The forts here are the pride of the state of Maharashtra.
Most of the forts in Maharashtra (list of forts in Maharashtra) are
in the Western Ghats or the Sahyadri range. Many of these forts still retain
their beauty. Including Raigad, Rajgad, Karnala Fort, Sindhudurg and Pratapgad.
Of these, 300 forts are said to be under the jurisdiction of Shivaji Maharaj.
Five of which were forts. As all these forts are famous for their natural
beauty and fragrant environment, they are still preferred for trekking. Let's
find out about the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the family deity of
Maharashtra.
1. Raigad
Fort
It is considered to be the most important fort in
Maharashtra. Many people know about Raigad fort. Because this fort was the
capital fort during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This fort is
situated at an altitude of 2690 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri range.
There is a golden history behind this fort. Because Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
was crowned on this fort. Rajgad Fort is a famous hiking spot in Maharashtra.
Also, it was on this fort that the kings breathed their last. The fort is still
impregnable despite frequent British invasions. The story of Hirkani on this
fort is also famous. The Hirkani Buruj and the Maha Darwaza are some of the
places worth visiting.
Venue: Raigad
Visiting time: The time to visit this fort is from 8 am to 6
pm.
How to reach: Veer Railway Station is the nearest railway
station to reach here.
2. Shivneri Fort
The holy place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in
Shivneri fort. Therefore, this fort has a unique general significance in the
history of Maharashtra. The fort is built in a triangular shape with a mosque,
a pond and a samadhi. There is a temple of Goddess Shivai here. The entrance of
this fort is also big. The main attraction here is the statue of Jijabai and
the teenage Shivaji Maharaj. The fort of Maharashtra Shivneri fort is so easy
to climb.
Venue: Junnar
Visiting time: You can visit at any time of the day
How to reach: The most convenient place to visit here is
Pune.
3. Sinhagad fort
There are many historical forts in Maharashtra, but the most famous one is Sinhagad Fort in Pune. Tanaji Malusare liberated this
fort from the Mughals. There are still horse stables in this fort. Maratha army
is said to have used this for their horses. The fort is dedicated to the great
Marathi warrior Tanaji Malusare. In addition, there is a Samadhi of Rajaram
Chhatrapati and a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Venue: Thoptewadi, Pune
Visiting time: You can visit this fort from 5 am to 9 pm.
How to reach: As this fort is close to Pune, you can get
down in Pune or by road.
4. Rajgad Fort
This fort is also near Pune and is built on the top of
Murumbadevi hill in Sahyadri. This fort is the first capital of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj. It is also said that Shivaji Maharaj's wife Saibai spent the
last days of her life here. This fort in Maharashtra is
famous for trekking. From Rajgad you can see the amazing view of Sahyadri.
Venue: Balekilla Road
Visiting time: You can visit at any time of the day
How to reach: You can also go from Pune to reach here.
5.Pratapgad
fort
The Pratapgad fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
These forts actually have two forts. Pratapgad fort is known for the battle of
Pratapgad that took place on it. Which happened in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
and Afzal Khan. The main attraction of this fort is the Samadhi of Afzal Khan
and the temple of Goddess Bhavani. This fort is at a distance of only 25 km
from Mahabaleshwar. When planning to go on weekends, you can plan like
Pratapgad and Mahabaleshwar.
Venue: Mahabaleshwar.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 8 pm
How to reach: You can go down to Pune to see this fort.
6.Panhala
fort
In Kolhapur, one of the most popular tourist destinations in
Panhala fort. Many battles were fought on this fort. The most famous battle is
that of Pavankhindi. In fact, this fort in Maharashtra is said to be the home of Rani Tarabai of
Kolhapur. The fort includes Andhar Bawdi, Bhuyari Vihir, Kalavantini's Mahal
and Amberkhana. There are also some temples on this fort. One of them is
dedicated to Sambhaji Raje and the other. Another famous temple is the Ambabai
Temple. It is said that they used to pray in this temple before going on any
expedition.
Venue: Panhala
Visiting time: You can visit at any time of the day
How to reach: The name of Panhala is well known among the
tourist destinations of Kolhapur. Therefore, when you come to Kolhapur, you visit
Panhala fort.
7. Vijaydurg
Fort
Vijaydurg is the oldest fort in Sindhudurg. It was the most
important fort of the Maratha dynasty. It was an important port for all
ships. The fort was also nicknamed Eastern Gibraltar. Because it was almost
impossible to conquer this fort. There were many battles on this fort too.
Until 1818, that is, for 165 years, the fort was under the rule of the
Marathas. The fort has a total of 20 towers. But even today the fort is
impregnable. The best time to visit is World Helium Day in August.
Venue: Vijaydurg
Visiting Hours: 8am to 6pm
How to reach: It is close to Rajapur Road.
8. Sindhudurg
fort
Sindhudurg fort on the banks of Malvan. The fort is spread
over 43 acres. It took three years to build this fort. This fort has a grand
protective wall. The fort was built to protect against seawater and enemies.
There are some houses in some of these forts and there are temples like Maruti,
Mahadev and Mahapurush. There is no entry in this fort during the monsoon.
Because on rainy days the tidal water fills inside the fort.
Venue: Malvan
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
How to reach: The nearest station to reach here is
Sindhudurg.
9. Murud-Janjira Fort
Built-in the middle of the sea, this fort is a masterpiece
of architecture. The fort has 26 towers and some gates. There is also a ruined
mosque and swimming pool. Which is now dry. Inside the fort are three large
artillery units named Kalalbangadi, Landa Kasam and Chawri. You have to go by
boat to reach these forts. You can make a private boat which costs a minimum of
around Rs.600.
Venue: Murud
Visiting Hours: 7am to 6pm
How to get there: The nearest station to get here is
Nagothane.
10. Vasai Fort
It is a fort that you may know from your school days, or you
may have been on a school field trip there. This fort is just 55 km from
Mumbai. There is no need to climb any hill or hill to reach this fort. Although
the fort was not damaged from the outside, there is a lot of damage inside. The
fort has some chapels and in some places, you can find fine carvings on the
walls. There are also some ruins of St. Anthony's Church in the fort. This fort
is perfect to visit on weekends.
Venue: Vasai Road
Visiting Hours: 8am to 5pm
11. Balapur
Fort
The fort was built in 1721 by Azam Khan. Azam Khan was the
son of Aurangzeb. The fort was completed by Ismail Khan in 1757. Ismail Khan is
known as the Nawab of Elaichpur. The famous fort of Balapur is built on a small
hill at the confluence of the rivers Man and Mahishi. The fort of Balapur has a
strong fortification of double construction and this fortification has been
protected by building strong towers at various places. The umbrella was built
by the Mughal chief Mirzaraje Jaisingh on the banks of the river south of
Balapur village and is said to have been built in memory of his horse. If you
visit the fort of Balapur, you should take a closer look at this umbrella. The
fort was declared a National Protected Monument on August 29, 1992.
Venue: Akola
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
How to reach: The nearest railway station to reach here is
Akola.
12. Torna
Fort
Although there are many forts in Maharashtra this fort has a
unique significance. Torna Fort is also known as a huge fort. This Pune fort is
considered important in the history of Maharashtra. This fort was conquered by
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1646 at the age of 16 and marked the beginning
of the Maratha Empire. This fort is considered perfect for trekkers. There are
many forts around this fort-like Rajgad, Sinhagad and Purandar fort.
Venue: Pune
Visiting Hours: 6am to 6pm
How to reach: Pune station is the most convenient place to
reach here.
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