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Location: Visapur Fort is located in the Western Ghats, near the popular hill station of Lonavala. It stands at an elevation of 1,084 meters (3,556 feet) above sea level.
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History: The fort is believed to have been built during the Bahmani Sultanate era, and later it was captured by the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674 along with the Lohagad Fort. After the capture, the fort underwent several changes under the Marathas.
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Architecture: Visapur Fort has a similar layout and architectural style as Lohagad Fort. It has various structures, including a large plateau at the top, caves, water cisterns, and ramparts. The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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Trekking: Visapur Fort is a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Visapur starts from Malavli, which is the base village. The trek is moderate in difficulty and offers scenic views of the Sahyadri mountain range.
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Points of Interest:
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Balekilla: This is the highest point of the fort where one can find the ruins of a large palace.
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Hanuman Temple: There is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman on the fort.
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Caves and Cisterns: The fort has several caves and water cisterns that were used for storage and water supply.
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Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Visapur Fort is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the surroundings are lush green and the weather is pleasant. However, trekking during the monsoon can be slippery, so caution is advised.
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Accessibility: The base village for Visapur Fort is Malavli, which is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Malavli, and from there, one can trek to reach the fort.
Before planning a visit, it’s advisable to check the current local conditions and any specific regulations or guidelines for visiting the fort.
