is crowded but is easier for newcomers and the shortest route available.

A healthy person should be able to reach the summit in no more than two hours on average hiking. However, the time it takes to climb to the top of Visapur Fort depends on your chosen route and your physical stamina, trekking gear, and hiking ability.

Even though the ascent to Visapur Fort is tricky, you still need to be prepared appropriately. You will require the following essential trekking equipment:

• Bring a hiking bag to contain all of your belongings.
• The second piece of clothing, including socks, should be packed because most of the ascent is on a waterfall trail.
• Bring a jacket or sweater for the evening
• Trekking boots are a requirement.
• Make sure you bring enough water, as well as any necessary snacks.
• Have a waterproof jacket on hand.
• Don sunglasses
• There are no public restrooms along the route, so bring some basic amenities.
• Carry a first aid kit with you.
• Wearing uncomfortable, light, or flimsy shoes is not advised. A

Avoid carrying valuables and wearing jewelry.