Purandar Fort

1. Hours of Operation: Every day, 6:00 AM-6:00 PM.

2. Best Days: Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

3. Best Time: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 AM 

4. Suggested Duration: 4-5 hours.

5. Tickets: Entry is free. 

6. Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction, 40 km away

7. Nearby Airport: Pune International Airport, 45 km away

8. Nearest Bus Stop: Saswad Bus Stand 

Situated at an altitude of 4,472 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri range near Saswad, 40 km south of Pune. The historic Purandar fort is the birthplace of the great Maratha Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The fort was used as a centre to control the area, and it was under several treaties during Mughal and British rule. The fort consists of two main buildings – the Chaordi and Balle Killa – and several smaller structures.

The fort is accessible via a light trail that weaves around thick foliage, old steps, and heritage structures like temples, bastions, and water cisterns. Many visitors also explore the fort as part of a Pune tour package, since it combines history with scenic trekking routes. The military maintains its jurisdiction over a part of the fort, so be prepared to heed the off-limits sign. The Kedareshwar Temple is a nice and quiet break in the hike. If you are a trekker, photographer or history lover, this fort offers you nature and Maratha history.

• Explore the Remains of Ancient Edifices and Structures -Browse through ruins of old military barracks, granaries and watchtowers that were once central to the Maratha operations.
•  Marvel at the Statue of Murarabaji Deshpande- A sight built as a homage to the brave warrior hero who fought and protected the fort in the Mughal regime- an ideal location to strike a pose.
• Kedareshwar Temple Climb: A tranquil Shiva temple situated high up in the mountains, which provides both spiritual solace and great valley views.