There’s more to Pune than the urban agglomeration and busy corporate life. There’s a lot to explore around town –with new places to visit and new food to try. While it’s mostly known for the great weather and happening events, Pune also boasts of a rich cultural history and the same is evident in the forts and castles dotting the town.
Here’s a list of our 5 favorite forts that will make you book flights to Pune right away!
- Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad is a hill fortress located southwest of the city. It is perched on an isolated cliff (1380m above sea level) in the Bhuleshwar Range of Sahyadri Mountains. It carries with itself the rich history of Nag Naik and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. It is the pious legacy of Shivaji, Tanaji Malusare and Rajaram (Shivaji’s son). The National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, trains the army under the shade of Sinhagad Fort. It is a great trekking track too.
- Purandar Fort
Purandar is the birthplace of Sambhaji, and is a significant landmark in the rising of Shivaji against the Adil Shahi Bijapur Sultanate as well as the Mughals. The most convenient way to get here is taking a road trip and driving down to Saswad via Hadapsar. It’s located in the ghats of Purandarm Matha, Narayanpur. It’s at the height of 4,472 feet above sea level and is an architectural masterpiece. You also have a set of temples around the fort, which we recommend with all our hearts.
- Kenjalgad Fort
Built in a rhombic shape, Kenjalgad Fort is a majestic beauty and is set on top of Mahadev Hill ranges, near Bhor. It is located 83km from the city and is open 24/7 to the public withno entry fees. It is surrounded by valleys and grassland views which makes it extremely picturesque. The entire place is serene and quiet, like a subtle therapy disguised as a getaway from the city life.
- Torna Fort
Torna or Prachandagad Fort is the first-ever fort to be captured by Shivaji Maharaj, when he was 16, therefore, it is considered as the nucleus of the Maratha empire. It is set atop Sahyadri MountainRanges, about 1,400m above sea level (highest fortress in the district) and doubles as major trekking spot,especially during winters (September to December). It is located 60km from the city of Pune with the best route being via the Satara Road.
- Tikona Fort
Tikona Fort is located in Kamshet (60km from Pune). As the name suggests, it is pyramidal in shape, with significantly gigantic doors, seven water tanks, the very famous ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’temple and Satvahan caves. Pawana Lake resides at the summit of the trek. This fort used to be thecenter of control for the entire Pawana Mawal region back in the days when Shivaji Maharaj wasreigning.
Book Kolkata to Pune flights today and cherish the Maratha history with friends and family!
