Vasota Fort (Vyaghragad)
Vasota Fort information in English
• Location :
Vasota is a lofty, remote and forest-surrounded hill fort situated in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of western India. It lies in the Mahabaleshwar–Koyna mountain range of the Satara district, within the Shivsagar backwater area formed by the Koyna dam built at Helwak.
Height of Vasota Fort :
The average height of Vasota Fort is 4,267 feet / 1,171 meters.
• The top portion of the fort is oval in shape and spreads over about six acres.
• Routes to reach Vasota Fort :
There are two main routes to reach Vasota Fort.
1. Konkan Side (Chiplun – Choravane Route):
State Transport buses are available from Chiplun to Choravane village. From there, via Nageshwar pinnacle, one can proceed further towards the fort.
2. Satara Side (Via Kaas Plateau – Bamnoli):
From Satara city, proceed to Kaas plateau, then to Bamnoli village. From Bamnoli, with Forest Department permission, take a launch/boat across the Shivsagar Lake. After reaching the shore near the remnants of the submerged Met Indavali village, walk through the forest, cross a stream, climb through dense Karvi forest, and reach the ruined main entrance.
Places to See on Vasota Fort :
After reaching Kaas plateau from Satara, enjoy the scenic beauty and proceed to Bamnoli village located along the backwaters of Koyna dam. Launch/boats are available here to reach the forest area at the base of Vasota.
A Forest Department permit is compulsory.
Across the lake, one can see the remains of the submerged Met Indavali village. Beyond this, dense forests begin towards the foothills of Vasota. The forest is thick and full of wildlife like bison, bears, tigers and other wild animals, so trekking in a group is always recommended.
Further ahead lies a large stream. On its bank stands an old ruined temple with idols of Hanuman and Ganesha which provide mental strength and courage for the trek ahead. Beyond this lies dense Karvi forest leading to the stone-cut steps that take you to the main entrance.
• Vasota Fort Entrance :
Climbing up through the rock-cut steps, a ruined entrance gateway appears. Its remnants show its former grandeur.
There were two consecutive doors here. Inside, a round stone socket for the wooden beam still exists, showing the strength of the structure. Stone chambers (devdis) are present for guards to rest.
• Hanuman Temple :
Inside the gate is a ruined temple, with half-broken walls still standing. A Hanuman idol can be seen inside, similar to those found on many forts of Swarajya. Maratha soldiers would seek blessings here before going to battle.
• Water Tank :
Near the Hanuman temple is a water tank used by residents of the fort.
• Lime Grinding Wheel (Chunyacha Ghana) :
To the south, one can see a circular depression and a stone grinding wheel used to make lime for construction of walls, gates and other structures.
• Southern Bastions & Viewpoints :
From the southern side, the grand views of Koyna Sanctuary and the catchment of Koyna dam can be seen.
• Fortification Walls :
Walking along the eastern fortifications, one gets beautiful views of the deep valleys and dense forest below. The scenery brings peace and satisfaction.
• Water Cisterns :
Further ahead is another water tank divided into two parts by a central wall. One side is shallow, while the other is deep.
• Nageshwar Pinnacle :
From the Konkan cliff side, two tall pinnacles are visible. One of them is the famous Nageshwar pinnacle.
A path leads from the base through the forest to a cave containing a Shivlinga where water drips throughout the year. Lakhs of devotees visit here during Mahashivratri. The peak resembles a cobra’s hood, hence the name Nageshwar.
The nearby pinnacle is called Tulshi Vrindavan or Thenga.
• Mahadev Temple :
Near the Nageshwar route stands a beautiful stone-built Mahadev temple dating to the Shilahara period.
• Old Prison Remains :
A little ahead lies the ruined structure that was used as a medieval prison. Some assume it to have been a residential building.
• Sadar / Wada Remains :
Further ahead are the foundations of a wada-like administrative building known as the Sadar.
• Southern Tip & Old Vasota Mountain :
Proceeding further south, one can see the tall peak of Old Vasota. A mesmerizing view of deep valleys and jungles opens up here.
• Konkan Cliff / Babukada :
The steep cliff on the Konkan side offers a terrifying view of the deep valleys. This cliff is known as Konkan Kada or Babukada, famous for its height and vertical drop.
Historical Information about Vasota Fort :
• In ancient times, a disciple of Sage Vashishta lived here and named the place after his Guru.
• The name Vashishta evolved into Vasota in Maharashtri Prakrit and later in Marathi.
• According to Dnyaneshwari, Vasane means “to reside”, hence Vasota – “a place of residence”.
• The fort was first built in the 11th century by Shilahara king Bhoj.
• Later it came under the Bahamani rule.
• After the Bahamanis, it went to Adilshah.
• The More family of Javali held it in the 16th century.
• Shivaji Maharaj defeated Chandrarao More and captured Javali, but Vasota—hidden deep in the forests—was not immediately taken.
• On 6 June 1660, Shivaji Maharaj’s forces conquered Vasota and brought it under Swarajya.
• After Afzal Khan’s defeat, Shivaji’s officer Dorajji raided Rajapur and imprisoned the English officer Guilford, who was later kept in captivity at Vasota.
• In 1661, Arab pirates Samuel and Fyarne who kidnapped girls from the Konkan coast were captured by Shivaji’s fleet sent to Aden and were kept prisoner at Vasota.
• In 1661, about ₹26,000 were found on Vasota fort.
• During Peshwa times, it was under the Pant Pratinidhi of Aundh for some period.
• In 1706, it came under the control of Tai Telini.
• In 1730, Peshwa Bajirao II’s general Bapu Gokhale attacked the fort. Tai Telini resisted bravely for 7–8 months before surrendering.
A famous verse was composed:
• After the Anglo-Maratha war, the fort fell to the British in 1818.
This is the complete information about Vasota Fort (Vyaghragad).
