Vasota

Vasota is located within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Its location in the sanctuary means that the fort comes under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. This has helped to keep the fort clean and you won't find any plastic lying around on the route.

How to get there

The easiest route to this fort is from the Bamnoli village.
To get to Bamnoli, take the Pune-Bengaluru highway till Satara.
From there, take the road that goes to the Kas plateau.
The same road will continue towards Bamnoli (Plus Code: 7J9M7J9MPQM5+GW).
From Bamnoli, you will have to take a boat to the fort.

Charges (as of February 2018)

Since Vasota is under the jurisdiction of the Forest department and due to its location in a Sanctuary, there are some charges that you will have to pay.
Launch Fees: ₹3450 flat fee. The launch can accommodate 15-20 people.
Forest Fees Breakdown:
₹30 - Basic fee per person
₹50 - Camera fees
₹150 - Motor launch parking fees
₹200 - Guide fees
₹100 - Tiger Foundation Fee

Besides these fees you will also have to keep ₹200 as a deposit at the forest outpost at the base of the fort. They will make a note of all plastic items you have with you (especially bottles) and will check if you have brought all the plastic back with you later. If you haven't, the deposit will be confiscated.

The Route

The whole route is well marked. There are no chances of anyone getting lost unless you go off route. Although, due to previous incidents, a guide is compulsory (fees are included in the Forest Fees). The boat operator will double up as your guide. 

The route begins from the right side of the forest outpost. The first part of this route is a small path. As you come to the end of this path, you'll come upon a river bed on your right. Here, there is a small temple dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. The route to the fort proceeds beside this temple and climbs up, leaving the riverbed behind.

There is a small pond of potable water some ways behind the temple. It's recommended to fill up all your bottles as there is no water on the fort or anywhere on the route.

The route from here is simply amazing! Lush green canopies ensure you don't feel the sun and if you're lucky enough to be alone you will be able to hear the sounds of hundreds of birds. The climb has some steep patches but the absence of direct heat will make the climb easier.

The halfway point of the fort is marked by two basic concrete benches built by the forest department. Just behind the left bench, you will see some ruins that have long been taken back by the forest.

Th climb from this point onwards is considerably more difficult. Mainly because the jungle canopy starts thinning out and is replaced by the Karvi plants. Ten minutes after you leave the halfway point, you will come to a junction. You have to take the path on the left that leads up to the mountain. The other path will take you to the Nageshwar cave temple.

The first part of this path is somewhat steep, though you still won't feel the the sun. The second half of this climb is through patches of Karvi plants. The path here is filled with small pebbles that can make it difficult during the descend. As you come out of the forest, you will be able to see what is remaining of the fortifications. Climbing the stairs at the end of this path, cross the ruins of the doorways to enter the fort.

Things to See

Hanuman Temple

Babu Kada

Essentially Old Vasota, this cliff or mountain if you will is said to be the older Vasota fort. Any route going up to this fort is long lost or known only to a select few local people.

Nageshwar temple mountain

Nageshwar is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity in Hindu religion. There are two ways to get to this temple - one from the Chorawane village and the other from Bamnoli.