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Shivneri Fort Trek
Shivneri Fort TrekDetailed Description
Location: Near Junnar
What to see at the fort -Temple of goddess Shivai after whom Shivaji Maharaj was named
Entry is free to the fort and the timings are: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A brief history
The fort of Shivneri is one of the historically important forts of Maharashtra as it was the birth place of Shivaji Maharaj who spent the major part of his childhood here.
There is a temple of goddess Shivai in the close vicinity of the fort and Shivaji was named after the goddess. Shivaji left the fort in the year1632 and it was soon taken over by the Mughals in 1637.For regional dominance the fort was witness to many tussles between the Mughals and the Marathas only to fall later in the hand of the Peshwas.
Trekking Shivneri fort is fairly easy, and there are 2 options for trekkers, one is to trek all the way to the top from the base village, and second take the motor able road half way to the top and start the trek from there. After that there is a series of stairs (400 steps) that lead to the top.
The ascending paths will take trekkers to a series of 7 gateways Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Pir Darwaja, Hatti Darwaja, Shivai Darwaja, Mena Darwaja and Kulup Darwaja that once safeguarded the fort. On the way trekkers will notice a lot of restoration work on the fort in progress, there are informative signs for trekkers and beautification is in full swing to bring it back to its past glory.
During monsoons the Gulmohar trees here are in full bloom and while trekking one will get breathtaking views as they ascend the fort. Once at the top, trekkers will be rewarded with picturesque views of the surrounding valleys and can explore the historic attractions within the fort.
Trekkers can also explore nearby attractions like the Lenyadri Buddhist caves, Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak Ganesh Mandir, which is about 8 km away. Malshej Ghat is well known for its monsoon scenery is also close by and trekkers can club this spot during their visit to the Shivneri fort.
Depending on the local authorities and season, camping may or may not be allowed at the Shivneri fort. But there are plenty of caves where trekkers can take shelter at night, but it is always advisable to take your own or hire camping equipment. Trekkers must carry sufficient food and water as there are no proper facilities at the fort or in the nearby areas.
Trekkers can also opt for overnight camping at the Malshej Ghat which is a few km away from Shivneri Fort.
How to reach
From Mumbai - >
The sleepy town of Junnar is at a distance of 2 km from the Shivneri Fort. Trekkers can reach Junnar from Mumbai or Kalyan via Malshej Ghat or Khandala Ghat.Though the route through Malshej Ghat is preferred as it takes lesser time.
Trekkers using public transport can board S.T buses from Kalyan as there are several buses plying between Kalyan and Junnar.While private vehicles can reach Junnar via Malshej Ghat.
From Pune - > From Pune or Shivaji Nagar one can take S.T buses for Junnar. Buses ply on an hourly for Junnar from these bus stands.Distance between Junnar Bus stand and Shivneri base village is 2 km by road.
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