Shivneri Fort

Shivneri Fort, located near Junnar, about 92 km away from Pune, is a rich historical monument of India. Built by Shahaji Bhonsale Shivaji’s father, the fort is famous for its military fortification. The boundary wall was built with with sharp rocks on four sides and strongly built bastion, which ensure security from enemies.  Shahaji Bhonsale moved his wife Queen Jijabai to this fort at the time of her pregnancy to protect her from enemies. Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1627 and spent most of his childhood in the fort. The basic education, military training and other skills, which he achieved from here, helped him to become a great emperor. 

Shivneri Fort is an architecture splendor. Situated at 3500 ft high above the sea level on the hilltop, the fort is said to be one of the hardest spot for trekking. One can reach the fort through two ways - either by trekking through the ‘Sakhali Vaat’, or by passing through the seven beautifully carved huge gates on the ‘Rajmarg’, the most easiest way. At the entrance of the fort, a huge life like statue of Shivaji can be seen. In the middle of the fort there is a small water pond called as Badami Talav along with the statue of Jijabai with son Shivaji nearby. The pond receives water from Ganga and Jamumna, the two water springs, which flow in front of the fort. The main attractions of this place are Konkan Plateau, Nane Ghat, Malshej Ghat, Jivdhan fort and Harishchandragad fort. A mosque with two towers joined by a well-designed arch is very eye-catching. 

Shivneri is also famous for numerous temples. The magnificient Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Shivani is situated inside the fort. Shivaji is said to be named after this deity. At the top of the fort is the Shiva Temple from where one can get a splendid view of the surroundings areas. The famous Lenyadri Ganesh temple, one among the Ashtavinayaka (eight important Ganesh) temples in Maharashtra and the Dhamankhel Kulaswami Khandoba temple are other famous temple of this area.