Top 14 Historical Forts in Maharashtra, Must Visit

(1 out of 14 places to visit in Aurangabad)

Daulatabad Fort is a magnificent hilltop located in Daulatabadtown of Aurangabad district, India. Often hailed as one of the 'seven wonders of Maharashtra'. The fort was enlarged and structures were added subsequently as the fort passed on from one hand to the other and from one dynasty to another. Today the Daulatabad Fort, besides the moats and fortification walls consists of the stepped wells (baolis), Kacheri (Court) building, Bharat Mata Temple (Temple dedicated to mother India), Hathi haud (Elephant Tank), Chand Minar (70 m high), Aam Khas building (Hall of Public Audience), Royal Hammam, Chini Mahal, Rang Mahal, Andheri (The Dark passage), building known as Baradari and water cisterns, Besides there are 10 unfinished rock cut caves belonging to the Yadava period. Daulatabad Fort is located at approx 17km from Aurangabad, 170k m from Nashik, 242km from Pune, 329km from Mumbai.

(2 out of 14 places to visit in Raigad )

Murud-Janjira Fort or Janjira Fort famous mighty fort and tourist place situated on an island near village of Murud, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast near the port town of Murud and is considered one of the strongest marine forts in India. Interesting fact about this fort is the main gate of the fort faces Rajapuri on the shore can be seen only when one is about 40 feet away from it. A special attraction of this fort are 3 gigantic cannons named Kalalbangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam. These cannons were said to be feared for their shooting range.[9] Another gate to the west is sea-facing, called 'Darya Darwaza'. Janjira Fort is located at approx 159km from Mumbai, 182km from Pune, 520km from Panaji, Goa.

(3 out of 14 places to visit in Pune)

Lohagad Fort or Iron Fort is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra situated near Lonavala hill station in Pune district of Maharashtra,India. Lohagad Fort is one of the most populat fort in Maharashtra, India and is ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers, especially from Pune and Mumbai. The lush green beauty, adventurous trekking route, panoramic views or illustrious history, Lohagad Fort is certainly worthy of a visit. Lohagad Fort is located at approx 15km from Lonavla, 62km from Pune, 98km from Mumbai, 231km from Nashik.

(4 out of 14 places to visit in Kolhapur)

Panhala fort also known as Panhalgad is located in Panhala in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India. Located in the Sahyadri mountain range, entire stretch of Panhala Fort is dotted with parapets, ramparts, and bastions and styled with motifs of different dynasties that ruled over the fort - the Marathas, Bahamanis, Mughals and so on. Panhala fort provides a great views and trekking experience, making it one of the major attractions in Maharashtra, India. Panhala fort is located at approx 23km from Kolhapur, 128km from Satara, 240km from Pune, 383km from Mumbai, 134km from Belgaum, Karnataka.

(5 out of 14 places to visit in Satara)

Pratapgad Fort is historical fort located in Satara district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of largest fort in Maharashtra and greatest tourist attractions. This fort is know for site of the Battle of Pratapgad. The place is perfect for sightseeing and the best choice for tourists who love to nature and adventure. The historic battle between Chatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate fought here. Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's Tomb are major attractions where are situated near the fort. Pratapgad Fort is located at approx 76km form Satara, 20km from Mahabaleshwar, 139km from Pune, 218km from Mumbai.

(6 out of 14 places to visit in Raigad )

Raigad is a hill fort situated in the Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Raigad fort is among the major spots for tourism in Maharashtra. It is one of the ancient heritage sites and is a famous destination for weekend holiday. Chhatrapati Shivaji has made this fort the capital of his empire in the year 1674. This hill fort is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. There are approximately 1737 steps leading to the fort. The majestic fort is accessible only from one side through a pathway which has about 1737 steps as the other three sides are surrounded by deep valleys. Alternatively, one can take the ropeway to reach the fort top in 4 minutes. Raigad Fort is located at approx 134km from Pune, 166km from Mumbai. 367km from Belgaum, Karnataka.

(7 out of 14 places to visit in Pune)

Rajgad is a hill fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Formerly known as Murumdev, the fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years, after which the capital was moved to the Raigad Fort. Treasures discovered from an adjacent fort Torna were used to completely build and fortify the Rajgad Fort.

