Top 5 forts in Maharashtra for treks

Weekend jaunts for the regular Mumbaikar have now changed. Pub-hopping and window-shopping is now passé, and outings have taken on a new meaning. Most Mumbaikars want to include fitness in their hectic schedules these days, and what better way than walking and hiking to keep fit without hitting the gym? This desire for fitness combined with the desire to explore the history of the state is what has led the youth of the city to undertake gruelling and adventurous treks. Monsoon treks are popular anyway, but now, treks are undertaken all through the year that cover the forts of Maharashtra. And forts there are many! A legacy left behind by the Maratha Empire, the forts in Maharashtra are extremely trek-able!

There are several treks in Maharashtra that one can plan. Besides, these trails come in variants like easy, moderate and difficult, so you can choose which trail you’d like to undertake. If you are interested in exploring the history and legacy of Maharashtra while also getting your adrenaline pumping and cutting down some fat, then these are the top 5 forts in Maharashtra you should consider:

Torna Fort

Torna was the first fort won by Shivaji at the young age of 16. Although the directions to this fort are pretty cut and dried, the climb is quite steep and you will need to be very careful about where you step. If you plan a trek to Torna you will come across a couple of waterfalls, but don’t try to step inside it if it looks risky.

Where: About 60 kms from Pune; Difficulty level: Moderate

Raigad Fort

Reaching the top of Raigad fort is quite simple for an experienced trekker. Even for a beginner, with the right footing, it is pretty easy and will take up to 1 and a half hours. You can also take the rope-way while going up and trek while coming down. Places of interest here are Takmak tok, the beautifully haunting market place, Shivaji’s darbar and the samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj.

Where: Raigad district; Difficulty level: Moderate

Shivneri Fort

Birth place of Shivaji Maharaj, Shivneri fort is one of the most significant sites of Maratha history. The climb to the top of this fort is quite gruelling, but the fort itself is very well-maintained and all the important spots are well-marked. Difficult or not, the beauty of the surroundings and the rich history makes for a wonderful trek!

Where: Naneghat; Difficulty level: Moderate-difficult

Harishchandragad

This fort is a trekker’s paradise because of its adventure activities like rappelling, valley crossing, rock climbing, etc. Enveloped by lush greenery all around, this fort can be a tab bit difficult to climb for beginners. But it sure is worth the try! You can stay up on the fort in rented tents of caves, which makes it quite a fascinating trail.

Where: Ahmednagar district; Difficulty level: Moderate-difficult

Rajgad

Rajgad was Shivaji Maharaj’s capital for 25 years before moving it to Raigad fort. Trekking the trail to reach the top of Rajgad fort is quite a pleasing activity. You will be surrounded by the majestic Sahyadris and a lot of luxuriant greenery, but you better carry lots of water or energy drinks along as the trek can get tiring.

Where: Near Pune; Difficulty level: Moderate-difficult

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How many of these forts have you trekked to? Which other forts would you add to this list of the top 5 forts in Maharashtra for treks?