7 Lesser-Known Fort Treks Around Pune For An Adventurous Weekend

Perched at 3,700 ft above sea level, Irshalgad lies between Matheran and Panvel and is easily accessible. This route to the fortress has so many stunning viewpoints over Morbe Reservoir that you want to go on this trek for just that. It may look scary, but don't be frightened by its size. The trek is classified as easy to moderate and can be easily climbed even by novices. On the way up, you'll see several water cisterns cut from the rocks and some wildlife. We recommend you go with a group or book a slot with Mumbai Pune Adventures, and they will provide everything from breakfast to trekking gear, history lessons, and more. 

Distance from Pune: 100 km 

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Things To See: Dense forest, wildlife, and stunning view of Matheran

About 30 km from Pune, Malhargad was the last fort built by the Maratha Empire in 1775. Named after Lord Shiva, the fort was constructed to keep an eye out for the Western Ghats. Once you reach the base, there are two ways to trek to the top: one leads to the Mahadarwaja, and the other takes you to the back of the fort. After entering, you'll see the temple of Lord Shiva and Khandoba inside the fort. In the monsoon season, you'll come across many ponds filled with rainwater. While the inside structure is broken, the view of Saswad from the top is unmatched. 

Distance from Pune: 32 km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Things To See: Khandoba Temple, Shiva Temple, and panoramic view of Saswad

If you're looking for an easy trek but still want some stunning vistas, head to Kenjalgad. Located in Wai, sitting on Mahadev Hill, Kenjalgad has been captured by Adilshah of Bijapur and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb before coming back into the hands of the Marathas. At 4,269 ft high, Kenjalgad is one of the tallest forts in Satara district. Once you reach Ghera Kenjal, the base village, it will take you around 40 minutes to reach the top. While the main entrance was destroyed when the British tried to dismantle the fort, the Kenjal Devi temple and the panoramic view of Wai are still worth trekking up for.

Distance from Pune: 85 km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Things To See: Kenjal Devi Temple and scenic views of Wai

Just 10 km from Pune, Rohida Fort, also known as Vichitragad, played an important part in history. Built during the Yadava period, it was one of the 23 forts Shivaji Maharaj handed over to the Mughals during the Treaty of Purandar. But the Mughal Empire didn't hold it for long as it was recaptured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1670. Once you reach the base village, the trek from there is pretty straightforward. It takes around an hour to reach the main entrance of the fort. On your way up, you'll see a rock-cut cistern, elephant idols, and three lavishly gorgeous gates with rock-cut in scripture in Farsi and Marathi. The fort has seven bastions, and you’ll easily take an hour to explore the fort in its entirety.

Distance from Pune: 66 km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Things To See: Bastians, idols, and rock-cut scriptures

Located in Mulshi, Ghanagad Fort is a short drive from Lonavala/Khandala. This 300-year-old structure sits on top of a hill shaped like a trapezoid. For the longest time, the trek to Ghanagad Fort was considered challenging due to its rock section which required technical rock climbing skills. But recently, they have installed a steel ladder that makes the trek much easy. There isn't much information about the fort in history books, but it was used as a watchtower to observe the trade route and to hold prisoners. A few highlights of the trek include the view of Tail Baila Walls, astonishing caves, a walk through a dense forest, and a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. 

Distance from Pune: 102 km

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Things To See: Tail-Baila Walls, ancient caves, and 360-degree views 

Overlooking Bhandardara, in Ratan Wadi, Ratangad is a 400-year-old fort often covered with flowering plants this time of the year. It has a natural rock peak with a hole in it, which is called the nedhe or eye of the needle. Four lavish gates with idols of Hanuman and Ganesh at the main gate welcome you inside. You can see Harishchandragad, Alang, Madangad from atop Ratangad. While here, you can also check out the Amruteshwar Temple and marvel at its rock carvings.

Distance from Pune: 176 km

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Things To See: Lavish gates, idols, and Amruteshwar Temple

Around 20 km from Lonavala, Korigad Fort stands tall at 3,000 ft above sea level. While the exact date of construction is known, the fort likely predates the fifteenth century. Once you reach the parking spot at Peth Shahpur village, a five-foot wide earthen road leads to the entrance of the Korigad Fort. The main walls are totally intact, and one can even walk around the entire perimeter of the fort. Once you reach the top, you'll see two beautifully created artificial lakes and several temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. From the top, one can even see the entire Aamby Valley in its full glory. 

Distance from Pune: 91 km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Things To See: Lakes, Temples, and panoramic view of Aamby Valley