Looking for a perfect blend of adventure and quality time with your furry friend? Pune, known for its scenic landscapes and historical forts, offers several easy and pet-friendly trekking spots. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking for a casual hike with your pet, these fort treks provide the ideal escape from the city’s hustle. In this blog, we’ll explore six easy and pet-friendly fort treks around Pune, where both you and your four-legged companion can enjoy nature, history, and beautiful panoramic views.

Dhawalgad

Dhawalgadh Fort, located near Uruli Kanchan in Pune, offers a short 10 to 15-minute trail suitable for families and children. The base village is Dalimb, with Ambale being the nearest village from the other side. If you’re traveling from Pune, you’ll pass through Saswad. Although the fort isn’t very high, it provides a stunning view from the top. The surrounding nature is home to a variety of birds and animals, including deer. The trail begins at a lime dirt base with steps leading up. At the fort, you’ll find Dhawaleshwar Temple, a doorway, and a tower, with a Hanuman temple carved on both sides. The fort remains largely untouched and is seldom crowded, even on weekends.

Malhargad

Malhargad is the last fort of the Maratha empire, and it is usually not crowded. The trek is very easy and can be completed in about 30 minutes. After crossing Dive Ghat from Pune, it’s just a 15-20 minute drive. The location on Google Maps is accurate. Near the car parking, there’s a small fruit vendor, and at the top, you’ll find a tea and vada pav stall. The view from the top is also quite scenic. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or evening. There is now a parking fee of Rs. 40 for four-wheelers and Rs. 20 for two-wheelers. On the fort, you can explore a small temple, Khandoba Temple, Lord Mahadev Temple, massive fortification walls, bastions, a stepwell, Ganesh Darwaja (the fort’s entrance), and a large pond, along with a splendid view from the top.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p6htD5bciTiqHD3i9

Tikona

Tikona Fort, also known as Vitandgad, is a historic hill fort located in Maharashtra’s Maval region, near Mulshi Lake, about 60 km from Pune. Its name, “Tikona,” meaning “triangular,” reflects the fort’s distinctive triangular shape. The trek to the fort is moderately easy, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. Along the trail, trekkers can explore ancient Buddhist caves, water tanks, and remnants of the fort’s stone architecture. From the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of Pawna Lake, Tung Fort, and the surrounding lush valleys.

Lohgad

Lohagad Fort is a 2 hours drive from Pune. There are over 350 steps from the parking lot, and it takes about 10–12 minutes to climb without stopping or around 30 minutes with a few breaks. It takes approximately 2 hours to explore the entire fort. The government has begun installing informational boards about the fort. Parking for cars and bikes is available for a fee, which must be paid in cash. There are also a few snack stalls near the parking area. The fort is easy to climb and suitable for all age groups. Lohagad Fort offers impressive aerial views of Karla, Bhaja caves, and Pawna Lake. A highlight of the trek is the ‘Vinchu Kada’ fortification, which resembles a scorpion’s sting. It is located outside the main fort area and requires an additional 15-20 minutes of walking to reach the edge. Another key landmark within Lohagad is the dargah, situated near the Maha Darwaja.

Visapur

Visapur Fort is located in Lonavla, about a 2-hour drive from Pune. The trek is moderately difficult, with multiple routes to the top:
1. From Malavli Station: The most common route, with an easy beginning but a steep climb over large boulders in the latter half.
2. From Bhaje Caves: A slightly longer route with a more gradual ascent.
At the fort, you’ll find ruins of old buildings, water cisterns, caves, and remnants of its former glory, offering a glimpse into its historical significance. The best time to visit is during the monsoon (June to September), when the region is lush, though the paths can be slippery. Winter (November to February) is also a pleasant time to trek.

Rajgad

Rajgad is located near Kondhanpur Phata on the Pune-Satara road, about a 2-hour drive from Pune. The trek to the top takes around 2.5 hours via the Pali Darvaja route, which is the shortest and easiest. For a more adventurous experience, you can take the Chor Darvaja route. Paid parking is available, and there are plenty of food options near the parking area. Rajgad is popular for night treks, and it’s recommended to start trekking at night from the parking lot. Bring your own tents, as you can set them up at the temple once you reach the summit in a couple of hours and sleep there. After resting, it’s best to start your descent early in the morning around 5 am when the weather is cooler. You can finish your trek with a hot breakfast at the eateries near the parking. Note that there are no washrooms available on the fort.

Which Forts are NOT pet friendly?

Sinhgad Fort

It’s best to avoid visiting Sinhgad Fort on Saturdays and Sundays during the monsoon due to heavy crowds and traffic. The fort, once known for its historical significance and bravery of Shivaji Maharaj’s army, has lost some of its charm, as many visitors treat it as just another picnic spot without respecting its heritage. Thousands of people visit on weekends, and the toilets are in very poor condition. The 9 km ghat road leading to the fort often gets jammed with traffic. Additionally, pets are strictly prohibited, with signages at the base of the fort clearly stating this rule.

Purandar Fort

Purandar Fort is maintained by the Indian Army, and you are required to park your vehicle outside the gate before entering. All members must carry original photo ID proof, as it is checked at the entrance. You’ll receive an entry slip, which must be kept safely during the visit and returned at the exit. Cameras are not allowed, and you’ll need to deposit mobile phones and cameras before starting the trek. Pets are not permitted at the fort. Although the Army staff is strict about enforcing the rules, these regulations are not clearly displayed anywhere.