Vasota Fort, also known as Vyaghragad, is a majestic hill Fort nestled deep within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in the Satara District of Maharashtra. Surrounded by dense forest, serene backwaters of the Koyna Dam, and rugged Sahyadri cliffs, Vasota is one of the most scenic and thrilling jungle treks in Maharashtra. Due to its remote and protected location, reaching the Fort involves a boat ride across Shivsagar Lake followed by a trek through thick forest trails — making the experience adventurous and immersive.
Historically, the Fort was used as a strategic military outpost and is believed to have been visited and utilized by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj due to it's natural and strategical significance. It was later controlled by the Marathas and eventually bombarded by the British, which left parts of it in ruins.
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Jungle Trek Adventure:
The trail to Vasota Fort passes through dense forest of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a real jungle trekking experience filled with rich flora, bird calls, and occasional wildlife sightings. -
Scenic Boat Ride:
A unique aspect of this trek is the 1-hour boat ride across the Shivsagar Lake from Bamnoli to the base of the trek - a peaceful and picturesque journey through the backwaters of Koyna Dam. -
Panoramic Views from the Top:
Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Koyna backwaters, surrounding hills, valleys, and dense green forest - a sight to behold.
Day 0 - Saturday:
10.00 pm - Reporting at Hotel Kalpana near Saras Baug, Pune.
10.30 pm - Leave for Bamnoli village.
02.30 am - Reach Bamnoli village and take rest.
Day 1 - Sunday:
06.00 am - Wake up early, freshen up, and have breakfast.
07.30 am - After finishing forest permission procedures, hop on a boat to reach the base of the Fort.
09.30 am - Reach base village. Short briefing by the Trek Leader.
09.45 am - Start trek towards Vasota Fort.
12.45 pm - Reach on top of the Fort. Explore the Fort and have lunch.
02.15 pm - Start descending from the Fort.
03.30 pm - Hop on the boat for the return journey towards Bamnoli village.
04.30 pm - Reach Bamnoli village. Freshen up and have Tea and snacks.
05.45 pm - Start return journey towards Pune. On the way, we will take a quick washroom break.
10.30 pm - Reach Pune.
Trek ends.
What is included in the tour
- Pune to Pune Transport
- Breakfast (unlimited)
- High Tea and snacks (unlimited)
- To and Fro Boat Ride Charges
- Forest Permits / Entry Charges
- Trek Expertise Charges
- First Aid Support
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel till pickup points.
- Lunch.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
- Any kind of personal expenses like mineral water, beverages, soft drinks, extra snacks or meals that are not included in inclusions.
- Any kind of insurance.
- Any medical emergency or evacuations if required.
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather or government regulations.
- A Good Quality Rucksack (Pack everything in Plastic Bags to avoid getting wet)
- Minimum 2 litres water bottle.
- Lunch. (carry packed lunch. Food items like Theplas, Parathas, Dry Fruits, Biscuits, etc. would be preferred)
- Trekking / Sports Shoes.
- T-shirt, Track pant etc.
- Rain jacket / Poncho
- Extra set of clothes, Sweater and Sandals / Flipflops (can be kept in bus)
- Torch with Extra Batteries
- ID card.
- Napkin/ Towel.
- ORS or Electral (Optional)
- Some snacks for the journey and trek.
- Personal Medicines, if any.
Note : Carry your mobile, camera or any other valuables at your own risk.
Any type of addictions like tobacco, liquor, etc. is strictly not allowed.
