Walk into the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and climb one of the Sahyadris’ most dramatic rock-cut staircases – all in a single day. The Shivneri & Chavand Fort Trek pairs the grand hill fort of Shivneri with the monolithic sentinel of Chavand (Prasannagad), both in the historic Junnar valley.
Shivneri Fort – Where Swarajya Was Born
Shivneri is the fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. The climb passes seven successive gateways up to the plateau, where you visit the Shivai Devi Temple (after whom the Maharaj was named), Ambarkhana (the grain stores), Badami Talav and the majestic Balekilla, with sweeping views over Junnar town.
Chavand Fort (Prasannagad) – The Rock-Cut Ascent
Chavand is a monolithic rock cylinder ringed by sheer drops. Its signature is a flight of steep rock-cut steps chiselled straight into the mountain face – today fitted with iron railings, so the exposure thrills without the technical risk. On the summit sit the Chamunda Devi (Chavand Mata) temple, the Saptatake – seven ancient rock-cut water cisterns carved in a single line – and remnants of historic granaries, with 360° views of Jivdhan, Naneghat, Hadsar, Shivneri and the Manikdoh Dam backwaters.
Quick Trek Facts
- Base villages: Shivneri (Junnar town) & Chavandwadi, ~15 km from Junnar
- Altitude: Shivneri ~3,500 ft | Chavand ~3,400 ft
- Ascent time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours each fort
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners with basic fitness
- Duration: 1 Day
- Distance from Pune: ~100 km
- Pickups: Pune (Wakad, Chandani Chowk, Katraj) & Mumbai (Bhandup, Mankhurd, Vashi, Nerul, Kharghar, Kalamboli)
- Price: ₹1,499 per person (Pune pickup) | ₹1,899 per person (Mumbai pickup – select the “Mumbai Pickup” add-on while booking)
Things to Carry
- 2–3 L water bottle
- Good-grip trekking shoes (stone steps can be wet and slippery)
- Raincoat / poncho
- Energy snacks – there are no food stalls on the forts
- ID proof
Leave No Trace: Shivneri and Chavand are protected historical monuments. Please carry back all your waste.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Shivneri & Chavand Fort Trek?
It is graded easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners with basic fitness. Plan for 1 Day. The minimum age is 10+. Tell the trek leader beforehand if you have vertigo or a recent knee or ankle injury.
How much does the Shivneri & Chavand Fort Trek cost?
₹1,499 per person, covering certified trek leader, evening snacks, first-aid support, history guide. Mumbai pickup is available as an add-on while booking.
Is the Shivneri & Chavand Fort Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. This is one of the gentler outings we run and it suits first-timers and families.
How do I book the Shivneri & Chavand Fort Trek?
Use the Book Now button on this page — it opens a WhatsApp chat with the trek name, your date and group size already filled in.
