Shivneri, a birth place of Chhatrapati Shivaji (1627), is
located at a distance of around 3 km from Junnar (125 km from Pune). Shahaji,
father of Shivaji kept his wife Jijabai in this fort during her pregnancy, as
the fort was unique and difficult to reach. It is easier to reach the fort by
the normal road than to climb from the hills. One has to get through 7 doors
before reaching the actual fort.
This fort is a very big structure with a very good height.
The old and beautiful 'Devi Shivai' temple is on the way. Shivaji was taken
from the name of this goddess. Shivaji spent his childhood on this fort. He
acquired all the skills and training on this fort which he used while
establishing Swaraj. He learnt the early lessons of Swaraj on this fort.
The wide base of the fort is towards the south and the
narrow point is towards the north. The ascending path to the fort is defended
by seven gates, the fifth one being armoured with anti-elephant spikes. The
fort has several rock-hew cisterns and ponds, of which two large ones are known
as Ganga and Jumuna.
Today, there are only a few structures remaining in the
fort. At one end there is a ruined stable and at the other end a mosque of the
Mughal period. The house where shivaji was born (in February, 1630 AD) has been
recently restored and a temple with statues of Shivaji and Jijabai called
Shivakunja, has also been built.
The Shivneri cluster forts, comprising Harishchandragarh,
Jumnar, Jivadhan, etc. was very important strategically, because it controlled
the ancient Nane Ghat Pass.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Shivneri fort is at Pune Airport which is situated
around 10 kilometers from the city in Lohagaon area. The Indian Airlines
operates regular domestic flights that pass through various major cities of
India like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi. For international tourists,
they can connect first reach to Mumbai International Airport and then board a
domestic flight for Pune city. From airport you have to catch taxi to reach at
Shivneri fort, but it could cost you little expensive.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Pune Railway Junction, it is the main railhead
which offers good networks on rails that connects other cities in India. There
are many trains and expresses that are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore,
Chennai, and many more. For reaching Pune, Deccan Express is one of the fastest
trains that depart from Mumbai Railway Junction.
By Road
There are many road transport facilities available to get at Shivneri fort.
Regular state bus and private luxury bus services are provided to and from Pune
which passes through numerous major cities of India like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and
Goa. From Mumbai city, it directly links Pune at a distance of 200 kilometers.
You can pick these buses from outside railway station or airport. Apart from
bus, visitors can also travel by taxi, auto rickshaw, hired cars, which may
cost you expensive to reach the fort.
