Maharashtra forts are an integral part of Maharashtra’s history. Hence, when you deep dive into the history of Maharashtra you will come to know more about more about them. These forts in Maharashtra have remained the core defence mechanism against foreign and local invasions. Today, these forts of Maharashtra stand as a symbol of pride and power narrating the stories of war and historic battles that they’ve witnessed.
Ramchandra Pant Amatya, Chief Minister of Tarabai Bhonsle in his royal edict mentioned that forts themselves are the kingdom. Hence, these forts have long been an integral part of the Maratha Empire’s defence and attack strategy.
As a state, Maharashtra has a very unique geography. Hence, forts in Maharashtra fall into categories like hill forts, land forts, sea forts or coastal forts, forest forts, and human forts. Each category has a different architecture and fortification to ensure the right level of protection.
One of the striking differences between Maharashtra forts and forts in northern India is that forts in Maharashtra are not picturesque. Hence, they do not look aesthetically pleasing. However, they keep the enemy at bay and at that they do a marvelous job.
Today, these forts of Maharashtra are ideal for outdoor activities. Hence, if you are keen on putting on your hiking shoes these historic forts in Maharashtra can offer you a great experience. Overall, there are around 350 forts when you take a look at the list of forts in Maharashtra.
While it would be nearly impossible for me to write on all of them in a single post, let’s take a quick look at 25 Maharashtra forts that you can explore this season.
1. Ajinkyatara Fort
Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains, Ajinkyatara Fort is one of the important forts that has easy access. Hence, this fort seems like a great choice for those who want to head outdoors for a nice hiking trip. This fort is close to Satara and there are many other famous temples and lakes around which ensure that you can have a great time here.
Raja Bhoj of the Shilhara dynasty built this hill fort in the 16th century. However, the fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1673. In 1700, Mughals took command of the fort, but eight years later in 1708 Shahu Maharaj recaptured the fort. Ajinkyatara Fort remained with the Marathas until the British seized it in 1818.
The fort was named Ajinkyatara (The Impregnable Star) by Tarabai Raje Bhonsle. It is also known as the Fort of the Sapta Rishi (Fort of the Seven Sages). The fort sits on one of the seven mountains that surround the city of Satara.
How to Reach: You can reach Ajinkyatara Fort from Pune and Satara using the Adalat Wada route. You can either hike your way to the fort or use a vehicle to take you to the top of the fort.
2. Daulatabad Fort
Unlike Ajinkyatara Fort which is purely a hill fort, Daulatabad Fort serves a dual purpose. Hence, it serves both as a hill fort and a forest fort. Hence, the design of this fort is unique from the rest of the Maharashtra forts. The fort has one entrance and no exit. This drives the enemy further into the fort in desperate search of an exit. Also, there are complex entryways, curved walls and false doors to trap the enemy once they enter the fort. The fort is surrounded by a moat which was filled with crocodiles to discourage enemy soldiers
This triangular fort in Maharashtra was built in 1187 by the first Yadava monarch Bhillama V. It remained with the Mughals for quite a long time. However, the fort was captured by the Marathas in 1760.
How to Reach: Today, Daulatabad Fort is easily accessible through well-connected roads and railway stations. This fort is on the outskirts of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly known as Aurangabad) city.
3. Harihar Fort
If you are up for a challenge, a trip to Harihar Fort would be the right thing to do. The fort is located close to Nashik and Igatpuri and therefore you can easily access it. The fort’s location is on an important trade route.
One of the striking features of this fort is the rock-cut steps along the scarp while climbing the final 60 metres. These steps are extremely steep and narrow in some places. This means only one person can ascend or descend at a time. Hence, utmost caution is necessary when climbing Harihar Fort. However, the fort rewards hikers and climbers with stunning panoramic views of the region. When you are planning a trip to Harihar Fort you can also enjoy a weekend holiday at Igatpuri. It is one of the popular hill stations in Maharashtra.
How to Reach: If you are using a train you can reach Harihar Fort via Kasara or Nashik. You can also take the Igatpuri-Khodala-Trimbakeshwar bus route and that would help you reach the base of the fort.
4. Harishchandragad Fort
Dating back to the 6th century, Harishchandragad Fort is one of the oldest forts in Maharashtra. This is one of the few Maharashtra forts where traces of Microlithic man are available. As you explore the fort you can also find many caves of the 11th century. These caves have idols of Lord Vishnu and indicate the existence of various cultures in that era.
