The base village of Vasantgad is “Talbeed”, (Karad) this is place remembered for Hambirrao Mohite, Shivaji Maharaj’s second Commander-in-chief. This is also the place of Queen Tarabai. We can also see the memorial of Hambirrao Mohite in Talbeed. The route to the fort starts from outskirts of the village. The fort entrance has been destroyed. We can see a Ganesh idol carved in the ramparts. If we turn right after ascending the steps, we reach a big temple. This is the temple of Chandrasen, the son of Shoorpanakha, Ravana’s sister. There are remnants of two more temples.
The mountain top is extensive, and is well fortified by strong bastions. We find a doorway in the bastion on the south side of the fort. This entrance is of “Gomukhi” type, and the carvings here are still intact. The ramparts are also intact. There is a big grinding wheel on the fort. It takes around one and half hour to see the fort. From the top we get a good glimpse of Koyna River.
The fort is easy to climb. I did not climb from Talbeed village. I took following route, Pune – Satara – Karad – Take left towards Karad Airport – Vasantgad. It takes less than 45mins to climb the fort and one hour to see the entire fort.
History of Vasantgad Fort
Vasantgad was built by Shilahar King Bhoj. Shivaji Maharaj conquered it on 1659. Later, Rajaram Maharaj stayed for some time on this fort when he returned from Jinji. Aurangzeb captured this fort in 1700 and named it “Kili-da-Fateh”. The Marathas got the fort back in 1706.
Approximate Distance from Pune
170Kms
Best time to Visit:
September to May
What to see?
Bastian, Fortification, Cannon, Water cisterns, Temple of Chandreshwar or Moon
Water and Food
No water & food on the Fort. Need to carry food and water along with
Stay / Accommodation
No place to stay on the Fort. One can stay at the base village of Talbeed or in Karad.
Places around
Karad, Sadashivgad, The monument of Hambirrao Mohite in Talbid. Chandragiri Ghal where Saint Samarth Ramadas Swami stayed some years
Route Available from Pune
Pune – Satara – Karad Road – Before Karad Take Left towards Talbid
Pune – Satara – Karad – Take left towards Karad Airport - Vasantgad
For more photos see link below
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Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Ganpati Temple, Vasantgad Fort |
Temple of Chandreshwar or Moon |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort |
Vasantgad Fort For more photos see link below Reaching Vasantgad Fort Fort from Pune :- |
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