Vasota Trek: The Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India, is home to the well-known Vasota trek. You pass through thick forests, waterfalls, and beautiful Koyna backwater vistas during the hike. The Vasota Fort, an ancient fort at the top of the hill, is the trek’s high point.
Around 150 km from Pune, in the little village of Bamnoli, is where the trip begins. You can take a boat from Bamnoli to the beginning of the trekking track. The moderately challenging walk takes about 3–4 hours to complete. The walk gives breathtaking views of the Koyna backwaters as it winds through dense bamboo and teak tree forests.
When you get to the summit, you can go inside the Vasota Fort, which was allegedly constructed in the 12th century. A steep valley encircles the fort on three sides, providing stunning views of the surroundings. It takes about two to three hours to return down.
For nature lovers and adventure seekers searching for a weekend vacation from Pune or Mumbai, the Vasota trek is a fantastic choice.
How to Reach Vasota Trek
You must first travel to the base village of Bamnoli in the Satara region of Maharashtra, India, in order to access the Vasota trek. Following are the several ways you can get to Bamnoli:
By Road: From Pune or Satara, you can travel to Bamnoli on a bus or a private automobile. Road travel from Pune to Bamnoli is estimated to take 4-5 hours and covers a distance of about 150 kilometres.
By Train: Satara, which is close to Bamnoli and well-connected to important cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore, is the closest railway station. You can travel to Bamnoli from Satara by bus or private cab.
By Air: Pune International Airport, located about 170 km from Bamnoli, is the closest airport. To get to Bamnoli from the airport, take a bus or a private cab.
By Walk: After arriving at Bamnoli, you must board a boat to go to the beginning of the walking track. The boat excursion, which lasts between one and two hours, provides breathtaking views of the Koyna backwaters.
Best time to visit Vasota Trek
Vasota Trek is best experienced between October and February during the winter and monsoon seasons. This is the best season to go hiking and see the area’s natural beauty because the weather is good and the surroundings are lush and green. These months have a temperature range of 10 to 25 °C, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
However, the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, might also be a fantastic time to visit Vasota Trek if you enjoy outdoor adventure and hiking in the rain. The region experiences considerable rainfall around this time, which makes the walk more difficult and interesting. The monsoon season is when you’ll see the most waterfalls and lush vegetation on the walk.
The summer months of March through May are not advised for Vasota walk because the weather can be quite hot and muggy, which can make the walk uncomfortable.
Neared place Vasota Trek
While travelling to Vasota Trek, you can stop at a number of local locations. Here are a few well-known locations:
Kaas Plateau: Kaas Plateau is roughly 90 kilometres away from Vasota Trek and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plateau is well-known for its carpet of wildflowers that bloom during the monsoon season, making it a well-liked vacation spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Mahabaleshwar: Vasota Trek is roughly 85 kilometres from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. It’s renowned for its breathtaking scenery, strawberry farms, and ancient temples. Popular weekend escape locations from Pune and Mumbai include the hill station.
Panchgani: About 80 kilometres from Vasota Trek is Panchgani, a mountainous station. It is renowned for its picturesque beauty, bungalows from the Colonial era, and strawberry plantations. Adventure sports including paragliding, trekking, and camping are also popular in the hill station.
These are just a few of the several locations close to Vasota Trek that you can explore.
Stay option Vasota Trek
Camping: For those who enjoy nature and adventure, camping is a popular choice. Near the Vasota Trek, there are a number of campgrounds that rent out tents and other camping supplies.
Homestays: There are a number of homestays offering cosy lodging and freshly prepared meals in the surrounding villages of Bamnoli and Tapola. These homestays are a wonderful opportunity to discover the local culture and provide a window into local life.
Resorts: Vasota Trek is close to a number of resorts that provide cosy lodging and cutting-edge amenities. For those looking for a lavish vacation in the middle of nature, these resorts are a fantastic choice.
guesthouses: A few forest guesthouses that provide basic lodging and are run by the Forest Department can be found close to Vasota Trek. For those looking for a low-cost place to stay, these guesthouses provide a rustic atmosphere.
To avoid any last-minute headaches, it is advised to make your hotel reservations in advance, especially during the busy season.
FAQ
The Vasota Trek is a challenging trek.
The Vasota walk is a moderately demanding walk that is appropriate for both novice and seasoned hikers. To reach the summit, which requires a tough climb through forested areas and rocky terrain, it will take you about 3–4 hours.
Are guides required for the Vasota Trek?
For the Vasota Trek, it is advised to hire a guide because the terrain can be challenging and it is simple to become lost in the thick forest. The history, flora, and fauna of the area can all be learned about from a tour.
What must you bring with you to the Vasota Trek?
Trekking boots, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, bug repellent, a first-aid kit, a water bottle and a backpack are a few necessities to bring for the Vasota Trek.
During the monsoon season, is trekking in Vasota safe?
It can be dangerous to go on a walk-in Vasota during the rainy season since the trail may get slick and the water level in the backwaters may increase quickly. It is advised to check the weather before venturing out and to stay off the trails when it is raining heavily.
Do camping regulations apply in Vasota?
Vasota allows camping, although guests must request permission from the Forest Department. To maintain the security of the tourists and the environment, it is also crucial to abide by the laws and regulations established by the Forest Department.