Salher

Salher Fort, located near Salher Village in Satana tehsil of Nashik district, Maharashtra, is the highest fort in the Sahyadri mountains and the second highest peak in Maharashtra at 1,567 meters.

Historically, it was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1671 during his campaign in the Baglan region. The fort is famously known for the Battle of Salher in 1672, one of the largest and most significant battles between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire, where nearly 100,000 soldiers fought and the Marathas achieved a decisive victory under Shivaji’s leadership.

This battle marked the first open-field defeat of the Mughal Empire by the Marathas and increased Shivaji’s fame significantly. After this victory, the Marathas consolidated control over the Baglan region by also capturing the nearby Mulher Fort. In the 18th century, the fort was occupied by the Peshwas and later by the British.

Besides its historical military importance, Salher is also mythologically significant as the site where Lord Parashuram is said to have performed penance. The fort features large stone constructions, rock-cut steps, temples, water cisterns, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, making it a notable landmark in Maharashtra's cultural and natural heritage.