Shivneri: Birthplace of a king
The Shivneri Safarnama is a 5.8 km round trip across 6 stops, from Junnar up to Shivaji Maharaj birthplace and back, part of the Sahyadri Forts Trail. See the whole trail.
Junnar
Junnar lies about 90 km north of Pune, and Shivneri rises just outside it, two to three kilometres from the town. The fort above it was first held by the Yadava dynasty to guard a trading route, and in 1595 it was granted to Maloji Bhosale, Shivaji Maharaj's grandfather.
Shivneri gateway
The path to the top winds through a series of seven gates. A steeper way in, the chain gate route, is for experienced trekkers only.
Shivai Devi temple
This small shrine is dedicated to the goddess Shivai. Shivaji Maharaj was named after her, which is why the fort and the name are tied together in so many stories.
Badami Talav
Badami Talav is the central water pond on the plateau, with statues of Rajmata Jijabai and the young Shivaji beside it. Twin springs nearby, known as Ganga and Yamuna, gave the fort water through the year, which is what let a hilltop hold out for so long.
Shivaji Maharaj birthplace
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born here on 19 February 1630. In July 2025 Shivneri was inscribed as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of twelve forts.
Back at Junnar
The way down retraces the gates back to Junnar. The fort's strength was never only its height; it was the long, watched approach you have just walked twice.