Purandar Fort, located in Maharashtra’s Pune district, is an ancient hill fort with immense historical and strategic significance. It played a vital role in Maratha history, especially as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Standing at 1,387 meters (4,553 feet) above sea level, it offers scenic views, thrilling trekking trails, and historical ruins.

The fort is divided into two parts:
✅ Lower Fort (Machi) – Houses temples, water reservoirs, and military structures.
✅ Upper Fort (Ballekilla) – The highest point, with breathtaking views.

 

📜 1. History of Purandar Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Purandar Fort dates back to the 11th century and was built by the Yadava dynasty.
• It was later controlled by the Bahmani Sultanate and the Nizamshahi rulers of Ahmednagar.

⚔️ Maratha & Mughal Era

• Shivaji Maharaj captured Purandar Fort in 1646, strengthening its defenses.
• In 1665, during the Treaty of Purandar, the fort was temporarily surrendered to the Mughals.
• Later, Shivaji Maharaj recaptured it in 1670, making it a major military base.

🇮🇳 British Rule & Present-Day

• In 1818, the British took control of Purandar Fort after the fall of the Marathas.
• Today, the fort is partly under the Indian Army’s control, but trekking is allowed on specific days.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Purandar Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Purandar Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Pune	50 km	1.5 hours
Mumbai	200 km	4.5 hours
Saswad	20 km	40 minutes

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction (50 km)
• From Pune, hire a cab or take a bus to the base village (Narayanpur).

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses are available from Pune to Saswad.
• From Saswad, take a private auto-rickshaw or taxi to Narayanpur.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Pune: Take the Pune-Saswad Road, then continue to Narayanpur.
• From Mumbai: Drive via Mumbai-Pune Expressway, then take NH-65 towards Saswad.

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🥾 3. Trekking to Purandar Fort

🗺️ Trekking Routes & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Narayanpur Route	Narayanpur Village	Moderate	1.5 - 2 hours
Saswad Route	Saswad	Difficult	2.5 - 3 hours

⏳ Best Time for Trekking

✅ Monsoon (June - September) – Best for lush greenery 🌧️
✅ Winter (October - February) – Cool weather, best for photography ❄️
❌ Avoid Summer (March - May) – Hot & dry, dehydration risk 🔥

🔍 Trekking Tips

✔️ Start early (before 9 AM) to avoid the heat.
✔️ Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
✔️ Wear good-quality trekking shoes.
✔️ Stick to marked trails – Some sections are steep.
✔️ Bring a raincoat if trekking during monsoon.

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🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Purandar Fort?

✅ Birthplace of Sambhaji Maharaj – Son of Shivaji Maharaj.
✅ Scenic Views – Overlooks Sahyadri hills, Torna, and Rajgad Fort.
✅ Adventure Trek – Perfect for trekkers seeking moderate difficulty.
✅ Rich History – Associated with Maratha-Mughal battles.
✅ Less Crowded than Other Forts – A peaceful offbeat trekking destination.

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🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Dilli Darwaza	Main entrance, grand stone structure.
Binni Darwaza	Inner gate leading to upper fort.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Kedareshwar Temple	Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Purandeshwar Temple	Sacred site for devotees.
Fort Bastions	Strong defensive stone walls.
Water Tanks	Ancient water reservoirs for soldiers.

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🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Purandar Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (July-August) – Trails become slippery and unsafe.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No proper lighting, risky for trekking.
❌ Hot Summers (March-May) – Extreme heat, dehydration risks.

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⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trek?

🚷 Elderly people with mobility issues – The trek involves steep climbing.
🚷 People with breathing difficulties – Humidity in monsoon makes it tougher.
🚷 Young kids (under 7 years) – Unless they are experienced trekkers.

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🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trek?

✔️ 2-3 liters of water per person.
✔️ Trekking shoes with a strong grip.
✔️ Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen (for summer treks).
✔️ Raincoat/Poncho (for monsoon treks).
✔️ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers).
✔️ Energy bars & dry snacks.
✔️ Power bank & fully charged phone.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Purandar Fort is a perfect blend of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. Whether you are a trekker, photographer, or history enthusiast, Purandar Fort offers something unique.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, respect nature, and enjoy the adventure! 🚶‍♂️🏰