Are you excited to explore the gateway to India? The journey becomes more thrilling with 350 historical forts in the whole state of Maharashtra. These forts are categorized into four types: hilly forts, forest forts, seaside forts, and plain forts. In this trekking guide, we will enlist the 10 Best Fort Treks in Maharashtra for 2024. Let’s embark on a journey of adventure and enjoyment in Maharashtra.
The Best Forts in Maharashtra for Trekking
Maharashtra is a prosperous state with many hill forts. The beauty of the Western Ghats draws the attention of tourists worldwide. The high slopes of mountains and rough terrain are best for trekking. This state is not only famous for its forts and beauty; the diverse flora and fauna also capture the attention of wildlife lovers.
Also read: 8 Famous Treks in Maharashtra for Hiking This Summer
The Fort Treks in Maharashtra allow a glimpse into the historical Mughal and Maratha Empires. The primary attraction for these forts is their hilly location. The rolling paths towards these forts allow fine trekking for adventure enthusiasts. The forts are ideal for adventure lovers and a charm for nature lovers. Because all these citadels are built amid green valleys. The surrounding beauty of the Western Ghats makes the trip more lovely.
1. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is perched on the Sahyadri mountains near Pune district. A 13 km long trek to this fort comprises gushing waterfalls and lush greenery. The Satavahanas built this historical fort, and the Mughals and British rulers later ruled it.
At 2710 feet of elevation, the surroundings of this fort offer a respite from the everyday concerns of life. From this height, you may capture the surrounding scenery and make all your exhausts fly away.
How do you get there? Udhewadi village serves as a starting point for reaching this fort. This village is accessible from the Lonavala and Pune routes.
Also read: Top 10 Treks of Karnataka for Family
2. Kalavantin Fort
Kalavantin Fort is slightly more arduous among the fort treks in Maharashtra. It is even more demanding than the Rajmachi Fort. The fort is also known as Prabalgad Fort and is located in the Raigarh district. The height of this Durg is 2300 feet. Although the trek is steep, the views of the Western Ghats urge us to forget all difficulties. The fort served as a watchtower in the 18th century. The rulers used this high elevation to keep an eye on their enemies. The rock-cut path is known as the climb to heaven due to the top views of the surrounding greenery.
How do I get access to the route? Public transport is a budget-friendly way to get access to this fort. Buses are available from Pune to Panvel. Continue your journey from Panvel to Thakurwadi village, a starting point for trekking.
Also read: Top 10 Treks of Uttarakhand for Summer of 2024
3. Korigad Fort
Korigad Fort was built nearly in 1500. This historical place has two lakes on its top. The trek is a relatively easy one among the fort treks in Maharashtra and more suitable in the monsoon season. This trek has 600 steps. A 15-minute walk to the forest also has to be covered earlier than upstairs. This elegant edifice has a 923 m high elevation and a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills. The site also allows you to visit the tranquil setting of Pawna Lake. This lake is best for camping and is a popular nearby attraction for tourists.
How do you get there? Choose your travel option, from a public bus or train to Lonavala Hill Station. From Lonavala, this journey ends in Peth Shahapur. The trekking route starts from Peth Shahapur village and goes to a hilly fort.
Also read: Top 10 Adrenaline Pumping Things to Do in Lonavala Hill Station
4. Shivneri Fort
Another well-known trail among the fort treks in Maharashtra is the Shivneri Fort. The fort perched at the top of a hill and was once a center for military protection. Trekkers need to conquer a 400-step hike to the top.
This fort has equal popularity among history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. This fort is built in an arrow-head shape and is also the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, ruler and founder of the Marathi kingdom.
How do you get there? The fort is a prominent attraction in Junnar town. This town is just 90km from Pune. Tourists can quickly start their journey from Pune railway station.
Also read: Top 10 Adventurous Things to Do in Meghalaya
5. Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort is located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. The fort is perched in the city’s center. This ideal trekking location is very close to Lonavala Hill station. This fort has a 3400 ft. elevation, but the trek’s difficulty level is easy. Travelers have to cross 300 steps to reach the top.
The name Lohagad refers to a fortress of iron. This name expresses the defensive qualities of this structure, which were unbeatable at the time of the empire. The fort holds a government museum with artifacts from past dynasties. The visiting hours for this fort are fixed, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Also read: Top 8 Things to do in Tala Kaveri
6. Tikona Fort
The Tikona Fort Trek stands as a prominent fort trek in Maharashtra. This fort has the Tikona name due to its construction in a triangle shape. The hill of this fort is also pyramid-shaped. This architectural marvel is also known as Vitandgarh Fort. The elevation of this fort is 3500 feet above sea level. The rough terrain of the route takes an hour to reach the fort. Trekkers can enjoy the captivating vista of Pavana Dam.
Tikona Peth village’s base camp also provides the best camping experience. At the top, this citadel possesses seven water tanks and a Trambakeshwara temple. This temple can accommodate several people and also serves as a camping site. Views of Lohagad and Visapur forts from this hill are ideal for camera capture.
Also read: Top 6 Adventurous Things to Do in East Sikkim
7. Rajgad Fort
Rajgarh Fort, which means a ruling fort in Hindi literature, is the destination of a historical hill fort with a height of 1376 m. People can visit palaces and tunnels in their architectural remnants. Covering 1737 steps on a trekking route is an adventure of the next level.
