The short answer
Korigad Fort: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you have a car and want a gentle fort. The final climb is easy and the ramparts can be walked all the way around. Public transport from Lonavala is limited, so plan to hire a vehicle.
History and context
The story behind Korigad Fort
Shivaji brought Korigad into his kingdom in 1657. On 14 March 1818 the British took it after Colonel Prother's forces set off the ammunition stored inside.
The Aamby Valley township now lies over the fort's southern and eastern foothills.
Useful facts
Korigad Fort facts at a glance
- Location
- Peth Shahpur, near Aamby Valley, Pune district
- Elevation
- About 923 m, over 200 m above the valleys
- Experience type
- Plateau fort with a walkable rampart
- Known for
- Intact walls, Koraidevi temple and Laxmi Toph cannon
- Distance
- About 18 km south of Lonavala
- Time or schedule
- Open to visit through the year; confirm access locally
Why it matters
Why Korigad Fort is worth your time
Korigad is one of the better-preserved forts in the Lonavala region, with its walls and main gate largely intact and a rampart you can walk end to end. Rising more than 200 metres above the surrounding valleys, it is a plateau fort rather than a peak, so it suits a broader range of walkers than Tikona or Tung.
It is also a fort of the Maratha era with a clear end date: the British took it on 14 March 1818 when stored ammunition exploded during their attack. The temple and cannons still in place make that history tangible.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The perimeter walk
The roughly 2 km rampart can be walked in full, with views on every side.
- 02
Koraidevi temple
The patron goddess temple stands with smaller Vishnu and Shiva shrines.
- 03
Laxmi Toph
The largest of six surviving cannons, a reminder of the fort's 1818 fall.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan on a hired car or your own vehicle; transport from Lonavala is limited. The route goes along the Aamby Valley road to Peth Shahpur village, then follows an earthen track to the foot of the fort. The remaining climb is easy.
On top, walk the perimeter rampart, about 2 km, which is the best way to appreciate the fort's intact walls. The main gate survives, and there is a temple to the patron goddess Koraidevi, with smaller shrines to Vishnu and Shiva. The fort has six cannons; the largest is called the Laxmi Toph.
The plateau is open, so bring a hat and water, and avoid the middle of the day in summer. Views across the Aamby Valley lakes and the Sahyadri ridges are wide in clear weather. The fort can be visited in any season, but a wet-weather visit needs care on the earthen road.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Hire a vehicle; local transport is limited
- Check access near Aamby Valley before you set out
- Carry water and sun protection for the open plateau
- Wear shoes with grip, especially on the earthen road in the rain
- Walk the ramparts in the early morning or late afternoon
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Peth Shahpur village, about 18 km south of Lonavala near Aamby Valley
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours including the walk round the ramparts
- Best time
- Any time of year; October to February is clearest, and the monsoon is greenest but slippery
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The climb after the earthen road is described as easy, and the top is a plateau you can walk across. There are steps at the gate and little shade. A steady walker can manage it with rests; seats are limited.
- Tickets and access
- No official ticket arrangements are published. The approach lies near the private Aamby Valley estate, so confirm access and road conditions locally before you set out.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Korigad Fort
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The climb after the earthen road is described as easy, and the top is a plateau you can walk across. There are steps at the gate and little shade. A steady walker can manage it with rests; seats are limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Korigad an easy climb?
Compared with other forts around Lonavala, yes. After the earthen road the climb is described as easy, and the top is a plateau.
How do I get there without a car?
Transport from Lonavala is limited, so a hired car or taxi is the practical choice.
What is on the fort?
A temple to Koraidevi, smaller Vishnu and Shiva shrines, intact walls, the main gate and six cannons.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
