Maharashtra is renowned for its extensive history and the Maratha & Mughal reign.
The state is home to more than 350 historically significant forts. The forts tell us how these empires ruled the region, fought battles and left artifacts behind to be remembered.
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The glorious history of the forts and the serene nature around them will leave you spellbound.
In this article, you will get to know about the following forts of Maharashtra,
- Lohagad Fort
- Daulatabad Fort
- Raigad Fort
- Torna Fort
- Purandar Fort
- Rajmachi Fort
- Visapur Fort
- Prabalgad Fort
- Pratapgarh Fort
- Harishchandragad Fort
Let’s see each of these in detail.
1. Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort is a beautiful piece of royal architecture in Maharashtra. The fort is 52 kilometers northwest of Pune and is 1,033 meters above sea level.
The term Lohagad means “Fort made of Iron.”
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Shivaji captured the fort in 1648 CE, and the Mughals later took control of it in 1665 CE. Later Shivaji Maharaj recaptured it and kept his Surat treasures there.
You can go for a beautiful trek to Lohagad in Pune. The architectural delight and the natural elegance of the fort will impress you.
2. Daulatabad Fort
The 14th century saw the construction of Devagiri, also known as the Daulatabad Fort. This fort, located 16 km northwest of Aurangabad, is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s seven wonders. The fort is perched on a conical hilltop.
It is one of Maharashtra’s most stunning forts. It was captured by several emperors with time, including the Mughals, Marathas, and Peshwas. The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled over Daulatabad Fort from the beginning of 1724.
The hike to Daulatabad Fort includes climbing 750 steps. The three-layer defense system, optimum location, and stunning architecture make this a must-visit citadel in Maharashtra.
3. Raigad Fort
Raigadh Fort is perched on the lush Sahyadri mountain range at 820 meters. You need to ascend 1737 steps to reach the fort. It offers breathtaking views of the valley below and an artificial lake called “Ganga Sagar Lake.”
This fort was regarded as the strongest in the entire Deccan region and is one of the most visited forts in Maharashtra.
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Visitors can enter the fort through a passage called “Maha Darwaja.” This fort has a bastion called “Hirakani Buruj” (Hirkani Bastion) constructed over a huge cliff.
During the reign of various emperors, the fort was known by different names such as -Reddi, Shivlanka, Raigadh, Rashivata, Islamgarh, Nandadeep, Tanas, Badenur, Rairi, Jambudweep, Raigiri, Rajgir, Bhivgad, Rahir, and Gibraltar of the East.
4. Torna Fort
The Prachandagad or Torna fort is located in the western Maharashtra region, southwest of the Pune district.
Undoubtedly the most beautiful panoramas surround it. Moreover, the fascinating history behind the fort is that Shivaji Maharaj took control of this fort in 1643 at the age of 16.
The Torna hill fort is renowned for being the tallest fort atop a hill in Maharashtra. This fort is cradled at 1403 meters above sea level.
Thrill seekers carry out their trekking journey from the Velhe village base. Inside the fort, the Menai temple is a decent place to stay. This fort is also a well-liked camping location for hikers who bring their camping materials.
5. Purandar Fort
Purandar Fort is located close to Pune, in Maharashtra. The fort is situated 1387 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is said to have been born in the fort. From this fort, the burgeoning Maratha kingdom launched its war against the Adilshah of the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals.
Coming to the structure, the fort is divided into two sections. The upper part of the fort is referred to as a Balekilla, and the lower part is known as Machi.
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The Purandar Fort is close to the city of Narayanpur. It is one of the favorite destinations for visitors and also an ideal hiking spot.
In the monsoon, the view of the fort from the Balekilla is stunning, and visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes.
You can learn more about the history and things to do at Purandar Fort from the article below.
Click to learn more about Purandar Fort
6. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort in Lonavala is one of the oldest forts in Maharashtra. Shrivardhan and Manaranjan are the two stronghold forts that make up this historical fort.
Rajmachi View Point is a famous location close to Khandala that overlooks the beautiful landscapes of Borghat. It is also a well-known trekking location in the Lonavala Hill Stations.
The beautiful Kataldhar Waterfall can be seen from Shrivardhan Fort.
Other natural treasures which you can see from the fort are the Udai Sagar Lake, Shirota Lake, and many more.
7. Visapur Fort
A well-known hill fort known as the Visapur Fort is situated near Visapur village close to Lonavala. It is a popular weekend getaway from Pune and Mumbai.
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A magnificent fort is a favorite place for trekkers. Although rocky, the ascent to the Visapur Fort is quite charming. The trek begins in the village of Bhaje and takes about 2.5 and 3 hours to complete for a height of 3556 feet. At 1084 meters above sea level, the fort offers a panoramic view of hills covered in a thick blanket of green.
You can visit Visapur Fort during the monsoons to see beautiful vistas of lush vegetation, tumbling waterfalls, and a romantic atmosphere.
8. Prabalgad Fort
The Raigarh district of Maharashtra is home to Prabalgad Fort. It is a magnificent fort along the Western Ghats in the Sahyadri mountain range.
The fort is located on a plateau 700 meters above sea level. It offers a clear view of the Kalyan and Irshalgad forts.
Because it served as a watchtower, it also had significant historical value. The fort underwent a revival under Shivaji’s Rule.
Today it serves as a remarkable retreat for tourists from exhausting city life. A thicket-like green layer covers the entire Prabalgad landscape. You can get beautiful views of the Konkan and Adjacent ranges from the summit.
The trek to the summit includes narrow forest trails that are rocky and zigzag. These trails will give you an awe-inspiring sight covered in mist.
9. Pratapgarh Fort
Pratapgad, a sizable fort in Satara, was built by Shivaji Maharaj. According to the records, the fort was constructed in 1657.
Lying on an elevation of 1080 meters, this fort provides a stunning view of the Konkan coast. This is one of Maharashtra’s most well-known forts, just 8 km from Mahabaleshwar.
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In the fort, a guest house and a national park were built in 1960. Udyanraje Bhosale, the 13th Chhatrapati of the former Satara state, currently owns this grand fort.
The fort is divided into two parts, an upper part, and a lower part. Visitors visit the Mahadev Temple in the upper part and the strongholds, and Bhavani Temple, housing a shining sword of Chhatrapati in the lower one.
10. Harishchandragad Fort
Harishchandragad is one of the best and highest forts in Maharashtra. It is located close to Mumbai.
Multiple entryways, including the Junnar gate route, Sadhale ghat, Nalichi wat, and Indore Vaat, will let you enter the fort.
Given the fort was closely associated with Shaiva, Shakta, or Naath, the carvings on the Nageshwar temples, the Harishchandreshwar temple, and the Kedareshwar cave show that the fort dates back to the medieval era.
Later, the Moghuls were in charge of the fort. In 1747, the Marathas took control of it.
Sapta Tirta Pushkarini, Kedareshwar Cave, Konkan Kada – Konkan cliff, Taramati peak, and Temple of Harishchandreshwar are the main attractions of the fort.
These are some of the famous forts that you can visit in Maharashtra.
All these forts are the epitome of beauty, architecture, and rich insight into the past.
They can be reached without difficulty, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can even hike to some of them.
Don’t forget to click amazing pictures of these imperial forts.
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