List of Forts in Maharashtra
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.
1. Lohagadh Fort, Lonavala
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
2. Janjira Fort, Murud
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
3. Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad
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
4. Panhala Fort, Panhala
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
5. Raigadh Fort, Raigadh
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
6. Shanivarwada Fort, Pune
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
7. Yashwantgarh Fort, Redi
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
8. Sidhugarh Fort, Malvan
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
9. Sinhgarh Fort, Pune
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
10. Pratapgarh Fort, Satara
Located in Satara, Pratapgarh is a beautifully built, huge fort constructed in 1657. It is in near proximity to the Mahabaleshwar, located only about 8 Km away. One of the most popular Forts in Maharashtra, Pratapgarh Fort, is an absolute treat to the eyes of the visitors. The 13th Chhatrapati, Udyanraje Bhosle, owned this Fort located in the former Satara state. It also had a guest house and national park, which was constructed in 1960. The Fort has a view of the Konkan coast which makes it even more beautiful and worth the visit.
Location: Hinjavadi, Maan Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 400033
Known For: Trekking, photography, sightseeing
11. Torna Fort
Prachandgad is another name for the popular Torna Fort, which is located approximately at the height of 1403m above sea level. The highest hill in Pune has great significance in history as it was first captured by Shivaji Maharaj when he was 16, and this was not until 1643. Torna Fort is a precious piece of architecture with beautifully designed towers and monuments.
Location: Rajgad, Torna Trek Charhat Wadi, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
12. Kandhar Fort
King Krishna III of Malkhed built the Fort around 1200 years ago. Its approximate distance from the Ranthambhore National Park is 50 Km. The architecture of the Kandhar fort closely resembles the Shivneri Forts in Maharashtra. Surrounded by a canal filled with water, it is a place worth visiting if you pay a visit to Nanded.
Location: Khilla Road, Nanded
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
13. Rajmachi Fort, Pune
Manarajan and Shrivardhan Forts came together to form the Rajmachi Fort, which is situated in the mountains of Sahyadri in a village named Rajmachi. A most popular place for nature lovers, Rajmachi Fort, is a beautiful place for photography and sightseeing.
Location: Lonavala, Pune, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
14. Tikona Fort, Lonavala
Tikona is a Hindi word meaning triangle; the Tikona Fort is 3500 feet in height and is named Tikona due to its pyramidal shape. The Fort is located in Lonavala, which is a popular site for tourists across the country. Visitors can click some of the best pictures at the Fort, and it is also well known for trekking. Tourists visiting Maharashtra must add this Fort to their itinerary to get some of the best pictures and witness the beauty of the Fort.
Location: Tikona, Mulshi, Maharashtra 412108
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
15. Vasota Fort, Satara
Constructed at the backwaters of the Konya river, Vasota Fort gives a beautiful view of the Shivsagar lake and Nageshwar peak. The road leading to the Fort is even more beautiful as it passes through Kas pathar or the Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra. The journey through this road and the Fort both give a mesmerizing view.
Location: Satara, Maharashtra 415001
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
16. Visapur Fort, Malavali
Visapur Fort is part of the Visapur-Lohagarh fortification, which was important even in history; it is also popular as the Visapoor Fort. Situated at an elevation of 1084 m, this gorgeous Fort is located near the village of Visapur. Its mesmerizing views and beauty make the Fort worth the visit.
Location: Malavli, Maharashtra 410406
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
17. Suvarnadurg Fort, Dapoli
The magical Fort of Suvarnadurg is a sea fort which is located on the island within the Arabian sea. The Fort and the nature around give spellbound views. The beautiful Fort of Suvarnadurg was constructed by the Marathas and had great historical significance. It is magnificent place to visit if you are in Maharashtra.
Location: Suvarnadurg Fort, Dapoli, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
18. Korigar Fort, Aambi Valley City
An important historical sight, Korigar Fort is popular as the Korigad Fort. It can be visited on a trip to Lonavala as it is located only 20 Km away from the Lonavala. The Fort was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji and depicted the history of Marathas in very beautiful architecture. History enthusiasts love this place and adore it for its beauty.
Location: Aamby Valley City, Maharashtra 412108
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
19. Akola Fort, Akola District
Popularly known as the Asadgad Fort, it is one of the popular historical architecture marvels in the Akola District. The classic structure of this fortification is most relevant for the people taking cultural tours in Maharashtra. The beauty of this Fort is mesmerizing, and the location has a top attraction for sightseeing. Initially, the construction of this Fort was done with mud by Akol Singh, which was afterwards turned into solid architecture.
Location: Shivaji Nagar, Akola, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
20. Vasai Fort, Vasai-Virar
Corte de Baçaim, which means “Court of Bassein”, is the popular name of the Vasai Fort. Locals also know this place as Fort Bassein, which is a popular Fort in history. It is an area associated with the chapter of the Palghar district of Konkan. A visit to this Fort will give you an enthralling journey. The beautiful Vasai Fort often attracts a large number of visitors to it.
Location: Vasai West, Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra 401201
Known For: Indo-Portuguese influence
21. Prabalgad Fort, Raigad District
Prabalgad is a popular tourist attraction which is situated in front of the Sahyadri mountain range. It is located exactly at the Matheran and Panvel intersection. The Fort stood tall against all odds in history and have continued to be the beautiful and popular architecture in the Raigad District. Locals and natives often visit the place for a weekend hangout with friends and family.
Location: Raigad District, Maharashtra
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
22. Harishchandragad, Ahmadnagar District
Whether it be taking top hikes or enjoying camping with friends, Harishchandragad is a popular location for the locals and tourists visiting the place. This landmark has a great influence on the surrounding region and is best known for taking detours to viewpoints.
Location: Ahmadnagar District
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing
23. Mandangad Fort, Ratnagiri District
Situated near the town of Mandangad, this classic architecture is at a 2Km distance from the town. It is a popular sightseeing location for the locals and the tourists. The cannon, which is 400 years old, is the popularity of the Fort, and the location is perfect for capturing some of the best pictures.
Location: Ratnagiri District
Known For: Trekking, Photography, Sightseeing