Shivneri Fort is a historical fortification located near Junnar at a distance of around 105 km from Pune. It is famous as the place where Shivaji Maharaj-the founder of Maratha Empire was born and raised.

The fort was borne out of necessity, as Shahaji Maharaj, the father of Shivaji was concerned about the safety of his pregnant wife Jijabai. With regular battles being fought in the region, he decided to move his family to the strategically located Shivneri Fort surrounded by steep rocks on all sides with a strongly-built citadel. On 19 February 1630, Shivaji Maharaaj was born and spent much of his childhood in the fort, learning and acquiring military, strategic and other skills that that would help him establish his own empire.

The architectural design of the fort is worth admiring. One has to cross seven huge gates to access the fort where a small temple dedicated to goddess Shivai Devi also exists, and after whom Shivaji was named. Ganga and Jamuna, the two water springs exists within the complex that never dries up. Right in the middle of the Shivneri fort is a small water pond, known as Badami Talav and statues of mother and son- Jijabai and Shivaji are placed nearby.

Apart from the fort, visitors may also explore several famous attractions located nearby including the Nane ghat that is known for providing scenic bird’s eye views of Konkan Plateau and its beautiful surroundings. Another historical fort known as Jivdhan is located not very far from here, now popular as a trekking destination. The Lenyadri Caves and Dhamankhel Kulaswami Khandoba Mandir situated near the Shivneri fort are a must visit, and so are the Dongarmatha, Kaman Take and Kadeloot Tok.

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