Explore Forts in Maharashtra

Perched dramatically above the crashing waves of the Konkan coast, Ratnadurg Fort, which is also known as the Bhagwati Fort, is around 2-3 KM from the town of Ratnagiri on a hill beside the Arabian Sea. This fort was built by the Bahmani Sultanate, but it was later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1670. After that, it was passed down to Kanhoji Angre, the Peshwas, and the British. Spread over about 120 acres and shaped like a horseshoe, the fort houses the temple of Goddess Bhagwati in its premises. You will also find shrines for Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, a secret cave tunnel, and a functioning lighthouse near the fort. Visitors come here to enjoy the panoramic sea views, quiet heritage ambience, and mild coastal weather.

Rajapur Fort, also known as the British Warehouse Fort, is a small riverside fortification on the banks of the River Arjuna in Rajapur, Maharashtra. It was built by the British in the mid-1600s to protect their warehouse and cargo storage. The fort features remnants of ramparts, two bastions, and a moat. Today, the decayed structures stand amid modern buildings, including a police complex built on the original site. Also, visit the nearby Dhootpapeshwar Temple and hot springs to make it a day trip of exploration. A quiet blend of history and nature, Rajapur Fort offers a peaceful offbeat escape on the Konkan coast.

Raigad Fort is a majestic fort in Maharashtra which you can see in Sahyadri mountain ranges of Western Ghats. The fort is a symbol of Maratha pride and one of the great reminders of the history of Marathas. It was named as Gibraltar of the East by the British due to its strategic location and one of the most important landmarks in the city of Pune.Some main attractions of Raigad Fort are the Hirakani Buruj, Maha Darwaja, the King’s Durbar, Takmak Tok, Jagdishwar Mandir etc. The fort has become a major tourist spot for its trekking opportunities where one needs to climb up to 1737 steps and enjoy a breath-taking view of the landscape. For those who wish to give trekking a miss, there is a splendid ropeway ride to give you goosebumps as you move through the winds with an exquisite aerial view of the landscape. The place has been dubbed as one of the most exciting Pune tourist destinations for history lovers and adventure freaks.- Location: Raigad Fort, Raigad, Maharashtra- Best Time to visit: The best time to visit Raigad Fort is from November to March|- Entry fee: The cost of an entry ticket for Indians is INR 10 / USD 0.15 and for foreigners, it is INR 100/ USD 1.54|- Timings: Tourists can visit Raigad Fort from 10 am to 6 pm every day

Built in 1724 by the great Admiral Kanhoji Angre, Purnagad Fort sits cheerfully where the Muchkundi River meets the Arabian Sea in scenic Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The fort is spread across about 2 acres, which has seven bastions, two secure gates, and stone carvings of the sun- moon. You will also find Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman idols at the entrance. There’s no water inside the fort now, but the views of the creek, beach, and sea around it are truly stunning.You can take a short 10-minute uphill climb from Purnagad village to reach this fort. So come and explore this peaceful and charming historical fort on your next trip to Ratnagiri.

Looking for some beautiful historical places? Pratapgarh Fort is one of the best Satara tourist places that you mustn’t miss. Well, the fort is completely suitable for clicking stunning pictures and photographs. Pratapgarh fort is quite nearby Mahabaleshwar, as being one of the most popular hilltops in Maharashtra. Astounding valleys, lakes and the entire city is visible from hill top of Pratapgad Fort.

Vandan Fort is located in the Satara region of Maharashtra. It is an ancient hill fort at approximately 3800 feet, built by King Bhoj II of the Shilahar dynasty in the late 12th century. The Fort has a Dargah, a tomb or shrine dedicated to a revered figure. While walking through the Fort, you will find some complex Arabic inscriptions on its walls. The villages at the base of the Fort are rich in sugarcane, so when you reach the top, the scenery will certainly be green and dense to relish.

Aundha Fort is 4,270 feet high which is situated in the Kalsubai mountain on the Nashik-Ahmednagar boundary. There are three trekking paths that go to it and those are through Patta Fort, Aundhewadi village apart from Konkanwadi fork. The fort has 30 to 40 stone steps, caves with drinking water, rock-cut cisterns, as well as the remains of old buildings. The top of the mountain can be reached by a steep cone with broken steps and iron chains. Moreover, the fort offers wide-ranging views of Patta, Bitangad, Kalsubai, Alang, Madan, and Kulang. It was an important watchpoint that was occupied by the Bahamanis, Mughals, Marathas, along with the British in 1818.

Located in Kolhapur district, Bhudargad Fort is a historic hilltop fort built by Shilahara king Bhoj II during the Bahamani era. Situated at an altitude of 3,089 feet, it offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri range. You will see ancient temples like the Bhairavnath Temple and the Bhavani Temple in the fort, along with the milky-white Doodhsagar Lake. Having witnessed Maratha, Adilshahi, and British rule, the fort was shaped by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajaram Maharaj. You can explore laterite palaces, intricate carvings, and a secret tunnel near a Nandi idol. The history, architecture, and natural beauty of Bhudargad Fort make it a rewarding visit for trekkers and heritage lovers.

Perched along the scenic R atnagiri coast, Gopalgad Fort, which is also known as Anjanvel Fort, is a majestic 16th-century hill fort that echoes tales of Maratha valour and maritime legacy. This fort was built by the Bijapur Sultanate and later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. This fort served as a guarding point to protect the Dabhol port and Vashishti River trade routes. The fortification of the fort is high laterite walls and a dry moat, and inside you will find 12 bastions, old temples, three freshwater wells, and remnants of residential structures. You can also visit the nearby lighthouse and Talakeshwar Temple and make it a day trip to explore the hidden gems of the Konkan coast.