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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a name that’s often synonymous with valour, courage and resilience, is one of the most celebrated Maratha rulers of all time. His strategic foresight and his architectural prowess are reflected in the popular Shivaji Maharaj fort that are spread across the country. Moreover, each fort bears a lot of significance to the existence of the glorious Maratha Empire and its military genius. For travellers interested in exploring the rich history, significance, and details of the forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj, planning a comprehensive itinerary will be useful.
List of 12 Shivaji Maharaj Forts
Every fort associated with Shivaji Maharaj reflects his ingenious military mind and remains a symbol of Maratha power.
1. Raigad Fort
Photo: @amitchivilkar / unsplash
We have to kick it off with the most historically significant Shivaji Maharaj Fort, aka, Raigad Fort. It is more commonly termed the “Gibraltar of the East,” which served as the capital of Shivaji Maharaj’s kingdom. During his reign, Shivaji Maharaj spent the majority of his time at his fort, following its coronation in 1674. The fort itself is located on top of the hill and ropeway facilities are currently available to enable easy commuting for the tourists from the bottom of the hill.
Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
2. Shivneri Fort
Photo: DATTATRAY GAVHANE / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Junnar, Pune, Shivneri Fort is considered the best Shivaji Maharaj fort in India. Besides It also holds immense significance as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and dates back to the 16th century. Like several of the other forts, even this one is located strategically on top of a hill. its triangular structure boasts seven well-defended gates, making it a challenge to conquer. One of the architectural highlights of this fort also lies in the “Badami Darwaza”, which served as an escape route for Shivaji Maharaj when he was younger.
Location: Kusur, Junnar, Maharashtra
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
3. Rajgad Fort
Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular Shivaji Maharaj forts in India, Rajgad Fort is often called the “Royal Fort” of the Maratha Empire. It served as the capital of the empire for a brief period and served as a centre for administrative and military operations. Surrounded by cliffs on all sides, the fort had extremely well-placed defence mechanisms against the enemies. Within the complex lies the magnificent “Sanjeevani Machi” plateau, which housed the royal palaces and administrative buildings as well.
Location: Balekilla Rd, Pune, Maharashtra
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
4. Sindhudurg Fort
Photo: Sanndesh / Wikimedia Commons
Next on the list of the historical Shivaji Maharaj forts in Mumbai is the Sindhudurg Fort. It is one of the few sea forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj’s name. Its circular design, deep moat, and strategically placed cannons ensured a robust defence against enemy attacks. If you want to visit the fort, you have to embark on a short boat ride from the mainland. There’s a temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj inside the fort as well.
Location: Malvan, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Pratapgad Fort
Photo: Shivajidesai29 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the top Shivaji Maharaj forts in Mumbai is the Pratapgad Fort. It is alternatively known as “Valour Fort,” and depicts the rich history between the ferocious battle between Shivaji and the invader Adilshahi general, Afzal Khan. Since the fort is located on a plateau, it offered Shivaji Maharaj an advantage during the war. The fort also boasts the unique “Bhavani Machi,” a plateau dedicated to the Hindu Maratha deity Bhavani.
Location: Maan Rd, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
6. Torna Fort
Photo: Pushpak14795 / Wikimedia Commons
For trekking enthusiasts, the trek to Torna Fort is one you need to add to your Maharashtra itinerary. Alternatively known as Prachandagad, this was the very first fort that Shivaji Maharaj captured, at the age of 16, further embarking on his journey of creating the Maratha empire. The climb to the fort is fairly challenging but once you reach the top, the breathtaking views around the fort complex will make up for it.
Location: Rajgad – Torna Trek Path, Charhat Wadi, Maharashtra
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
7. Lohagad Fort
Photo: Varun Patil / Wikimedia Commons
As the name signifies, Lohagad Fort or the Iron Fort is yet another one of the significant Shivaji Forts. It is known for its four massive gates and the long, winding staircase that leads to the top. Before Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort, the fort had witnessed a long line of rulers before that, which added to its historical significance. It has a history crossing through seven dynasties including Lohtamia, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas and Invading Turkic Gurkhani. It was the Maratha empire that took control of it.
Location: Lohagad Fort, Lonavala, Pune District, Maharashtra, India
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
8. Sinhagad Fort
Photo: Lobodrl / Wikimedia Commons
The Sinhagad Fort is another one of the most popular hill fortresses associated with Shivaji Maharaj. It is more commonly named “Lion’s Fort” and was captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1647. The fort served as a primary hub for controlling the trade routes between the Deccan and the Konkan coast. This is also the fort where Tanaji Malusare, Shivaji Maharaj’s trusted lieutenant died a heroic death. Due to its offbeat location, the fort currently serves as a popular trekking route for visitors.
Location: Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
9. Vishalgad Fort
Photo: Pmohite / Wikimedia Commons
Often less talked about, Vishalgad Fort was conquered by Shivaji in 1659 and is spread across an area of 1130 sq.m. It is a giant fort that served as a “jagir” during the reign of the Maratha empire. This particular fort also played a significant role in aiding Shivaji Maharaj. Inside the fort, there is a variety of individual complexes and temples too. The fort later in the year became part of the Deccan States Agency of the Colonial British Raj.
Location: Vishalgad Rd, Vishalgad, Maharashtra
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
10. Purandar Fort
Photo: Abhijeet Safai / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular mountain fort associated with Shivaji Maharaj is the Purandar Fort. The fort was captured by him in 1643 and serves as one of the most significant spots that contributed to his rise in power. However the fort was used by Shivaji as a bargaining chip with the invading Adilshahi sultanate to secure a treaty between the two kingdoms. The fort features massive bastions and a unique water management system.
Location: Purandar Rd, Gherapurandhar, Maharashtra
Timings: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
11. Jaigad Fort
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, Jaigad Fort is another one of the famous Shivaji Maharaj forts in Mumbai. During its prime, the fort served as the coastal outpost for the Maratha Empire. The construction of this fort dates back to the 17th century, under the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Thanks to its unique triangular design, the fort stood out for its amazing defensive capabilities. You do have to indulge in a steep climb to reach the fort.
Location: Coastal Road, Jaigad, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
12. Vijaydurg Fort
Photo: Rehansarang / Wikimedia Commons
Regarded as the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, Vijaydurg Fort was constructed during the reign of Raja Bhola II and later captured and restructured by Shivaji Maharaj. Its robust design, featuring a moat, bastions, and strategically placed cannons, made it a formidable naval defence. The historians depict it as it was almost unconquerable. During the reign of Kanhoji Angre, the fort sustained a lot of attacks from European colonial Dutch and British invaders.
Location: Maharashtra State Highway 4, Fort, Vijaydurg, Maharashtra
Timings: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
The forts of Shivaji Maharaj stand as proud establishments of the Maratha legacy, each telling a story of valour, strategy, and architectural brilliance. As history nerds, book your next trip to Maharashtra with TripXL to get a tour of all these popular forts across the state. Each fort offers a glimpse into the history of the Hindu Maratha empire and its valour.
Cover Photo: Chinmaya Panda / Wikimedia Commons
