Rohida Fort

Rohida Fort, also known as Vichitragad, is a historic hill fort located near Bajarwadi in the Bhor taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. Built during the Yadava period and later fortified by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it played a strategic role in Maratha history. The fort features three entrance gates, six bastions, rock-cut water cisterns, and temples. It offers panoramic views of surrounding Sahyadri peaks and remains an important heritage site restored by local committees.

Visitors can expect a moderate trek from Bajarwadi village taking about one hour to reach the first gate. The fort contains three main entrance gates, six well-preserved bastions, ancient rock-cut water cisterns, and a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. From the bastions, clear views of nearby forts like Raireshwar, Kenjalgad, Rajgad, and Torna are visible on good days. Strong winds are common, especially during monsoon when upward-flowing waterfalls can be observed near the ridge.

Built during the Yadava period, Rohida Fort was repaired by Mohammed Adil Shah of Bijapur in May 1656 according to an inscription on the third gate. It was among 23 forts surrendered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the Mughals under the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, then recaptured by Shivaji on June 24, 1670. The Jedhe and Khopade families held fiefdoms around the fort during Nizamshahi and Adilshahi periods. In the early 1700s, control passed to the Pant Sachivs of Bhor State, who renamed it Vichitragad, and it remained part of Bhor State until Indian independence in 1947.

The fort is maintained by the Shree Shivdurga Samvardhan committee with support from the forest department and local villagers, reflecting community-led heritage conservation. Workers dressed as 'mavle' (Shivaji Maharaj's soldiers) guard the first gate, creating cultural immersion. Visitors can volunteer to help clean the fort, continuing traditions of community stewardship.