Written by: Bhushan
Shivneri Fort
This historic fort, which is located about a 105 km from Pune, near Junnar village, is historically significant. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra’s biggest pre independence hero was born here in 1630. Its planned ramparts and massive fortifications, which are still evident today, made it the most secure fort of those times.
Orientation
A two and a half hour drive to the north of Pune, gets you to the Junnar taluka which lies at the foothills of Shivneri fort. The fort lies at 3500 ft above sea level at its highest point. It would take you more than an hour’s climb to reach the top, if you are in average shape. We should provide you with one freak facet about Junnar before you start your climb though. The densely forested taluka incidentally also has the highest density of leopard population in the country. But do not be alarmed; the fort and the area around it, is also a popular destination amongst the trekkers who visit the region.
Weather
The climate is a few degrees cooler than Pune town, essentially because of the thick forest cover. But summers can be very dry and winters harsh. But the season to look out for is the rains when the region is awash with emerald green artistry.
Best time to visit:
Winter and the rains are without a doubt the best times to visit the fort. You can actually camp for several days near the fort, if you have dry rations, because there are water cisterns aplenty.
GETTING THERE / ROUTE INFORMATION
Pune is the most appropriate town from which you could visit Shivneri. Pune is about 170 km away from Mumbai and has excellent connectivity, be it road or rail transport.
Route: Pune — (103 km) –> Junnar — (2 km) –> Shivneri
| Bus: | Maharashtra State Transport buses locally called ST buses are plentiful. You could board these buses for Junnar from Pune railway station or from Shivajinagar. |
| Train: | No train connectivity to Shivneri fort or Junnar. The nearest railway station is the Pune cantonment or Shivajinagar station. |
PICTURES OF SHIVNERI FORT
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MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Badami talao
At the center of the fort is a small lake, which provides for a good photo opportunity. It is flanked to the south by a large statue of a young Shivaji and his mother Jijabai.
Sound and light show
The state government has started a light and sound show with a lot of fanfare at the fort on the lines of the show at Purana quila in New Delhi.
Temple of goddess Shivai
The temple has a historic significance as Shivaji (who was also born at this very fort) was named after the goddess Shivai.
Buddhist caves
There are hundreds of caves in and around the mountains of Junnar and several within the vicinity of Shivneri fort. Some of the caves located around Naneghat are known to be more than a thousand years old.
Shiv Janmasthan
The birthplace of Shivaji is almost considered a site for religious site, so much so that it’s locally called Shiv mandir.
Kadelot point/Ambharkhana
These are a couple of names which have a familiar resonance in most forts in Maharashtra. The Kadelot point is a cliff from where criminals were thrown off from when proven guilty. On the Shivneri it is located near the ramparts on the eastern side. Ambharkhana is a huge granary, which most forts were equipped with in case they were besieged by the enemy.
Ganga Jamna
Two of the many water cisterns, which the fort is famous for. These two are located near Shiv Kunj and try the water. It’s refreshing and potable.
Nane ghat
If you want a panoramic view of the rich green (in the monsoon season) gorges and hills of the Sahyadri mountain range head for Nane ghat. It’s an old pass, which has been hewn from the mountains and is flanked by caves of the Saatvahana era. You can cover all the above aspects of the fort within one half of the day, but a sojourn to Nane ghat would take a significant portion of the latter part of the day. Trekking enthusiasts often go on hikes spread over days. Trekking expeditions are conducted by various hiking associations in Maharashtra.
Events
Neither Junnar, nor the fort premises promise much except for the light and sound show. Junnar though is famous for the varieties of decorations made for the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, which are sourced from the region and sold in Pune and nearby areas.
Nightlife
Nothing much except sounds of leopards coughing and the cacophony of crickets and some light banter from the camps of wildlife and trekking enthusiasts who spend nights on the Shivneri fort.
VITAL TOURIST INFORMATION
Things to carry
Like most places in this region, food is spicy. You cannot escape it. So folks with weak stomachs better come prepared for it. For the rest, carry the usual first aid kit and bottled water if you wish to. The summers very harsh so you would need appropriate headgear.
Hotel/Resort availability
The fort has no such amenities. Junnar provides the visitors with the nearest accommodation facilities. There’s hotel Platinum (91-9850956421, 91-9922348234) in Annarpur, Junnar. Or you could opt for Hotel Aashiyana in Junnar or the state guest house (021-23222002) there.
Local transport
Junnar has good connectivity with the nearest city Pune. There are also ST buses, which ferry passengers to Mumbai too. Within Junnar you could opt for crammed buses for city transport or three wheelers, which are popular amongst tourists.
Nearest known city: Junnar.
Contact details in case of contingency
| Police | Sub Divisional Police Officer, JUNNAR DIVISION. Tel: 02132-223333 JUNNAR POLICE STATION 02132-222033 |
| Hospitals | Dr Mokashi Hospital Mangalwar peth, Junnar (Ph: 02132-222076).Dr Kulkarni hospital Kalyan peth, Junnar (Ph: 02132-222228). |
I am very happy to see this website. Junnar is where i am staying. Really Shivneri khilla is a must visit. Yoy can visit here anytime of year. This place is a pride of Maharashtra!
thanks I was there for few years awesome place ……. u remind me of my good old days …….. one near by dams is there Manikdove one must visit that as well it had glass room guest house not sure in wht state it is today
good article. it helps people who love touring.
Why is there no mention of beaches in Orissa. Chandipur is an exquisite beach.
I need to understand a good hotel in Junnar / near Shivneri fort, where our group – 30 people can stay overnight. Please let me know this.
I need to understand a good hotel in junnar / near shivneri fort or a resort where my gruop of 25 – 30 people(family) where we can stay overnight. pl let me know urgently
pl send me tel,address of hotel in junnar / near shivneri fort or a resort where my gruop of 25 – 30 people(family) where we can stay overnight. pl let me know urgently
Nice place… I still remember the “sakkardand” on shivneri fort.
Nice place of shivneri fort & good people
really this is very good website which introduce the maharashtras history to all the world.
I am very happy to see this website. Junnar is where i am staying. Really Shivneri khilla is a must visit. Yoy can visit here anytime of year. This place is a pride of Maharashtra!
To view pics of shivneri, click on the following link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sudarshan.multimedia/Shivneri#
Its really very amazing to visit shivneri & nearby historic places in winter & rainy season
It gives touch of heaven
The best place to stay around Shevneri is at Bhakti Bhavan No 3 at Ozar (Astavinayak). It is 16Km from Junnar and has a lake formed by a dam. It cost about Rs 2000 for a VIP room and Rs 1000 for a standard room. The VIP room has a double bed,flat screen TV, Sofa, gas water heater.
can you give contact details of bhakti bhavan place