Purandar Fort, Pune - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 25 km from Pune, Purandar Fort is ancient hill fort located at Purandar village in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the many forts built by Marathas in Maharashtra, and among the must visit places as part of Pune packages.

Situated at an elevation of 1,374 meters (4,508 feet), Purandar Fort is a renowned tourist destination and holds significant historical importance near Pune. The fort has endured numerous historical events and has been frequently referenced in the context of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's uprising and the broader Maratha Empire's resistance against the Adil Shahi, the Mughals, and the Bijapur Sultanate. It is recognized as one of the twin forts, alongside Vajragad Fort, and is also noted as the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji Maharaj.

Historically, the fort was initially constructed by the Yadava dynasty as a defensive stronghold against northern invaders. Subsequently, it came under the dominion of various dynasties and rulers, including the Bahmani Sultanate, the Nizam Shahi Sultanate, the Adil Shahi Sultanate, and the Mughals. The fort reached its peak of glory under the Maratha Empire, especially under Shivaji, who made it his capital in 1665. Shivaji renovated and fortified the fort with several bastions, gates, walls, and towers. He also built several temples, statues, and monuments inside the fort to honor his ancestors and deities.

The most notable moment in the history of Purandar Fort was the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, which was a peace agreement between Shivaji and Aurangzeb, who had laid siege to the fort with a formidable army. As per the treaty, Shivaji was compelled to surrender 23 forts to Aurangzeb, including Purandar Fort, and to send his son Sambhaji as a hostage to Aurangzeb's court. Nevertheless, Shivaji later managed to reclaim most of his forts and territories through his strategic acumen and valor. The British captured Purandar Fort in 1776, and it remained under their control until India gained independence in 1947. Currently, the fort serves as a training facility for the National Cadet Corps academy.

Purandar Fort is comprised of two distinct levels: the upper level, known as Balekilla, and the lower level, referred to as Machi. The lower level features numerous temples dedicated to Purandareshwar and Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa. Additionally, there is a statue commemorating Murarbaji Deshpande, the fort's commander who sacrificed his life to defend it against the Mughals. The northern section of Machi includes a low fall, several bastions, and a grand entrance flanked by two towers. A staircase connects the lower level of Machi to the upper level, Balekilla, where the first notable structure encountered is the Dilli Darwaja (Delhi Gate). This area also contains the ancient Kedareshwar temple. Balekilla is characterized by steep cliffs on three sides.

The trek to Purandar Fort presents a moderate level of difficulty, necessitating a degree of stamina and endurance. The journey spans approximately 2 kilometers from the base of the hill and typically takes around 45 minutes to complete. Hikers will encounter steep steps and rocky terrain along the route. Nevertheless, the panoramic views from the summit are rewarding, offering sights of Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort, and Purandar Dam on a clear day. The fort serves as a popular destination for both paragliders and trekkers.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free