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Shivneri Fort Pune Address: Junnar, Pune, Maharashtra, 410502, India
Shivneri Fort is a prime historical tourist attraction in Maharashtra. This military fortification has strong architecture and was used to keep a watch over the trading route back in the day. Today, it’s a popular trekking destination near Pune, much to the delight of local trekkers.
The fort is of historical importance as it’s the birthplace of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire. You’ll find the statues of young Shivaji and his mother, Jijabai, inside the fort.
Trekking and exploring the ruins of Shivneri Fort Pune can be an exciting experience. Inside, you can see the water tank Badami Talav, the Ambarkhana granary, and a memorial of Shivaji Maharaj, among other spots. The place also offers a good view of the surrounding forts.
Where is Shivneri Fort in Pune?
Shivneri Fort is a 17th-century fort, 92 km away from Pune. It’s a popular trekking destination and tourist spot close to Junnar. Shivneri Fort is a must-visit place if you’re curious about how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent his childhood.
History of Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Killa Junnar found its due recognition under the Maratha empire in the 17th century. Shivaji was born here in 1630. An English traveller Fraze, in 1673, called the fort invincible. In his accounts, he said the fort was stocked to feed a thousand families for seven years.
The fort was known to be under the influence of Buddhism from the 1st century. The caves, water system and architecture indicate it was a residential place.
Over the years, many dynasties ruled over the region from Shivneri. From the possession of the Yadavas of Devagiri, the control was passed on to the Bahmani Sultanate and then to the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in the 16th century.
It was in 1595 when Maloji Bhonsle, the grandfather of Shivaji, was given control of Shivneri Fort. He was a general under the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
Later, the fort witnessed multiple wars between the Marathas and the Mughals for its control. It kept changing hands between those two empires. In the early 19th century, Shivneri came under the control of the British.
Image Gallery of Shivneri Fort Pune
Architecture of Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is a hill fort having a triangular layout, with mud walls all around it. It has seven gates covering the one-mile stretch of the fortification, two of which are used as the entrance.
The main Shivneri Fort door is on the southwest side of the hill. Another entrance, called Chain Gate, is on the western side of the hill. It doesn’t have any staircase leading to the fort. You climb the hill with the help of a chain.
Shivneri Fort architecture consists of the Badami Talav water tank at the center. To its south, you’ll find the statues of Jijabai and Shivaji. The fort also has two water springs – Ganga and Jamuna. The other prominent structures are a mosque, a tomb and a prayer hall.
Things to do at Shivneri Fort
1. Exploring the spots inside – Among the different spots worth exploring are the Badami Talav water tank, Ganga-Jamuna springs and a temple dedicated to the Goddess Shivai Devi. Another Shivneri Fort temple you’ll find inside is the Shiv Mandir. Chhatrapati Shivaji was born at this place. It houses the sculptures of Shivaji and his mother, Jijamata.
You can also visit some other sites: Kadelot Point, where capital punishments were carried out, and the Ambarkhana granary. When you visit Shivneri Fort, you must see the seven entrance doors, too. The fort also has Buddhist caves, a Mughal-style Mosque and a memorial of Shivaji Maharaj.
2. Checking out Maharashtrian dishes – On the way to Shivneri Fort from Pune and around, you’ll find many small shops and snack stalls selling local dishes. Bhakarwadi, Sabudana Khichdi and Misal are some of the specialty food items of the region. You can also find samosas and fried fritters in Junnar and nearby.
3. Trekking to the top of the hill – Shivneri Fort Junnar is a popular trekking spot. The road takes you only to the entrance gate. From there, you can walk through the gardens and different landmarks to explore the fort. The hill top offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can view Narayangad Fort and Harishchandragad Fort from up there. Bhairavgad and Hadsar are also close. And then, you can see popular picnic spots like Manikdoh Dam and others.
Shivneri Fort Trekking Details
Shivneri Fort Pune is popular among trekking enthusiasts. You need to climb up around 400 steps to reach the entrance gate. Trekkers with proper climbing equipment can try the chain gate entrance to heighten their adventure. Once in the fort, you can explore all the destinations shrouded in greenery, decorated by well-laid gardens.
- Shivneri Fort trek difficulty level: Easy
- Shivneri Fort trek distance: 2-3 km
- Shivneri Fort trek duration: 1 hour
Take a guide with you if you’re attempting to climb Shivneri Fort for the first time. Guides help you navigate the terrain and have a wonderful trekking experience. They also help understand the importance of Shivneri Fort.
Shivneri Fort Entry Timings and Fees
The fort remains open on all days. You can visit it on any day during the daytime. Shivneri Fort entry time is from 6 AM to 5 PM. Night-time trekking and camping aren’t allowed here.
Entry to the fort is free for everyone.
Best time to visit Shivneri Fort Pune
Winter, from November to February, is the best time to explore the fort. It’s in winter when the weather is the most comfortable for exploring every nook and corner of the fort.
If you can, visit Shivneri Fort in monsoon season (July-September). The conditions aren’t the most ideal, though, and the trail is slippery. But you can get a good view of the surrounding greenery while enjoying your trek with the cool breeze.
Time to explore Shivneri Fort
It should take you about 2-3 hours to explore the fort. Apart from that, you also need to factor in the time needed to reach. It’s far from Pune, so you’ll need additional 2-3 hours (each side) for traveling. So, have an extra day for Shivneri Fort and leave early in the morning.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Shivneri Fort
- Avoid the trek if you have health problems.
- Keep a hat and sunglasses.
- Carry plenty of water during the trek.
- Pack some light food and snacks.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Take a guide for the best experience.
- Return to Junnar before sunset.
How to reach Shivneri Fort from Pune?
The nearest town to Shivneri Fort is Junnar, 90 km from Pune. From Junnar, the fort is about 3 km away. Shivneri Fort distance from Pune railway station and Swargate bus stand is 92 and 95 km, respectively. From Pune airport, it’s about 87 km away.
And here are the different ways to reach Shivneri Fort Pune –
By bus – You can get a Pune to Shivneri Fort bus from Swargate bus stop. They stop in Junnar town, 3 km away from the fort. You can take an auto or taxi or trek the distance on foot.
By motorbikes – You can also hire bikes for a day in Pune and go on a trip to the fort. Shivneri Fort trip by road can be a refreshing experience.
By taxi/cab – Hiring a taxi or private cab is the best option if you’re looking for a comfortable Shivneri Fort road trip. Under normal conditions, it usually takes 2-3 hours to cover the 90 km distance from Pune to Junnar and Shivneri Fort. You can get the most out of your day trip to Shivneri Fort with a cab from top car rental companies in Pune.
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