Varugad Fort
Panvan/Ghodewadi, Maan taluka, Satara district
If you are looking for a two-part fort in the Mahadev range, Varugad is a great choice. Near Panvan and Ghodewadi in Maan taluka of Satara district, a road reaches the broad fortified summit at 938 metres, and the compact citadel takes another 15 to 20 minutes. The Gomukhi entrance with intact walls, water structures, a lake and the Bhairoba temple fill the visit. Lonand is the nearest station, about 140 km from Pune. October to February is the best window.
Why go
- Broad fortified summit and compact citadel
- Gomukhi entrance with intact walls
- Bhairoba temple, lake and water structures
Travel at a glance
How to reach
Use Phaltan as the hub. Reach the summit by state bus or motorable road via Mograle/Tondli or Beejwadi; the walking route from Girvi-Jadhavwadi takes about two hours plus 20 minutes to the citadel.
Nearest railway station
Lonand
Things to carry
The unpaved summit roads can be poor and the citadel ridge is exposed. Avoid driving in heavy rain, use a suitable vehicle and stay clear of wall edges.
FAQs
What are the two parts of Varugad?
The broad summit or machi and the citadel.
Can the summit be reached by road?
Yes, state buses and motorable approaches reach the summit, though some roads are unpaved.
How long is the citadel approach?
About 15-20 minutes from the summit routes.