India has an incredible history, and all the Indian states have their own heritage. Some of the best rulers of history have ruled in India, especially in Maharashtra. Maharashtra has a history of the rule of Mughals and Marathas, who had large regions under their control. During the period of their rule, they have built some of the magnificent arts, architecture, and forts. There are many renowned forts in Maharashtra built by different rulers; however, most of these were built under the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The forts of Maharashtra are architectural marvels with a profound history that describes the life of people during the time of the establishment of these forts. Forts in Maharashtra are worth visiting if you are planning to visit Maharashtra to explore the best in the state. We have listed below some of the popular Forts of Maharashtra that you might consider visiting.
Located in Lonavala, one of the most aesthetically appealing places near Pune, Lohagadh Fort is a beautiful piece of architecture. It is a fort that was captured by Shivaji Maharaj and then by the Mughals. It was used by Shivaji Maharaj to store the treasure looted from Surat. It is situated approximately 52 Km from Pune and is a trek that can be covered within one day.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
Surrounded by water bodies along its sides, Janjira Fort is also known as Murud Fort, as it is located in a village called Murud in the state of Maharashtra. This marvel of ancient engineering was built in the 17th century by Malik Ambar. The Fort is well-known as it has been withstanding the sea waves for ages. Janjira Fort is a 40 feet high fort that had 500 canons, of which only some are left now. Towers of the Fort are now used for keeping guns. This Fort is worth visiting because of its beautiful architecture. Even if it is difficult to cover all forts on the first visit, you may consider visiting this Fort over the others.
Location: Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
Established in the 14th century, Daulatabad Fort is popular as Devagiri and is approximately 16 Km away from Aurangabad. Mughals, Marathas, and Peshwas captured this magnificent Fort, which is one among the seven wonders of Maharashtra. It was under the rule of Nizams of Hyderabad in 1724 AD. It is a great place for tourists across the world, and they have to climb 750 steps to reach the Fort. However, it is worth the effort.
Location: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra, 431002
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
One of the most beautiful forts of Maharashtra, Panhala Fort, is located in the Sahyadri mountain range, over a pass that connects Bijapur in central Maharashtra. Panhala is located 20Km away from Kolhapur. It is well known in the history of Maharashtra as the queen regent of Kolhapur, Tarabai, stayed in the Fort for some years.
Location: Panhala Fort, Panhala, Maharashtra 416201
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
Located on the Sahyadri Mountain range, Raigadh Fort is at the height of 820m. Additionally, it is also known as the most secure Fort in the region. It is popular for the beauty and the glorious past that it portrays; it depicts the history and life of the Marathas.
Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
Shanivarwada Fort is a popular Fort in the city of Pune located in Maharashtra. It has great historic significance as it was the seat of the Marathas from 1730 to 1818. This extremely beautiful Fort, built by Peshwas of Chhatrapati, is known to have been haunted by Peshwa Narayanrao's ghost. Unfortunately, it has been destroyed several times due to varying reasons, some of them being military attacks and fire. The Fort is popular among the local people in Maharashtra and tourists from across the world as it gives a glimpse of the history of the Maratha empire. If you visit Pune, then Shanivarwada is must visit Fort, and it is one of the monuments of India.
Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
Marathas constructed the Fort in the 16th century, and it is located in the Maharashtra-Goa border region. British captured the Fort in 1765 and sold the land in 1890, keeping ownership of the walls of Fort. It is popularly known as the Redi fort and is a beautiful piece of architecture worth the visit.
Location: Redi, Khalchikar, Maharashtra 416517
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
Established by Shivaji Maharaj in 1664, Sidhugarh Fort was constructed on the island. The rocky island on which the Fort is established was selected by Shivaji Maharaj. Another interesting fact about the construction of this Fort is that the foundation stones are laid in molten lead. The Fort looks majestic with its beautiful gateways and solid walls. Sidhugarh is known as one of the most preserved forts in Maharashtra. It has a solid zig-zag wall of 4 Km and 9 Km. With a temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, the Fort gives the best location to click pictures in the Arabian Sea background.
Location: Malvan, Maharashtra 416606
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
Located at an elevation of 1312 m above sea level, Sinhgarh fort is situated southwest of Pune. According to the sources, the Fort could be as old as 2000 years. This popular Fort is well-known as Kondhana and has witnessed major battles of history, one of which is the popular Battle of Sinhgarh in 1670. People must visit this Fort if they are travelling to Pune as the Fort is beautifully constructed and has great historical significance.
Location: Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra 411025
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
