Laling Fort

Laling fort or Laling Qila is a diminutive yet strategically located fort that is perched on a hillock (Laling hill). It is situated around 9.65 kilometers or 6 miles south of Dhule city in Maharashtra. It was reckoned as one of the few key forts in the Khandesh region during the reign of the Faruqi kings.

This antiquated fort was built during the beginning of the Faruqi kingdom. History also adds that when the time came to offer a gift, the Faruqi king Malik Raja (1370 – 1399) gifted this fort to his eldest son, even though the other one, namely the Thalner fort was enlisted in the gift offering. The Laling fort has also witnessed the episode in which Nasir Khan and his son were besieged by a Bahamani general in 1437 till the hapless victims were rescued by an army that came from Gujarat. This fort was strategically used by the Mughal army during their Deccan campaigns on several occasions. There are temples inside the fort as well in the Hemadpanthi style.

So there’s a lot of history of the Laling fort. If you are interested in Indian history, then you will surely enjoy a visit to this fort. You can do so on virtually any weekend. However, you should know that the fort is now in shambles. Nevertheless, you can still get an idea about all the history that has transpired here at one time. The Laling fort also offers panoramic views of the surroundings as well as that of the city of Dhule.

How to reach: Laling fort is located close to Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation on National Highway-3. There is a railway station and airport at Dhule. So you can take the train or the flight. You can drive from Mumbai or Pune as well. The driving time is about six hours.

It is best to stay overnight at Dhule. You won’t be able to find any good hotels in Laling fort, resorts in Laling fort, or cottages in Laling fort.