(8 out of 14 places to visit in Pune )

Rajmachi Fort is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains near Lonavala in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Monsoon Trek to Rajmachi Fort offers an amazing view of the sahyadri mountains and the backwater of Shirota dam. Nature is at its best during monsoon time and one can see amazing waterfalls and lush green forests enroute which makes this the one of the must visit forts in Maharashtra, India. The fort consists of two Balekillas [Shrivardhan and Manaranjan] which are the main attraction points here. Rajmachi Fort is located at approx 78km from Pune, 94km from Mumbai.

(9 out of 14 places to visit in Pune)

Shivneri Fort is located near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Empire. A well maintained fort with many small gardens within. This fort is surrounded by steep upwards slopes from all four sides and is unassailable. There is small temple of Goddess Shivai and idols of Jijabai (Mother of Shri Shivaji) and Shivaji in his childhood. The fort has a lovely view of the surrounding hills and junnar city. Old monuments have been preserved. Trekking level is easy. So one can go with family and kids can go as well. Shivneri Fort is located at approx 93km from Pune, 155km from Mumbai, 151km from Nashik, 111km from Ahmednagar.

(10 out of 14 places to visit in Sindhudurg )

Sindhudurg Fort is a historical fort located on a islet in the Arabian Sea, near on the shore of Malvan town of Sindhudurg district, coastal Maharashtra, India. This fort was constructed by Shivaji Maharaj, the chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire and is one of the top places to visit in Maharashtra, india. This imposing construction is spread over an area of 48 acres, with its massive walls standing tall against the crashing waves of the sea. The main entrance of the fort is hidden away in such a manner that no one can identify it from the outside. Shivaji’s palm and footprints are preserved here on dried lime slabs in a tower. Inside the Fort, temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri, Mahapurush and Shivajeshwar are worth seeing, all of which are in good condition. Sindhudurg Fort is located at approx 528km from Mumbai, 382km from Pune, 106km from Panaji, 214km from Karwar, Karnataka, 482km from Mangaluru, Karnataka.

(11 out of 14 places to visit in Pune)

Sinhagad Fort is a beautiful tourist site located near Pune, Maharashtra, India. Previously known as Kondhana, the fort had been the site of many battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range in the Sahyadri Mountains, the fort is situated on a hill about 760 metres above ground and 1,312 metres above mean sea level. The Sinhagad Fort is a popular weekend destination for many residents of Pune, including trekking enthusiasts with access to the top of the fort from the base of the Sinhgad village. Sinhagad Fort is more attractive because of the Western Ghats adds to its beauty. Sinhagad Fort is located at approx 30km from Pune.

(12 out of 14 places to visit in Pune)

Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is located in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Torna Fort is one of the best trekking fort and highest trekking point in entire pune district which offers spectacular views of Sahyadri Mountains. and is one of the most popular trekking places in Maharashtra, India. The trek route is pretty simple to follow but a bit difficult in the last few sections. If you drive till the parking lot, you will save around 25% of trekking time. From the parking lot, it should take 2 hours to get to the top of the fort. Torna Fort is located at approx 49km from Pune, 108km from Satara, 205km from Mumbai.

(13 out of 14 places to visit in Sindhudurg)

Vijaydurg Fort is an ancient fort situated on a hill near the mouth of the Vaghotan River in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, India. Shivaji Maharaj won this fort from Adilshaha of Bijapur in 1653 and renamed it as “Vijay Durg” as the then Hindu solar year’s name was “Vijay”. It is one of the several coastal forts on the western coast of Maharashtra, India. It is surrounded by water on all the four side but connected to land through a narrow road. The port adjacent to the fort is a natural port and is still used by local fishermen. This is one of the best sea forts in Maharashtra and is one of the must visit place in Maharashtra, India. Vijaydurg Fort is located at approx 431km from Mumbai, 374km from Pune, 176km from Panaji, Goa. 216km from Belgaum, Karnataka.

(14 out of 14 places to visit in Pune)

Visapur Fort is a hill fort near Visapur village in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Visapur Fort is one of the highest forts in Maharashtra. Perched upon a lush green plateau the fort is a popular excursion destination amongst nature lovers, trekkers, and campers. The trek is not very difficult, but beginners might find it a bit too slippery during the monsoon. However, despite the slippery slope, monsoons are definitely the best time to visit Visapur Fort - the lush greenery, brimming waterfalls, and the foggy atmosphere will make one fall in love with this beautiful place. Visapur Fort is located at approx 14km from Lonavla, 61km from Pune, 97km from Mumbai, 230km from Nashik.