Maharashtra is one of the leading states in India in terms of infrastructure and industrialization. The state capital, Mumbai is also the commercial capital of India. The state rose to prominence under the Marathas in the 17th and 18th centuries. The marathas under Chatrapati Shivaji and later the Peshwas dominated the Indian political scene for a long time before their eventual debacle in the third battle of Panipat. The legacy of the Marathas and the Europeans can be witnessed at the numerous forts in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra forts are important tourist destinations in Maharashtra, and attract many tourists towards tourism in Maharashtra.

Important Forts in Maharashtra:

Daulatabad:
This is the best known fort city in Maharashtra. The place was originally known as Deogiri and was ruled by the Yadava rulers. It came under the occupation of Muslim rulers in the 14th century and the place was renamed Daulatabad by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in early 14th century. The fort is an impressive structure with its strong outer walls, fortifications, ramparts, and canons still standing among the ruins. The mughul pavilion, perched high on a cliff, presents a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The lush greenery of the surroundings is an attractive sight from the walls of the fort, especially during the monsoon. The Chand minar, a 210 feet high tower, and Chini Mahal are among the notable monuments of the fort.

Sinhagad:
This fort is associated with many bloody battles during the reign of Shivaji, a period marked by constant skirmishes between the Marathas and the Mughuls under Aurangzeb. The fort got its name from a comment made by Shivaji after the death of Tanaji, his brave commander, who had fought till death to capture the fort for his king. The memorials of Tanaji and Rajaram, shivaji�s son, are the main attractions in the fort. The fort is within easy reach from Pune and Kalyan village. A trek from Donaje, near Pune to the top is a rewarding experience.

Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg:
These two forts served as important naval bases during Shivaji�s reign. The forts are marvels of engineering of those times, being built by transporting great amounts of iron , lead and stone over water . The triple line of walls, numerous towers and the impressive buildings inside the fort indicate the important given to the forts by Shivaji. The forts also have a large number of temples built within the complex. Of these, the temple holding the Shrine of Shivaji is worth special mention.

Bassein:
The Bassein fort is a firm reminder of Portuguese presence in the west coast around present day Mumbai. The ruins of this fort tell us the story of European conquest in India. This fort can be reached easily from Vasai, a suburb near Mumbai. The Buddhist relics at Nalasopara , about 10 kilometers from Bassein, are also a place worth a visit.

There are many other forts in Maharashtra. These include the forts at Ahmednagar, Murud Janjira, Gavilgarh, Purandhar, Ratangarh, Jaigad, and Raigarh.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers all inclusive information about the forts in Maharashtra and other tourist places in India.