Karmala Fort

The industrially developed Indian state of Maharashtra is not only dotted with enchanting beaches, ever washed by blue waves of the Arabian Sea, but it is also speckled with invincible forts and bastions  that are located strewn all across the state. For instance, there are forts in certain parts of Maharashtra that are built on sea shores with one gate opening towards the sea, and the other allowing the cavalry to enter through the land-based main gate. Most of these historically significant Maratha forts were built on strategic points, such as one overlooking a mountain pass while another to protect a city or township from the onslaught of outside marauders.

Take for instance the fort at Karmala. Encircled by a strong wall and a moat, the fort comprises twenty-one bastions, the expanse between them being some hundred or more feet. The Karmala fort is situated around 12 miles from the Jeur railway station, which again is 82 miles away from the Solapur railway junction, the biggest one in the region.

The Karmala fort was constructed by Rao Rambha Nimbalkar when the area was conferred upon him as his jagir. There are two principal gates for entry into the fort. One gate is on the eastern side, and the other is on the opposite side. Temples of Maruti, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha as also of Mahadeo have been erected in front of the main gate of the fort. The building immediately behind these temples once served as the residence of Rao Rambha Nimbalkar. However it has now been converted to a civil court. It also serves as the office for the area.

How to reach: Reach Solapur first before heading to the fort, which is very close to the city. The city is well connected with the rest of the country by train, air and buses. If you want you can drive from Pune as well. it will take you about three and a half hours.

The best option would be to stay at Solapur. You will not get any good hotels near Karmala fort, resort near Karmala fort or cottages near Karmala fort.