Vasota Fort is one of the most isolated forts in the district of Satara of Maharashtra state. Trekking this fort fills the bucket list of thousands of trekkers. It was the month of July. Rains had started in Mumbai. And rains means waterfalls, green mountain slopes, trekking, camping. This time it was a little far from Mumbai where I live.
Vasota or Vyaghragad!
The name seemed strange to me, I had never heard it before. As per the trekking clubs it is one of the most adventurous jungle treks in Maharashtra. Vasota fort is not easily accessible and government authority keep it close for 3 months of monsoon.
How to reach Vasota:
For Mumbai folks:- There are two options
First, they can catch a Satara bound train from Dadar railway station.
Second, they can get a bus from Elphinstone bus depo in the west, right under the Flyover. Private buses operate regularly for Satara. Private bus operator charge around 250-300 per person. State Transport buses are costly, they charge around 390 rupees per person.
After reaching Satara, they can hire a private taxi which costs around 1500 rupees for Bamnoli village. OR Wait for ST buses in Satara bus depo. First of them starts in the morning at 5:30AM and second at 7 AM, better confirm with the ST depo for exact timings. Bus ticket from Satara bus depo to Bamnoli village is around 25-30 rupees.
Where to stay:
Vasota fort falls in Wild Life Reserve area. Nobody is allowed to stay in the fort or camp in the jungle. Wild life is quite active in night.
However, there are number of hotels in Satara. Also, a basic hotel is opened in Bamnoli village right at the entrance.
Here starts my journey:
Four of us were at Dadar railway station first floor ticket counter. Ticket booking counters were not crowded as usual. Train to Satara was to leave in 20 minutes.
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