Vasota
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Recently I had been to Vasota alias Vyghragad on 26,27,28 Feb. This trek was organized by MIT NCC TROOP mostly for enjoyment purpose, unlike my last trek of Harishchandragad which was for clean-up purpose. Still, I continued my clean-up process on this fort also.
However, this fort didn't offer me anything to clean except some garbage thrown by my own fellow mates. The lamp which gives light to the world can't brighten the area exactly below it. Same was the thing here. The point to discuss is, before telling the world to keep the historical places clean, we have to teach it to our own friends. And worst thing these friends of mine gave me WTF look when I asked them to keep the place clean. If the so called trekkers and literate people will behave this way, should we expect any better from the illiterate ones?
This was a 3 days, 2 nights trek. Our night stay was at Bamnoli village. Various cultural events were carried out in the beautiful surroundings of Koyna backwaters. However, care was taken that the enjoyment doesn't disturb the local people.
Situated on the western edge of Satara district, this old warrior offers one of the most thrilling trek in the Sahyadri as far as trekking through forestation is concerned. Dense forest all the way through, panoramic view of the Shivsagar lake in the east and Konkan on the west, wonderful cave at Nageshwar for a stay, makes this a fort of special interest for amateur trekkers.
Though not too much of remnants are present on Vasota, the view of Koyna backwaters on one side and Kokan on the other side is quite satisfying. The Mahadev temple at the top can also be used as shelter for a small group of 5-6 people. One can also check out the Babu Kada and old Vasota.
Dense forest is really a thrilling but enjoyable experience. Take care of being in a group all the time! Anyhow try to reach Vasota in a day time. If one wishes to have a stay at Nageshwar (which is most preferred), then leave Vasota by 3 pm. max, because the forest on the way to Nageshwar is still denser. Way to Nageshwar goes to the right, just about 10-15 min before the top of Vasota. Water cistern at Nageshwar is situated to the right (on about 5 min distance), just before the steps to the cave.
These days, forest department doesn't allow to have night halt on the Vasota side or Met Indavali village. So, Bamnoli is ideal spot for night stay. An amount of 20/- is charged for entering the forests of Vasota. Also, 75/- for each launch is charged by the forest department. 
