The state of Maharashtra is unique state in India. The state is blessed with Western Ghat ranges popularly known as Sahyadris which have shaped its polity, history and geography. The peculiar geography of Western Ghats led to the emergence of one of the most powerful empires in India in pre modern times, the Maratha Empire. Marathas were experts in Guerrilla Warfare and this was particularly possible due to the geography of the region which supported this kind of Warfare. In order to ensure the security of their kingdom from invasions and maintain control over the vast land mass, Marathas built many hill forts which used to act as watchtowers and military bases. These forts were the places of political as well as military activity and were the instruments of control over the kingdom.
Hill Forts of Maharashtra
Hill forts were usually built on a hilltop. In local Marathi language they are also called ‘Giri Durg’. Hill forts have two natural advantages as compared to other forts. First of all the hill itself acts as a natural roadblock for the enemy attacks. Secondly due to their natural height hill forts are an ideal place for watchtower and keeping an eye on the enemy activities. The only issue with hill forts is that they are difficult to built. Some of the major hill forts in Maharashtra are Sinhagad fort, Rajmachi fort, Visapur fort, Lohgarh fort etc. During their peak days of power Marathas built many hill forts to protect their empire.
Malhargarh Fort
The great Maratha Ruler Shivaji Maharaj captured Torna Fort in 1646 which became the first fort captured by Marathas. Subsequently they built many forts themselves. In the series of forts built during Maratha empire the Malhargarh fort is the last one to be built.
Location
Malhargarh fort is located at a distance of about 30 km from Pune. The fort is located near Saswad and is about 3 km from the famous Dive Ghat. The fort is believed to be built for keeping a watch on Dive Ghat along the Pune- Saswad Route. The fort is also called Sonori Fort due to the village of Sonori being located in the foothills of the fort. The fort is believed to be built in 1760 by the Peshwa Sardar Krishnji Madhavrao Panse.
Malhargarh Fort Trekking
Being closest hill fort to the Pune city(along with Sinhagad fort) Malhargarh fort is an ideal place for outing. The trekking to the fort is very short. There are two ways to trek the fort. One is to start right from the base which will take around 25 minutes to reach at the top. Other way is to take your vehicle to the last parking point above the fort from where it takes only 10 minutes to reach at the top of the fort.
Places to Visit at the Fort
There are two temples at the fort. One being dedicated to Lord Khandoba (a Hindu Deity worshipped as manifestation of Shiva in Deccan region) and Other being dedicated to Lord Mahadeva(also known as Shiva). The old walls of the fort have survived and can be seen all along the fort. A medium size statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji is installed in the fort premises. An old water tank can also be seen in the outer premises of the fort. There is also a big Maratha flag on a small plateau in front of the fort. This place is a popular trekking spot for the trekkers. However beware of the monkeys when you visit that place. One can also enjoy the beautiful views of Saswad and Jejuri from the top of the fort.
Major Attractions Nearby
While visiting the Malhargarh Fort do stop by at the Dive Ghat and enjoy the beautiful view of Mastani Lake. There are many good restaurants nearby which offer an authentic Marathi breakfast in the Morning. Taste an authentic Marathi breakfast while you are there.
Malhargarh fort is a good place to spent an early morning. The place is good for small trekking and picnic. Due to the easy nature of the trek one can also take small children to the fort. Overall the place is an ideal mix of History, nature and spirituality.
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