Lohagad Fort, or "Iron Fort," is a 2,000-year-old hilltop fortress in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. (Photo: iStock) The Lohagad Fort in Maharashtra has been in the news for all the wrong reasons: the murder of Ketan Agarwal, who died after falling into a gorge at Lohagad. According to reports, Lohagad Fort has seen a 25% rise in visitors, and the spot from where Agarwal fell is now being referred to as "Siya Point". Siya Goyal, Agarwal's fiancée, has been arrested along with her alleged boyfriend, Chetan Babulal Chaudhary. But if you had Lohagad Fort on your bucket list, here's all you need to know about the 2,000-year-old hill fortress. "In 1648 AD, the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seized Lohagad, recognising its defensive and strategic importance. However, due to the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, he was forced to relinquish it to the Mughals. Undeterred, he recaptured the fort in 1670 AD and used it as a treasury vault to store the riches from his successful Surat campaign. Later, during the Peshwa era, statesman Nana Phadnavis sought refuge here, constructing essential structures like a large tank and step-well, which still stand as silent witnesses to history," states the website of Maharashtra Tourism. Lohagad Fort is one of the strongest and most famous Deccan forts. (Photo: iStock) The fort also has a cave with Jain Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the 2nd or 1st century BC. This suggests that parts of the fort once served as a Jain rock-cut sanctuary. The fort has four grand gates: Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Maha Darwaja. Each gate tells a story of the past. Read More: Flash Floods and Landslides Hit Arunachal: What Tourists Need to Know "One of Lohagad's most breathtaking features is the 'Vinchukada', or 'Scorpion's Tail' - a long, narrow, fortified spur extending from the fort's main structure. This naturally sculpted rock formation resembles a scorpion's sting and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri landscapes. A trek along this stretch is both thrilling and rewarding, making it a favourite among adventure lovers and photographers," states the website of Maharashtra Tourism. There are various trekking options for visitors, with the most popular route starting at Malavli Railway Station. The 10-kilometre trek takes visitors past the Bhaja Caves and offers scenic views along the way. The fort also offers excellent sunrise and sunset viewpoints. The nearest railway station is Malavli, just 5 kilometres from the fort. Lonavala Railway Station, about 10 kilometres away, is a major stop on the Mumbai-Pune route. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Namya is a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades of experience. A graduate of Miranda House, Delhi University, and Boston University's College o... View More