20 Incredible Forts in Maharashtra
True to its name, Maharashtra is a state with grandeur, rich cultural heritage and some great chapters of history. On one hand, there is a rapid advancement in the state but there is also a legacy of forts for which the Maratha warriors fought battles.
Here is a list of 20 such incredible forts in Maharashtra which will take you back in history!
1. Raigad Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's headquarter, Raigad fort in Mahad of Raigad district of Maharashtra is one of the main forts in Maharashtra. Situated 820 metres above sea level in Sahyadri mountain range, there is an aerial tramway to reach the top of the fort.
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2. Rajgad Fort
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Before Raigad, Rajgad was the capital of the Maratha Empire for 26 years and is located at a height of 1400 m above sea level. The scenic landscapes of Sahyadri and remains of palaces and caves covered with a green blanket just enhance the overall look of the fort.
The majority of Punekars visit Rajgad for short road trips on weekends as it is just 60 km from the city. It is also one of the most popular trekking destination in Maharashtra.
3. Shivneri Fort
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Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, Shivneri is a triangular shaped fort which still stands tall and had a prayer hall, a tomb and a mosque. There is also a pond in the centre of the fort called Badami Talav. There are also statues of Shivaji and his mother Jijabai inside the fort. The fort is about 93 kilometre from Pune and is a popular spot among trekkers. Just two kilometre away from Shivneri are the historical caves called Lenyadri.
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4. Pratapgad Fort
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Another important fort for Maratha Empire, Pratapgad is located in Satara district of West Maharashtra. The fort is at 1080 metres above the sea level and was built by Shivaji Maharaj's prime minister Moropant Trimbak Pingle. The fort witnessed the famous Battle of Pratapgad which was fought between Shivaji and Afzal Khan.
If you are enjoying a laidback vacation in Mahabaleshwar, then do visit this fort for a one day trip which is 25 kilometres away from the said hill station.
5. Sindhudurg Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
First fort on the list which occupies an islet in the Arabian Sea, Sindhudurg is one of the most beautiful architectural marvels in ancient times. Located on the shore of Malvan town of Sindhudurg district of Konkan region, Sindhudurg is one of the most popular forts in Maharashtra. The fort is 490 km from Mumbai and is a must visit destination in Konkan region of Maharashtra.
6. Rajmachi Fort
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One of the most popular trekking destination and fort in Maharashtra, Rajmachi is located near two famous hills of Maharashtra, Lonavala and Khandala. The best time to visit this place is in monsoon when the beauty of this fort enhances with lush green forests, waterfalls and streams.
7. Torna Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj is the mighty Torna. The fort which is located 1,403 metres above the sea level is also known as Prachandagad. It is also one of those forts which are the most visited by trekkers and is the highest fort in Pune. The best time to visit this fort is from September to December.
If you are looking for a monsoon getaway near Pune for the upcoming weekend? then check out 10 amazing places to visit near pune in monsoon Now!
8. Harishchandragad Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Harishchandragad is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the said district. Surrounded by caves and temples, Harishchandragad’s origin is in the 6th century during the rule of Kalachuri dynasty.
9. Lohagad Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the numerous hill forts in Maharashtra, Lohagad is situated at a height of 1033 metre. While the fort was under the Maratha empire and also under Mughal empire for the duration of five years. Close to Lonavala, this fort is at a distance of 52 km from Pune.
10. Visapur Fort
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The beautiful town of Dapoli houses a hill fort which has ruins of Peshwa's palace inside the fort. The fortification wall of the fort is so huge in size that people can even walk on it.
11. Castella de Aguada
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A fort which has a heavy Portuguese influence on it, Castella de Aguada is in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Located at the Land's end in Bandra, the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1640 to keep a watch on Mahim bay, the Arabian sea and the southern island of Mahim. Also known as Bandra fort, it has served as a shooting destination for several Bollywood films.
12. Purandar fort
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Birthplace of Sambhaji Raje Bhosale, son of Shivaji Maharaj, Purandar fort is located 4,472 feet above sea level. The fort has a National Cadet Corps Academy and is also a favourite place for paragliders and trekkers.
13. Daulatabad fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The triangular fort of Daulatabad was built by Bhilan, first Yadav king in 1187. The fort which is also known as Devagiri-Daulatabad fort, has a tunnel entrance, cannon post and also a narrow access bridge.The name Devagiri also has a significance to it. It is said that Lord Shiva stayed on the hills surrounding this place and hence, the name which means 'Hills of Gods.'
14. Murud Janjira
Image Source: Ishan Manjrekar/flickr.com
The only fort which was not conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji, Murud Janjira is a fort situated on an island and is close to the coastal town called Murud in Raigad district. It is an oval-shaped fort and is considered as one of the strongest marine forts in India.
15. Tikona Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tikona, a fort in Maval of western India literally means triangle. A favourite place for trek organisers, the fort also has a temple of Trimbakeshwar Mahadev, seven water tanks and also caves named Satvahan.
16. Karnala Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Even though the fort is not in its full form, but still Karnala has been attracting trekkers and tourists, since ages. Constructed by Devagiri Yadavs before 1400, the fort was then under the rule of Portuguese, Shivaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb, to name a few. A popular trekking place, Karnala in also in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The best place to visit this place is in monsoon because of the mesmerising landscapes.
17. Korigad Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Another hill fort located in Lonavala, Korigad is about 923 metres above the sea level. A popular township named Amby Valley is on the southern and eastern foothills. The fort has many temples inside it, the famous one being that of Korai Devi. While ruins of older structures are still there, the fort's wall is still intact.
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18. Panhala
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The fort in which Chhatrapati Shivaji spent as many as 500 days, other than the childhood homes, Panhala fort is 20 km from Kolhapur. The fort has a lot of historical significance and is considered as an important fort for the Maratha empire.
19. Fort Bassein/ Vasai Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Another fort having a heavy Portuguese influence on it, Fort Bassein is the one in Vasai, Palghar district of Maharashtra. It is one of those incredible forts in Maharashtra which is no less than a cultural heritage.
20. Prachitgad Fort
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Spread across the area of 5 acres, Prachitgad is a fort amidst Sahyadri hills near Ratnagiri district. The place is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra which also has Chandoli National park. In addition, the fort also has a waterfall on the river Warana and a temple of Bhawani and Karneshwar.
This year, unravel the history by visiting one of these incredible forts in Maharashtra.
