Many people learn about Maharashtra’s military history through books or museum visits. But those who like getting up close and personal with living, breathing history will plan a journey to one of the state’s many fort towns.
The term refers to a strategic location where a defensive structure was built to serve not just as a military outpost, but also as a key centre for trade and commerce. The presence of forts in these places helped protect merchants, secure valuable trade goods, and maintain control over economic activities.
From Thane to Pune, Maharashtra’s fort towns, now gleaming modern cities, continue to retain a connection to their historical heritage. Here are five of them that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Classified as part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Thane city closely safeguards its historical and cultural essence. Since ancient times, “The City of Lakes,” which boasts over 30 water bodies, has maintained trade relations with Greece, Babylon, and Persia. Even famed Venetian globetrotter Marco Polo visited the town, marvelling at its well-developed ports and bustling economy.
Having come under Portuguese, Maratha, and British rule, Thane is, unsurprisingly, littered with defensive fortifications.
For starters, there’s Vasai Fort, which was originally built by the Yadavas of Devagiri in 1184. The Portuguese took control of it from the 1500s, before Maratha forces under Chimaji Appa captured the building in 1739. Today, the fort’s majestic ruins, ancient stone walls, and Gothic-style churches attract thousands of visitors, making it a popular spot for history lovers and Bollywood filmmakers alike.
Then there’s Gorakhgad Fort, a hilltop fortress that was the residence of saints and hermits who found it an ideal site for meditation. Like many forts across Maharashtra today, this one is accessible via a moderate trek, offering breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. The top attractions here are the ancient caves, rock-cut steps, and a small temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva.
Mahuli Fort, to the west of Thane, was a Mughal stronghold before being captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls, it is a paradise for trekkers and history buffs.
Finally, Ghodbunder Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was an important military base before being captured by the East India Company. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ulhas River, it provides stunning panoramic views of Thane. Visitors can explore its massive stone walls, bastions, and watchtowers before engaging in some sunset photography.
This jewel of the Western Ghats, which encompasses some of Maharashtra’s most scenic hill stations, is among the state’s top fort towns due to its strong military background. Once the capital of the Maratha Empire, the area was previously ruled by the Rashtrakutas, the Satavahanas, the Chalukyas, and the Yadavas. Thus, the town has earned itself the moniker of “Soldier’s City.”
The fort closest to Satara town is the 16th-century Ajinkyatara Fort. Originally named Ajimtara after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s son, its name was changed to Ajinkyatara by Marathi novelist Narayan Hari Apte. The fort is a popular spot for trekking and is home to temples dedicated to Hindu deities Hanuman, Shiva, and Devi Mangala.
The nearby Sajjangad Fort is best known as the final resting place of Sant Ramdas Swami, the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Surrounded by the scenic Western Ghats, it is an important pilgrimage spot for spiritual seekers. Its name translates to “the fort of good people.”
Another top fort to visit is Pratapgad Fort, located near the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. It was here that the legendary Battle of Pratapgad took place on November 10, 1659, between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and General Afzal Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate.
One of Maharashtra’s most picturesque getaways, Lonavala is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts. Renowned for its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, mist-covered hills, and ancient forts, Lonavala offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The region was also militarily significant for the Maratha Empire, which used its forts as watchtowers and built defensive structures against invaders. This history is seen in the Visapur Fort and Lohagad Fort, both of which are part of the same fortification system and connected by a small range.
Visapur Fort is the larger of the two and has caves, water cisterns, decorated arches, and old houses within its fold. The ruins of a large stone-built house are believed to be that of the Peshwa's palace.
Meanwhile, the caves of the Lohagad Fort are inscribed in the Jain Brahmi script. Dating back to the second or first century BCE, they were fortuitously discovered by a group of trekkers in 2019.
Nestled along the Godavari River, the Nashik region was ruled by the Satavahana dynasty, the Abhiras, the Traikutakas, the Vishnukundins, the Kalachuris, the Chalukyas, and the Rashtrakutas, each of whom left a unique mark on its culture through inscriptions, grants, and cultural contributions.
Visitors can witness this history firsthand during a visit to the Ramshej Fort, which is believed to have been a stopover for Rama during his journey to Lanka while in exile. The ascent to the fort, which can be reached after an hour-long hike, reveals stunning views of the surrounding region.
Another structure worth spending time in is Anjaneri Fort. Steeped in religious myth, it is considered the birthplace of Hanuman, thus attracting numerous devotees throughout the year. Curiously, there is a lake shaped like a footprint, believed to be an imprint of the monkey god himself.
The educational hub of Pune is known for many things: its excellent street food, historic palaces, religious sites, and cultural diversity. But the city, nicknamed “the Oxford of the East,” is also the gateway to some notable fortifications.
For starters, there’s the Rajmachi Fort, which consists of twin fortresses Shriwardhan and Manaranjan. The trek to it yields several waterfalls, deep gorges and valleys, and a green landscape that captures tourists’ attention.
Sinhagad Fort is another top attraction and a popular weekend destination for the residents of Pune. Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range in the Sahyadris, on a clear day, people can see other forts of the Maratha Empire, such as Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna, from its summit.
Finally, the most iconic of them all is the 17th-century Shivneri Fort, which holds great historical significance as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. One of its most impressive features is the seven-tiered fortifications designed to obstruct enemy advances at every level. Each of the seven massive gates acts as a defensive barrier, ensuring that attackers face an uphill battle. Within the fort, strategically placed water reservoirs like the Badami Talav provided a continuous supply of water, while the Ganga-Jamuna springs continue to flow even today, a testament to the fort’s self-sustaining design.