Vairatgad Fort Trekking
Vairatgad Fort is one of the not known forts near Wai in Satara District, Maharashtra, India. Vairatgad is a one-day hill fort trek, which is about 3340 feet above sea level. The fort is no more a major tourist spot as most of the fort's walls are destroyed. The remnants of old buildings are the only thing left on the fort. The highest point of the fort is also not large. The bastion at the entrance of the fort is totally under repair conditions.
There are 5-6 cisterns and a small cave followed by the entrance towards the left under the cliff's cliff and right side, respectively. Rock cut steps are made to reach the top point of the fort. There are about 20-25 steps upwards to the fort. A Hanuman Temple is also seen on the fort. There are two different routes to reach the fort, one from Vyajwadi and the other from Mhasava. The trail used frequently takes more time, while the other takes comparatively less time. The Mhasava trail is avoided as it's way more slippery than the Vyajwadi trail. However, both the trails combine at a point just below the fort.
Hiking Trail
While hiking uphill, you will come across a point where there are two routes seen to approach the fort. Two small water tanks will be there in front of you and facing them, and you have to start walking towards the right, which is the easiest trail to the fort. There no proper trail marked towards the left, and the climb will get tough and risky. After walking for another 15 minutes, one will reach near the entrance. There are several steps upside to enter the fort. There is a temple on the fort named Vairateshwar Temple. In about 30 to 45 minutes, one can explore the fort and enjoy mother nature's beauty. Preferable to Visit in monsoons as the cisterns dry up in summers. Also, in monsoons, one can get to view different types of flowers on the fort.
This fort tells us that this fort was built in the 11th century by King Bhoj of the Shilahar Dynasty. The Fort was then under the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Under his control, the fort was used as a military station. Pandavgad Fort and Vairatgad Fort were captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he conquered the Wai region. In 1818 British came into power of the region.
Hiking Information
Starting Point: Mhasve village, Wai, Satara.
Trek Gradient: Easy grade level trek. It will take about one and a half hours max to reach the fort.
Best time to Visit: Rainy season is the best time to visit the fort, which monsoon winds and greenery all sides.
Water Sources: There is no source of drinking water on the fort. At the same time, 5-6 water tanks are available at the lower side of the fort. Preferable to carry at least 2liters of drinking water with yourself.
How to reach the Fort
Getting there:
- Vairatgad fort is about 240kms from Mumbai. It will take around 5 hours to reach the base village by road route from Mumbai.
- The fort is about 95kms from Pune.
- Wai is the nearest town to the fort. Vairatgad is about 8km from Wai.
- Local transportation is available from Wai to the base village
- Busses are available from Mumbai to Wai at intervals, and then from Wai to Pandavgad, regular local vehicles are available.
- Pune also provides good local transportation between Pune and Wai. One can catch a local ST bus from Swargate.
- Similarly, from Wai to Mhasave and return, local transport is available.
How to reach the Fort
Getting there:
- Vairatgad fort is about 240kms from Mumbai. It will take around 5 hours to reach the base village by road route from Mumbai.
- The fort is about 95kms from Pune.
- Wai is the nearest town to the fort. Vairatgad is about 8km from Wai.
- Local transportation is available from Wai to the base village
- Busses are available from Mumbai to Wai at intervals, and then from Wai to Pandavgad, regular local vehicles are available.
- Pune also provides good local transportation between Pune and Wai. One can catch a local ST bus from Swargate.
- Similarly, from Wai to Mhasave and return, local transport is available.
Every time we visit the vast Sahyadri Range and experience its astonishing beauty, rejoicing each moment, each second of our lives in the mountains. Exploring new routes of life similarly, let's explore new treks and trails of Sahyadri's.
