🛡️ 12 Forts of Shivaji Maharaj in UNESCO – Explore the Legendary Maratha Forts

🛡️ Shivaji Maharaj Forts – A Legacy of Strategy, Security, and Swarajya

While turning the vision of Swarajya into reality, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj followed a far-sighted and strategic approach — he established a vast and powerful network of hill forts across Maharashtra and neighboring regions. These forts weren’t merely built for defense; they served as strongholds of administration, military planning, and resistance against enemy tactics.

The brilliance of Shivaji Maharaj forts lies in their architectural mastery, strategic locations, and smart use of natural landscapes. Some of these forts include features like hidden entrances, multi-level watch points (machis), and impenetrable fortifications — unique elements of Maratha architecture that even UNESCO has recognized as historically and architecturally significant.

As he laid the foundation of Swarajya, Shivaji Maharaj built and preserved over 300 forts, leaving behind an inspiring legacy. These forts continue to remind us of Maratha strength, independence, and visionary governance.

Recognizing this unparalleled heritage, UNESCO has included 12 prominent forts of Shivaji Maharaj in its tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Among them, 11 forts are located in Maharashtra, while 1 is in Tamil Nadu. The proposal, submitted by the Government of Maharashtra, was reviewed and officially accepted during a UNESCO meeting held in Paris.

🧭 Curious to know which 12 forts of Shivaji Maharaj made it to the UNESCO list? Let’s take a detailed look at each of these historical masterpieces and explore their rich legacy through this article.

🏞️ 12 Forts of Shivaji Maharaj in UNESCO Tentative List

1️⃣ Raigad Fort – Raigad, Maharashtra
2️⃣ Rajgad Fort – Pune, Maharashtra
3️⃣ Pratapgad Fort – Satara, Maharashtra
4️⃣ Panhala Fort – Kolhapur, Maharashtra
5️⃣ Shivneri Fort – Junnar, Maharashtra
6️⃣ Lohgad Fort – Lonavala, Maharashtra
7️⃣ Salher Fort – Nashik, Maharashtra
8️⃣ Sindhudurg Fort – Malvan, Maharashtra
9️⃣ Vijaydurg Fort – Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
🔟 Suvarnadurg Fort – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
1️⃣1️⃣ Khanderi Fort – Raigad, Maharashtra
1️⃣2️⃣ Gingee Fort (Senji Fort) – Tamil Nadu

🌍 Global Recognition for Maratha Forts – Now Part of UNESCO World Heritage List

During the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, 20 different countries voted in favor of declaring 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as official World Heritage Sites.

With this historic inclusion, India now has a total of 43 World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO.

These forts have been listed under the theme “Maratha Military Landscape,” and their inclusion was officially declared on Friday, 18th July 2025.

The journey toward this recognition began as early as 2016–2017, with consistent efforts from heritage experts and government authorities. Now, these iconic forts of the Maratha Empire proudly shine on the global map of cultural heritage.

Let’s take a closer look at the 12 forts of Shivaji Maharaj in UNESCO’s tentative list and find out exactly where each of these historic forts is located.

1️⃣ Raigad Fort – The Capital of Swarajya 👑

• 📍 Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Coronation place of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1674)
• 🔑 Highlights: Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj, Maha Darwaja, Queen’s Palace
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Prime fort of Maratha glory – symbolizes administrative power and Swarajya vision.

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2️⃣ Rajgad Fort – The King of Forts 🏰

• 📍 Location: Pune, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Shivaji Maharaj’s capital before Raigad
• 🔑 Highlights: Balekilla, Padmavati Machi, secret passages
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Known for its brilliant fort planning and Maratha military architecture.

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3️⃣ Pratapgad Fort – Valor of Afzal Khan Encounter ⚔️

• 📍 Location: Satara district, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Historic battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan
• 🔑 Highlights: Bhavani Mata Temple, tall watchtowers
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Represents sharp tactics and strategic diplomacy of Marathas.

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4️⃣ Panhala Fort – Longest Captured by Shivaji Maharaj 🛡️

• 📍 Location: Kolhapur district, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Largest fort in the Deccan ruled longest by Marathas
• 🔑 Highlights: Teen Darwaza, Sajja Kothi, Parashuram Temple
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Military stronghold controlling key southern trade routes.

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5️⃣ Shivneri Fort – Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj 👶

• 📍 Location: Junnar, Pune, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1630
• 🔑 Highlights: Shiv Janmasthal, water tanks, fort walls
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Cultural cradle of Maratha greatness and historic roots.

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6️⃣ Lohgad Fort – The Iron Fort 🔗

• 📍 Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Used to store Maratha treasury
• 🔑 Highlights: Vinchukata bastion (Scorpion Tail), easy trekking point
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Demonstrates strategic reuse of hilltop forts by Marathas.

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7️⃣ Salher Fort – Site of Largest Maratha-Mughal Battle 🏔️

• 📍 Location: Nashik district, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Victory over Mughals in 1672 – rare open-field battle
• 🔑 Highlights: High altitude (over 5,000 ft), wide base
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Exceptional in showcasing Maratha military might at high elevations.

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8️⃣ Sindhudurg Fort – The Sea Fortress of Shivaji ⚓

• 📍 Location: Malvan, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Main naval base of Shivaji Maharaj
• 🔑 Highlights: Built on an island, Shivaji’s hand & footprint preserved
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Naval engineering marvel and symbol of maritime strength.

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9️⃣ Vijaydurg Fort – The Eastern Gibraltar 🧱

• 📍 Location: Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Oldest fort on Konkan coast, used for ship-building
• 🔑 Highlights: Submerged wall defense, dry docks
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Vital maritime defense center and trade monitor.

