Purandar Fort

Rising 4,472 feet above the sea level in the Western Ghats and around 20 miles southeast of Pune in Maharashtra looms the massive Purandar Fort. It was once a favorite fort of the legendary Maratha leader Shivaji Raje. There are actually two forts here. Vajragad is smaller of the two and is situated on the eastern corner of the main fort. Just delve deep into Maratha history, and you are sure to observe how Shivaji had time and again taken shelter in this fort, high above the hills during his uprising against the Bijapur Kingdom and the Mughals.

The Purandar Fort has seen a lot of drama in its long history. For instance, Shivaji was almost defeated once by the Mirja Raja Jai Singh who was a Rajput general serving in the army of Aurangzeb. Jai Singh had charged at the fort along with his massive Mughal infantry. Shivaji’s killedar Murarbaji Deshpande made a minor strategic mistake that killed him. The fort also became highly vulnerable. Finding no other way to avoid a direct defeat, Shivaji signed a treaty with Aurangzeb, as a result of which, the Purandar Fort, along with 22 other significant forts went under the control of the Mughal emperor. Shivaji was appointed a Jagirdar or tenant to look after the forts.

Of course, this was difficult for Shavaji to stomach. He revolted against Aurangzeb soon, and recaptured his favorite Purandar Fort. Sambaji Raje, Shivaji’s eldest son was born in this fort soon after. It is today a popular weekend spot for those who stay in Pune. Some visit the fort for its history. Others come to see the nature all around. It is also popular among trekkers and paragliders. You will love the greenery.

How to reach: Because of city extensions in recent years, Saswad the closest village to the fort has become a part of Pune now. You will thus find a lot of buses that can take you there. You can drive your vehicle as well till the parking area. From there, you must do trekking.