Purandar Fort (Pune) Maharastra - Timings, History, Trek

There are many elegant fortresses near Pune. Purandar Fort, or Purandhar Fort, is one of the most beautiful ones among them. It signifies the rise of Shivaji against Adil Shahi Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals.

Purandar Fort is also a famous tourist attraction in Pune, Maharashtra.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about the Purandar Fort,

How to reach
About
Timings and entry fee
Trek
History
The natural beauty
Things to do
Best time to visit
Places to stay
Nearby attractions

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

How to reach Purandar Fort

By Flight:

The nearest airport to the fort is Pune International airport (PNQ), which is approximately 20 km away.

By Rail:

The nearest Railway station is Pune which is approx 40 km. Take a state transport bus or taxi from the station to reach the fort.

By Road:

Purandar Fort is approx 195 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune express Highway and takes about 4 hours.

It is approx 40 km from Pune city and takes 1.5-2 hours.

Google map location

About Purandar Fort

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. It is divided into two sections.

Coming to the structure, The upper part of the fort is referred to as a Balekilla, and the lower part is known as Machi.

During that time, a hospital and cantonment were located in the lower portion of the fort, while the upper part was surrounded on three sides by a steep drop.

In the fort complex, there are a lot of temples. The name of the fort came from the Purandeswar temple. In the Balekilla, there is also a temple dedicated to Shiva, Kedarshwar.

Purandar Fort Timings and Entry Fee

The fort remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM. There are no entry fees.

Trek to Purandar Fort

The Purandar Fort, which is close to the city of Narayanpur, is one of the favorite destinations for visitors and also an ideal hiking spot. At the base village of Narayanpur, there is also a well-known temple dedicated to Lord Narayaneshwar.

The trek to the fort takes about two hours from the base village. In the monsoon, the view of the fort from the Balekilla is stunning, and visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes.

In the monsoon, the area surrounding the fort is covered in lush greeneries.

Beginners would require comparatively more time to reach the hilltop than intermediate and experienced trekkers. The climb is steep in some places, slippery and rocky in others. It calls for some strength and endurance.

The complete journey, including the stop at the fort and the return, takes about 4 to 6 hours. To ensure they have a safe and enjoyable climb, trekkers should carry their trekking and rain gear, snacks, and water.

History of Purandar Fort

The expansion of the Maratha kingdom against the Adilshah of Bijapur and the Mughals began from this fort. This fort is one of the oldest forts in India.

In the year 1646, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took control of it.

In 1665, Shivaji Mahraj and Aurangzeb agreed to the “Treaty of Purandar.” According to the agreement, Shivaji gave up 23 forts, including Purandar, and a region with annual revenue of four lakh Hons (gold coins). Shivaji Maharaj was the Jagirdar of the territory.

In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort from Aurangzeb after 05 years. The Peshwas later controlled the place. Karoji Naik, a Koli chief, conquered it in 1690, and it came under General Pritlzer.

The fort came under the control of the Britishers in 1818 during their reign in India. The British used the fort as a prison during World War 2.

When India gained independence in 1947, the fort was recognized as a historical monument under the Indian government.

The natural beauty of Purandar Fort

The breathtaking landscapes of the fort are a treat to the eyes of the visitors. Purandar Fort is situated 1387 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. Therefore the ribbon of valleys that you will witness from the fort will uplift your mood.

The village at the bottom of the hill is known as Purandar Village, and this fort is situated west of Vajragad Fort.

The fort and its surroundings also draw visitors for weekend getaways, nature exploration, and adventure activities in addition to their historical significance. The lush green hills and the cloudy atmosphere makes the place looks more mystical. The green vegetation has covered many parts of the black-brick fort.

Trekking to the fort would reward you with all the natural delights and impressive architectural engineering. This architectural ruin is a masterpiece famous for its ancient temples, relics, and the eye-catching ‘Dilli Darwaza.’ You can see an ashlar stone memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the fort.

Things to do in Purandar Fort

Some of the things you can do in Purandar Fort include,

Take amazing photographs of the flawless architecture of the fort.
Soak in the picturesque beauty of the surrounding.
Click selfies in the backdrop of grey clouds and lush green vegetation.
Feel the thrill while trekking.
Experience the spiritual ambiance of the temples surrounding the fort.
Admire the beauty of the cascading waterfalls and streams down the hill slope.

Best time to visit Purandar Fort

The best time to visit the fort is from June to mid-February, as you can have a golden chance to witness the showers over the Sahyadri Range.

During the monsoons, the landscapes look more rejuvenated and lively. You can also visit during the other seasons too.

Places to stay near Purandar Fort.

You can get many accommodations and good eateries in Pune itself. Therefore staying will not be a problem near Purandhar Fort.

Other attractions near Purandar Fort

Vajragad Fort is another twin fort of Purandar Fort, which you can visit here.

Lavasa, Morgaon Ganapati, Jejudi Temple, and Sinhagad Fort are some other nearby attractions.

These are some of the things you must know about the Purandar Fort.

Visit this iconic location in Pune if you are searching for a place to soothe your soul and eyes!

Some more articles you can check out:

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article are affiliate links. This means when you buy or book anything using those links, you help support this website at no extra cost.

The images used in the article are for representation purposes only.

Purandar Fort (Pune) Maharastra – Timings, History, Trek