The Purandar fort is indeed a historical landmark in Maharashtra. Purandar Fort was built in the year 1350 and was built by Persians after defeating the Yadava dynasty. It was here that the famous Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11th, 1665, between Rajput ruler Jai Singh I, who was commander of the Mughal Empire, and Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Purandar Fort is also known as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort is repeatedly mentioned in Indian history as the rising of Shivaji against Adil Shahi Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals.
Architecture and Location
The twin forts of Purandar and Vajragad is located on the eastern side of the village of Purandar. The fort stands at 4472 feet from sea level and is located 50 km southeast of Pune.
The Purandar fort has two-tier architecture. The lower part, also called machi housed the cantonment areas and hospitals, and the soldiers stayed on the upper part surveying their enemy.
The upper level is also known as Ballekilla and houses an ancient Shiva Temple. The upper level is surrounded by a steep drop on its three sides. Tourists can also view the statue of commander Murarbaji Deshpande housed in the fort.
The Distance of Famous Landmarks from Fort Purandar
Let’s go through this table and find the distance of some famous landmarks from fort Purandar.
Landmark | Distance in Km | Famous For |
Sinhagad Fort | 41.9 | Crown of Pune |
Bhuleshwar Temple | 42.4 | Folklore of sweet disappearing act |
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum | 39.8 | Sculptures and coins from ancient India |
Aga Khan Palace | 45.8 | The prison that housed Mahatma Gandhi |
Pataleshwar Temple | 41.8 | Unique rock-cut formation caves |
How to Reach Purandar Fort?
There are many ways to reach this famous fort in Pune. You need to trek up a steep hill to reach the main fort. So, prepare in advance for some climbing.
By Air: You can reach Purandar fort by air. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 45 km from the port. There are lots of public transports like auto, jeeps, and vans that you take to reach the fort.
By Road: You can take a bus from Pune to reach the fort. The nearest bus terminus is Pune International Bus Stand, located at about 40 km. You can also arrive at Pune from Mumbai and take the bus from there.
By Rail–This is the cheapest way to reach Purandar fort. The nearest railhead is Pune Railway station which is well connected with major rail stations in India. There are no direct communication channels with the fort. You can take the bus for Kapurhol/Saswad and then take another bus to reach Narayanpur, which is the base village. From there, you need to walk/trek 1 hour to reach the entrance gate.
Best Time to Visit Purandar fort
The place is perched on top of a hill, so it’s a year-round destination. Let’s explore each season and its conveniences.
- Summer – Summer is Pune is humid, and the area inside the fort is uncomfortable. So, it’s best to avoid the summer months.
- Monsoon – Pune receives quite a decent amount of rainfall. Trekking can be difficult due to the sloppy terrains, and so, it’s not the best time to visit fort Purandar.
- Winter – The winter season in Pune lasts from October to February. It’s the best time to visit Purandar Fort. The temperatures are comfortable with a nip in the year. You will enjoy the fort and get to spend some quality time there.
Places of interest around Purandar Fort
There are many famous spots around the vicinity of Purandar fort. You can take some time off to visit these landmarks.
Baneshwar Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Nasarapur in the middle of the forest. You will enjoy the peaceful and pristine ambiance of the forest. Bird watchers can come across some rare bird species in the Baneshwar area. Thus, the temple area serves as a renowned pilgrim spot, trekking area, and bird watching area.
Malhargad Fort
It is also a hill fort near Pune, just like Purandar fort. The fort was built around 1775 and is the last one built by the Marathas. It is located some 30 km from Pune and is an ideal getaway for a day trip. The village of Sonori is located close to the trekking destination, and you will find plenty of activities to enjoy there.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Spread across 130 acres, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is close to fort Purandar. It is also known as Katraj Snake Park and is divided into three distinct sections. 42 acres covered by Katraj lake. The main feature of the park is its rescue section. Here, injured and left out animals are cared for, and you can teach your child about animal protection. care. The major collections of this zoo can be divided into reptiles and mammals. The white tiger is a major crowd puller of the zoo. There are over 160 different species of snake housed in the zoo. A visit to the zoo is a must for your family during your trip to Pune.
City of Pune
Pune or Poona is the cultural capital of Maharashtra and the 2nd largest city after Mumbai. It would be your base for visiting the Purandar fort, and a trip to this place is a must for every tourist. The city has a laidback background with the Deccan plateaus in the background, adding to its charm.
The hallmark of this city is the Osho Ashram, the center for spiritual learning. Pune is also a home for food lovers. You will love the deliciously cooked Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Poha, Daabeli and Bhel Puri for breakfast and many items for lunch.
Tips to Remember While Visiting Fort Purandar
The Purandar fort information in English is available in guide books. Below are some tips that you should remember while visiting this place.
- The entry timing of the fort is from 9 am to 5 pm.
- No cameras and mobile phones are allowed inside the main fort.
- The entry for Vajragad is closed for repair.
- Vehicles are regularly checked, and it is mandatory to produce ID proof.
- You are not allowed to camp, stay, and cook foods at the fort.
- It’s strictly prohibited to take photographs of the building, entry gate, or army persons during your visit.
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