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🔟 Suvarnadurg Fort – Guardian of the Golden Coast 🌊

• 📍 Location: Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Controlled Konkan coast naval routes
• 🔑 Highlights: Island fort, ocean view walls
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Represents the naval expansion of Maratha Empire.

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1️⃣1️⃣ Khanderi Fort (Underi–Khanderi) – Sea Sentinel 🛳️

• 📍 Location: Near Alibag, Raigad, Maharashtra
• 🏛️ Importance: Built to monitor British & Siddi sea activity
• 🔑 Highlights: Lighthouse, coastal cannons
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Symbol of maritime vigilance in Maratha rule.

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1️⃣2️⃣ Gingee Fort (Jinji Fort) – Southern Stronghold 🏯

• 📍 Location: Tamil Nadu
• 🏛️ Importance: Temporarily controlled by Marathas in southern campaigns
• 🔑 Highlights: Hillside complex, multi-fort layout
• 🌍 UNESCO Note: Maratha influence beyond Maharashtra’s borders.

📌 Importance of Shivaji Maharaj Forts Beyond Architecture

These forts are living symbols of Swarajya and still inspire millions. Their inclusion in UNESCO will:

🌐 Globalize Maratha history
🎓 Educate youth about India’s indigenous rulers
💰 Boost heritage tourism
🏗️ Encourage conservation efforts

Shivaji Maharaj Forts are more than just war centers. They are complete systems – with water tanks, temples, residences, storehouses, and escape tunnels – showcasing self-sufficient design in ancient India.

🧳 How to Explore These Forts? Travel Tips!

✅ Best Time to Visit:

• Winter (Oct–Feb) – Best for trekking and sightseeing 🌤️
• Monsoon (Jun–Aug) – Green and misty, but slippery trails 🌧️

✅ What to Carry:

• Trekking shoes, water bottle, cap, snacks
• Travel with a local guide for rich insights
• Prefer weekdays to avoid crowds

🚖 Need a Tour Package? Advika Travel Is Here!

Explore the UNESCO-listed forts of Shivaji Maharaj and famous heritage sites of Maharashtra with Advika Travel – your trusted local partner for fort tours, tempo travellers, and car rentals.

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🚗 Services We Provide:

• Tempo Traveller on Rent in Aurangabad to all over Maharashtra.
• Expert Drivers with historical knowledge of Maratha forts
• Group Tours | Family Trips | Trekking Support
• Custom Travel Itineraries for UNESCO Fort Circuits

🏰 Planning a Group Tour to Visit All 12 UNESCO Forts of Shivaji Maharaj?

Advika Travel offers vehicles as per your group size to cover all 12 historic forts under the Maratha Military Landscape.
📌 Below is our taxi rental chart (with driver, fuel, toll & parking will be extra:

📌 Taxi Rental Chart – 300 KM per Day (Approx. Fare)

🚘 Vehicle Type	Capacity	Fare (Per Day)	Ideal For
Etios/Dzire (Sedan)	4 pax	₹3,600	Couples / Small Family
Ertiga (SUV)	6 pax	₹4,500	Mid-size Group
Innova Crysta (Premium SUV)	7 pax	₹5,400	Comfort Travelers
Tempo Traveller (AC)	17 pax	₹8,400	Large Groups / Trekkers

📝 Fare calculated at:

• ₹12/km for Sedan → ₹12 × 300 = ₹3,600
• ₹15/km for SUV → ₹15 × 300 = ₹4,500
• ₹18/km for Innova Crysta → ₹18 × 300 = ₹5,400
• ₹28/km for Tempo Traveller → ₹28 × 300 = ₹8,400

📞 For personalized itineraries and multi-day package quotes, call us at +91-9359604272 or simply fill out the form below. Our team will get back to you shortly.

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions – Shivaji Maharaj UNESCO Forts & Advika Travel Packages

❓ Which forts of Shivaji Maharaj are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List?

A total of 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are included in the UNESCO Tentative List under the theme “Maratha Military Landscape.” These include: Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohgad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, Khanderi, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

❓ What is the importance of these forts in Maratha history?

These forts symbolize Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic planning, military strength, and vision for Swarajya. They were not just defense structures but centers of governance, trade, administration, and innovation in architecture.

❓ When were the forts proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status?

The proposal was initiated by the Government of Maharashtra between 2016–2017, and officially accepted by UNESCO during the 47th World Heritage Committee session held in July 2025.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are now in India?

As of July 2025, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the addition of the 12 Maratha forts.

❓ What is the best way to explore these 12 UNESCO forts?

Advika Travel offers customized group tours with tempo travellers, SUVs, and sedans depending on your group size. Experienced local drivers with historical knowledge are provided to enrich your journey.

❓ What is the taxi fare to cover all 12 UNESCO forts?

Here’s the average per-day fare for 300 km:

• Tempo Traveller (17-Seater): ₹8,400
• Sedan (Etios/Dzire): ₹3,600
• SUV (Ertiga): ₹4,500
• Innova Crysta: ₹5,400
• 📞 For detailed quotes, call +91-9359604272 or fill the contact form at Advika Travel.

❓ What is the best time to visit these forts?

• Winter (October to February) – Ideal for sightseeing & trekking.
• Monsoon (June to August) – Lush green views but slippery paths.

🕌 Also Planning to Explore Aurangabad & Nearby Heritage Sites?

We also provide local sightseeing taxi service in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) covering:

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