My Shivneri Fort Trip: A Day with History
So, I finally made it to Shivneri Fort last weekend, and wow, what a place! It’s up in the Sahyadri hills near Junnar, maybe a 2-hour drive from Pune. This isn’t just some old fort—it’s where Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha badass, was born. Walking there felt like I was part of his story.
Why This Fort Hits Different
Shivaji Maharaj was born here on February 19, 1630, raised by his mom, Jijabai, who basically turned him into the legend he became. The fort was with the Ahmadnagar Sultanate back then, but the Marathas took it over. There’s this statue of Jijabai with kid Shivaji, and I just stood there thinking about how she raised a king in these walls.
Checking Out the Fort
It’s a big triangular fort with seven gates and these solid bastions. I walked through the Ganesh Gate, found Shivkunj (Shivaji’s birthplace), and chilled by Badami Talav, this old water tank that’s still clear. There are little temples and caves where you can just sit and vibe. The view from the top? Insane. You can see why the Marathas picked this spot—it’s like a watchtower over the valley.
Best Time to Go
I went in early March, and it was perfect—not too hot, just breezy. October to March is the way to go. Monsoon makes it super green, but the paths get muddy and slippery, so maybe skip it unless you’re a trekking champ.
How I Got There
Drove from Pune—90 km, took about 2.5 hours on NH60. If you’re in Mumbai, it’s 150 km, like 4.5 hours on NH61. Pune Junction’s the closest train station, and Pune’s got the nearest airport. From Junnar, you drive to the base, then it’s a quick hike up. The trek’s chill, maybe an hour, with stone steps and awesome views. Morning’s the best time—less crowded.
Other Cool Spots Nearby
Got extra time? Hit up Lenyadri Caves, like 2 km away, with a Ganesh temple that’s part of the Ashtavinayak circuit. Junnar’s got some ancient Buddhist caves, and Naneghat Pass is nearby if you’re up for a scenic trek.
Stuff I Learned
- Wear decent shoes; some spots are rocky.
- Bring water and snacks—nothing’s up there to buy.
- Monsoon’s tricky if you’re not a pro hiker.
- Don’t litter; this place is too special for that.
Quick Q&A from My Trip
Entry fee? Free, no charge at all.
When’s it open? 6 AM to 6 PM, usually.
Safe for solo or family? 100% safe, super peaceful.
How Shivneri Stole My Heart
Shivneri isn’t just a fort—it’s like walking through Shivaji Maharaj’s childhood. Standing there, wind in my hair, looking out at the hills, I felt this crazy connection to history. If you’re near Pune or just love stories of guts and glory, you gotta go. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel proud to be Indian.
