Udgir Fort, located in Latur district, Maharashtra, is an ancient fort known for its underground chambers, historical significance, and strategic military importance. This fort is famous for the Battle of Udgir (1760), where the Marathas defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad.

With massive bastions, deep moats, secret tunnels, and an underground palace, Udgir Fort is a must-visit for history lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

 

📜 1. History of Udgir Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Udgir Fort was constructed during the Bahmani Sultanate (14th century CE).
• The fort is named after Rishi Udaygir Maharaj, a saint whose samadhi (tomb) is inside the fort.
• It was built with strong bastions, deep moats, and underground chambers for storage and military defense.

⚔️ Battle of Udgir (1760) – Maratha Victory

• The most famous event in Udgir Fort’s history was the Battle of Udgir in 1760.
• Sadashivrao Bhau, a Maratha commander, defeated Nizam Ali Khan (Hyderabad) and forced the Nizam to surrender vast territories.

🏛️ Later Years & British Rule

• After the battle, the fort was used as a stronghold by the Marathas until the British took control in 1818.
• Today, Udgir Fort stands as a historic monument, showcasing Maratha and Mughal-era military architecture.

---

🚗 2. How to Reach Udgir Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Udgir Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Latur	80 km	2 hours
Nanded	100 km	2.5 hours
Solapur	200 km	4.5 hours
Pune	430 km	9 hours
Mumbai	560 km	11 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Udgir Railway Station (2 km)
• The fort is just a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride away from the railway station.

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC and private buses operate from Pune, Mumbai, Solapur, and Latur to Udgir.
• From Udgir Bus Stand, take a local rickshaw to the fort.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Pune/Mumbai: Drive via NH-65 and NH-50, passing through Solapur and Latur.

---

🥾 3. Trekking to Udgir Fort

🗺️ Trekking Routes & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Main Route (Via Fort Entrance)	Udgir Town	Easy	30 minutes

⏳ Best Time for Trekking

✅ Winter (November - February) – Best time, pleasant weather ❄️
✅ Post-Monsoon (September - October) – Green landscapes 🌿
❌ Avoid Monsoon (June - August) – Slippery trails & muddy conditions 🌧️
❌ Summer (March - May) – Hot & dry, not ideal for trekking 🔥

🔍 Trekking Tips

✔️ Start early (before 10 AM) to avoid the afternoon heat.
✔️ Wear comfortable trekking shoes – The fort has rocky and uneven surfaces.
✔️ Carry at least 2 liters of water – There are no water sources inside the fort.
✔️ Follow the guided path – Some sections of the fort are in ruins.

---

🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Udgir Fort?

✅ Site of the famous Battle of Udgir (1760) ⚔️
✅ Explore Ancient Bastions & Secret Underground Chambers 🏰
✅ One of the Most Well-Preserved Land Forts in Maharashtra 🌿
✅ Ideal for History Enthusiasts, Photographers & Explorers 📸
✅ Nearby Attractions: Kharosa Caves, Ausa Fort, Nanded Gurdwara 🚗

---

🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance Gate	The heavily fortified main entryway.
Secret Tunnel Gate	Used for underground movements.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Underground Chambers	Used for war planning and storage.
Deep Moats	Built around the fort for security.
Secret Passages	Used for strategic movements inside the fort.
Rishi Udaygir Samadhi	A spiritual site inside the fort.

---

🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Udgir Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (June-August) – Risk of slippery surfaces & waterlogging.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – Unsafe due to lack of lighting.
❌ Extreme Summers (April-May) – High temperatures, risk of dehydration.

---

⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trek?

🚷 Elderly people with mobility issues – The fort has rocky surfaces & uneven paths.
🚷 People with a fear of heights – Some sections have steep drops.
🚷 Young kids (under 5 years) – Not safe due to rough terrain.

---

🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trek?

✔️ 2 liters of water per person.
✔️ Trekking shoes with good grip.
✔️ Cap, sunglasses & sunscreen (for sunny treks).
✔️ Energy bars & dry snacks for energy.
✔️ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers).
✔️ Power bank & fully charged phone.

---

💭 Final Thoughts

Udgir Fort is a must-visit for history lovers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. Whether you want to explore medieval fortifications, witness the battleground of the Marathas, or experience an offbeat trek, Udgir Fort is the perfect choice.

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