Malhargad
Range
Bhuleshwar
Altitude
944m
Difficulty
Easy
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About Malhargad
**Malhargad Fort: The Last Fort of Maharashtra** Built between 1757–1760 A.D., Malhargad is Maharashtra's last fort. **Location:** Part of the Bhuleshwar range (East-West direction), west of Pune in Velha taluka. **Neighbors:** Located on the same range as Sinhagad, Purandar, and Vajragad. **Purpose:** Built to monitor the 'Dive' ghat (Pune-Sasvad route). **Also Known As:** Sonori, named after the village at its base.
Best time to visit
All year round / Check local forecast
History & Significance
Built by Panse, Peshwa Sardar & chief of Peshwa's Tofkhana. Elder Madhavrao Peshwe visited. Nearby: Panse's marvelous Palace & Lord Shree Krishna Temple in Sonori village. Purpose: Monitoring Dive ghat and surroundings.
Places to See
Malhargad Fort: Compact & Historic Explore Malhargad in 30-45 mins. Although fortifications and bastions are dilapidated, key features remain: * **Fort Top:** See palatial remnants and a dry well near the Eastern entrance. * **Pond:** Located past the citadel entrance; holds water in monsoon/winter (non-potable). * **Temples:** Two temples side-by-side on the citadel: Lord Khandoba (smaller) and Lord Mahadeva (larger). The fort is named after the Khandoba temple. * **Access:** Enter via the small gate approaching from Zendewadi base-village. The main citadel entrance is north.Sonori Village & Panse Palace: * **Panse Palace:** Must-visit six-bastion palace in Sonori base-village. Inside: temples of Lord Gajanana and Lord Laxmi-Narayana. * **Pre-Fort Visit:** Worship the beautifully carved black-stone idol of Lord Shree Krishna in its Sonori village temple before proceeding to the fort.
Journey & Transport
Time to Reach
Drive Times: 45 min from Sonori, 60 min from Zendewadi.
How to Reach
Reach Malhargad Fort: 2 Ways!1. Via Zendewadi Village - Route starts after Dive ghat (Pune-Sasvad route). - Turn off for Zendewadi (approx. 2 km). - Look for Zendu plantations. - Walk past the village to a cleft (Malhargad not visible until here). - Reach the well-fortified Malhargad in 30 minutes from the cleft\!2. Via Sonori Village - Sonori is 6 km from Sasvad. - Daily three buses run from Sasvad to Sonori. - Malhargad is visible from the village. - Climb the fort along the hill's ridge, moving past the Tower to reach the entrance door.
Bus Schedule
Facilities
- StayStay Options: Sleep inside the citadel at Lord Mahadeva's temple (capacity 5-6) or check local schools in Sonori or Zendewadi.
- FoodNo food facility available. Arrange your own meals.
- WaterBYOW (Bring Your Own Water)! No potable water available on the fort.