The state of Maharashtra is most famous for its many forts that are 350 in numbers. The major numbers of these forts have been linked to the Maratha ruler Maharaja Chatrapati Shivaji. The history says that it was he who has been considered to develop as much as 13 numbers of forts.

Among these forts, the sea fort named as Vijaydurg has been declared as one of his best forts. The interiors of the temples depict the structures of Maratha fighters that display their bravery acts. At a distance of 510 kms are the two other major forts of the state and these are Sindhudurg fort and Vijaydurg fort. These are also commonly known as the twin forts that were constructed under the supervision of the Maratha ruler Shivaji. The surroundings of the forts are very tranquil and speak about the richness of the history associated with these forts.

The fort that marks the birth of great Maratha leader Shivaji is Shivner fort that is located at a distance of 120 kms from the city of Pune. The battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan was fought in the fort of Pratapgad. The other forts that are about the Maratha architecture are the Murud - Janjira fort, Harish chandragad fort, Ajinkyatatra fort, Lohagad and Visapur fort and Arnala fort. These forts are best for the enthusiastic visitors who have taste for trekking. These forts are ideal for the people who want some adventurous trip.

The 350 forts in the state of Maharashtra stand as the guard of the state since many years. These forts have handled the strong sea waves, the Deccan rain torrents, heat of the scorching sun, walls crumbling due to environmental changes.

Major counts of the forts that stand in Maharashtra whether located on top of hill or on the edges of sea have been constructed under the guidance of Chatrapati Shivaji a Maratha warrior. The forts in the state are also named as mini cities like Panhala that has currently been declared as a hill station. It is that not only Shivaji has been behind the existence of forts in the cities but with the coming of Portuguese to India for trade brought up many new forts in the state.

These forts in current time have been decayed over the years with changing environmental conditions.

Famous Forts of Maharashtra

Bassein

The Portuguese in the year 1534 brought into existence the Bassein fort and until the year 1739 declared this fort as it’s headquarter. In the 18th century, the Marathas assailed Bassein fort that stands very close to Vasai located in the northern direction of city of Mumbai. The war lasted for almost three years and the Marathas then captured the fort in the year 1739.

The fort is in decayed conditioned currently and is overshadowed by palm groves. The pathway to the entrance of the fort enters through the small veranda that overlooks the decaying fort. The remains of the fort still speak about the marvelous architecture of the forts constructed in the past. The forts have three chapels whose architecture is very similar to the Portuguese churches that were constructed in the 17th century. The domed type of ceiling in the chapel located on the southern direction is still intact.

Daulatabad

This fort is the most nicely preserved fort in the list of worlds preserved forts. The fort is located at an altitude of 600 ft on the Deccan plain that came into existence in 12th century. The fort is surrounded by a trench that is 40 feet deep along with a wall that is as long as 5 km.

Gavilgad

The fort of Gavilgad is part of Melghat Tiger Project that is located close to Chikhaldhara hill station in the district of Amravati. The fort is surrounded by many natural spots with thick and dense forest. The tranquility of the fort during the current times displays the vivid happenings of the war that happened over a period of years for exultation the fort. The fort is as old as almost 300 years that is adorned with beautifully carved idols. The fort came into existence in 12th and 13th century. Initially, it was ruled by Gavils and later the Gonds conquered the fort. This fort is substantiation of the war that held between these two rulers.

The fort of Gavilgad has also been named in the Mahabharata epic. The Mahabharata episode of Bhima killing Keechaka by tossing him from the top of the hill has also been witnessed by this fort. The city in which the fort stands has given it its name Chikhaldhara. But later it was also named as Keechakadara – Chikhaldhara.

Ghodbunder

Bounded by the scenic surroundings is the Ghodbunder fort that is located at the place where there is no hustle and bustle. The Ghodbunder fort is overlooked from the creek of Bassein fort. Surrounded by the snooty hills is a small island that is lined by the tall palm trees and twisty river that gives an eye catching view through Ghodbunder fort. The miscellany of the Mughal and Portuguese works can still be predicted while visit to this place.

Murud - Janjira

A small village located on top of a hill at a distance of 60 km from Alibaug is the Murud-Janjira fort. The fort was constructed in 15th century and stands nicely even during the current times despite the negative impacts of flowing winds and sea waves surrounding the fort from all sides. The fort was not dominated for over a period of almost 350 years. The fort was majorly ruled by Malik Amber who was the ruler of Ahmednagar and none of the British, Portuguese and Marathas could conquer the fort from this ruler.

This place is very scenic. The Murud beach is surrounded by casuarinas, coconut and betel palms that are situated at a quite place away from noisy streets of the city. Along the fort at the top of the hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya whose idol has three heads and is of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara.

Murud - Harnai

Murud area is the witness of Harnai fort. The fort stands near the white sand sea with pristine water. The rows of the Palm trees along the beach beautify the area around Murud. The fort of Harnai is located on the northern side of the Murud beach. The construction of the fort speaks about the richness of the marvelous history linked to the construction of the fort. The other fort located in the vicinity of this Murud-Harnai fort is the Goa Killa. At a distance of 30 km from the Harnai fort are the Panhale Kazi rock cut monuments.

Sinhgad

Sinhgad fort that is part of Pune city in Maharashtra stands at an altitude of 800 meters above the ground. The fort got its relevance noticeable in the history when the war of Tanaji Malusare’s happened in the year 1670. In today’s time, this fort has been under the National Defense Academy’s training. The fort is located 25 kms away from the city of Pune. The fort is very common among the people who have inclination towards trekking. Trekking done in Sinhgad and Katraj are a memorable moments for the trekkers.

Lokmanya Tilak is a much known name in the Marathi poet world stayed at the fort. The fort is the house for water tank named Dev Tank that has sweet cold water that is an interesting fact for the visitors. The fort also houses a cenotaph of Rajaram Maharaj. The panoramic view from this fort of the city of Pune is mesmerizing. Few of the other point of interest in the fort are the Panshet, Torana fort, Khadakwasla and Varasgaon dams.