Chavand Fort

Chavand Fort, also known as Prasannagad, is a historic hill fortress located in the Junnar taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. Situated in the Sahyadri range at an elevation of approximately 3,400 feet, it features structural remnants over 800 years old. The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1672 and renamed Prasannagad. It is part of the 'Famous Five' trekking circuit and contains ruins including the Mahadarwaja gate, Chamunda Devi temple, and rock-cut water tanks.

Visitors can expect a moderate trek of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the summit via about 300 steps. The fort plateau spans roughly 85 acres and contains historical ruins, rock-cut caves, seven water tanks carved from single stone, and the Chamunda Devi temple. The site offers panoramic views of neighboring forts such as Shivneri, Jivdhan, and Hadsar, as well as the Kukadi river and Manikdoh dam. Trails can be slippery during monsoon, and the final ascent involves exposed scrambling.

Originally acquired by Ahmad Nizam Shah after the dissolution of the Bahmani Kingdom, the fort passed through Nizamshahi, Mughal, and Adilshahi control before being captured by Maratha forces around May 1672 and renamed Prasannagad. The British captured and destroyed the fort on May 1-2, 1818, using artillery and mines to destroy the climbing steps. Structural remains date back over 800 years.

The fort houses the Chamunda Devi temple which remains a site of religious significance. It is an integral part of the local trekking culture in the Junnar region and features in regional folklore regarding hidden treasures and Maratha signal fires.