Lohagad

Lohagad
Main entrance to Lohagad fort.
Highest point
Elevation	3,390 ft (1,030 m)
Coordinates	18°42′32″N 73°28′36″E / 18.70889°N 73.47667°E / 18.70889; 73.47667Coordinates: 18°42′32″N 73°28′36″E / 18.70889°N 73.47667°E / 18.70889; 73.47667
Naming
Translation	लोहगड
Geography
Lohagad Location of Lohagad in Maharashtra
Location	Pune District, Maharashtra, India
Parent range	Western Ghats

Lohagad (Marathi: लोहगड, iron fort) is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level. The fort is connected to the neighboring Visapur fort by a small range. The fort was under the Maratha empire for the majority of time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal empire.

Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizams, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 CE, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort in 1670 CE and used it for keeping his treasury. This fort was used to keep the loot from Surat. Later in Peshwa time Nana Phadnavis used this fort for living for sometime and built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well.

The fort has been declared as a protected monument by the government.

Lohagad is part of the Western Ghats. It rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level, and is located to the southwest of the larger Visapur fort. The range divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavana rivers. Lohagad overlooks the Pavana reservoir, located to the south of the mountain. The hill extends to the northwest to a fortified spur, called Vinchukata (Scorpion's tail) because of its resembling shape. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact.