Detailed Description

Location: Narayanpur / Bhor
Distance from Pune: 52 km
Distance from Mumbai: 200 km
Trekking Duration: 1 day
Trekking Length: There are 2 levels of trekking from level 1: 2hours and from level 2: 45 minutes
Starting Point: Purandar / Narayangaon is the base village
Best season to visit: Monsoon and winter seasons
Difficulty level: Medium
Height: 1387 mt (4472 feet) above sea level

What to see at the fort:

-An ancient church built during the British era
-Statue of Murarbaji Deshpande
-Kedarreshwar Temple
-View of Vajragad Fort
-Ancient Narayaneshwar temple at the base village
-Old water tanks and fortifications

Timing: The fort is in control of the Indian Army and is open between 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (Reach at least 3 hours before closing time).

A brief History:

It is believed that the fort was built during the 13th century by the Persian invaders. Since then there have been several interesting legends associated with its construction. As time passed by the fort witnessed many tussles between the Marathas and the Mughals over its possession only to later fall in the hands of the British.

Trekking at the Purandar fort can be done at 2 levels. The first level begins at the base of the hill and is locally known as a ‘Full Trek’ which takes about 2 hours to reach to thetop. While the second level starts at a midway to the fort and is known as ‘Half Trek’ as the road till this section is motor able hence many first timers prefer this trek as it take about 45 minutes from here to the top.

The fort is in control of the Indian army and there is a check post set up by them at the half way mark. It is mandatory for all trekkers to enroll their details at this point before trekking to the top.

Also at the half way mark trekkers have 2 options, either to trek the Purandar fort or trek the Vajragad fort which is just adjacent to the Purandar fort.

Furthermore, trekkers are advised to carry sufficient amount of food and water as there are no shops or drinking water facilities at the fort. There is a small shop at the base of the fort, which serves hot tea, Pitla bhakri and Kanda bhajji’s.

Camping Info:

Since the fort and its surrounding areas are used for military training, Camping or overnight stays are not possible at the fort as the military guards ensure that all trekkers leave the fort by 4:30 p.m.

How to reach:

By Car

By Road: Purandar fort can be reached by 2 routes

Via Katraj -> Khapurhol -> Narayanpur -> Purandar village (Best route)

Via Hadapsar -> Dive Ghat-> Saswad -> Narayanpur -> Purandar village (This route takes more time but is picturesque and ideal for nature lovers).

From Mumbai: Trekkers coming from Mumbai can first reach Pune city and then choose any of the 2 routes mentioned above to reach Purandar fort.

By Bus

Way from Pune to Purandar Fort

From Saswad board an S.T buses to Bhor which will take you to the ghat of Purandar Matha which is in the Narayanpur village. There is a road on the left side which goes straight to Purandar Fort.

Way from Mumbai to Purandar Fort

After reaching Pune trekkers can board an S.T bus available from Pune to Saswad which will take them to the Purandar fort. There are also buses available to Narayanpur from Hadapsar, firstly reach Hadapsar and then from there to Narayanpur.