20 May,2010 07:14 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
Ask any trekker it's tough to ignore Shivaji's forts if a weekend hike in the Sahyadris is on the cards. The Trip went back to the history books and chose five thrilling fort trails
SHIVNERI: Where Shivaji took his first trekking lessons Sindhudurg Rajgad Pratapgad
It's only fair to start this trail at Shivaji's birthplace. The Maratha ruler was born at this military fortification since it was considered secure, with steep rocks on four sides and a strong citadel.
With its impregnability, the fort is a trekker's delight. Shivaji learnt his early skills inside this fort. The centre of the fort is the Badamai Talao, to its south are two statues of Jijabai (Shivaji's mother) and a young Shivaji.
It is also home to two water springs (Ganga, Jamuna) that never run dry. While driving towards the fort, one has to pass seven doors to enter the main structure.
How to reach: Situated about 92 kms from Pune, drive towards Shivneri's base; head in the direction of Narayangaon and proceed to Junnar.
Level of difficulty: Medium Height: 3,500 feet
SINDHUDURG: To play make-belief pirate
Spread across 48 acres, Shivaji built Sindhudurg in 1664 after personally choosing this site as his naval base.
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Located off the Malwan coast in the Arabian Sea, the fort's zigzag outer wall provides for several viewing spots to sight invaders from any side, a total of 52 bastions.
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Inside, while testing your trekking skills, you'll spot three freshwater wellsu00a0Dudh (milk), Shakhar (sugar) and Dahi (curds) as well as a temple (Shri Shivarajeshwar, dedicated to Shivaji).
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His finger and footprints are also etched in stone. Open from morning to evening; opt for a guide to negotiate this splendid, crumbling citadel. Look out for a twin-trunk coconut tree growing within the fort.
How to reach: A 15-minute boat ride from Malwan port. Malwan town is about 510 km from Mumbai, on the Goa Highway. Ferries ply regularly between Malwan port and Sindhudurg.
Level of difficulty: Easy Height: 4,232 feet
RAJGAD: For the perfect overnight trek
Overlooking the Bhuleshwar Range, Rajgad was home to Chhatrapati Shivaji for about 25 years till he became Chhatrapati. Post his coronation he shifted his capital to Raigad.
Yet his administration continued to be controlled from Rajgad. Built at the end of a spur, it's surrounded on three sides by fortified sub-plateaus Padmavati Machee, Sanjivani Machee, and Suvela Machee. Ballekilla is the highest, most focal point within.
Like most forts in Maharashtra, Rajgad was built from the mountain, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye from the plains.
The three-hour trail begins from the base, at Pali village. During this overnight trek, hikers can camp at Padmavati Machee for a small sum that also houses a temple.
How to reach: From Pune, catch an ST bus or drive towards Welhe or Vajeghar village. Proceed to reach Pali in about 10-15 minutes.
Level of difficulty: Easy Height: 4,520 feet
RAIGAD: For a peep into Shivaji's palace
This fort was chosen as Shivaji's new capital after his coronation. With a minimum of two days to reach the summit and return, it's an intriguing mix of history, architecture and adventure, rolled into one landmark.
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Shivaji built it out of the bare Rairi hills. Surrounded by imposing hills from three sides, he found it ideal for his strategic residence.
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Scale the sights within, including its many darwajas (gates), Rani Mahal, Gangasagar Talao (Raigad's water source), Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi, Takmak Tok, Bhavani Tok, Jagdishwar Temple and the Rajwada (royal abode). If you need an adrenaline rush, take the ropewalk route. to reach Raigad
How to reach: Reach Mahad by road and proceed to Pachad (2 km), a base village, by bus or autorichshaw.
Level of difficulty: Medium Height: 2,830 feet
PRATAPGAD: To relive Shivaji's battles
A two-hour trek from the base, at Wai leads you to this two-tiered fort. Shivaji's exploits here, particularly his battle with commander of the Deccan forces, Afzal Khan is legendary. Pratapgad was built by More Tirmal Pingale on Shivaji's command, in 1656.
Visit the tomb where Afzal Khan's head lies buried beneath a tower bearing his name, called Afzal Buruj as well as a Bhavani Mata temple that Shivaji built since torrential rains had stopped him from visiting the family goddess at Tuljapur.
How to reach: From Mahabaleshwar take the road, towards Wai, which is about 24 kms away .
Level of difficulty: Easy Height: 3,534 feet