This fort allows tourists to have a shopping experience. Local people sell handicrafts and antiques to outsiders. This fort presents a beautiful view of the Sahyadri range. People can also take a full night stay in the temple of the fort. This temple serves as a fine camping site at this certain height.
How do I get there? To reach its base point, tourists can take a bus from Pune to Pali or Gunjavane. Both destinations have an equal length of trekking route, which is 3km.
Also read: Top 10 Things to Do in North Sikkim
8. Ratangad Fort
Ratangad Fort is a prominent hill fort in the Ahmednagar district. Samrad and Ratanwadi are two base villages for trekking toward the fort. This 5 km long trek has an easy-to-moderate difficulty level. You can enjoy the beauty of forests and waterfalls throughout the trail.
The total elevation of Ratangad Fort is 4255 ft. This construction was built in the 18th century. The brilliant landscapes surround the fort. The highest peak of Maharashtra can be viewed from this fort.
The Ahmadnagar railway station is the nearest location to reach the base village.
Also read: 14 Best Susunia Hill Nearby Places To Visit
9. Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort has significant importance in Indian history. The fortress played a vital role in many remarkable battles for independence. The Sinhagad battle is one of the prominent incidents of this fort. In this conflict, a great Indian warrior, Tanaji, died. On behalf of this battle, the fort was known as Sinhagad Fort.
This structure is the grandeur of the Pune district. The trek is relatively easy and requires two hours to complete. But if you are an expert in trekking, then this duration can be minimized. You can hire a taxi or opt for public transport from Pune to reach Donaje village. The trekking path is just 2.5 km from this village. You can plan your trekking from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Also read: 8 Top Offbeat Places in Kashmir in Summer
10. Irshalgad Fort
Irshalgad Fort is a 3500-foot-high hilltop surrounded by dense green forests. The name of this fort also has a background. Its mountain has a natural hole in its peak. Therefore, Irshal refers to a pinnacle, and gad means a fort.
In this term, the destination earned a name, Irhshalgad. Irshalwadi is an initial point for embarking on this fort. From the top, you can enjoy a jaw-dropping view of Morbe Dam. This trekking site has no specific timing, and you can plan your trip the whole day.
Also read: The Top 10 Must Visit Caves in India
What is the best time to visit these Fort Treks in Maharashtra?
The summer months of Maharashtra receive hot and humid weather. So, the summer months are unsuitable for trekking. Adventurers have to face dehydration in these months. Water reservoirs also become dry in hot weather.
Trekking lovers should plan their visit during the monsoon season to avoid all these hassles. If you want to visit the plain areas, then the whole year has bearable weather. In the monsoon season, you can enjoy the natural greenery of the fort’s tracks.
What are the difficulty levels of these Fort Treks in Maharashtra?
All the treks have easy to moderate difficulty levels, except the Kalavantin trek. This trek has comparatively high difficulty and also needs safety precautions. Other forts have high elevations, but their treks are easy for beginners. Most of them have proper steps to cover the height safely. Among all the treks in Maharashtra’s forts, AMK is the most difficult one.
Are there any safety precautions to consider while trekking these forts?
Yes, safety precautions are necessary for trekking on these paths. Especially in monsoon months, the risk of land sliding increases. To prevent falling on slippery trails, tourists must wear their essential gear. They should use trekking poles and shoes with a solid grip. All this equipment will help to maintain stability.
Are there any facilities available for trekkers at these forts?
Most of the forts have no facilities. These are just historical structures to visit and capture the surrounding beauty. A few of these forts have snack bars. Tourists should arrange drinking water and ready-to-eat food according to their own abilities. Base villages can prove helpful in this matter. You can fill your water bottles and buy snacks for your trip.
Can I hire a guide for these fort treks in Maharashtra?
Yes, travel agencies offer guided tours in Maharashtra. The travel agents help you plan your itinerary in budget-friendly packages. They arrange group tours for trekkers. So, you can explore more of the beauty of Maharashtra through group activities. Moreover, the experienced guides assist in the navigation of steep routes.
Are these forts accessible by public transportation?
No, all these forts are located at the top of his. Public transport is available only for base villages. To access the forts, tourists must cover the long trekking routes. If you want to take pleasure in the natural beauty, explore the foothill areas of these forts. Conversely, for adventure enthusiasts, trekking is an ideal way to experience Maharashtra’s beauty.
Can I camp overnight at these forts?
Yes, Rajgad Fort, Koligad, Tikona, and Rajmachi forts allow camping settings for travelers. These forts allow mesmerizing views of the Sahyadri Hills. In the early morning, you can also capture beautiful sunrise moments. To get full camping entertainment, you should follow the locals’ instructions. Tourists should keep all essential backups to make their stay safer at height.
Plan your tour Today!
Then, pack your bags for Maharashtra state. The state allows all kinds of attractions for tourists. This land is the second most populous state in India. Industrial establishments in this western region also make it prominent. Its coastal location provides a chance for beach entertainment. The defining features are the beauty of hill stations and Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. This land has a diverse culture and an incredible history of empire.
Fort Treks in Maharashtra for trekking trips can please tourists of all interests. As trekking routes with the greatest forts are moderate, precautions are still needed. Thus, always try to plan your tour with a guide. Tie your laces and get ready to explore a world of new experiences.
Stay connected with Salam Travellers to get more exciting trekking guides.