However, the Mughals took control of the fort when they conquered the region. In 1747, the Marathas took charge of the fort and it remained with them thereafter. While you are here you can explore other places like the Taramati Peak, Kokan Kada, Kedareshwar Cave and Saptatirtha Pushkarni Temple. If you are up for some hiking you can find various hiking trails that would offer you some adventure and reward you with spectacular panoramic views.
How to Reach: One of the easiest ways to reach Harishchandragad Fort is via Pachnai village. You can also hike via Khireshwar village which is close to Pune. However, the hiking route here is challenging and this means you need to be extra cautious during the monsoon season.
5. Karnala Fort
If you are looking for forts near Mumbai you can choose Karnala Fort for your outdoor adventure trip. This hill fort in Maharashtra overlooks the Bor Pass and was a vital fort due to its strategic location. While the exact year of origin of this fort is hard to tell many experts agree that the fort is 600 years old.
The fort’s command passed from Devagiri Yadavs to Tughlaq rulers and finally to the Gujarat Sultanate. However, in 1540, the Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar captured it. To recapture the fort, the Gujarat Sultanate combined forces with the Portuguese rulers in Vasai.
Enraged by this coalition, Nizam Shah tried to recapture the fort various times but remained unsuccessful. The Portuguese rulers finally decided to return the fort to Nizam Shah for an annual payment of 5000 gold coins. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the fort in 1670. After he died in 1680, Aurangzeb captured it and it subsequently went to Peshwas in 1740. Eventually, the East India Company captured it in 1818.
How to Reach: By rail you can get down at Panvel railway station and take a rickshaw. If you have your vehicle you can take the National Highway 17 which is the Mumbai-Goa highway. You can take the Karnala Fort trail which has curated pathways and railings to help you move up conveniently.
6. Kelve Fort
Located in the Palghar district, Kelve Fort is located on Kelwa Beach. This is one of the coastal forts in Maharashtra which is in disrepair state. Originally, the fort was built by the Portuguese and it remained with them until 1739 during the Battle of Vasai.
In that year, Peshwa Baji Rao I captured the island of Salsette and Bassein (know more about Vasai History) and defeated the Portuguese. The Marathas captured the fort and made it theirs. However, the British East India Company forces captured the fort in 1818.
How to Reach: You can take the train and get down at Palghar railway station. From here you can take a rickshaw that will take you to Kelve Beach where the fort is located.
7. Kolaba Fort
Another important fort in the list of forts in Maharashtra is Kolaba Fort a.k.a. Kolaba Durg. This fort is located close to Alibaug which is one of the popular monsoon destinations in Konkan. This is another important coastal fort in Maharashtra that has remained one of the chief naval stations.
This is one of the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to safeguard South Konkan. The construction began in 1680 but unfortunately, he passed away the same year. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje made sure that the fort was completed in 1681. The fort was designed to attack British ships. Unable to conquer the fort, the British East India Company forces joined hands with the Portuguese but failed several times.
How to Reach: You can reach Alibaug Beach via jetty or road. Once at the beach, you can see the fort right ahead. You can waddle through the waters in low tides or take a boat during high tides.
8. Korlai Fort
Built-in 1521, Korlai Fort is one of the most important ones in the list of Maharashtra forts. Made with the permission of the Gujarat Sultanate, the Portuguese wanted to fortify their position along the west coast of India. This fort was once said to be the most magnificent fort in Maharashtra. However, over the years, the fort witnessed many battles which led to its gradual destruction.
The strategic location of the fort gave the Portuguese immense power to safeguard the coast and the mouth of the bay. The fort is also close to Revdanda Fort on the other end. It took several attempts for the Maratha army to capture the fort. The fort was eventually captured by the Marathas in 1739 during the Battle of Vasai. However, the British East India Company forces captured it in 1818.
How to Reach: If you are taking the train you can get down at the Roha station and take the transport to reach Revdanda Beach. You can also take a transport from Alibaug and visit this fort.
9. Lohagad Fort
If you are looking for forts near Mumbai and Pune, Lohagad Fort is the one you should choose. This is one of the important hill forts of Maharashtra which you can visit when you are visiting Lonavala. While the origins of the fort are unknown the inscriptions in the Prakit language discovered recently date back to the 2nd century BC.
