PURANDHAR FORT

Parvat. As per Hindu mythology, this mountain was created when Lord Hanuman was carrying the Dronagiri mountain range, a portion of land slipped from the hands of him.

The history of Purandar fort goes back to 13th century. It was fortified by the first Bahamani king Hasan Gangu in the year 1350 after he gained control over Maharashtra. The fort was remaining in Bahamani rulers hands untill 1486. The fort then fell into the hands of Ahmad, the founder of the Nizam Shahi Kingdom for a long spell of over hundred years. In 1596 AD, the fort was given as a Jagir of Maloji Bhosale, grand father of Shivaji. In 1646, Shivaji established control in the fort. In 1665 AD, Purandar was besieged by Mughal forces under the leadership of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Dillir Khan after an intense battle with Murar Baji Prabhu. Murar Baji Prabhu lost his life in the struggle to retain the fort. The treaty of Purandar was signed after this epic battle in which Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 of his forts to the powerful Mughal Empire. However, Shivaji, recaptured the fort from the Mughals only five years later in 1670. Shivaji spent prolonged periods of time here. Sambhaji, Shivaji's eldest son and successor was born at this fort. Later in 1818, Purandar was occupied by the British and they used it as a sanatorium and detention camp. During the Second World War, the British kept here the German Prisoners.

One of the highest forts in Maharashtra., it has two levels : the upper or Ballekilla with precipitous side all around and the lower part or Machi about 300 meters is relatively plain. The northern end of the machi houses a number of new and old monuments which includes the 'Dilli Darwaza' at the eastern extremity of the fort. Machi also compressing the cantonment area of the fortification. The north facing darwaza is flanked by two lions on either side. A narrow path from here will lead to Kandakada, which boasts a huge rock located in the east. From here there are fine views of Vajragad, the fortified lower hill immediately to the east and the Bhima valley below.

A set of stairs that start from this point lead directly to the upper level of the fort via Ganesh Darwaza. This winding path takes to the highest part of the fort . A small Mahadev Shrine also known as the Kedareshwar temple crowns this area. One can see another defensive entrance to the fort immediately below. The Rameshwar temple, Purandar machi, Bhairav Khind and Padmavati Lake are some other attractions.

This fort also offers rock climbing and trekking. Trekking up Purandar is not very difficult because the climb is not very steep. Once on the top the place provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. It takes about three and a half hours to get to the fort from the base village which is Narayanpur and about 45 minutes from Purandeshwar mandir.

Purandar fort is a glorious Maratha castle from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sited in Pune, this elegant fortress has great legends written in its high walls that attract many visitors to this place. Along these lines, if by chance you are one among those voyagers that seek experience of history as well as adventure, the gorgeous Purandar Fort of Maharashtra is just the place for you.The north part of machi has a hospital and a cantonment.

There is also a temple that is devoted to god Purandareshwar from which the name of the fortress was taken. Another temple found in this fortress is of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa. This antiquated fortress is well-known for its historical importance. The beautiful towering hill fort, Purandar fort is all-encompassed by the lush greenery and overlooks the quaint little villages of Maharashtra.

As per legends, the hill on which the fortress is constructed is said to have been brought by Lord Hanuman from the Himalayas. Because of being a hill fortress, Purandar fort encompassed by lavish greenery, it has additionally caught the attention of trekkers and campers. There are two particular levels of the fortress. The lower portion of the fortress is known as machi.

This beautiful Purandar fort is one of the well-known vacation spots in Pune, in Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located around 40 km from Pune and stands at 4472 ft above the ocean level. It lies in the lap of Western Ghats. It is believed that the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second leader of the Maratha Empire – the great Sambhaji was born here. It was constructed in the eleventh century amid the rule of the Yadava dynasty. Eventually, it was also ruled by a few different administrations. These also include the British apart from the Marathas.