1. Sinhagad Fort
- Location: Thoptewadi
Located close to the city of Pune, the Sinhagad Fort gets its name from the Marathi word Lion. One of the more popular forts in Maharashtra, Sinhagad Fort is believed to have been conquered by Tanaji Malusare’s brother from the Mughals.
At the fort, you will see a few old stables that were believed to have been used by the Maratha army to keep their horses. There is also a memorial built in honour of Tanaji Malusare, a brave Maratha warrior. Inside the ruins of the fort also lies the tomb of Rajaram Chhatrapati and a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
2. Rajgad Fort
- Location: Balekilla Road
The Rajgad Fort, Pune was built on the Murumbadevi Dongar Hills in the Sahyadris range. It was the first capital of Shivaji Maharaj and is also believed to be the place where Shivaji’s wife, Saibai, spent her last few days.
Inside the Rajgad fort lie the ruins of palaces, caves and a few water cisterns. The Rajgad Fort near Pune is a popular trekking spot for locals and tourists who throng the place in the monsoon. From the top of the Rajgad Fort, one can see landscape views of the gorgeous Sahyadris.
3. Shivneri Fort
- Location: Junnar
Considered to be the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, the Shivneri Fort holds high esteem in Maratha and Maharashtrian history. The fort was constructed in a unique triangular shape and had many mosques, ponds and a tomb inside. Inside the Shivneri Fort, there is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Shivai Devi and a massive chain gate at the entrance.
Noteworthy sites here are the statues of Jijabai and a young Shivaji. The climb up to the fort is pretty easy. However, if you are good at trekking, you can try going up to the fort from the chain route located on the western side of the fort (this would be a bit challenging for amateurs).
4. Tung Fort
- Location: pune
A small fort located in the outskirts of Pune, the Tung Fort was built by Adil Shah sometime before 1600 CE. It has seen plenty of wars, the famous ones being between the Marathas and the Moghuls. The Tung Fort is well known for its conical and oval shape and as a trail for experienced trekkers.
Inside the Tung Fort, there are steep steps that lead to a former water reservoir that now lies in ruins. The climb up to the Tung Fort is quite difficult to navigate through, so it’s best to go with a guide if you are planning a trek to the fort.
5. Pratapgad Fort
- Location: Mahabaleshwar
The Pratapgad Fort, Maharashtra, is an important fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Actually, the main fort consists of two forts (one at the top of the hill and the other at the south-east end). The Pratapgad Fort is known for the battle of Pratapgad that took place between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan.
Popular attractions at the Pratapgarh Fort, Maharashtra, are the tomb of Afzal Khan and the temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani. Just about 25 kilometres away from the Pratapgad Fort is the popular hill station Mahabaleshwar, which is an ideal place for a weekend getaway.