most famous and must visit forts of Maharashtra – Maharashtra is a state with a rich history which is known all over the world for its historical forts which are several hundred years old. Most of the famous forts of Maharashtra were built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his Maratha Empire which are still standing strong.
Maharashtra has about 350 forts which attract a large number of tourists, history lovers and architecture enthusiasts from different parts of the country and abroad. The major forts of Maharashtra are famous for their unbroken history, architectural beauty as well as for adventure activities like trekking due to their breathtaking scenery.
Most of the forts of Maharashtra are located in the Sahyadri range. In today’s article, we are going to tell about the famous and historical forts of Maharashtra, so definitely read this article till the end.
Top 10 Most famous and must visit forts of Maharashtra
Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort, located at an altitude of 820 meters in the Sahyadri mountain range in Mahad, is the main fort of Maharashtra. The actual construction of the Raigad Fort was done by Chandra Rao Morse during 1030 during which the fort was known as “Rairi’s Fort”.
In the year 1656, this fort came under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, after which he renovated and expanded the fort and changed its name to Raigad Fort, which is still passing through his heroic stories.
This fort, which is included in the most famous fort of Maharashtra (Maharashtra Ke Sabse Prasidh Kile), is a symbol of pride for the Marathas, which reminds them of their bravery and courage.
Raigad Fort is not just a historical tourist destination, it is a holy place of pilgrimage bearing the imprint of the grand vision of Hindavi Swarajya cherished by Chhatrapati Shivaji. The fort, though mostly in ruins, still boasts of the brave history of the Marathas, which remains a center of attraction for history lovers and Marathas.
- Timings of Raigad Fort: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Raigarh Fort Entry Fee: Rs.20 per person
Lohagarh Fort, Khandala
Lohagad Fort, located at an altitude of 3400 feet above sea level, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the major historical heritage sites in Maharashtra. This famous fort of Maharashtra is situated at a distance of about 52 km from Pune and about 20 km from Lonavala hill station.
Lohagad Fort, one of the major forts in Maharashtra, is an 18th century fort, which has been a major center of power for many dynasties at different times along with historical importance. Lohagad Fort itself is a massive structure which was once under the control of the mighty Maratha Empire.
It is believed that this is the same fort in which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj kept his treasure.
Perched atop an impressive hillock near Malavli, this fort is a perfect amalgamation of ancient architecture, historical importance and natural beauty that manages to attract thousands of tourists, history buffs and trekkers every year.
If you are searching for Famous Historical Forts of Maharashtra for your trip, then this fort is surely worth your visit.
- Lohagad Fort Opening and Closing Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Entry fee of Lohagad Fort: Free
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort, also known as “Fort of Victory” or “Fort of Victory”, is one of the famous forts of Maharashtra. Located near the village of Jaigarh and about 20 kilometers northwest of Ganapatipule, the remains of the Jaigarh Fort stand perched on a rock overlooking the Jaigarh Creek where the Shastri River enters the vast and mesmerizing Arabian Sea.
Considered to be the major historical heritage of Maharashtra, this fort was constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 16th century.
Some believe that many attempts were made to build the majestic fort but all were in vain without human sacrifice. Because of this the fort could not be constructed after which a boy named Jaigarh voluntarily sacrificed his life after which the construction of the fort could be completed.
And to always remember the sacrifice of the same young man, the name of the fort was named Jaigarh Fort.
- Timings of Jaigarh Fort: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Jaigarh Fort Entry Fee: Free
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is an ancient fort situated on a hill 300 meters high in Junnar city in Maharashtra’s Pune district, which is known as one of the most famous forts of Maharashtra.
Tell that this famous fort of Maharashtra is famous for being the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The fort was constructed in a unique triangular shape and had several mosques, ponds and a tomb inside it.
You have to cross seven gates to visit this fort situated on a hill 300 meters high. The gates of this fort show that how well the security of this fort was at that time.
The most important attraction of the Shivneri Fort is a statue of Shivaji with his mother Jijabai. Shivneri Fort is surrounded by slopes from all sides and these slopes attract tourists visiting here.
- Shivneri Fort Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Entry fee of Shivneri Fort: Free
Pratapgad Fort
Pratapgarh Fort, one of the major forts of Maharashtra, is a hill fort, situated close to the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in Satara district. Let us tell you that this fort is standing at an altitude of about 3500 feet from the ground. Pratapgad Fort is an important fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which is known for its historical importance and the breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Pratapgad Fort is a major tourist destination here and much of its fortifications are still intact. There are four lakes within the fort, many of which flow during the monsoon. The Pratapgad fort was built by Shivaji in 1656. A statue of him is also located in the Pratapgad Fort which was installed 60 years ago.
The charming ponds, large chambers and long dark corridors located in the fort never fail to fascinate the tourists. Pratapgarh Fort is a place that can be visited by all kinds of people, history lovers, tourists and nature lovers.
- Timings of Pratapgarh Fort: 8.00 am to 6.30 pm
- Entry fee of Pratapgad Fort: Free
Murud Janjira Fort
Murud Janjira Fort is a mighty fort located on an island in the coastal village of Murud in Maharashtra. Marud Janjira Fort is believed to be about 350 years old, which took 22 years to build. The height of the Janjira Fort is about 90 feet from the sea level while the depth of its foundation is about 20 feet.
You would be surprised to know that the Murud Janjira Fort is spread over an area of 22 acres along with 22 security posts. This famous fort of Maharashtra is awe-inspiring and remains a center of attraction for its interesting facts, historical significance and architecture.
The most spectacular attraction of this famous Janjira Fort is the three huge cannons of the fort which are known as Kalal Bangadi, Chavari and Landa Kasam. Apart from this, there are two important gates in the Murud Janjira Fort. Out of which the main gate faces the jetty and its entry way takes you to the Durbar or Durbar Hall.
- Timings of Murud Janjira Fort: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry fee of Murud Janjira Fort: Free
Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort, included in the famous Forts of Maharashtra in Hindi, is an ancient fort located on the seashore in Malvan, Maharashtra state, which is located on an island in the Arabian Sea. This grand fort in Maharashtra is spread over an area of 48 acres, with massive walls standing against the crashing waves of the sea.
The main gate of the fort is hidden in such a way that no one can identify it from outside. Sindhudurg Fort is a solid example of Maratha foresight and resourcefulness. Not only is this mighty fort a historically important attraction, but the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape makes it a popular tourist destination.
This fort, spread right in the middle of the mighty Arabian Sea, presents a mesmerizing sight, on the basis of its own attractions, this fort attracts thousands of tourists every year.
- Timings of Sindhudurg Fort: 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM
- Entry Fee of Sindhudurg Fort: Entry Fee
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