With its long history, Lohagad Fort has seen several rulers including Lohtamia, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahmani Sultanate, Nizams, Mughals and the Marathas. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1648 but lost it to the Mughals in 1665 by the Treaty of Purandar. He later recaptured the fort in 1670 and used it for treasury-keeping.
Lohagad Fort overlooks the Pawana reservoir on the south side. On the northwest, an extended hill segment called Vinchukada (Scorpion’s Tail) is the most striking feature of this fort. When visiting Lohagad you can also explore Bhaja Caves if you hike from Malavli railway station.
How to Reach: You can reach Lonavala and from there get to Malavli. From Malavli you can take the transport to the base of the fort. If you are planning to hike you can do that and cover both Bhaja Caves and Lohagad Fort in the same trip.
10. Murud Janjira Fort
Considered one of the strong forts in Maharashtra, Murud Janjira Fort is an island fort just off the coastal town of Murud. Malik Ambar, Peshwa of the Ahmednagar Sultanate was the designer and constructor of the fort in 1567. The word Janjira comes from the Arabic word Jazira which means an island. The fort is home to the third largest cannon in India called Kalaal Baangadi.
The main gate of the fort faces the shore while the other gates face the sea for escape. This oval-shaped fortress is one of the strongest coastal forts in Maharashtra.
How to Reach: If you are heading to Murud via train you can get down at Roha station. By road, you can head to Roha and further to Janjira Beach. From the beach, you can take the ferry to reach the fort.
11. Pratapgad Fort
Not very far from the iconic Mahabaleshwar lies an iconic hill fort in Maharashtra known as Pratapgad. Historically the Battle of Pratapgad was fought here between the Maratha forces and Bijapur Sultanate in 1659. One of the reasons why this fort holds so much significance is because this was the first triumph of the Marathas against a major regional power. It boosted their morale and confidence to take over other major powers in the region. Today, the fort remains one of the popular forts in Maharashtra which people visit throughout the year.
How to Reach: If you prefer to hike you can choose this fort as it has a relatively easy trail. The roads to Pratapgad Fort are easy to find and in good shape. You can park your car at the base in Wada village.
12. Purandar Fort
Considered one of the important forts of Shivaji Maharaj, Purandar Fort is a must for history enthusiasts. The fort is located in the village of Purandar from which it derives its name. This is where Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje (the eldest son) was born to the Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his first wife, Saibai.
The fort was built in the 11th century by the Yadava dynasty. Later it went through various rulers until Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1649. While he lost control of the fort by the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, he recaptured the fort in 1670. Currently, the fort is a hotspot for many hiking and trekking enthusiasts and paragliders.
How to Reach: Purandar Fort is one of the forts near Pune and therefore you can head to Saswad via Hadapsar and further to Narayanpur.
13. Raigad Fort
Anyone who knows about Maharashtra forts knows the importance of Raigad Fort in the history of Maharashtra. After becoming the king of the Maratha Kingdom, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj made Raigad as his capital. He oversaw the development and construction of various structures within the fort. Raigad Fort is 1356 metres (4400 feet) above sea level making it one of the highest forts in Maharashtra.
While Raigad Fort is popular for its strategic location and historical significance it also has many stories.
One such story is of Hirakani, a milkmaid who would live at the base of the fort. She would climb up the fort daily to sell milk to the fort residents.
However, one day she was late and she happened to be inside the fort when the main gates closed at sunset. On hearing the cries of her infant son in the quiet of the night she decided to climb down the cliff in pitch dark condition.
Upon hearing the news, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who oversaw the construction was surprised. Hirakani repeated the same act during the daylight hours as the king witnessed a simple milkmaid climbing down the cliff. He rewarded her for her bravery and realized that this was a potential loophole in the construction. He built a bastion on that cliff and named it after the milkmaid – Hirakani Buruj (Hirakani Bastion).
How to Reach: You can reach Raigad via Pune. You can look out for Kivki village or Mangaon where you can find plenty of parking space. You can also make use of the ropeway to reach the fort.
