On 04 August 2024, I hosted a local guide meet-up at Vetalwadi Fort and the nearby Rudreswar Caves. We started our journey at 6:30 am, picking up three people along the way. The trip was about 100 km from the city. It was a 225 km round trip. A new local guide joined us from a nearby village in Sillood, and he shared his knowledge about the fort and caves.
We reached the base of Vetalwadi Fort at 8:30 am. After taking some photos, we decided to visit Rudreswar Caves first, as it required a 1.5 km walk and a little hike. The path took us through a river stream crossing, jungle, and farms, accompanied by a local dog who stayed with us the entire way.
After about half an hour, we reached the caves and were greeted by a beautiful waterfall. Due to the humidity, we freshened up before exploring the caves. According to our guide, these caves are older than Ajanta and Ellora, with many gods carved into the walls. We took the blessings and started heading towards Vetalwadi fort.
Our visit to Rudreswarr Caves was truly remarkable. After exploring the Rudreswar Caves, we headed to the fort, which stands as a to the rich history of the region. The fort’s entrance is grand, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.
As we began our ascent, we were struck by the panoramic views that unfolded around us. The lush greenery and the distant hills created a breathtaking backdrop.
The fort’s architecture, though worn by time. But Archaeological Survey of India is funding for fort.
The stone walls and pathways spoke of the fort’s strategic importance and the stories of those who once guarded it.
Exploring the various sections of the fort, we came across old water tanks and remnants of what must have been vital structures in the past. Each corner of the fort seemed to whisper tales of battles fought and lived. The historical guide accompanying us enriched our experience with tales and facts about the fort’s past, adding depth to our exploration.
One of the highlights was reaching the top of the fort, where we paused for an online meet-up.The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular. We could see the entire landscape spread out before us, with the Rudreswar Caves nestled in the distance. It was a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of the fort’s historical significance.
As we descended, we were grateful for the opportunity to visit such a magnificent historical site. At the parking area, we refreshed ourselves with some cucumbers, a simple yet satisfying treat after our adventure.
On our way back, we stopped to have breakfast. We enjoyed misal pav and bread vada while discussing the fort and sharing Google Maps tips and tricks. I also took the time to thank everyone, who joined the meet-Up including My Co-host Special thanks to @Raj_Tayade for their contributions to a successful meet-up. And Also Thank you everyone Who joined in Virtual Meetup. @TusharSuradkar @AjitThite
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