Shivneri is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is near the historic city of Junnar.

Districts/ Region 

Pune district, Maharashtra, India.

History

Shivneri Fort is in the vicinity of the Junnar. Shivneri has witnessed several wars and destruction over the centuries. The walls of the fort are made of rock and mud. The fort houses a prayer hall, a tomb and a mosque. The structure has several gateways ensuring the security of the fort. In the centre of the fort lies a lake known as 'Badami Talav'

This fort was primarily being used to safeguard the old trading route from the Deccan plateau to the port city of Kaylan during historical times. Over the years, many dynasties ruled over the fort and area around the fort Shivneri. In the 16th century CE, the fort was under Nizam's control, which was a new dynasty then. The city of Junnar was their first capital. In 1595, this fort and the region came under the control of the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maloji Raje Bhosale, while he was in the service of the Nizam. The fort came under the control of the Mughals in the due course of time and many unsuccessful attempts were made by Shivaji Maharaj. However, in 1716 Sambhaji Maharaj brought the fort under the control of the Maratha Empire and later to Peshwas.

In 2021, it was added to the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of "Serial Nomination of Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra".

Geography

In 2021, it was added to the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of "Serial Nomination of Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra".

Weather/Climate

Junnar has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. 
April and May are the hottest months when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night. The average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm

Things to do 

The fort was for residential purposes. It has elaborate sections and doors with historical significance. A small pond named Badami Talao is at the centre of the fort, where we can see the statues of Shivaji and Jijabai. These images are made of panchdhatu (an alloy of 5 prominent metals). A detailed tour at Shivneri fort required 2-3 hours.

Nearest tourist places 

● Shree Vighnaharta Ganpati Temple:- 14 KM from the Shivneri fort, this temple in Ozar, one of the 
Ashtavinayaka in Maharashtra.
● Shree Lenyadri Ganpati Temple:- 9.0 KM from the Shivneri fort, one of the Ashtavinayaka in 
Maharashtra.
● Manikdoh Dam:- is a gravity dam on Kukadi River near Junnar, Pune district in the state of 
Maharashtra, which is 8.1 KM from Shivneri fort.
● Junnar caves:- Junnar Caves are classified into various groups depending upon the location of these excavations. They are Tulja Caves, Manmodi Group of Caves, Shivneri Group of Caves and Lenyadri or Ganesh Lena Caves.
● Hadsar Fort:- Hadsar fort is 9.8 KM from shivneri fort. This fort is amongst the many forts in the 
Junnar region of Pune district which were meant for protection of the ancient commercial trade route from the Mawal region to Kalyan via Naneghat. There is a marvellous sculpture design of the bastion and the fort entrance, which is not seen elsewhere. They are all carved from a single rock.
● Nimgiri Fort:- Nimgiri fort is 13.8 KM away from Shivneri fort, and is known for trekking.

How to travel to tourist place by Rail, Air, Road (train ,flight, bus ) with distance and required time

The Shivneri Fort is very well connected by road, rail and air. One has to reach Junnar to reach Shivneri Fort.
By Air:- The Pune International airport (87 KM) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (176 KM) are the nearest airports from Shivneri. Both of them connect to the city of Junnar. After reaching Junnar, tourists can take a cab or bus to travel to the Shivneri fort.
By Train:- At about a distance of 94 KM from the Shivneri Fort is the Pune railway station and from there we can get a cab or a private car. Another railway station that connects Junnar at 81 KM is the Talegaon Dabhade railway station. State buses are available from this station to reach the city and then to the fort.
By Road:- The Junnar city is connected by state buses with many major towns of Maharashtra like Thane (145 KM), Mumbai (168 KM), Pune (92 KM) etc. We can hire a car from Junnar and climb up to the fort.

Special food speciality and hotel

-Bhakarwadi
-Samosas with Chutney
-Sabudana Khichdi
- Misal

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

There are various accommodations available, with bed and breakfast
-Junnar Police Station:- 3.7 KM from Shivneri Fort.
-Junnar Post Office:- 3.8 KM from Shivneri Fort.
-Shivneri multispeciality hospital Junnar:- 3.8 KM from Shivneri Fort.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi.