The Majestic Jadhavgadh: A Fortress of Stories and Heritage

This time, we decided to visit Jadhavgadh, a destination not too far from Mumbai. But unique compared to our usual trips. In this blog, let’s explore Jadhavgadh in detail. Traveling is my favourite hobby. I often take trips to explore new places and take a break from the routine of daily life. With a deep admiration for history and mythology, I love delving into the roots of our culture.

We began our journey early in the morning, embarking on a road trip. After a few short breaks along the way, we finally arrived at our destination, Jadhavgadh. Upon arrival, the staff warmly greeted us with the sounds of drums and trumpets at the entrance. Before we entered the fort. They have preserved the fort’s old structure in its original form. With large rocky steps, and designed the reception area within the fort’s rocky architecture to maintain its authentic charm. They provided us with detailed information about the fort and the activities included in our stay. At Jadhavgadh Fort. The staff regularly holds the fort’s door opening and closing ceremonies, just as they were done during the Maratha era.

Delving into the History of Jadhavgadh

Fort Jadhavgadh, a 300-year-old stronghold, has a rich and storied history. In 1707, after years of imprisonment under the Mughal Empire, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, the grandson of the legendary Shivaji Maharaj. Ascended to the Maratha throne. Determined to restore the lost glory of the Maratha Empire, he entrusted Pilaji Jadhvarao. A key figure of strength, with a vital mission to revive the Maratha spirit in the Jadhavgadh and Saswad regions.

Image Credits: Google

Recognizing the strategic importance of the region, Pilaji Jadhvarao began the construction of a formidable fortress, Fort Jadhavgadh, carved from the solid bedrock of the Deccan. This architectural marvel not only served as a defensive stronghold but also stood as a symbol of Maratha resilience. Within its impregnable walls, warriors trained, devised strategies, and the Maratha spirit flourished.

Over the next century, Fort Jadhavgadh witnessed the remarkable rise of the Maratha Empire. The fort’s walls still echo the whispers of a legendary era. Later, the descendants of Pilaji Jadhavrao restored the fort and transformed it into a resort, preserving its rich legacy. Orchid Hotels currently manages the property. Jadhvagadh fortress amidst breath-taking scenery graces the districts of Jadhavwadi a 25 acres of land to the east Pune.

Delightful surprises in the vicinity: Jadhavgadh Fort

A host of delightful attractions surround Jadhavgadh, including Dive Ghat, Purandar Fort, Narayanpur, Balaji Temple, Purandhar Wada, Sangameshwar Temple, and Malhargadh Fort in Jejuri.

Fort Jadhvagadh and its room types

Fort Jadhavgadh offers a variety of room options, including Royal Tents, Deluxe Rooms, and Premium Rooms with rain showers, the Bajirao Suite, Maharaja/Maharani Suites, and Neem Forest Cottages. Upon our arrival, the staff pleasantly upgraded us to the Bajirao Suite. To our surprise, we were the only guests at the fort on our first night, making it a truly enchanting and unique experience for us to relive.

Leisure Activities and Restaurants

We arrived around 4:30 pm and chose to swim in the pool, situated at the top of the fort. The cool, breezy weather made the experience even more refreshing. Nearby, there is also a spa facility, allowing guests to unwind and relax in a serene environment. As part of the fun activities, they also offer rifle shooting, archery, zip-lining, and Segway rides.

The property boasts two restaurants: Chajja and Paytha. Chajja typically serves dinner, while Paytha is where breakfast is offered. Throughout our two-night stay, we were regularly asked about our food preferences and any allergies, ensuring our meals were tailored to our needs. Additionally, the fort features banquets and a rooftop hall, both of which can accommodate a large number of guests, making them ideal for corporate events or private gatherings.

The fort has its own Ganapati Mandir, built using original rocks taken from the lake behind the fort. They established the temple within the fort because the Ganesha idol, known as swayambhu, naturally formed from rock.

Aai: The Museum

The fort houses a museum called “Aai,” meaning “Mother,” symbolizing the way it protects the rich history of the Maratha Empire. Every artifact displayed in “Aai” is part of a valuable collection curated by Mr. Kamat, who currently manages the Fort Jadhavgadh resort.

Fort Jadhavgadh, once a guardian of royal pride, now preserves royal traditions. Overlooking the lush highlands of southern Pune, this 300-year-old fortress, steeped in history, has been thoughtfully restored to its former glory by the Kamat Group. It has been elegantly outfitted with modern amenities, catering to the tastes of today’s royalty.