12 Maratha forts just made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built between the 1600s and 1800s, they showcase a blend of fierce strategy and stunning architecture. Swipe through to time travel.
Shivneri Fort Where it all began. This fort near Junnar is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It once guarded key trade routes and still shelters the temple of Shivai Devi—his namesake and guardian.
Rajgad Fort Chhatrapati Shivaji's first capital and home for 26 years. Climb through Padmavati Machi and up to Balekilla for views that whisper stories of strategy, resilience, and empire.
Raigad Fort The crown jewel of Maratha pride. Raigad was Chhatrapati Shivaji’s capital, his command centre, the place of his coronation, and also his final resting place. Climb 1,700 steps to stand where an empire once rose.
Panhala Fort The largest fort in the Deccan, Panhala, once housed Chhatrapati Shivaji and Queen Tarabai, and survived centuries of battles, betrayals, and power shifts. Today, it is a misty monsoon escape with stories in every stone.
Lohagad Fort Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1648, it held loot from the Surat raid. Don’t miss Vinchukada—the ‘Scorpion’s Tail’ ridge with a killer view.
Vijaydurg Fort Once called Gheria, Chhatrapati Shivaji renamed it Vijaydurg – the Fort of Victory. Triple walls and a secret sea tunnel made it Kanhoji Angre’s unbeatable naval base. The fort remained untouched by the British or Portuguese.
Pratapgad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji to guard the Par Pass, this fort became legendary in 1659 after he triumphed over Afzal Khan. The panoramic Sahyadri views, steep bastions, and once-secret paths still echo tales of Maratha valor.
Suvarnadurg Fort The Golden Fort off the Harnai coast. Captured in 1660, its sea-facing gates, hidden granaries, and low-tide mystery made it a key naval win for the Marathas.
Sindhudurg Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji to guard the Konkan coast, this ocean fortress has 30-foot-high ramparts, hidden gates, and even a temple dedicated to him.
Salher Fort The highest fort in the Sahyadris and the site of a historic 1672 battle, Chhatrapati Shivaji's forces defeated a 20,000-strong Mughal army here. This wasn’t just a victory, it was a declaration.
Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu) Known as the ‘Troy of the East’, this 12th-century fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1677. It has seen the rise and fall of the Marathas, the Mughals, the French, and the British.
Khanderi Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the late 1600s, this island outpost was the naval base of the Maratha Empire. Khanderi boasts 21 bastions, secret wells, and the legacy of Admiral Kanhoji Angre.