14. Rajgad Fort
One of the important forts near Pune is Rajgad Fort. This fort was the first capital of the Maratha Empire. Hence, the fort is named Rajgad which means The Ruling Fort. However, after the crowning of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Raigad became the capital. He captured the fort in 1647 and did the repair work. Rajgad Fort is also the largest fort in Maharashtra.
Rajgad Fort is also close to another important fort called Torna Fort.
When speaking of Maharashtra forts, Rajgad Fort is quite important because of various historic events taking place. These events include the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s first wife Saibai in 1659 and the burial of Afzal Khan’s head within the fort walls.
How to Reach: The closest city is Pune and therefore you can take a bus from Pune to Gunjawane village. From here you can hike up the fort which can take many hours. The hike trail is difficult and therefore you need to gear up well for the journey upwards. Also make sure that you stay hydrated throughout the trip.
15. Rajmachi Fort
Nestled in the rugged hills of the Sahyadri Mountains, Rajmachi Fort played a vital role in the First Anglo-Maratha War. This is one of the forts near Mumbai and therefore you can explore this one as a weekend getaway from Mumbai. You can approach the fort from Lonavala or Kondhana village.
One of the reasons why many hikers choose Rajmachi Fort is because of its easy trail. If you have a SUV you can drive to the base of the fort and hike upwards from there. This should take you a couple of hours to reach the top. While you are here you can also explore the Shrivardhan Fort.
How to Reach: If you are using a vehicle you can drive to Della Adventure Park from there you can head further to Rajmachi Fort using the directions.
16. Shaniwar Wada
Located right in Pune city, this one is unlike any other fort on this list. Built in 1732, this fort-cum-palace was the capital building of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. The fort is big enough to accommodate a thousand people who used to live inside the premises.
However, in 1828 most of the fort complex was destroyed in a fire accident. It is said that the fire raged for a week turning this palace into ruins. This fort-palace has five doors and various palace structures for various events.
How to Reach: Being located in Pune City you can take a rickshaw from Pune railway station.
17. Shivneri Fort
No list of Maharashtra forts will be complete without mentioning Shivneri Fort. This is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj born here in 1930. The fort also has a temple of Goddess Shivai after whom Shivaji was named. This triangular fort was built by the Yadavas of Devagiri after which the fort was passed to the Bahmani Sultanate, Ahmednagar Sultanate and eventually to the Maratha Empire.
If you are looking for forts near Pune, Shivneri can be an interesting choice if you prefer some history and easy hiking activities. As you climb upwards you pass through seven different gates. The fort is easily accessible through the Junnar village near Pune.
How to Reach: If you are taking a train you can reach Pune railway station and then take a bus to Junnar village. On the other hand, if you have a private vehicle you can park your vehicle near the base of the fort and hike up.
18. Shrivardhan Fort
If you are planning your trip to Rajmachi Fort you can cover Shrivardhan Fort at the same time. This fort is one of the two hill forts that complete the Rajmachi fortification along with the Manaranjan Fort. In general, Shrivardhan Fort is a watchtower and therefore there is no visible construction that you can see.
How to Reach: You can take the Lonavala Tungarli road which would allow you to reach the fort quickly.
19. Sindhudurg Fort
Considered one of the best forts in Maharashtra, Sindhudurg Fort was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This island fort is one of the strong coastal forts in Maharashtra offering the right protection from naval invasion. The construction began in 1664 and the purpose was to curb the rising invasion of the colonial powers.
One of the striking features of this fort is the main entrance which remains hidden in plain sight. This makes it hard for the sailors on the ship to pinpoint the entryway to the fort.
While you are here you can also explore other tourist places like Tarkali which would offer you a great holiday experience.
How to Reach: If you take the train you can get down at Kudal railway station and take the transport to Malvan Beach. From the beach, you can hop on to the ferries that can take you to the fort.
20. Sinhagad Fort
Formerly known as the Kondhana Fort, Sinhagad Fort remains one of the popular forts of Maharashtra. The origins of the fort are unknown but considering the inscriptions it is suggested that the fort was made in the 2nd century BC. The fort passed through a long list of rulers and dynasts.
The fort was recaptured by the Marathas thrice. During the third attempt in 1670, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the help of Koli Subedar Tanaji Malusare to scale the fort walls and recapture it. However, he lost his life during the battle.
