In last minute, when we changed our idea from Rajmachi to Lohagad, we never knew that it is such a beautiful place. I had gone through bits and pieces about Rajmachi trek. My friends suggested that it is not the right place to visit with two people. Pavan told me there are some robbery cases in nights. So we decided to change our mind and made our mind to visit Lohagad fort.
We didn't even know that Lohagad is near to Malvali. We thought of going to Lonavala and then starting the trek. But luckily we were helped by a local. We missed the 7 AM train to Lonavala. So we went for a breakfast in a small tea shop. We had vada pav and tea. The owner of the tea shop gave detailed information about the surrounding. Then we got to know Lohagad is only 6 km from Malvali. Best part about our conversation is his English. He spoke fluent English. When we meet people like him, we will get to know life is all about learning.
Bhaja caves gate opens at 9 AM. We were bit early to the caves and we thought of going back. We almost climbed down half of the steps and then we saw the gate keeper. We could have missed this beautiful creation.
Since this was the beginning of our cave exploration , we spent nearly 1 hour here. The prayer hall was big. The rooms where monks used to pray were smaller one. It accommodated only two monks.
Wooden ceiling had developed holes but still were strong enough to hold all the pressure and natural factors. It looked very old. Even some bats have made their houses here.
From Bhaja caves , there is another route to Lohagad. We went in search of that route, but we ended up in two falls. Then we climbed down to reach the road. But whatever we did it enhanced the beauty of our trek.
You can take your vehicle near Lohagad fort, if you are not interested in walking few kilo meters.
First thing you need to do when you reach to the top is roam around in all directions. You will find small reverse water fall which moves upward.
But the most beautiful part of the fort is Vinchukata fortification. The heaven is here. Rain came and went but we decided to stay. Probably this was the the 2nd best part of our trip. (First being Kailasha cave Ellora).
We didn't even know that Lohagad is near to Malvali. We thought of going to Lonavala and then starting the trek. But luckily we were helped by a local. We missed the 7 AM train to Lonavala. So we went for a breakfast in a small tea shop. We had vada pav and tea. The owner of the tea shop gave detailed information about the surrounding. Then we got to know Lohagad is only 6 km from Malvali. Best part about our conversation is his English. He spoke fluent English. When we meet people like him, we will get to know life is all about learning.
Bhaja caves
The beauty of exploring any place without planning is, it gives you a lot of surprises. These surprises will make your trip awesome. We were asking about Lohagad but by mistake we were lead to Bhaja caves. Bhaja caves belong to a period between 2nd century BC and 1st century AD. It is regarded as one of the oldest cave found in Deccan region. These caves belong to Hinayana members of Buddhism. More you come across these terms more you will dig into the history, archaeology and sculptures. I have mentioned in my previous posts on Badami, where I said few words about architectures. Since Ajanta and Ellora were my interests , I studied few articles on the same.
I have explained in brief about Hinayana and Mahayana style of architecture in separate post i.e. buddhist caves hinayana and mahayana . You can find it useful if you are interested in knowing the history behind this sculptures.
Bhaja caves gate opens at 9 AM. We were bit early to the caves and we thought of going back. We almost climbed down half of the steps and then we saw the gate keeper. We could have missed this beautiful creation.
Since this was the beginning of our cave exploration , we spent nearly 1 hour here. The prayer hall was big. The rooms where monks used to pray were smaller one. It accommodated only two monks.
Wooden ceiling had developed holes but still were strong enough to hold all the pressure and natural factors. It looked very old. Even some bats have made their houses here.
Though it is Buddhist cave, you will find Hindu sculptures. It might have been built by Hindu architect or it is indication of their roots in Hinduism.
We also found different kinds of species here. The crab we found was big in size. Even the red color worms looked amazing.
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| Amazing view near Bhaja caves |
You can take your vehicle near Lohagad fort, if you are not interested in walking few kilo meters.
We found small water falls on the way. It was refreshing for us in hot weather.
Lohagad fort is built by Shatavahanas. It is one of the oldest fort since Shatavahanas dates back to 2nd century BC. For every gate there is god's name.
Top view from the fort is very much scenic. It is surrounded by Pavana reservoir.
First thing you need to do when you reach to the top is roam around in all directions. You will find small reverse water fall which moves upward.
But the most beautiful part of the fort is Vinchukata fortification. The heaven is here. Rain came and went but we decided to stay. Probably this was the the 2nd best part of our trip. (First being Kailasha cave Ellora).
ಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೇಲಿದಂತೆ
ಮಳೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾಡಿದಂತೆ
ನದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈಜಿದಂತೆ
ನನ್ನ ಆವರಿಸಿದ ಅನುà²à²µ
Though it is scorpion shape, it looks like the queen decorated with green sari. The sky looked like the crown. The surrounding looked like the kingdom. And I was the prince.
For few minutes I forgot I was hungry. We opened chudva, which Arjun had brought from his home. After filling stomach we moved to other direction. Few small kids were moving towards us chanting "Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji". That shows how much Chatrapathi Shivaji is inspiration for each kids of Maharashtra. Shivaji always reminded me Keladi Chennamma who ruled my home town. So if you dig into history, only two people stood against the devil spirit of Aurangajeb successfully. One is Chatrapathi Shivaji and another is Keladi Chennamma. A queen of small province defeated Aurangajeb's army who wanted to kill Rajaram, Shivaji's son. These two will remain inspiration to the younger generation.
After few minutes, we started climbing down. We had lime and Cocum juice near the entrance. Then we had cucumber on the way. We spent some time near the falls. By the time we reached our room , we were little tired. In the lohagad hangover we had dinner and without thinking about any plan, went to bed.
Lohagad will remain in my mind as the first trek in Maharashtra. And also it will remain as very special because of the Vinchukata fortification.
Notes :
Refer link Lonavala for accommodation and other information about Lonavala.
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