Maharashtra is a state with a long and famous past. The Mughals and Marathas ruled this region for a long time and created some of the most famous and spectacular monuments and forts. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj erected the majority of Maharashtra’s forts alongside his Maratha Empire. They include some of Maharashtra’s most stunning forts. The magnificence of Maharashtra’s old forts, as well as tales of bravery and valor, will surprise you.
They also offer a unique look into the lives of people from bygone eras, as well as a peek into their traditions and cultures. Maharashtra’s forts, with their unique hilltop settings and lush visual splendor, offer not only an insight into the lives of the Maratha soldiers but also a terrific hiking experience.
Here’s the list of forts of Maharashtra to know about its Rich Heritage:
1. Shivneri Fort
The Shivneri Fort is a 17th-century military building known for being the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. It is located in the Junnar district of Pune. This fort is only a short distance away, and the scenery along the way is spectacular. Precisely Known for being one of Maharashtra’s greatest forts for novices due to its short length and precisely built steps. The Ganga and the Yamuna are two water springs near the fort that run all year.
- Entry time: 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Enter Fee: Rs 5
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune City Railway Station is 94 km from Junnar
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
2. Rajmachi Fort
The trail to Rajmachi Fort passes through several waterfalls, steep gorges and valleys, quaint and rustic settlements, and water streams. For painters and photographers, this trail is a treasure trove of inspiration. If you thought the trail was arduous, wait till you reach Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, Rajmachi’s two fortified peaks.
Fireflies dance in the air during the monsoon season, which is a sight to behold. The fort also contains a number of temples, caverns, and water reservoirs that provide insight into the lives of the Maratha dynasty.
- Entry Time: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport and Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Karjat Railway Station
3. Korigad Fort
The Korigad Fort, located near Lonavala at a height of 923 meters above sea level, is a renowned tourist attraction. The fact that the majority of the fort’s structure has survived to this day is its most noticeable feature. Daily prayers get conducted within the fort, where there are various temples. This fort is Maharashtra’s most popular trekking location. Visitors come from Lonavala and cities like Mumbai to participate in adventure sports. The Korigad Fort is close to the Aamby Valley.
- Entry Time: 24hrs Open
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station
4. Tung Fort
This spherical fort overlooks the lovely Pawna Lake and is a pleasure to behold. Surrounded by the tropics at a height of 1,075 meters above sea level. It begs the issue of how the Adil Shahi dynasty was able to build such a massive fort in the year 1600 CE. Because ‘Tung’ means ‘tough,’ you should expect a challenging hike here.
On the other hand, the climb to the summit of this peak is definitely worth it. From this vantage point, the view is spectacular. While you’re there, take a visit to Tungi Devi Temple and Ganpati Temple.
- Entry Time: 24hrs Open
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport and Pune International Airport
5. Lohagad Fort
For most of its history, the Maratha Empire administered Lohagad Fort, a 16th-century military masterpiece (apart from a short span of 5 years when it fell into the hands of the Mughal Empire). At 1,033 meters above sea level, Lohagad Fort is one of Maharashtra’s most popular trekking destinations. By a short range, the fort gets connected to Visapur Fort. So, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could visit two forts in one day. One of the most amazing Maharashtra forts.
- Entry Time: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport and Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Malavi Railway Station
6. Shaniwarwada Fort
This is one of the few forts in the Maratha Empire that will show you the imperial architecture of the Maratha Empire. Peshwa Baji Rao I was erected as the Peshwa dynasty’s imperial residence. The stone walls of the fort bear testament to the colorful life of the heroic Marathas. If you are visiting this fort then do remember the Maratha Kingdom’s valor.
- Entry Time: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 5
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station
7. Daulatabad Fort
Around 15 kilometers from Aurangabad, Yadava Prince Bhillama V built this 12th-century fort in 1187. Located on a 200-meter-high hilltop the fort overlooks the city of Daulatabad and sits 200 meters above sea level. It’s difficult to comprehend the prince’s strategic vision in erecting such a stronghold. It is one of Maharashtra’s best forts for trekking because of the panoramic views. If you have a free weekend, you should go visit this architectural marvel.
