Top 10 historical forts in Maharashtra: Grand forts of Maharashtra
As a state of forts, Maharashtra doesn’t seem right, does it? In all honesty, though, the state is home to some of the greatest historical forts, providing picturesque views, an amazing past, and a very memorable experience. In addition to being home to Mumbai, the city of dreams for many in India, Maharashtra is renowned for its captivating beaches and monsoons. In addition, Maharashtra’s hill stations are well known. But we’ll give you a virtual tour of the Maharashtra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja—the state of rich history and magnificent forts—in this blog. The Top 10 historical forts in Maharashtra that you should see at least once in your lifetime are listed below:
1.Sinhagad Fort
The first entry on the list of forts in Maharashtra is Sinhagad Fort, which is regarded as the pride of Pune’s southwest.The nearly a millennium-old Sinhagad fort offers visitors a genuine and regal experience. The Battle of Sinhagad in 1671 is one of the most important wars that took place at the Sinhagad Fort and supported Maharashtra in the past. This historic site is located in the Bhuleshwar range of the Sahyadris, 1312 meters above sea level. There are two entry points inside the fort: Pune Darwaza, which is located in the northeast, and Kalyan Darwaza, which is located in the southeast. The fort is protected on all sides by rapid slopes.The elaborate carvings on the walls of the Kaundinya Eshwar Temple, located inside this well-known fort in Maharashtra, demonstrate excellent craftsmanship.
2. The Rajgad Fort
The Rajgad Fort, once again in Pune, was formerly called Murudev. During the 26-year reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire. The Rajgad Fort is even more fascinating because it was built using the treasures from the Torna Fort. Situated at an elevation of 1,376 meters above sea level, this fort is among the tallest in Maharashtra. Among its remnants are caverns, palaces, and water cisterns, among other features. The hill upon which the Rajgad Fort is built is known as Mumbadevi Dongar, or the mountain of the Goddess Murumba.At the summit of the fort lies a temple called the Temple of Padmavati, which is also where the hikers stay.
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3.Pratapgad Fort
The Pratapgad Fort, also referred to as the “Fort of Valour,” is located 1,080 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking perspective. Because of the Battle of Pratapgad, the fort holds great historical value and is the subject of interesting historical discussions. This Maharashtra fort has four lakes on its grounds and watches over the picturesque villages of Par and Kinesvar. It’s considered one of the best old forts in Maharashtra, and the lakes overflow during the monsoon season. The Maha Darwaja is the Pratapgad Fort’s main entrance, and a watchtower is built next to it. The watchtower provides eye-pleasing views of the cliffs that encircle the forts, making your visit entirely worthwhile.
4. Tung Fort
The Tung Fort, one of the most stunning and well-known forts in Maharashtra, is well-known for its gorgeous scenery and captivating hikes. It is surrounded by stunning tropical scenery and is at an elevation of 1,075 meters above sea level. From a reasonable distance, the fort is considerably more conspicuous due to its peaky and circular structure. From the summit of the Tung Fort, visitors may take in the breathtaking views of Visapur Fort, Tikona, and Pawna Lake. Trekkers and other tourists are welcome to visit the Tunga Devi and Ganapati Temples, which are part of the fort complex.
5. Shivneri Fort
The Shivneri Fort must be mentioned if historical forts in Maharashtra are being discussed. One of the most well-known trekking locations close to Pune, it has a lengthy and illustrious past. Built as a military stronghold in the seventeenth century, the Shivneri Fort is also the birthplace of the powerful and renowned Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha Empire’s founder. The stunningly constructed Shivneri Fort features a water system, stunning rock-cut architecture, and the Shivneri Caves, which have been a part of this location since the first century.The triangle-shaped Shivneri Fort features a pond called the “Badami Talav.”
6. Korigad Fort
One of Maharashtra’s top forts, Korigad Fort, is around 20 kilometers from Lonavala and is renowned for showcasing the grandeur of the legacy left behind by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Built in the fifteenth century, the Korigad Fort is the pinnacle of grandeur. Situated at a height of 929 meters, the fort provides tourists with an unparalleled vista. The tranquility of the fort has not altered, and the three temples constructed during its peak are in excellent condition.You must ascend 600 steps from the base, or the village of Peth Shahpur, to reach the fort.
7. Lohagad Fort
One of the Marathas’ greatest military achievements was the Lohagad Fort. Constructed at an astounding height of 1,033 meters, a short range connects the fort to the adjacent Visapur fort. It has four gates that are still sturdy and in excellent shape, and it looks over the Parvana Reservoir. Another beautiful trekking route for those who can’t get enough adventure is the Lohagad Fort in Maharashtra, which is especially beautiful in the monsoon. If you detour slightly on the route to the fort, you will come across the impressive Bhaja Caves. In addition, a paved path leads to the fort, facilitating vehicle access.
8. Sindhudurg Fort
It took three years for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha King, to build this fort in Maharashtra. It is among Tarkarli’s most well-known tourist destinations. The meaning of the Sindhudurg Fort is “fort built on the ocean floor.” More than a hundred Portuguese architects and thousands of Indian laborers and artisans constructed the fort; their exquisite work is evident in the fort’s pillars and walls. Another sea fort in Maharashtra was built to aid the Marathas in defending their empire from enemy attacks: Sindhudurg Fort.
9. Panhala Fort
The Panhala Fort, one of the largest in Maharashtra and the Deccan, links the state with the Arabian Sea via Bijapur. It is more conveniently situated near Kolhapur and was painstakingly constructed to provide guests with memorable moments and lovely vistas. Various motifs, bastions, and other remnants of the various dynasties are included in the design of the fort. The fort also features a hint of Indo-Islamic architecture in addition to this. The Panhala Fort offers visitors a 360-degree vista from the summit and the best historical understanding of the Maratha Empire.
10. Vijaydurg Fort
Vijaydurg Fort, one of the two forts where the powerful Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj personally raised the saffron flag, comes in last place among the forts of Maharashtra. The “Victory Fort,” which is the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, is a symbol of the Marathas’ victories over their adversaries. It was close to the settlement of Girye, and the nearby natural port is still utilized by the neighborhood fishermen. Because of its connection to the Arabian Sea, this sea fort is also referred to as being exquisite in Maharashtra.
In addition to this, some additional historical forts are the Harihar Fort in Maharashtra, Shanirwada Fort, Torna Fort, Raigad Fort, and so forth.
