Indori fort

Indori Fort, also known as Induri Fort or Bhui Kot Killa, is a historic hill fort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Situated on the banks of the Indrayani River, it stands at an elevation of approximately 4,490 feet, roughly 35 kilometers north of Pune and close to the popular hill station of Lonavala. Constructed between 1720 and 1721 by Sarsenapati Khanderao Dabhade of the Maratha Empire, the structure is built primarily from basalt stone. The fortification features walls reaching 30 to 40 feet in height, reinforced with brickwork at the top, and includes nine bastions connected by sturdy fortification walls. While currently in a state of ruins, the entrance gate remains in good condition, and the site houses a dilapidated mint building along with a temple dedicated to the deity Kadjai.

The fort holds significant historical value due to its association with the Dabhade family and the Maratha military legacy. It is notably linked to Umabai Dabhade, the widow of the founder, who made history in 1732 as the first and only woman to serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Maratha forces. Following its period under Maratha control, the fort came under the administration of the British East India Company in 1818, later transitioning to the British Raj until Indian independence in 1947. Today, the property is owned by the Government of India and is open to the public, serving as a destination for history enthusiasts and trekkers.

Access to the site is facilitated by its proximity to major transport links, including the Mumbai-Pune National Highway and suburban railway stations at Ghorawadi and Talegaon Dabhade. Despite the passage of time and the ruinous condition of some internal structures like the mint, the fort retains its architectural grandeur through its massive stone walls and strategic location. Visitors can explore the well-preserved entrance, walk along the historic ramparts, and view the ancient temple within the complex, making it a noteworthy landmark that reflects the region's rich martial past and geological heritage.