1. Raigad fort
Perhaps the most significant fort
from Shivaji’s reign, Raigad served as his capital and is also where
his coronation took place. Having defeated its previous occupant, Chandrarao
More of Jawali, Shivaji renamed this fort to Raigad in 1656 CE. He also
breathed his last in this very fort. It stands on the Raigad Hill providing
scenic views of the surrounding valleys.
The nearest
railhead is the Veer railway station on the Konkan route. You can drive up to
Mahad from Mumbai on NH 17 and then turn towards Raigad which is 24 kms away.
2. Shivneri fort
Shivneri was the birthplace of the great
Maratha warrior. Although Shivaji never ruled the fort, he did try to capture
it on two occasions without any success. It makes for a good trekking
experience and provides great scenic views.
The nearest
railhead is Pune and you can drive down to its base Junnar via the
Kalyan-Nanded highway.
3. Sindhudurg fort
Known as one of the finest sea forts in
India, Sindhudurg was built on an island in the Konkan region during Shivaji’s
reign. The rocks around the fort provided protection and also gave the Maratha
naval ships a secured base. Today, the fort is a major tourist attraction with
a temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and also preservation of his hand and
foot marks.
The nearest
railhead is Kudal along the Konkan railway which is 32 km away from the Malvan
area. It falls right on the Mumbai-Goa road route and serves as a great
stopover.
4. Pratapgad
Pratapgad is famous on for the encounter
between Shivaji and the mighty Afzal Khan. It was here that Shivaji’s
true reign began after he defeated Khan making this fort one of the most
important one in Maratha history.
The nearest
railhead is Vir Dasgaon. You can drive down from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar from
where Pratapgad is just 24 kms away.
5. Panhala
Built in the 12th century, Panhala is one of
the oldest forts in Maharashtra. Shivaji spent many days here as this fort
was under the Maratha reign from the 17th to the mid-18th century. It provides
a great view of the pass connecting the rest of Maharashtra with its coastal
areas.
The nearest
railhead is Miraj which is just an hour away from Kolhapur. You can drive to
Panhala from Kolhapur which falls on the Pune-Bangalore route.
6.
Rajgad
A fort where Shivaji spent 24 years of his
life, the formidable Rajgad fort is known for its amazing design. It served as
Shivaji’s capital until 1672 CE. Today, it is popular among trekkers for the
spectacular views of the Sahyadri ranges from atop.
The nearest
railhead to reach Rajgad fort is Pune, from where it is an easy 56 kms drive.
7. Lohagad
Lohagad was significant to the Marathas
mainly due to its strategic location. It was from here that the trade route
through Bor ghat (now known as the Khandala ghat) was guarded. Today, it is a
popular trekking destination for Mumbaikars and Puneris and serves as a famous
weekend getaway.
The nearest
railhead is Malavali on the Mumbai-Pune railway route. You can drive down to
Kamshet or Malavali, the base village for the trek, from both Mumbai and Pune.
8. Murud Janjira
And then there is the island fort of Murud
Janjira, the fort that Shivaji tried to capture quite a few times, but always
failed. The fort is famous for its strategic location and marvelous
architecture. On the main gate, you can see the sculpture of a beast holding
four elephants in its claws. It symbolizes the power of the Sidis who lived and
prospered in this fort. Shivaji’s son, Sambhaji, too tried to tunnel his
way through the fort but failed. The Marathas built another sea fort, Kansa,
northeast of Janjira.
The nearest
railhead is Roha on the Konkan railway line. By road, you can reach Murud
through the Mumbai-Goa highway via Revdanda.
9.
Purandar fort
The birthplace of Shivaji’s son Samhaji,
Purandar is significant mainly due to its role in Shivaji’s victory over
the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughals. Shivaji captured this fort after
revolting against Aurangzeb.
Narayanpur is the
base village to trek up to the Purandar fort. You can drive down to Narayanpur
from Pune enroute Saswad.
10. Vijaydurg fort
Conquered by Shivaji from Adil Shah in 1653,
Vijaydurg was one of his most amazing victory as it was thought of as an
impregnable fort. Known for its 40-km long Waghotan creek, the Vijaydurg fort
was used to anchor Maratha warships.
The nearest
railhead is Kanakavli along the Konkan Railway. You can drive down from Mumbai
on Nh-17 to Vijaydurg via Kasarde village.
11. Sinhagad
Perched in the Sahyadri ranges, Sinhgad is
one of the most important forts conquered by Shivaji from a military
standpoint. Today, it offers great views of the lush green valleys and is a
popular trekking destination.
Pune, 30 kmsfrom
Sinhgad, is the nearest railhead. You can drive right up to the top of the
fort.
12.
Suverndurg
Shivaji conquered Suverndurg after defeating
Ali Adil Shah of the Shilahar dynasty in 1660. He then rebuilt it making it
stronger than before. It falls on the scenic Dapoli coastal stretch and makes
for a great getaway from Mumbai and Pune.
The nearest
railhead is Khed. You can drive down to from Mumbai to Murud harnai and then
take a boat to reach the fort.
13.
Torna fort
The first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj
at the young age of 16, Torna became the most glorious chapter in the
history of Shivaji’s conquests. He renamed it Prachandagad and also built some
new monuments inside it. A visit to the fort during monsoon is a favorite
tourist activity for people from Mumbai and Pune.
The nearest
railhead is Pune. You can drive down to the base village of Velhe from where
the trek begins.
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