Maharashtra's terrain has been favourable to the building of forts. The Ghats, the irregular rows of the Sahyadris, which begin close to Bombay and end near Goa, have served as excellent defence sites. Historically important, these forts played an important role in the history. These forts were strategically located and they were the strongholds wherein was concentrated the power and possessions of the rulers. The forts played a pivotal role in the foundation, preservation and expansion of Maratha rule.

Raigad

This is the very heart of Maratha country - Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. It was at Raigad, capital of the Maratha kingdom, that Shivaji's coronation ceremony took place in 1674 AD. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped hill, Raigad is split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur. Rajgad has the buildings, including the palace, ministers' mansions, and the market, Mahadev and Padmavati temples, with the nearby massive water tank more or less a heap of rubble. There is another smaller fort on Rajgad, known as Balekilla. The Janani and Mahadev temples are also located on the Balekilla.You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha warrior at his Samadhi. 

Daulatabad

Situated 13 kms from Noth-West of Aurangabad lies this 13th century impressive fort . It is one of the best preserved fort of medieval times & rates as one of the most impregnable forts in India because of its long wall & complicated series of defences. One of the world's best preserved forts of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad still displays many of the internal contrivances that made it invincible. A series of secret, quizzical subterranean passages lie amidst the fort. Its defense systems comprised fortifications of double and even triple rows of massive walls. A fortress conquered only by treachery! The most notable structures at Daulatabad are the Chand Minar, Jami Masjid and royal palaces.

Bassein

Bassein Fort, now in ruins, was under the Portuguese a thriving fortified city from 1534 to 1739 when it was sacked by the Marathas. The ruins of the Portuguese Fort still stand almost hidden by brushwood and palm groves. Some of the walls and churches can still be seen. To the north, is the Agar of Agashi and to the south is the Agar of Bassein.

The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its unique share of history. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.

Vijaydurg is one of the great forts of the Konkan. It existed as a dilapidated fortification of the Shilahar period before it was taken over by the Bijapur kings, and then by Shivaji who made it a major naval base. When Shivaji failed to capture Murud-Janjira, he decided to create a similar stronghold and built Vijaydurg, on a rocky projection south of Ratnagiri.

Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira. Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15^th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline.

Sinhagad -- where valour is etched on every stone and the soil has turned red seeped by the blood of martyrs! It was here that Shivaji's general, Tanaji Malusare launched an attack to recapture the fort. A grieving Shivaji is known to have said, "Gad ala pan sinh gela" (The fort is won but the lion has gone). And this is how the fort got its name: sinh (lion's) gad (fort). You can visit the memorial to Tanaji, or the tomb of Rajaram -- Shivaji's son -- who died here. And if you are fortunate, you may find a priceless jewel or an ancient coin as Sinhgad used to serve as a storehouse of wealth for Pune merchants.

Sindhudurg reflects Shivaji's great vision and personal involvement in the construction of maritime forts to keep foreign powers at bay and check the growing menace of the Siddis of Murud-Janjira. Situated on a rocky island off the Malvan coast, Sindhudurg fort is a fine example of Shivaji's military genius.Visitors can see - under two small domes - the impressions of Shivaji's palms and his footprint preserved on slabs of dry limestone.

Pratapgad  about 24 kms west of Mahabaleshwar. Today, the tomb of Afzal Khan marks the heroic encounter. Pratapgad holds an ancient statue of Shivaji, as well as Mahadev and Hanuman temples and a garden. There is a splendid view of the lush green valley and the forts Raigad and Makarandgad can also be viewed.

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