Aug 08, 2016 04:41 PM
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Visapur fort is located at an altitude of nearly 4, 000 ft above sea level in Lonavala. One has to do a real trekking expedition to reach this historical fort. It is believed that the fort is built centuries back and was thriving with many activities during the rules of many Maratha dynasties. Chathrapthi Shivaji was using this as a place to watch the movements in the downhill and the plains.
Presently the fort is in ruins and there is not much structure left in the fort. The scenic surroundings and the majestic panoramic views of the plains are the best attraction here.
Visapur fort is 3500 feet high and situated between Lohagad and Bedse Caves. A huge cannon(almost 10 feet long) on Visapur is very vital as it has an impression of royal crown. One can see Purandar on south-east. Sinhagad as well as Tung and Tikona can also be clearly seen. Both these forts are of Satwahan Era and of great importance in Shivaji’s period as to keep watch on Konkan and Bor Ghat. These two forts are historically very crucial and must be visited by trek lovers and history lovers.
It was built during 1713-1720 CE by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa.
From the History:
In 1818, when reducing the Peshwa’s forts, the strength of Lohagad and its fame as the treasury of the Maratha kingdom, caused the English to make special preparations for its attack. A detachment of 380 European and 800 native soldiers, with a battering train, summoned from Konkan, were joined by artillery from Chakan, and two other British battalions. On 4 March, 1818, Visapur was attacked and occupied.
Making use of its higher elevation and proximity to Lohagad, the British troops set up their cannons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagad, forcing the Marathas to flee. Thus, in 1818, Lohagad-Visapur was taken over by the British in 1818 AD and placed under the command of a Colonel Prother. Considering, the strategic importance of Visapur, both the north(Konkan) and the south(Deccan) gateways were blown up, and except a few huts, nothing was left standing. In contrast, most of Lohagad fort is still intact.
