Splendid Forts in Pune That Should Definitely Be on Your Bucket List

Tucked between the two hills of Lonavala and Khandala, Rajmachi Fort is a grand structure of the bygone era. Especially popular among the adventure enthusiasts, this fort in Pune can be reached through a thrilling trek amidst the gorgeous Sahyadris. You can also camp at the base of the fort.

Located around 36 kms southwest of the city of Pune, Sinhagad Fort is built atop a cliff on the Bhuleshwar range of the Sahyadris. Literally translating to "Fort of the Lion", Sinhagad Fort boasts of rich history. It was initially occupied by the Mughals until it came to be possessed by the Marathas. Lately, it has become a popular source of tourism and is especially popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Located at a distance of 132 kms from Pune, Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Britishers named it as the Gibraltar of the East as this well-fortified structure atop a hill had defied various attackers. This fort in Pune is a monument of great pride for the Marathas and accounts to their glorious past.

Situated near Junnar, Shivneri fort in Pune can be traced back to the 17th century. The sturdy fortification and the magnanimous structure is home to a grand statue of the Maratha warrior Shivaji. This is one of the forts in Pune which can be reached through a trek up a hilly terrain or through a motorable road.

Standing tall in its full glory, Shaniwar Wada was once a stately mansion. Built as a dwelling for Peshwas, its foundation was laid by Bajirao I in year 1730 AD. Today it gives a chance to peak into its great past.

A fort constructed on an isolated hill, at a distance of about 90 kms from Pune, tends to be the only fort atop a hill in the town. This fort near Pune has two entrance gateway with a Ganesh Temple and other small caves around.

Located 159 kms from the city, this fort in Pune dates back to the 6th century and finds a home at an altitude of 1424 meters and more often than not, given its altitude finds itself marked on a number of trekking trails in and around the area.

Situated at a distance of 30 kms from Pune, the fort is named after the Hindu God Malhargad. Also known as Sonori Fort, the top can be reached through a mild trek from the Sonori village at the base of the hillock. The fort has temples dedicated to Lord Mahadev and other gods.

Situated at a distance of 50 kms from Pune, Purandar Fort is the birth place of Shivaji's son- Sambhaji. The fort has two storeys- the upper is called Balekilla while the lower is called Machi. Besides the Shiva temple, this fort near Pune offers beautiful panoramic sights of the surroundings.

Surrounded by a huge plateau, Visapur fort in Pune is a historical fort, land marking the lush green and dreamy mountains of Khandala. Located just 75 kms from Pune, this one is often marked as a favourite for the monsoons.

Lohagad Fort is a popular historic structure perched over the top of an impressive hill near Malavali. The place is quite popular among trekkers who come here for one day tryst with nature and history. It is situated at a distance of 76 kms from Pune.

Situated at a distance of 135 kms from the city, Pratapgad fort in Pune has a special place in history owing to the famous battle fought between Maratha ruler Shivaji and Afzal Khan in 1656. Much of the fortifications are still intact, and the fort is a popular tourist destination. There are four lakes within the fort, many of which overflow during the monsoons.

At the complex of the fort, tourists can view ammunition depots and the watchmen houses. Within the fort, tourists can also find a square lake that is filled with water all the year round. The highest point of the fort acts as a view point. The fort is situated at a distance of 83 kms from Pune.

Another fort in Pune, just 90 kms away from the city, this one houses the Pavana Lake in its complex. At 1075m, this fort is slightly difficult to climb. To reach the site, tourists need to climb 1,200 ft area of the fort that is a steep ascent.

Also known as Prachandagad due to its gigantic size, Torna Fort is the tallest fort of Pune. Although in ruins, the fort stands tall as a testimony to the battles of the bygone era. Nestled in between mesmerizing surrounding, the fort has one of the most beautiful locales in the region and is a popular tourist spot.