Shivneri Fort : The Birthpalce of the Great Shivaji Maharaj

शिवनेरी Shivneri Fort

One of the most visited and well maintained important fort in Maharashtra State which is the birthplace of the great Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj.

How to Reach : Pune-Peth-Manchar-Kalamb-Narayangaon- take right turn for Junnar-Shivneri fort. Junnar is the situated on the foothill of Fort Shivneri.(Distance approx 100 km)

Parking :

Small Vehicles goes to the midway of the fort. The paved parking place available there only. The paved steps start from the parking only. Buses should be parked at the base only to avoid traffic jam in the Shivneri ghat.

Food and Stay : There are many hotels and restaurants situated in the Junnar City for individuals or groups.

About Trek : 

Most of the people goes by vehicle. Few trekkers prefer to trek it.

The trek start from behind the college building and way to Shivneri fort from east side. On the Google map it is labelled as chain road. The whole trek will take 1 and half hrs to ascend. Last phases are risky where chains are fixed. The chains are quite old so risky to trust on its strength. The chains are broken and remained few pieces. 

If you go by vehicle, then go to the parking point then follow the paved steps going to the fort.

What to See :

The inspiration to visit Shivneri fort is to see the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The place is well maintained. It is situated at the end of the fort from entrance side. The Mahal is neatly maintained. The place has inevitable importance in the history of Maharashtra. 

Shivai devi temple, Ambarkhana, Shivkunj, Kadelot Kada,(death punishment) Mahadarawaza, Hatti Darawaza, Badami lake,  Parvangicha Darwaza,  Peir Darwaza, Shipai Darwaza, Phatak Darwaza and Kulambkat Darwaza, water tanks etc.

Birthplace 

Kadelot Point

Trek-Safety : 

• Get latest info about conditions of the chain route.
• Don't try unnecessary thrill - adventure.
• Maintain the dignity of the fort. 

Nearby Place : Hadsar fort, Chavand, Narayangad, Nimgiri fort, Naneghat, Darya ghat, Malshej ghat, Lenyadri caves and Ganapati temple etc. 

Lenyadri caves from Shivneri

Junnar city from Shivneri

I visited in 2017 with my student friends - Prof.Mayur Mire, Prof. Jadhav Satish, Raviraj Thorat, Amit Chopade, Nitin Kulkarni and Hanumant Londhe.

Visapur Fort Trek

Visapur Fort Trek

Visapur fort is less popular because of the craze of the Lohgad Fort. Its near to Lohgad, less fortified than Lohgad. Its huge fort. 

How to Reach : 

About 80 km from Pune. Pune- Mumbai highway- Talegaon -Vadgon- Karle village/Malvali- Bhaje caves-Visapur fort.

By train you can step down at Malvali station. Then 4/5 km walks to the base of Visapur fort. 

You can see Bhaje cave and Bhaje waterfall on the way of Visapur. The Lohgad and Visapur forts have same route from Bhaje village. Food and home stay are available here. 

 There is a pass from were the Lohgad and Visapur fort routes separate. Turn to Left hand side for Visapur fort. You can park your vehicle here.

 The trek has two ways as shown in the image.

Parking : Parking is available at Bhaje village or at the base of the Visapur fort.

Food : Food and water available at base of the Lohgad fort or Bhaje village.

About the Trek :

Total time required to back on the base is approx. 5/6 hrs. Approx.90 mins. ascend and descend each.

The trek route is rocky. There is waterfall on trek route during the monsoon. So take care of thorny and sharp rocks. 

What to See : 
The fort has great extensive plateau. There are not much remains found but a vast plateau is scary. You can see wider view from the fort.

                                

                                
Lohgaad fort, Tung fort, Tikona fort, Pawana dam, Karle-Bhaje caves, Pune-Mumbai Highway, Mulshi are visible from here.

Trek Safety :

Take extra food and water with you.
Go in the group since less trekkers are found.
Plan on weekends.
Take care from rocky routes.