On 11th July 2025, the World Heritage Committee declared 12 Maratha forts as a World Heritage Site. Spread across the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, the mighty Arabian Sea, and the southernmost state of India, Tamil Nadu, these forts are living testaments to the grandeur of the Maratha Empire and their unmatched military strategy. India now has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the 6th country on the global list and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the largest number of heritage sites.
Collectively termed as the Maratha Military Landscapes, this World Heritage Site includes Shivneri, Lohgad, Salher, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Khanderi, and Gingee forts.
To honor the legacy, let’s have a brief overview of these majestic forts, their history and how you can experience them.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Raigad Fort
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Built by Hiroji Indulkar, the chief engineer of the Maratha Empire, Raigad is the Capital fort of the independent Maratha Empire, also known as Swarajya. This fort hosted Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation ceremony and also saw the death of the mighty warrior king. The fort is built on a strategic location from where it was easy to overlook other forts in the surrounding region, such as Torna, Lingana, Sinhagad, Purandar, and Lohagad.
Today, visitors to Raigad can explore Gagdishwar Temple, Saat Mahal, Maha Darwaja, market ruins, and Shivaji Maharaj’s memorial (Samadhi).
How to Reach Raigad: The nearest city is Mahad, accessible by train and bus. From Mahad, you can take an auto or local bus to Pachad village, which is the base of Raigad Fort. From Pachad, you can either climb the fort by trekking or take the ropeway.
2. Rajgad Fort
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Before Raigad, there was Rajgad. The first capital of the Maratha Empire, this fort witnessed the rise of Shivaji Maharaj and served as his home for over 25 years. This fort was an important hub for Maratha planning, where the treasure from Sutrat was kept, and is the birthplace of Rajaram I.
Today, if you visit Rajgad, you can see the Padmavati Temple, Chor Darwaja, Sanjeevani Machi, the fort’s ruins, and the scenic Sahyadri ranges.
How to Reach Rajgad: You can reach Rajgad Fort by road from Pune. The trek commonly starts from the base villages of Gunjavane or Pali. Both villages are accessible by bus, taxi, or private vehicle.
AT Tip: You can stay at some of the best hotels in Pune spend a few extra days exploring nearby forts like Torna, Sinhagad, and Lohagad.
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3. Shivneri Fort
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Situated in Junnar, Pune, this fort is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj and hence has a very special place among the 12 Maratha forts on this list. This triangular fort is situated on a hilltop and has seven gates, water tanks, and a Shiva temple.
If you visit Shivneri today, you can see the birth chamber of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Badami Talav, Shivai Devi temple, Chain Gate (secret entrance) and execution point.
How to Reach Shivneri: Take a cheap flight to Pune, then travel 95 km by road to Junnar taluka and reach the fort via a short climb up well-maintained steps.
4. Pratapgad Fort
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The fort where Shivaji Maharaj defeated Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan and established himself as a powerful military leader is the next among 12 Maratha forts that were recognized as a World Heritage Site. The history of the Maratha Empire cannot be told without mentioning the battle of Pratapgad. At the Pratapgad fort, you can visit the Bhawani Temple, Afzal Khan’s tomb, and the museum.
How to Reach Pratapgad: Take a bus or taxi from Mahabaleshwar, or travel via Pune or Satara by road or rail, then continue to the fort by road.
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5. Panhala Fort
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Among the 12 Maratha forts listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Panhala stands out for its unique serpent-shaped layout and its role in the Battle of Pavankhind. It is also the largest fort in the Deccan. Visitors can still explore key spots like Ambarkhana granary, Andhar Bavadi (hidden well), Teen Darwaza, and Sajja Kothi.
How to Reach Panhala: Panhala is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or private vehicle from Kolhapur, which is well-connected by train and located approximately 20 km away. Travelers can also look for cheap flights to Kolhapur to make their journey more convenient.
6. Lohgad Fort
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If you’re visiting Lonavala, this is one of the 12 Maratha forts you must explore. Its strategic location and strong fortifications played a key role in overseeing trade routes and safeguarding treasures. Don’t miss the iconic Vinchukada for aerial shots, and be sure to visit Ganesh Darwaja and the Mahadev Temple.
How to Reach Lohgad: You can take a train or drive to Malavli via Lonavala, then either trek or hire a shared auto to reach Lohagadwadi, the base village for the fort climb. Popular among trekkers, Lohagad is best visited during the monsoon season from June to September. For a comfortable stay, choose from some of the best hotels in Lonavala and explore the surrounding region.
Also Read: Best 7 Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra!
7. Salher Fort
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Salher is the least known among the 12 Maratha forts recently designated as World Heritage Sites. Located on the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, it stands as one of the tallest forts in Maharashtra. At Salher Fort, you can see old gates, walls, step-wells, a cave inscription, and the Parshuram Temple. To explore comfortably, you can choose to stay and relax in some of the best hotels in Nashik, which is the nearest major city.
How to Reach Salher: Take a cheap flight to Nashik, then travel by bus or taxi to Satana or Taharabad, and finally reach the base villages of Waghambe or Salher Wadi to begin the trek.
8. Vijaydurg Fort
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Often called the “Gibraltar of the East”, Vijaydurg is the only coastal fort among the cluster of 12 Maratha forts of the Maratha Military Landscapes. Located on the coast of Devgad, Sindhudurga, this fort controlled the coast of Konkan, had a port that is still in use, and was the base of the Maratha Navy.
