Trekking in Maharashtra, India : 150 Forts

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Pawnanagar to Lonavla via Shiv Khind pass (20 km trek in 7 hour). Pawna lake is one of the largest water bodies of the area which supplies water to places beyond Pune. The road is on the banks of the Pawna dam with views of Tung fort. Dam has long walls and an electric power station nearby. The lake has boating facility - water scooter, speed boat (Rs 50 for a round trip) and motor boats.

The road zigzags on the banks of the Pawna lake to Mantru temple of Sant Gyaneshwar. The two waterfalls nearby are a good place to visit. Lonavla is on the other side of the hill range at a distance of 9 km. The road climbs gently to Shiv Khind and the pass is a narrow one cut through solid rock. Just after the Shiv Khind, a road on right side goes to the upper plateau of Lohagad fort. The road further leads to Aundhe village and then to Khusgaon. Sinhagad educational institutions are nearby. The road further goes to Lonavla via Bhangarwadi.

Tung fort can be approached from Pawna dam by launch or from Tikona by a long march (road). On the left side of the massive rock face there is a Hanuman temple is located. From there approach the rock face and a small track leads to the top. A nice trekking experience with grand views of the surrounding hills and Pawna lake.

Lohagad fort is 10 km from Lonavla by this road. Visapur fort can also be easily trekked in a day. No shops on the way and the monsoon time (July - Aug) is the best time for a visit. The route is motorable and is popular with two wheelers.

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Panshet dam is 40 km from Pune connected by ST bus (Swargate station). Jeeps are also running on this route with a travel time of one hour. On the route, first comes Khadakwasla dam (11 km) and is a popular picnic spot. National Defence Academy, National Water Academy, Indian Armament Technology, Institute of Defence Studies etc are the prime national institutes located here. The road follows the Sinhagad fort road and takes right diversion to Khanapur. The area is scenic and a good road traces a curved path on the banks of Khadakwasla lake to reach Panshet. Two main dams - Panshet & Varasgaon - are located nearby.

Both dams can be visited and are at a distance of 2 km each from Panshet ST stand. The flow of water from Panshet dam can be seen by following a road from dam site. It is frightening sight with deafening sound of the flowing water, a small Niagra flalls !. Don't beleive my words or the photographs, go to Panshet and experience it during monsoon months.

Varasgaon dam has a small electric power station is located at the base of the dam. There are two boating clubs are functioning - Varasgaon boating club and Dolphin boating club. Both has facilities of speed boat, water scooter and motor boat. Walking on both dams and photography are not permitted.