SINHAGAD FORT (1320 m) - From Swargate, Pune to Sinhagad base by bus (24 km). A well defined path leads to Pune darwaza of the fort (1 hour). A TV tower with lots of old construction can be seen on the top. The fort witnessed many battles during the Maratha period. In 1670 AD Tanaji won the fort for Shivaji. One can get down through the Kalyan Darwaza to Kalyan village and then to Kondhanpur. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

RAJGAD (1320 m) - It was the first capital of Shivaji for 25 years. From Swargate, travel to Gunjavne (30 km). A 2 hour trek through the ridge takes to the top. A steep rock face (Bale killa) climb is a thrilling experience. On top, the remenants of the Shivaji's palace can be seen. One can trek to Torna fort as it is connected via a ridge.

TORNA FORT (1403 m) - From Swargate travel to Welhe (35 km). Torna was the first fort captured by Shivaji at the age of 16. It is a 2 hour trek over the ridge. From the twin tower of Torna get down to the ridge for Rajgad. In a one day exhaustive trek one can visit Torna and Rajgad (7 km).





PURANDAR FORT (Wajrangad, 1309 m) : The twin fort having plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. From Swargate, Pune reach Saswad and then to the base of the fort by ST bus (37 km). Purnadar fort was mentioned in 1300 when Alauddin fortified it and it was with Nizam Shahis for a century. Aurangzeb's forces captured it in 1675 and it went back to the Marathas and finally to the British in 1776 with the 'Treaty of Purandhar'. On top there is a church in ruins and Bombay saphire camp, Keadreshewar temple etc with good views. If one is having a private vehicle, can reach the top plateau of the fort by road. Both forts can be covered by 5 hour trek.

KAMALGAD (1378 m) - From Kate's point of Mahabaleshwar get down to Nandgaon, cross the Krishna river to Partewadi and follow the route to the top. Or from Panchgani (Table land) descend to Chikhlun and to Asangaon and then to fort (7 km).

PRATAPGAD (1393 m) - Fort is 24 km from Mahabaleshwar and is famous because of Afzal Khan's tomb. To and fro takes 2 hour .

RAIGAD FORT (862 m) : This fort was the capital of Shivaji, with his coronation as Maharaja was held in the fort. From Mahad reach Pachad by bus. Regular steps (or a ropeway Rs 60) leads to the top. This popular fort has a dak bunglow and hotel are avaiIable for stay and food. The fort can be climbed from various routes. On top, lot of Shivaji's samadhi, thrown,construction (in ruins), seating statue of Shivaji, a memorial for Shivaji's dog, temple, market, palaces, water tanks etc can be seen. To and fro trek takes 3 hour. Nearby Lingana pinnacle (908 m) is a challenge for rock climbers.