About Purandar Fort
1. Hours of Operation: Every day, 6:00 AM-6:00 PM.
2. Best Days: Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
3. Best Time: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 AM
4. Suggested Duration: 4-5 hours.
5. Tickets: Entry is free.
6. Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction, 40 km away
7. Nearby Airport: Pune International Airport, 45 km away
8. Nearest Bus Stop: Saswad Bus Stand
Situated at an altitude of 4,472 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri range near Saswad, 40 km south of Pune. The historic Purandar fort is the birthplace of the great Maratha Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The fort was used as a centre to control the area, and it was under several treaties during Mughal and British rule. The fort consists of two main buildings – the Chaordi and Balle Killa – and several smaller structures.
The fort is accessible via a light trail that weaves around thick foliage, old steps, and heritage structures like temples, bastions, and water cisterns. Many visitors also explore the fort as part of a Pune tour package, since it combines history with scenic trekking routes. The military maintains its jurisdiction over a part of the fort, so be prepared to heed the off-limits sign. The Kedareshwar Temple is a nice and quiet break in the hike. If you are a trekker, photographer or history lover, this fort offers you nature and Maratha history.
Purandar Fort Highlights
• Explore the Remains of Ancient Edifices and Structures -Browse through ruins of old military barracks, granaries and watchtowers that were once central to the Maratha operations.
• Marvel at the Statue of Murarabaji Deshpande- A sight built as a homage to the brave warrior hero who fought and protected the fort in the Mughal regime- an ideal location to strike a pose.
• Kedareshwar Temple Climb: A tranquil Shiva temple situated high up in the mountains, which provides both spiritual solace and great valley views.
How To Reach Purandar Fort
1. By Road (Most preferred)- The distance of Purandar Fort is hardly 40 km from Pune. Use the Pune- Saswad- Narayanpur Road through the NH65. You can either drive yourself or take a cab. This route is a 1.5 to 2-hour journey and terminates at the village of Narayanpur, which is the starting point of the trek.
2. By Bus - MSRTC and private buses are available from Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand to Saswad. You can take any local cab, auto-rickshaw, or shared jeep from Saswad to Narayanpur base village.
3. Biking – It’s a big destination for locals and weekend riders who prefer the two-wheeled ride. And the view of the countryside is also nice once you cross through the Saswad ghats.
Best Time To Visit Purandar Fort
1. Peak Season – October to February
a) Weather - Cool, dry and pleasant for walking, clicking and sightseeing.
b) Things to do- Indulge in long treks, visits to serene temples, and fresh valley views.
2. Moderate Season- July to September
a) Weather- The beginning of the monsoon transforms the forest into lush greenery with foggy trails and slippery paths.
b) Things to do- Ideal for adventure lovers and the ones who adore trudging in mist, waterfalls and dramatic skies.
3. Low Season- March to June
a) Weather- Dry and hot with strong sunlight, especially in the afternoon.
b) Things to do- Try to do early morning treks, never go during the afternoons. There’s still plenty of photography and short walks to be enjoyed.
Purandar Fort Other Essential Information
- Get an Early Start – Start hiking before 8.00 am to avoid the heat and the crowds and the summer time and the weekends, and well, you get the idea.
- Wear the Right Shoes – Wear shoes with a decent grip; there are always spots where things get slippery, especially during the monsoon.
- Pack Water and Snacks – There are no reliable water and food points are reliable so carry enough for the trek.
- Follow Local Customs – The Kedareshwar Temple is an active place of worship; thus, while visiting, you will be required to take off your footwear and stay silent..
Marvel at the Statue of Murarabaji Deshpande
Stop by to pay respect to the fort's hero, who never agreed to surrender and died fighting the Mughals. At the apex, the full-size statue is a moving expression of courage and devotion to the country.
Explore the Sacred Kedareshwar Temple
A divine Shiva Temple welcomes you at the peak to give up your tiredness and find time to reflect. It is also a beautiful photo spot where cool breezes flow, and the sky is wide open.
Tourism Board Alliances
Purandar Fort FAQs
What are the visiting hours and access criteria?
Purandar Fort is accessible from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM and is under military control and surveillance. Visitors should have original Photo ID (Aadhar, driver’s license) or passport (for Foreign nationals) at the time of entry. At a checkpoint before trekking starts, devices, including mobile phones and cameras, are collected.
Does it cost anything to enter or park?
Admission to Purandar Fort is entirely free of tickets, parking or the little museum. But some charge a small fee for locally parked vehicles around the base.
How long is the trek to get there, and how challenging is it?
The trek is moderately easy. It takes 1 to 1.5 hr (depending on fitness and speed) to climb up from the Narayanpur machi and 30-45 minutes to come down. Suitable for most age groups.
Will I be able to find something to eat and drink at the fort?
There is very little food and water arrangement. One of the small stalls near the car park serves tea and Kanda bhaji. It's great if you can carry a minimum of 2 litres of water and snacks from Pune.
Can visitors camp on the fort's property?
No, overnight halt or camping is not allowed because it's a military area and training camp. Visitors are required to exit by 5 PM
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