If you visit today, you’ll see fort bastions, sea-facing canons, anchor points and hidden underground tunnels.
How to Reach: Take a train to Kankavli or Kudal, or travel by road. You can also get there by cheap flights to Sindhudurg Airport and then continue by bus or taxi to Vijaydurg Fort in Sindhudurg district.
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9. Sindhudurg Fort
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Sindhudurg was built to protect the coastline from colonial (British, French and Portuguese) threat. Part of the 12 Maratha forts of Maratha Military Landscapes of India, this sea fort stands out for its massive laterite stone walls, 42 bastions, and a cleverly hidden entrance, hallmarks of Maratha naval architecture. When you visit Sindhudurg, don’t miss visiting the only temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and seeing his palm and foot impressions.
How to Reach Sindhudurg: Take a train or bus to Malvan via Kudal or get on cheap flights to Goa, then reach Malvan. From Malvan jetty, board a short ferry to Sindhudurg Fort. For a true local experience, stay at the best hotels in Tarkarli-Malvan, renowned for it’s crystal-clear beach waters.
10. Suvarnadurg Fort
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Suvarnadurg is a sea fort situated on an island near Harnai Port, Ratnagiri District. It was fortified with high bastions, water tanks, and a secret tunnel system and had shipbuilding facilities. Among the 12 forts of Shivaji Maharaj, Suvarnadurg held significant strategic value along the Konkan coast. However, now the fort is ruined, so when you visit there, you will only see ruins of the shipbuilding zone, stone walls and the remains of observation posts.
How to Reach Suvarnadurg: If you are coming from outside Maharashtra, take a cheap flight to Mumbai, then travel by train to Khed (the nearest major railway station), continue by road to Harne village near Dapoli, and finally take a boat from Harne port to reach Suvarnadurg Fort.
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11. Khanderi Fort
This is the only fort among the 12 Maratha forts listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located near Mumbai. The fort features cannons, a lighthouse, and underwater barriers that protected the coast of Mumbai and Alibaug from colonial and Siddhi attacks. The island on which the fort is situated was renamed Kanhoji Angre Island in honor of the Maratha naval general to recognize his contribution.
If you visit the island, you will see the lighthouse, ruins of maritime installations, cannons, fort structures, and enjoy a scenic island walk.
How to Reach Khanderi: Travel to Thal or Mandwa near Alibaug, where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Alibaug, stay there, then take a boat to Khanderi Island, where the fort is located.
Also Read: From Sea to Skyline: Discover Mumbai Hotel Rooms with the Best Views
12. Gingee Fort of Tamil Nadu
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This is the only fort among the 12 Maratha forts situated outside Maharashtra. Gingee is often called “Troy of the East”. The fort is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district and is spread across three hills Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chandrayandurg. When you visit here, explore the granary, Kalyana Mahal, temples, and enjoy the panoramic views.
How to Reach Gingee: Take a train to Tindivanam or Villupuram, then hire a taxi or take a bus to Gingee Fort, which is also accessible by road from Chennai, Pondicherry, and nearby cities.You catch cheap flights to Chennai stay in the best hotels in Chennai and then drive to Gingee, which is just 3 hours away.
To Sum Up
On July 11, 2025, 12 Maratha forts were officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their unparalleled historical, architectural, and military significance. Spanning Maharashtra’s Western Ghats and coastal regions, as well as Tamil Nadu’s hills, these forts collectively showcase the grandeur and strategic genius of the Maratha Empire. This prestigious designation not only honors their legacy but also boosts global awareness, conservation efforts, and tourism. From Raigad, the coronation site of Shivaji Maharaj, to Gingee, the “Troy of the East,” each fort offers a unique glimpse into India’s rich past. Exploring these forts, accessible via nearby cities with comfortable accommodation options, provides a memorable journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a trekker, or a cultural explorer, these forts offer a timeless journey into India’s glorious past, waiting to be experienced, preserved, and cherished. Start planning your journey today. Pack your bags and immerse yourself in India’s remarkable heritage. These forts are waiting to tell their timeless stories!
FAQs – 12 Maratha Forts
Which Maratha ruler had 240 forts?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have possessed around 240 forts at the end of his reign.
How many forts are in Maharashtra?
There are over 390 forts in Maharashtra, which belonged to different dynasties, trade centers, Marathas, and Mughals.
How many UNESCO world heritage sites are in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has six UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, and the Western Ghats.
Why are Maratha forts destroyed?
Most of the Maratha forts were deliberately demolished by the British in 1818 and further in 1857 so that they could not be utilized by an emerging Maratha army. Moreover, neglect and natural decay in harsh environments also led to their destruction.
Who is the strongest Maratha king?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the creator of the Maratha Empire, is regarded as the most powerful ruler because he was a military strategist, an administrator, and expanded the empire against the Mughals.
Which are the 12 forts of Shivaji?
The 12 forts recognized by UNESCO as “Maratha Military Landscapes of India,” which include those associated with Shivaji Maharaj, are Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
Which Indian city has 2 Unesco World Heritage sites?
Jaipur is the Indian city with two UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is home to both the Jantar Mantar and the Pink City (Walled City of Jaipur).
Which state has the 2nd highest UNESCO world heritage sites in India?
Gujarat has the second-highest number of four sites of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 1st Maharashtra that has five (excluding the Western Ghats that are common).
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