Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort, also known as Iron Fort, is a historic fort located in the hill station of Lonavala in Maharashtra, India. The fort is situated at an altitude of 1,033 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The fort has a rich history, dating back to the 10th century AD. It was initially built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty and later captured by the Maratha leader Shivaji Maharaj in 1648. During the 18th century, the fort was used as a prison by the British.
The fort is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers, as it offers a challenging climb to the top. The trek to the fort starts from the base village of Malavali and takes around 2-3 hours to reach the top. Along the way, visitors can see the many caves and water cisterns that were built by the Maratha army for their use.
Once at the top, visitors can explore the fort's many structures, including the Maha Darwaza, the Vinchu Kata (scorpion's tail), and the Loha Dhavaja (Iron Flag). Visitors can also see the Bhaje caves, which are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves located near the fort.
The fort also offers a great view of the surrounding area, including the nearby Tikona and Visapur forts. Visitors can also see the nearby Lonavla and Khandala hill stations, as well as the Tung and Tikona valleys.
The fort is open all year round and is a popular destination for visitors to Lonavla. Visitors can also reach the fort by road, with regular bus services available from Lonavla and Pune.