Road Trips to Explore the Forts in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is not all about Bollywood, it is also about the beautiful places that the state boasts of. If you have interest in Indian history and the reminiscence of the ancient period, you will be glad to explore this state. If you are on a travelling spree, you can spare sometime over the weekends and plan your road trips to forts around Pune and Mumbai. Here are some of the forts that you can add into your bucket-list and visit whenever you have time.
11 Best Forts in Maharashtra
- Singhad Fort
- Raigad Fort
- Rajmachi Fort
- Purandar Fort
- Malhargad Fort
- Panhala Fort
- Pratapgad Fort
- Korigad Fort
- Kenjalgad Fort
- Daulatabad Fort
- Sindhudurg Fort
1. Singhad Fort
Singhad fort is one of the forts around Pune that is located at a close proximity to the city. The fort is frequented by tourists, bikers, and adventure enthusiasts every now and then. You can trek to reach the top of the fort. Perched at 4,300 feet, the fort is beautiful itself, but the road trip from Pune to Singhad Fort is filled with scenic beauty. Road trip to Singhad fort can be as beautiful as the fort itself.
- Distance from Pune: 30 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 180.2 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
2. Raigad Fort
Located in the Raigad fort natural reserve and at a height of 2,700 feet, Raigad fort is one of the forts that you must visit if you are in Pune or Mumbai. You can park your car or bike at the bottom of the fort hill and then take ropeway to reach the top of the fort. The view from the top of the fort is absolutely lovely. You can book your stay at any of the resorts near the fort and spend a night amidst nature.
- Distance from Pune: 50 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 162 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
3. Rajmachi Fort
A road trip to Rajmachi fort can be soothing to the eyes and healing to the soul. Located at a height of 2,700 feet, this fort is often visited by tourists for its spectacular beauty. To reach the fort, you have to park your car at Udhewadi village and then walk to the fort which you can cover in around half an hour or one hour.
- Distance from Pune: 80 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 311 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
4. Purandar Fort
Purandar fort is another fort near Pune that is located at an elevation of 4,500 feet. You can drive up to the fort; however, you would need license to park your vehicle at the fort since a part of the fort is occupied by the military police. And, if you are biking, don’t forget wearing your helmet. The fort closes at 4 pm, so you need to start a little early to visit this fort and enjoy the beautiful scenic beauty from here.
- Distance from Pune: 30 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 195 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
5. Malhargad Fort
There is a motorable road that will take you to this fort. Malhargad fort is situated at a height of 3,100 feet and is an apt for tourists who are looking for solace.
- Distance from Pune: 30 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 185 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
6. Panhala Fort
Panhala fort is a much maintained with a different architecture fort, which is connected by a motorable road. While you are on your long drive to this fort, you will have to come across many forested areas. If you want to spend a day or two in the area, you can book a stay at any of the resorts located near this fort.
- Distance from Pune: 240 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 381 km
- Ideal time to visit:- August to March
7. Pratapgad Fort
If you are planning for road trips to forts nearby Pune and Mumbai, then Pratapgad Fort is one of the best options for you. Pratapgadh Fort is a much frequented fort, located at a height of 3,500 feet. You would need to climb up 450 steps to make it to the fort. Upon reaching the top of the fort you have an exquisite view of the village and even can grab some snacks that are available there.
- Distance from Pune: 150 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 217.5 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
8. Korigad Fort
One of the forts around Mumbai is Korigad Fort. At a height of 3,000 feet, this fort is a part of Amby Valley, and situated very near to Lonavala. You have to park your car or bike at Peth Shahpur village and start your walk towards the fort. You have to walk through the forests and then take steps to make it to the fort. There is a lot of open space on the top of the fort and you can have a 360 degree view of the hills that surround the fort.
- Distance from Pune: 100 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 105.2 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
9. Kenjalgad Fort
While you explore forts in Maharashtra, don’t forget visiting Kenjalgad Fort. The road after Bhor towards the fort is not in a very good condition. However, there is a lot of scope of trekking here. The fort is secluded and is best to spend some time alone out here.
- Distance from Pune: 80 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 222.8 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
10. Daulatabad Fort
This is one of the forts which you must visit at least once. Known as the seven wonders of Maharashtra, there are various monuments in the fort such as Chand Minar and Chini Mahal.
- Distance from Pune: 242 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 344 km
- Ideal time to visit: August to March
11. Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort was constructed by Shivaji and you can see the best of Maratha architecture here. It is a sea fort in the Konkan region.
- Distance from Pune: 388 km
- Distance from Mumbai: 531 km
- Ideal time to visit: October to March
The road trips to forts in Maharashtra can be really splendid, if you choose the right time to visit the forts. Your road trip can even be better if you take car rental services by Revv. You can rent the car for as many days as you want and return it when your trip is over.