Beyond famous citadels, these offbeat Maharashtra forts reward detours with sea views, treks, and stories
Across Maharashtra, beyond the marquee names of Raigad and Sinhagad, lie forts that don’t announce themselves loudly. They sit quietly by the sea, brood over scrubland plains, or rise from forested ridges, holding centuries of memory in stone. For travellers who prefer detours over tourist circuits, these five hidden forts offer solitude, scale and stories in equal measure.
Arnala Fort
Off the coast near Virar in Palghar, Arnala emerges from the Arabian Sea like a weathered maritime sentinel. The fort feels cinematic from the moment you board a small fishing boat to reach it. The sea breeze blows fiercely against the moss-covered battlements, and the wild grasses grow in the overgrown courtyards. It’s more of a vibe than a monument.
How to reach?
Take a Western Railway local train to Virar. From there, hire a rickshaw to Arnala village and catch a local fishing boat to the fort (subject to tide conditions).
Distance & nearest major city:
Approx. 70 km from Mumbai, 160 km from Pune.
Nearest major city: Mumbai
The tallest fort in Maharashtra, Salher Fort in Nashik district, is more of a trekking pilgrimage for ardent trekkers. The trek is long, but the rhythm is soothing, with steps carved into the mountainside and vistas that unfold slowly. The Fort is a part of the UNESCO-designated Maratha Military Landscapes of India, placing it among the globally recognised hill forts that defined the Maratha Empire’s strategic brilliance. The top of the fort features ancient temples and vistas that are the reward for all the hard work.
How to reach?
Drive from Nashik to Salher village via Satana. The trek to the top takes roughly 3–4 hours.
Distance & nearest major city:
Approx. 280 km from Mumbai, 340 km from Pune.
Nearest major city: Nashik.
Kandhar Fort
In the heart of Marathwada, near Nanded, the Kandhar Fort is a surprise in terms of its massive proportions. The fort is enclosed by massive stone walls, with serene water tanks and arched entrances. Unlike the Sahyadri hill forts, the Kandhar Fort is laid out on a flat surface, with its moat and fortifications giving the appearance of a desert fort under the Deccan sun.
How to reach?
Drive or take a state-run bus from Nanded (approximately 30 km). The fort is located in Kandhar town and is easily accessible by road.
Distance & nearest major city:
Approx. 580 km from Mumbai, 480 km from Pune.
Nearest major city: Nanded.
Naldurg Fort
Stretched over almost 100 acres of land in the Dharashiv district, Naldurg is awe-inspiring in terms of its sheer size and architecture. The most impressive part of this fort, the Pani Mahal, is very cleverly incorporated into the walls of the dam. During the monsoon season, the waterfall creates a natural screen around the monument. The fort features broad walls, magnificent entrances, and long stone corridors.
How to reach?
Located about 20 km from Dharashiv on the Solapur–Hyderabad highway, the fort is easily accessible by road.
Distance & nearest major city:
Approx. 450 km from Mumbai, 300 km from Pune.
Nearest major city: Solapur.
Khanderi Fort
Located off the coast of Alibaug, Khanderi Fort sits quietly in the Arabian Sea, alongside its sister fort, Underi. Today, it is a place of raw beauty, where one can listen to the waves, look at the weathered structures, and see a lone lighthouse standing by. As a part of the UNESCO-listed Maratha Military Landscapes of India, Khanderi is a testament to the sea-faring prowess and engineering genius of the Maratha Empire.
How to reach?
One can reach Alibaug via ferry from Mumbai (Gateway of India to Mandwa) or by road. From Alibaug, reach Thal or Kihim village. Local boats can be hired to reach Khanderi Fort, depending on sea and tide conditions.
Distance & nearest major city:
Approx. 20 km from Alibaug, 100 km from Mumbai, 145 km from Pune.
Nearest major city: Mumbai
These forts will not fight for your attention. They are a treat for those who are ready to travel a little further, stay a little longer, and listen a little more carefully. In their hidden corners, the history of Maharashtra feels almost intimate, as if the past has momentarily paused to await rediscovery.
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