1. Lohagad Fort (Near Lonavala)
The Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort), located in Sahyadri Hills in Lonavala, is 11 km away from Lonavala, 66 km from Pune, and 114 km away from Mumbai. One of Lonavala’s best tourist sites and one of Maharashtra’s famous historic sites can be seen as part of its packages of excursions. Perched on top of a hill at 1050 m above sea level, the fort distinguishes the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin. It is also among Pune & Mumbai’s famous sights to visit.
Lohagad Fort is one of Maharashtra’s most visited furs and one of Pune’s famous heritage sites. Guru Govind Singh built the fort in 1564 CE to act as a jail. In 1648 CE, Shivaji Maharaj captured it.
2. Kalsubai Peak
Kalsubai Peak is a mountain peak in Sahyadri Hills in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, 12 km from Bhandardara, 165 km from Mumbai, and 174 km from Pune. It is the highest peak in Maharashtra and must be included in the Maharashtra packs, with an altitude of 5400 feet (1646 m).
In the Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalsubai, there is Kalsubai Peak. It’s one of Bhandardara’s top things to do. The top is a small plateau with a spectacular view of the surrounding fortresses and Bhandardara Dam. It was used during the Maratha rule in the area to keep watch on its enemies. The Temple of Kalsubai is situated on the topmost peak of Maharashtra Sahyadri Mountain.
Kalsubai Mountain is a well popular Maharashtra trekking destination. This trekking route attracts many tourists, some conquering Maharashtra’s highest mountain,
3. Sinhagad Fort (Near Pune)
The Lion Fort is a fortress situated to the southwest of Pune city at a distance of 32 km from Pune Junction, Sinhagad, or Sinhagarh. Sinhagad Fort is one of the most popular hiking places in Pune, and also a top destination in the vicinity of Pune City.
The fortification previously known as Kondana was the site of numerous significant combat, especially the Sinhagad Battle of 1671 in Christ. The fort was built 2.000 years ago, according to history and its name is said to have been derived from the wise Kaundinya. The castle, Nag Naik, was captured by Mohammed bin Tughalak in 1340 CE by the tribal leader Koli. In 1496 the fort was taken over by Malik Ahmad, the father of the Nizam Shahi dynasty.
Almost 200 years later Shahaji Bhonsale, the king of Maratha, took the fort. Shivaji retained the fortified building in 1647 and called it Sinhagad. According to the Purandar Treaty in 1665 CE, Shivaji gave the Mughals Sinhagad and captained it again.
4. Ratangad Fort (Near Bhandardara)
Ratangad is an old hill fort in Ratanwadi village in the district of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, located 6 km from Ratanwadi, 23 km from Bhandardara, and 183 km from Pune, and 197 km from Mumbai. It is one of Maharashtra’s best forts and an ideal location to stroll around Mumbai & Pune.
The Ratangad Fort is one of Bhandardara’s most famous locations, and its wealth of heritage leaves visitors spellbound. The fort is 4250 feet above sea level. It was used by Maratha warrior Shivaji and is a 400 years-old fort. At first, the Mughals controlled the fort and Shivaji Maharaj captured it.
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The Ratangad has a natural rock top with the Nedhe or the Eye of the Needle cavity on the top. The fortification consists of four gates called Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, and Trimbak. The Ratangad Fort has two caves, a smaller one that can accommodate 8-10 people while the
5. Pratapgad Fort
The Pratapgad, also known as Pratapgarh, is a major hill fortified in the Satara district of Maharashtra, about 20 km from Mahabaleshwar, 140 km from Pune, and 221 km from Mumbai. This fort is situated at 1080 meters above sea level and is constructed on a path that overlooks the road between Par and Kinesvar settlements. It’s in Mahabaleshwar among the most scenic sites and one of the best forts near Pune. It is also one of Mumbai’s best heritage sites and another famous attraction not to be missed in a package from Mahabaleshwar.
Moropant Pine, its prime minister, was appointed by Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj to start the building of the fort to protect Nira and the riverbanks of the Koyna river as well as to guard Par Pass. The foundation of the fortress was finished in 1656. The fort stands as if it were.
