Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra state. It is close to Mumbai and Pune, two essential cities in India. It is regarded as ‘the Queen of hill stations,’ famous among tourists who want a quick weekend gateway.
Mahabaleshwar offers captivating views of the hilltop and valleys of the Sahyadri range of mountains. Its fantastic viewpoints, natural splendor, and mesmerizing waterfalls attract thousands of tourists annually. There are many things to do in Mahabaleshwar.
Are you planning to spend a wonderful vacation in Mahabaleshwar? If yes, don’t forget to include the historical forts in your travel plan.
These Forts in Maharashtra bring the glorious history of the Maratha kingdom and exceptional stories that show the bravery and patriotism of the great warriors.
Here are the details of 6 Historical Forts near Mahabaleshwar.
Kamalgad Fort
Kamalgad Fort is located at the height of 4500 feet and is among the famous forts near Wai in Maharashtra. The other name of this fort is Bhelanja or Kattalgad. It is a heritage fort, which should be one of the most-visited places in the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani tour plan. The fort was built during medieval times. The fort was under the rule of Marathas, and later it was taken over by British rulers.
The fort is spread over a flat area of 4 acres, surrounded by thick woods and steep rocks. There is no structure on the top except a well sunk through the rock into the soil below. This well still has water. Visitors can see a magnificent view of Dhom Dam, dense woods, and lush green vegetation. People should see this fort while booking the Mahabaleshwar package from Mumbai.
Murud-Janjira
Murud – Janjira is an island fort and among the best Historical Forts near Mahabaleshwar. It is situated near Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best places to visit in Alibaug. The Arabian Sea surrounds Janjira Fort. It is said that the fort is one of the strongest marine forts in India.
It is believed that the fort has been existing since the 15th century by a Koli King. The purpose was to create a defense against thieves and pirates. It is spread across 22 acres and has 19 rounded bastions, which are still intact.
The fort has two gates. The main gate faces the shore, whereas the small gate opens into the open sea. There are many hidden pathways and passages for emergencies. Include the fort in your travel plan when you book the Best Travel Agency in Mumbai.
Pandavgad Fort
Pandavgad Fort is located at an altitude of 4100 feet. This hill fort stands gloriously in the Wai Taluka of Satara district in Maharashtra State. The fort is believed to be more than 11 centuries old, and Sailor King Bhoj-II built it. It was under the rule of many kingdoms, such as Adil Shahi, Maratha, and Mughals. At last, it came under British rule in the year 1818.
It is a square-shaped fort that spreads over six acres. There are many things to see, such as Bhagwan Hanuman Temple, Devi Pandjai Temple, and rock-cut water cisterns. A sharp rock of more than 6 meters gives natural protection to this fort. Visitors can get breathtaking views of the surrounding hilltops, villages, and plains from such an enormous height. It makes the fort among the classic Forts in Maharashtra.
Sajjangad Fort
Sajjangad has located at an altitude of 3600 feet. This is an ancient hillfort and a pilgrimage place. The fort is in the Satara district. The place is one of the popular places to visit in Satara. It is a must-include place in the Mahabaleshwar tour plan. It is believed the fort was built in the 13th to 15th centuries by Bahmani Sultans. Adil Shah later conquered the fort in the 16th century. After that, the fort was ruled by different rulers like the Mughals and Marathas. Its earlier name was Parali Fort. When Sri Samarth Ramdas decided to set up his permanent abode at this place, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj changed its name to Sajjangad.
The fort has two main gates, comprising two lakes and temples of Bhagwan Shriram, Bhagwan Hanuman, and Anglia Devi. There is the samadhi of Swami Samarth Ramdas. The fort is a combination of historical ambiance and spirituality. It offers a magnificent view of the surrounding villages, Urmodi Dam, its catchment area, and Satara Town. Sajjangad Fort is a mandatory place to visit while booking the Mahabaleshwar tour package.
Raigad Fort
When you list the most majestic hill forts in Maharashtra, Raigad comes at the top. It is located in the Raigad district, around 80 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar. It is among the famous tourist places and an excellent trekking spot.
The fort is a symbol of the Maratha Kingdom and a great reminder of the history of Marathas. It is built on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock. The main structure inside the fort has structures such as Queen’s Quarters, Watch Tower, Entrance doors, Public Darbar, and so on. The biggest attraction of the Raigad Fort is an excellent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There is the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his dog Waghya. One has to climb 1500 steps to reach the fort, and a ropeway exists for those who can’t climb that height. It is indeed among the most prestigious Historical Forts near Mahabaleshwar.
Pratapgarh Fort
Pratapgad is a famous fort. It is near Mahabaleshwar. Pratapgad was built by the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656. It is at an altitude of 1080 meters and is one of the majestic forts. Within the fortified walls, you can find four lakes, two temples, a watchtower, a cultural library, and a statue of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
This is one of the most preferred tourist spots near Pune and Mumbai. Since the fort is still in reasonably good condition, it draws visitors year-round. People plan Mahabaleshwar tour packages to see the charm of these spots.
