# Shrivardhan Fort

- **Country:** India

Shrivardhan Fort is a historic hill fort situated in the Sahyadri mountain range within the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Located in Rajmachi village, approximately 8.5 kilometers from Lonavala, it stands at an elevation of roughly 900 meters above sea level. Along with Manaranjan Fort, it forms the twin peaks of the Rajmachi fortification, with Shrivardhan being the taller of the two. The structure was named after Shrivardhan Ganpatrao Patwardhan and is primarily constructed from stone. While specific construction dates are not explicitly detailed in the available records, the site is categorized among forts established during the 16th century and later served as a strategic asset for the Maratha Empire between 1739 and 1818 before coming under British control.

Architecturally, the fort is characterized by its minimal visible construction, consisting mainly of a rampart that suggests its historical function as a watchtower for monitoring the surrounding Sahyadri region rather than a large residential garrison. Today, the fort exists in a state of ruins but remains open to the public under the ownership of the Government of India. Visitors exploring the summit can observe two water tanks, one of which notably contains an ancient iron pillar. The site offers a glimpse into the military history of the Maratha dynasty and the subsequent colonial era, serving as a silent witness to the region's turbulent past.

Accessing Shrivardhan Fort involves trekking through scenic landscapes, with two primary routes available for visitors. The easier path begins from Tungarli near Lonavala and takes about one hour to reach the base village of Udhewadi. Alternatively, adventurers can take the Karjat-Kondivade route, which requires a more strenuous two-hour hike through dense forests and the Ulhas river valley. Despite its ruined condition, the fort remains a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts interested in the military heritage of western India. Its location within the lush Western Ghats provides both historical intrigue and natural beauty, making it a significant landmark in the Pune district.

![Photo of Shrivardhan Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Shrivardhan_Fort.%28sunday_19-9-2010%29..JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrivardhan_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)