Pune, the Oxford of the East, is home to some of the most reputed educational institutes and IT firms. The sprawling city also boasts some historical monuments, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Moreover, Pune is popular for its rich cultural heritage, deep-rooted in the traditional Maharashtrian culture.
The Queen of Deccan also houses several majestic forts of India. The forts in Pune speak volumes about the glorious past of Maharashtra and narrate the tales of resilience and courage. They are a proud reminder of the legacies of the Maratha Empire. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, visiting the forts in Pune is indeed a great idea.
Visit the best forts in Pune to catch a glimpse of the history and appreciate the architectural grandeur. Surrounded by lush greenery, the forts can offer you a chance to enjoy panoramic and breathtaking views of the city.
The forts in the Pune district are not just welcoming to antiquity lovers and nature lovers but also to adventure seekers. Wondering why? Well, when you plan a trip to the nearby forts in Pune, you can get an opportunity for trekking and indulging in various other adventurous activities.
Imagine trekking through the dense forests, experiencing the cool breeze across your face, and capturing awe-inspiring natural views. Sounds exciting, isn’t it? Indeed, it can offer you an exhilarating experience that’s worth remembering for a lifetime!
Are you planning a trip to the city and ready to explore all the forts in Pune? Booking a bus ticket with Zingbus is a great idea. It can allow you to enjoy scenic views throughout the route and enjoy a comfortable journey. The best part is that Zingbus is committed to delivering on-time services, the lowest price guarantee, and a safe travel experience.
Wondering how many forts is in Pune? Well, the list of forts in Pune is quite long! To make your task easy, we have listed the best forts in Pune that you must add to your itinerary. Let’s dive in!
Best Forts in Pune
Purandar Fort
When it comes to the forts in Pune district, Purandar Fort is sure to pop up in your mind. Situated nearly 50 km away from the city and 4500 feet above sea level, the Purandar Fort is popular as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji. The two-storeyed building also holds historical significance as it marks the rise of Shivaji against the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals.
While the upper portion of the Purandar Fort is called Ballekilla, the lower portion is known as Machi. The hilltop fort can offer you a mesmerizing view of the surroundings and enable you to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Trekking to the fort is considered to be moderately challenging. However, the scenic trail through lush greenery and rocky terrain is worth exploring at least once. A visit to Purandar Fort can also allow you to indulge in adventurous activities like trekking and paragliding.
Discover more about Pune
Sinhagad Fort Trek – All you need to know
30 Top Places to Visit in Pune
12 Best Places to Visit in Pune at Night
Sinhagad Fort
Next on the list of forts in Pune is the Sinhagad Fort. Located nearly 36 km towards the southwest of Pune, the Sinhagad Fort is a 2,000-year-old fort that has been the site of several notable battles.
The fort was named as Singhagad or the Lion Fort to honor Tanaji Malusare’s sacrifice, who lost his life in a battle against the Mughals. The main entry point of Singhagad Fort is called Pune Darwaza while the other entrance is named as Kalyan Darwaza. Inside the fort, there is a memorial built for Tanaji Malusare and a few temples.
No doubt, the Singhagad Fort is an interesting place for the history buffs. However, it is also one of the must-visit forts in Pune for nature enthusiasts. As the fort is located on the top of a hill, you can get to capture the stunning view of lush greenery around.
Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort or Iron Fort is a popular historic structure situated on the top of an impressive hill near Malavali. It is a perfect blend of exquisite natural beauty and a rich historical legacy. The fort speaks volumes about the rich history of several dynasties. There are four major Darwajas that serve as entry points to the fort. The main premise also houses a Laxmi Kothi where the treasures of an influential Maratha minister, Nana Phadnavis, are kept.
The best time to visit the Lohagad Fort is during the monsoons. It can offer you an opportunity to see the fort covered with moss and clouds. However, during this period, the trails and roads remain slippery. So, you need to be extra cautious to avoid the chances of slipping and falling.
Tikona Fort
The Trikona Fort or Triangular Fort has got its name due to its pyramidal shape. Located at a distance of about 67 km from Pune, the major hill fort was built during the rule of the Silhara dynasty. The massive doorways, high fortification, and hilltop views are among the top attractions of the Trikona Fort. Besides that, the fort is popular for its seven lake tanks, Trimbakeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Satavahana-era caves.
If you are an adventure buff, make sure to add the Trikona Fort to your itinerary. The best part is that you can rest assured of a safe trekking experience with a lot of excitement. The right time to visit this fort in Pune is between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Rohida Fort
When discussing about the near by forts in Pune, you cannot miss out on Rohida Fort. Located nearly 66 km from Pune, it is one of the premiere forts built during the Yadavas’ rule. This fort was captured by Shivaji Maharaj from Bandal Deshmukh. However, it was handed over to the Mughals later on in the Treaty of Purandar.
If you are a trekking enthusiast, a trip to the Rohida Fort can provide you with an exceptional experience. To complete the trek, it will take nearly one hour. On both sides of the trail, you can find dense vegetation and moss. Once you reach the fort, you can enjoy stunning views from the top.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is also among the best forts in Pune that date back to the 17th century. The magnanimous structure houses a grand statue of Shivaji, the great Maratha warrior. Near the fort, you will also see a small temple of Goddess Shivai, where you can find idols of Shivaji and Jijabai, his mother.
The fort can give you a panoramic view of the beautiful lakes and picturesque mountains in the backdrop. If you are in search of a perfect blend of adventure activities and historical outings, the Shivneri Fort must find a place in your travel itinerary.
Korigad Fort
Located 3028 feet above sea level, the Korigad Fort is one of the highest forts in Pune district as well as in India. That is why it is a popular destination among young trekking enthusiasts. The fort was discovered in 1657. Before being captured by the British in 1818, the Korigad Fort was under the Mughal Empire. In the fort, you can find a temple dedicated to Korai Devi, a local deity. Apart from that, there are several other small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The major highlight of the Korigad Fort is the 2 km defensive wall. While the wall is completely intact, you can walk along the perimeter. If you want to enjoy the scenic views of the surroundings, it is advisable to plan a day trek to the fort during summer.
Rajmachi Fort
Tucked between the two hills of Khandala and Lonavala, Rajmachi Fort is indeed a grand structure dating back to the 17th century. It was built by the Maratha Empire under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was a strategic outpost that guarded the Western Ghats. Moreover, it also serves as a surveillance point to monitor the trade route between Pune and Mumbai.
This fort stands as a testimony to the architectural heritage and rich history of the Maratha Empire. The adventurous trekking trails, scenic views, and ancient structures make the Rajmachi Fort one of the best forts in Pune. As this fort is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, it is often regarded as a paradise for nature lovers. Plan a visit to this fort, enjoy the natural beauty, explore the past, and create unforgettable memories.
Torna Fort
Torna Fort is among the first forts captured by Shivaji Maharaj. Situated at a height of more than 4600 feet above sea level, this fort is one of the highest near by forts in Pune. If you want to experience history amidst natural beauty, you must visit the Torna Fort.
The right time to visit this fort is between the months of September and December. The rocky patches, dense vegetation, and breathtaking views are sure to take you in awe. During your trek, you will come across various exciting structures like the Menghai Goddess Temple, Bini Darwaza, and Budhla Machi.
Conclusion
By now, you must be well aware of the top forts in Pune. From Singhagad Fort to Rajmachi Fort, the list of forts in Pune is indeed long. It’s time to plan a visit to the forts and experience the joy. Explore the rich history of the forts, immerse yourself in the scenic beauty around you, and indulge in adventurous activities.
Leave a Reply