Pune has a lot of forts around it, and Fort Jadhavgadh serves as a perfect weekend getaway for a completely different experience. You would have always wondered how the royals used to live in the erstwhile days, now you get to live it!If you're looking for a truly off beat experience near Pune, you must definitely visit Fort Jadhavgadh, here you get to feel and live like a royal.
Location
Fort Jadhavgadh is approximately 30 KMs from Pune, you need to cross the Dive Ghat to get there. The roads are really good and you should have no problems as far as getting there is concerned.
The Fort
The Fort was built by Pilaji Jadhavrao, a general in the army of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj as a home and to keep an eye on incoming enemies into Pune and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. It sits on a hillock, has grand gates and is lush with greenery. There are secret passages and dungeons for you to explore and sits in the lap of mountains should you want to go trekking.
The stay at the fort-
As soon as you enter the fort you're greeted by the Mavalas (soldiers) who'll take your car and luggage. This in itself takes you back in time. As you're approaching the main entrance gate, you're enter to the resounding sound of the Tutari and Dhol , and you already feel like a royal with your grand welcome being announced. You're immediately greeted with a welcome drink and after completing the check in formalities escorted to your room. The rooms are great with all the modern amenities with a touch of history like a stone wall, copper glasses for water, a welcome note written on a leaf, etc . Just small touches to keep that vibe going!! Alternatively, you can stay in a cottage or a tent setup or if you want the full royal experience, the Maharaja and Maharani suites are for you. The staff here is super warm , welcoming and hospitable !!
Activities-
There's a number of activities you can do at the fort to keep you occupied all day!! If you don't plan to stay at the fort, you can easily do a day trip here and enjoy all the activities the fort has to offer.
I started with an audio tour , which took me around the Fort and explored every area and special aspect of it like the dungeons, the secret passageway and the museum!! I'll hold on to the rest of it for you to explore should you visit.
The fort has a Swimming pool called the Kund, with a Neem tree in the centre, and the pool is temperature controlled and a treat to sit and relax. There's also a spa adjoining the pool offering traditional , hot stone and thai massages.
On the other hand, if you're the adventurous type, you can go on a trek on the nearby hills and spot rabbits , deers, peacocks , foxes ,etc. Also , they have other activities for you to do like rifle shooting, archery, segway, pottery and ziplining. They have a pond nearby , from which fish can be caught and served right on your table. Also, you can dress up as a royal from the time and get pictures clicked.
Food-
The Fort has two restaurants for all your grub needs , the Payatha and the Chhajja restaurant. The Payatha has a good buffet spread with all cuisines to serve your tastes, but a special focus on the Marathi cuisine to keep with the theme( You have a live counter for Puran Poli guys!! ) . Chhajja has an a-la-carte menu with a nice sit out and a balcony with great views and you can have a nice evening with drinks and snacks in here.
The perfect weekend getaway-
Pune has a lot of forts around it, and Fort Jadhavgadh serves as a perfect weekend getaway for a completely different experience. You would have always wondered how the royals used to live in the erstwhile days, now you get to live it!
Location
Fort Jadhavgadh is approximately 30 KMs from Pune, you need to cross the Dive Ghat to get there. The roads are really good and you should have no problems as far as getting there is concerned.
The Fort
The Fort was built by Pilaji Jadhavrao, a general in the army of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj as a home and to keep an eye on incoming enemies into Pune and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. It sits on a hillock, has grand gates and is lush with greenery. There are secret passages and dungeons for you to explore and sits in the lap of mountains should you want to go trekking.
The stay at the fort-
As soon as you enter the fort you're greeted by the Mavalas (soldiers) who'll take your car and luggage. This in itself takes you back in time. As you're approaching the main entrance gate, you're enter to the resounding sound of the Tutari and Dhol , and you already feel like a royal with your grand welcome being announced. You're immediately greeted with a welcome drink and after completing the check in formalities escorted to your room. The rooms are great with all the modern amenities with a touch of history like a stone wall, copper glasses for water, a welcome note written on a leaf, etc . Just small touches to keep that vibe going!! Alternatively, you can stay in a cottage or a tent setup or if you want the full royal experience, the Maharaja and Maharani suites are for you. The staff here is super warm , welcoming and hospitable !!
Activities-
There's a number of activities you can do at the fort to keep you occupied all day!! If you don't plan to stay at the fort, you can easily do a day trip here and enjoy all the activities the fort has to offer.
I started with an audio tour , which took me around the Fort and explored every area and special aspect of it like the dungeons, the secret passageway and the museum!! I'll hold on to the rest of it for you to explore should you visit.
The fort has a Swimming pool called the Kund, with a Neem tree in the centre, and the pool is temperature controlled and a treat to sit and relax. There's also a spa adjoining the pool offering traditional , hot stone and thai massages.
On the other hand, if you're the adventurous type, you can go on a trek on the nearby hills and spot rabbits , deers, peacocks , foxes ,etc. Also , they have other activities for you to do like rifle shooting, archery, segway, pottery and ziplining. They have a pond nearby , from which fish can be caught and served right on your table. Also, you can dress up as a royal from the time and get pictures clicked.
Food-
The Fort has two restaurants for all your grub needs , the Payatha and the Chhajja restaurant. The Payatha has a good buffet spread with all cuisines to serve your tastes, but a special focus on the Marathi cuisine to keep with the theme( You have a live counter for Puran Poli guys!! ) . Chhajja has an a-la-carte menu with a nice sit out and a balcony with great views and you can have a nice evening with drinks and snacks in here.
The perfect weekend getaway-
Pune has a lot of forts around it, and Fort Jadhavgadh serves as a perfect weekend getaway for a completely different experience. You would have always wondered how the royals used to live in the erstwhile days, now you get to live it!
