Your Travel Guide To The 12 Maratha Forts That Are Now UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A journey through Maharashtra is certainly a journey through time, where every hill and coastline tells a legacy of Maratha strategy. This legacy has now received its highest global recognition. In a landmark decision, twelve key forts from the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This prestigious tag honours the extraordinary military genius of the Maratha Empire, particularly the visionary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who engineered a network of fortifications that were nearly invincible.
Spanning the rugged peaks of the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats) to the strategic shores of the Konkan coast, these forts, beyond stone structures, are a masterclass in guerrilla warfare that worked in tandem with landscape and engineering.
For travellers, this is the perfect time to explore these newly crowned jewels. Here’s your guide to the 12 forts that make up this historic UNESCO site.
The Hill Forts: Sentinels Of The Sahyadris
These forts, perched atop formidable peaks, were the backbone of the Maratha Empire.
Raigad Fort
The Crown Jewel, Raigad Fort was the glorious capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire and this is where he was coronated. The fort is already a popular trekking site for locals and travellers who come here to see the Maha Darwaza, Hirakani Buruj, Jagdishwar Temple, Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi, all of which are accessible via a thrilling ropeway journey.
How to reach: Base village is Pachad. It is approx. 130 km from Pune. You can trek up the 1,737 steps or take the scenic ropeway.
Rajgad Fort
Before Raigad became the capital of the Maratha empire, it was Rajgad that served as the base of all activities. Today it’s a massive and challenging trek that takes you to three machis (sub plateaus) Padmavati, Suvela, and Sanjeevani. You can also soak in panoramic views from the Balekilla (citadel).
How to reach: Base villages are Gunjavane or Pali. It is a popular trek from Pune (approx. 60 km).
Shivneri Fort
This fort credits its popularity to being the birthplace of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which is why it bears a deep emotional connection for the people of Maharashtra. When you’re here, you can see the room where Shivaji Maharaj was born, statues of Jijabai and a young Shivaji, and seven massive gates.
How to reach: Located near Junnar town, about 95 km from Pune. It’s an easy, well-paved walk to the top.
Lohgad Fort
Also known as “Iron Fort” due to its black, menacing structure, Lohagad guarded the trade route to Pune and is situated close to the hill station of Lonavala. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj initially captured the fort in 1648 AD but surrendered it to the Mughals in 1665 AD under the Treaty of Purandar. However, he reclaimed the fort in 1670 AD and utilised it to safeguard his treasury.
How to reach: Close to Lonavala and Malavli railway station (approx. 10 km). It’s an easy trek.
Salher Fort
This fort marks the site of the pivotal Battle of Salher, a major victory for the Marathas against the Mughals. It is also the highest fort in Maharashtra, where you can see the Gangasagar Lake, Parshuram Temple, and vast plateaus.
How to reach: Base villages are Waghambe or Salherwadi, near Nashik (approx. 250 km from Mumbai). It is a demanding trek.
Pratapgarh Fort
Nestled in the lush green hills of the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgarh Fort is a symbol of valor and strategy. Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, this fort played a pivotal role in establishing the Maratha empire, most famously as the site of the legendary Battle of Pratapgarh where Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan. With sweeping views of the Sahyadris, the fort houses the iconic statue of Shivaji and a Bhavani temple, drawing both history buffs and trekkers. The winding pathways, massive bastions, and secret chambers still echo the tales of Maratha resistance and tactical brilliance.
Gingee Fort (Jinji)
Often referred to as the “Troy of the East,” Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is one of the most impressive and underrated forts in India. Built across three hillocks—Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg—this sprawling fort complex spans over 7 square kilometers. Originally constructed by the Cholas and later fortified by the Vijayanagara kings, Gingee saw successive rule by the Marathas, the Mughals, the French, and the British.
How to reach: Chennai Airport is 160kms away. From there you can take a cab
Panhala Fort
Perched above the city of Kolhapur, Panhala Fort is the largest fort in the Deccan region and a treasure trove of Maratha history. Once a stronghold of the Shilahara dynasty and later the Marathas, it was a favourite retreat of Shivaji Maharaj and even served as the base for his mother, Jijabai. Its most dramatic moment came during the 1660 siege, when Shivaji escaped through a clever decoy strategy. The fort’s expansive ramparts, the Andhar Bavdi (Hidden Well), and Teen Darwaza (Three Gates) provide a glimpse into its rich past.
How to reach: Panhala fort is located at a distance of 30 km from kolhapur railway station
The Sea Forts: Guardians of the Coast
These coastal fortresses were crucial for controlling maritime trade and defending against naval powers.
Sindhudurg Fort
With water on all sides, Sindhudurg is an architectural masterpiece built entirely on basalt rock. This colossal structure, a testament to Shivaji’s naval vision, stands strong even today, defying the relentless Arabian Sea. Built between 1664 and 1667, the fort was hard to conquer and kept invaders at bay. Shivaji Maharaj’s army subsequently built smaller forts in the vicinity to support the main fort and protect the seas.
How to reach: Take a ferry from Malvan jetty in the Sindhudurg district.
Suvarnadurg Fort
Located off the coast of Dapoli near Harnai in Maharashtra, Suvarnadurg—literally meaning “Golden Fort”—is a majestic sea fort that once formed the backbone of Shivaji Maharaj’s coastal defense strategy. Built in the 17th century, the fort played a crucial role in safeguarding the Konkan coast from foreign naval powers, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British. Suvarnadurg was part of a formidable chain of marine forts that included Kanakdurga (on the mainland), and the two together functioned like a naval checkpoint
How to reach: Accessible by boat from Harnai fishing village in the Ratnagiri district.
Vijaydurg Fort
A marvel of maritime architecture, Vijaydurg stands strong on the Sindhudurg coast. Built in the 12th century, this fort was later seized by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century. Legend has it that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja renamed it Vijaydurg, signifying the ‘fort of victory’, and it served as a crucial naval base, showcasing his strategic prowess at sea.
How to reach: Accessible by boat from Malvan
Khanderi Fort
Located off the coast of Mumbai near Alibaug, Khanderi Fort, along with its twin Underi Fort, was a key maritime bastion for the Marathas. Built in the late 17th century on a rocky island, the fort played a vital role in Shivaji Maharaj’s naval strategy to control trade routes and guard against European powers. The Khanderi lighthouse still stands tall, and the remnants of cannons, watchtowers, and the old temple offer a rustic charm. While reaching the fort requires a boat ride, the experience of walking across a historical island surrounded by crashing waves is nothing short of magical.
How to reach: To reach Khanderi Fort, located on an island near Alibaug, Maharashtra, you need to take a boat from Thal village.
Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
