harshad : Malhar Gad, Last and smallest fort built by Maratha Empire

Malhar Gad

Situated just 30 kilometres from Pune, off Pune Saswad Road, Malhar Gad which is also called Sonori Fort because it is situated very close to Sonori Village, is a small yet beautiful fort close to Pune. It holds the distinction of being the last fort built by the Maratha Empire. This fort is accessible by car to one of its bastions and also by a trek starting at Sonori village, which can be accessed by car or a bus (from Saswad).

Grade of the Trek.

This trek is considered an easy trek suitable for children also.

How to Reach.

By Car - When one goes by car, following Google Map, after crossing Dive ghat. one goes through Kalewadi village and then up to the parking very close to the entry at the rear of the fort through the "Chor Darwaza".

By Trek - If one wishes to trek by foot, the trek starts from the village Sonori village, a few more km down the road after crossing Dive Ghat beyond the turn for Kalewadi. Sonori village also has two more attractions, namely, Sardar Panse Wada with six watch towers (Mostly in a dilapidated state but it has got two temples worth visiting) and Shri Krishna Temple. An easy trek over a ridge takes the trekkers to the fort. To reach the fort from here, one can climbe up to this fort along the ridge of the hill and thereafter moving along the side of the tower to the main gate of the fort. One can climb up the fort along the ridge of the hill, and moving along the side of the Tower, we reach at the entrance door of the fort.

Note - I have followed the Kalewadi route. The information about Sonori route is researched on Internet.

About this Fort

Built in the year 1775 by Krishnaji Madhavrao Panse, Chief of Peshwa Artillery, this fort was meant to keep a watch on Dive Ghat as it was those days. Thorale (Elder) Madhav Rao Peshwa is said to have visited this fort.

There are only a few structures on this fort including one well, one step well and two temples (in fairly good condition) dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Malhari Martand (Hence Malhargad). The Foundation of a Mahal also is visible within Bale Killa (Inner Fortification). A Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bust is carved on a rock in this Bale Killa.

Food and Water

Please carry your own food and water since these are not available on the fort. No natural shelters also exist there. Food and water are available on the Pune - Saswad road.

Virtual Trip to Malhar Gad.