Jivdhan

Jivdhan is a formidable hill fort nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range near Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra. Rising to an elevation of about 3,750 feet, it stands as a sentinel over the ancient trade route of Naneghat, which once connected the Konkan coast to the Deccan plateau. The fort’s strategic location made it a vital military outpost during the Satavahana and later Maratha periods. It was fortified by Shivaji Maharaj and played a role in guarding the region’s commerce and movement.

The British, recognizing its tactical importance, captured and partially destroyed it during their campaign in 1818. The trek to Jivdhan is not for the faint-hearted. It’s considered a high-difficulty trail, with steep rock patches, dense forest paths, and technical climbs that demand both physical endurance and experience.

The most iconic feature is the Kalyan Gate, accessed via rock-cut steps that cling to the cliffside, with iron hooks embedded to aid climbers. Nearby, the Vanarlingi pinnacle rises dramatically—a 385-foot monolith that challenges even seasoned rock climbers.