How to Reach: Like many other forts, Sinhagad Fort is one of the forts near Pune. Hence, you can reach Pune via train or vehicle and then head to Sinhagad village. This is a popular hiking destination during the monsoon season.
21. Torna Fort
Also known as Prachangad (The Massive Fort), Torna Fort is one of the historic forts of Maharashtra. Located near Pune, this fort is said to be constructed during the 13th century. However, the fort was captured by the Bahmani Sultanate in the late 1470s.
Torna is the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Hence, it is one of the important forts in Maharashtra. At the age of 16, Shivaji captured the fort and renamed it from Prachandgad to Torna.
This fort is a great place for nature lovers and those who love challenging hikes.
How to Reach: You can reach Pune railway station and from there take a bus to Velhe village. This is the base village from where you can hike up the Torna Fort.
22. Vasota Fort
While not in the best condition, Vasota Fort is also one of the historic forts of Maharashtra that you should visit. Located in the Satara district, this fort can take you hiking through a dense jungle. This is a perfect fort for those who seek adventure, plenty of thrills and stunning views.
How to Reach: You can head to Pune railway station and from there head to Satara. Further, you can head to Bamnoli village which is the base village for your hike to the fort.
23. Vijaydurg Fort
Vijaydurg is one of the oldest forts in Maharashtra with its 12th century origins. The name of the fort – Vijaydurg means The Victory Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1653 from Adil Shah of Bijapur and named it declaring his victory.
The fort is strategically located and with the repairs and modifications made by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it became an impregnable fortress.
How to Reach: One of the known railway stations close to Vijaydurg is Kankavli railway station. You can take a transport from the station and head to the fort.
24. Vikatgad Peb Fort
If you are looking for a one-day hiking expedition Vikatgad Peb Fort is one of the forts near Mumbai. Located close to Matheran and Neral it gets plenty of tourists on weekends. The fort gets its name from Pebi Devi. The fort was usually used as a granary and watchtower.
How to Reach: By train you can get down at Neral railway station. You can take a rickshaw from the railway station to reach the base of the fort. You can hike the rest of the way upwards.
25. Visapur Fort
If you are heading to Lohagad Fort, you would also want to cover the Visapur Fort hike. Visapur Fort and Lohagad Fort are right opposite each other. Historically, Visapur Fort is larger and higher than Lohagad, but Lohagad is older. Today you can find the ruins of the Peshwa Palace atop the fort.
During the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the British were unable to capture the Lohagad Fort from the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. To counter the attack from Lohagad Fort, the British troops captured the Visapur Fort first. On capturing the Visapur Fort, they sent their cannons and artillery to the fort to bombard Lohagad Fort. This gave them the elevation and proximity required to attack the Lohagad Fort. Eventually, the British captured the Lohagad Fort in 1818.
How to Reach: You can get down at Malavli railway station and take a transport to the base of the fort. You can also walk to the base of the fort and hike up the fort.
Conclusion
If you are looking for outdoor adventure and activities, these forts in Maharashtra would offer you a great experience. This allows you to explore the terrain, nature and history of the region. While some of these forts of Maharashtra offer a hard hiking trail you can pick the ones with easy trails or opt for coastal forts in Maharashtra. With the right Maharashtra forts, you can make the most of your weekend holidays with your friends and family.
11 comments
Another great job sharing great photos and the perfect amount of information.
Thanks Dan.
I love this one Sharukh. Especially the Raigad Fort. So beautiful. My God, India is just so huge! Great information and beautiful ohotos.
Yeah, I have been to Raigad Fort during college days as well. Back then there was no ropeway system to reach on top, so we had to climb around 1000 steps to get there. The initial way is easy as there are man-made steps, but after 600 steps you have to climb rocky steps which are uneven and wobbly, so the ascend becomes challenging, but it was fun and worth the effort when you are on top. These days you just take the ropeway and you are there.
It sounds like excellent exercise.
Excellent Article, with indepth information of Maharashtra forts.
Thank you 🙂
is there free entry ???? or need something to enter in the fort??? like registration n all
No. The entry is free. Please carry and apply sunscreen lotion because you might get sunburn as you climb up.
So many fascinating and beautiful places in your posts, Sharukh! The story of the milk maid was charming. Hugs to you and Sarah.
I’m glad to know that you liked the post, Teagan. Thanks for commenting and visiting. Hugs and Take Care.