Chavand fort

Chavand Fort, historically known as Prasannagad during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is a prominent hill fortress located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 30 kilometers from Narayangaon and 20 kilometers from Junnar, the fort rises to an elevation of 1,036 meters above sea level. Constructed primarily from stone, its origins date back over eight centuries, with significant historical ties to the Nizam Shahi dynasty. Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I was the first ruler of this lineage to acquire the stronghold following the dissolution of the Bahmanid Empire. The site later served as a prison for Bahadurshah, a grandson of Burhan Nizam Shah II, before passing to the Mughals via treaty in 1636 and eventually falling to British forces in May 1818.

Today, the fort exists in a ruined condition after being looted and destroyed during British sieges, yet it remains under the ownership of the Government of India and is open to the public. It is celebrated as one of the Famous Five treks in the region, alongside Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan, and Naneghat. Despite its dilapidated state, several architectural features survive, including the structurally intact Mahadarwaja stone gateway, a Chamunda Devi temple, remnants of cannons, and seven unique water tanks carved from single stones. The location offers panoramic views of neighboring forts, the Kukadi river, and the Manikdoh dam. Surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, including twelve observable bird species, Chavand Fort continues to serve as a popular destination for trekkers and history enthusiasts exploring the rich military heritage of western India.