5 unique ancient forts in India for adventurous souls.

VHO - Nestled amidst mountain ranges, arid plains, or off the coast of the Arabian Sea, many ancient forts in India's Maharashtra state stand silently as witnesses to the passage of time.

The Arnala fortress rises from the sea like a cinematic scene.

Unlike crowded tourist destinations, these fortresses attract visitors with their pristine beauty, legendary historical stories, and the feeling of stepping into another world , where sea breezes, ancient rocks, and traces of the Maratha empire are still very close at hand.

For those who love exploration and enjoy discovering lesser-known routes, these are 5 fortresses worth visiting when you come to the country with the world's largest population.

Arnala Fortress - the "guardian" of the Arabian Sea

Off the coast of Virar in Palghar, the Arnala fortress emerges from the sea like a cinematic scene.

The journey here is also full of adventure, as visitors must take a small fishing boat from the village of Arnala to brave the waves and reach the fort.

As the boat docked, we were greeted by moss-covered city walls, overgrown courtyards, and the sound of the sea breeze rustling through the ancient pathways.

Arnala is an old military site. It offers a very special sense of tranquility, as if time has slowed down in the middle of the ocean.

This is the perfect destination for those seeking a different experience, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Visitors can take a local train on the Western Railway to Virar, then take a rickshaw to Arnala village and hire a boat to the fort. It's about 70km from Mumbai, making it ideal for a short weekend trip.

Salher is the highest fort in Maharashtra state and a popular trekking destination for mountaineering enthusiasts.

Salher Fort - a paradise for trekking enthusiasts.

Located in Nashik district, Salher is considered the highest fort in Maharashtra state and a popular trekking destination for mountaineering enthusiasts.

The climb to the summit takes about 3-4 hours, following stone steps carved into the side of the mountain. The higher you go, the more expansive the view becomes, with valleys and mountain ranges stretching into the distance.

What makes Salher special is that it is part of India's UNESCO-recognized Maratha Military Heritage Site.

On top of the fort, ancient temples and defensive remnants still stand, showcasing the incredible military prowess of the Maratha Empire.

After a strenuous mountain climb, the reward for visitors is the breathtaking view of the Maharashtra mountains in the cool breeze from the summit.

From Nashik, visitors can drive to Salher village via Satana to begin their trekking journey. The distance from Mumbai to Salher is approximately 280km.

Nanded impresses with its massive stone walls, wide moats, and ancient archways.

Kandhar Fort - a desert beauty in the Deccan region.

Unlike the mountain fortresses of Maharashtra, Kandhar has the distinct appearance of a desert fortress.

Located near the city of Nanded, the structure impresses with its massive stone walls, wide moat, and ancient archways. Under the Deccan sun, the entire fortress takes on a somber and powerful appearance.

Walking amidst tranquil pools and stone pathways, visitors feel as if they've stepped into a historical film. The vast space, yet with few tourists, makes it particularly suitable for those who prefer to explore heritage at a slow and private pace.

Kandhar is about 30km from Nanded and can be easily reached by car or public bus.

Naldurg exemplifies medieval architecture and is one of Maharashtra's most important ancient structures.

Naldurg Fortress - a masterpiece of architecture in the rainy season.

If you appreciate large-scale ancient structures, Naldurg is a must-see destination. Located in the Dharashiv district, the fortress spans nearly 100 acres and boasts an impressive system of walls, stone gates, and long corridors.

The most striking feature here is the Pani Mahal – a structure built to integrate with the dam system.

During the rainy season, the cascading waterfalls form a natural "water curtain" surrounding the fortress, creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic.

This is also the best time to visit Naldurg, when the ancient stone colors blend with the green of nature and the sound of flowing water echoes throughout the site.

The fort is located on the Solapur-Hyderham highway, about 20km from Dharashiv, and is quite convenient to reach by road.

Khanderi is part of the UNESCO-recognized Maratha Military Heritage, reflecting the maritime prowess and engineering skills of the empire that once dominated the western seas of India.

Khanderi Fortress - a maritime landmark in the middle of the ocean.

Off the coast of Alibaug, Khanderi Fort sits quietly on the Arabian Sea alongside its "sister" fortress, Underi. Its time-worn stone walls, the sound of the waves, and the solitary lighthouse create a scene that is both wild and poetic.

Khanderi is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Maratha Military Heritage, reflecting the maritime prowess and engineering of the empire that once dominated the West Indies. Today, it has become an attractive destination for those who enjoy seaside tourism combined with historical exploration.

From Mumbai, visitors can take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa or travel by road to Alibaug. From there, they can continue to the villages of Thal or Kihim to hire a boat to the fort, depending on tidal conditions and sea weather.

There are destinations that don't need flashy lights or extravagant advertising campaigns to attract attention.

Maharashtra's ancient forts are captivating precisely because of the tranquility and the depth of history they preserve.

Every stone wall, every ancient paved road, or every boat trip out to sea evokes the feeling of stepping through a door into the past. And for adventurous travelers, this is perhaps the most memorable experience on their journey.

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