Usually, the fort opens from Nov 1, but this year, due to lack of rains, the forest department has opened the fort for tourists 15 days early. Vasota fort, also known as ‘Vyaghragad’, nestled in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary under Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, has opened for tourists after more than four months.
Usually, the fort opens from Nov 1, but this year, due to lack of rains, the forest department has opened the fort for tourists 15 days early. Vasota fort, also known as ‘Vyaghragad’, nestled in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary under Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, has opened for tourists after more than four months.
Vasota fort is located at a height of 3,842 feet above sea level on a hill within a dense forest near the Koyna dam backwaters. Tourists will be charged Rs150 each for adults and Rs50 for children up to 12 years. The guide fee is Rs300, boat charge is Rs 200 and camera charge is Rs100. Vasota is located in the Bamanoli forest area about 42 km from Satara. The British forces bombarded the fort with artillery in 1818 during the Peshwa rule, destroying several structures.
The fort usually opens from Nov 1 but due to lack of rains, the forest department opened the fort 15 days earlier, from Oct 15 this year, along with its other portions to avoid overcrowding. Because of its defensive capabilities, shivaji Maharaj named it Vyaghragad. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve field director Tushar Chavan said, “The Vasota Fort route is a silent and plastic-free zone as plastic items are completely banned. The fort is said to have been used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a prison and a surveillance point over Konkan. Trek organiser Abhijeet Mohite said, “Vasota fort is believed to have been built in the 11th century by Kolhapur Shilahara ruler Nandgopal and later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in the 16th century.
Kolhapur: Vasota fort, also known as ‘Vyaghragad’, nestled in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary under Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, has opened for tourists after more than four months. To reach the fort, a boat must be taken from Shivsagar reservoir followed by a trek through the forest. Boating facilities are available through local boat clubs that include Munawale, Shembadi, Ambawade and Bamanoli. Tourists can apply for trek permission, which needs to be taken from the forest department and a guide will be assigned to assist tourists on the trail. Vasota Fort falls within a sensitive area of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, making it crucial to protect wildlife and the environment during tourism. Tourists should enjoy tourism at the fort by avoiding noise pollution, not littering and without disturbing wildlife. The dilapidated fort now contains remnants of temples and a meeting hall. Tourists can also visit other attractions like Shembadi Math, Munawale waterfall, Thoseghar waterfall and the Kas plateau along with visiting the fort. Download the TOI App.