- Entry Time: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 10
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station
8. Janjira Fort
Murud Fort, also known as Janjira Fort, is a fort in Maharashtra’s Murud village. On all sides, water surrounds Janjira, one of the most picturesque forts near Pune. The fort got constructed around the end of the 17th century by Malik Ambar and is a masterpiece of antique engineering.
This massive fort, which stands 40 feet tall and has held against the ravages of the sea for millennia, is a sight to see. Only a few of the fort’s 500 canons are still operational, and the towers are being used to store weapons. This fort, which is one of Maharashtra’s most gorgeous forts, to see. Despite the fact that there are far too many forts to see on your first visit, this is a must-see location in Maharashtra.
- Entry Time: 7 AM to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 30
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Panvel Railway Station
9. Yashwantgarh Fort
Near the Maharashtra-Goa boundary, the fort of Yashwantgarh is mostly in ruins. It is also known as the Redi fort and got erected by the Marathas during the 16th century. British seized the fort in 1765, and the property got auctioned to inhabitants in 1890, but the fort walls were well preserved. For everyone who enjoys the beauty of ruins, the fort is a must-see.
- Entry Time: 24hrs Open
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Goa Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Goa Railway Station
10. Pratapgad Fort
Pratapgad, in Satara, is a massive Shivaji Maharaj fort. Built-in 1657 According to archives, the fort offers a stunning view of the Konkan coast. This fort, located barely 8 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, is one of Maharashtra’s most renowned tourist attractions. In 1960 the fort got expanded to incorporate a guest accommodation as well as a national park. Udyanraje Bhosale, the 13th Chhatrapati of the old Satara state, owns this magnificent fort.
- Entry Time: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Satara Railway Station
11. Panhala Fort
Panhala Fort is 20 kilometers from Kolhapur’s main city, overlooking a pass in the spectacular Sahyadri mountain range that was formerly an important trading route from Bijapur in Maharashtra’s heartland. Tarabai, the queen regent of Kolhapur, grew up in the fort.
The fort is a must-see sight in Maharashtra because portions of it are still surviving. It is one of Maharashtra’s most magnificent forts, not only because of its construction but also because it provides a fantastic trekking route for adventurers. One of the moat breathtaking forts of Maharashtra.
- Entry Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Kolhapur Railway Station
- Nearest Railway Station: Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
12. Torna Fort
Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is one of Pune’s must-see forts. With a height of 1,403 meters above sea level, it is Pune’s tallest hill fort. It is a historically significant monument since it was Shivaji Maharaj’s first fort, which he captured at the age of 16 in 1643. Within the fort, beautiful towers and monuments got constructed, making it a work of architectural wonder. The view from this fort in Maharashtra is unbelievable.
- Entry Time: 5 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 800
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station
13. Kandhar Fort
King Krishna III of Malkhed built Kandhar Fort, 50 kilometers from Ranthambhore National Park, about 1200 years ago. Its architecture is similar to the Shivneri forts of Maharashtra. It’s known for its gorgeous architecture while it’s also surrounded by a canal filled with water. Make your trip to the land worthwhile by visiting the fort!. One of the most amazing forts of Maharashtra.
- Entry Time: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Nanded Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Nanded Airport
14. Visapur Fort
The Visapur-Lohagarh fortification project included the construction of this Maharashtra fort, commonly known as the Visapoor Fort. This fort, which sits at a height of 1084 meters near the town of Visapur, is extremely attractive. Located at a significant elevation above sea level, and its beauty will take your breath away.
- Entry Time: 24hrs Open
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Pune Railway Station
15. Haji Malang
Sri Malang Gad is a fort in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, near Kalyan. Haji Malang is the most well-known of the three Sufi shrines on the hill, and it is one of the most well-known of the three Sufi shrines on the hill. There are three sections of the fort, each with its own name.
- Entry Time: 6 AM to 10 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Haji Malang Railway Station
