Photo: Nandini Jaybhaye, Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. A view from Shivneri Fort.
Quick answer: Shivneri Fort is near Junnar in Pune district, about 2 to 3 km from the town, and it is the fort where Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1630. From Mumbai it is about 155 km by road according to one guide, so from Navi Mumbai plan a full day. You can drive part of the way up, and the rest is a climb through a series of gates. Check the gate timings and any charges when you arrive, because guides give different figures.
Visitor details for Shivneri come from travel guides that do not always agree. This site does not run the fort. Ask at the gate for the current hours and charges.
Where it is
Shivneri is near Junnar in Pune district, about 2 to 3 km from Junnar town (Wikipedia). Junnar is about 90 km from Pune. Shivaji Maharaj was born at the fort on 19 February 1630 and spent his early childhood there. The fort is one of the components of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025 (UNESCO).
Getting there from Navi Mumbai
One guide gives about 155 km from Mumbai and lists two main routes (Maharashtra Planet). One runs via Malshej Ghat. The other uses the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exits at Talegaon, and continues through Chakan, Rajgurunagar, Manchar and Narayangaon to Junnar. Run both on a map app for your travel date, because the ghat road is slower in the monsoon and on weekends. Our Mahabaleshwar guide covers the expressway section.
- By bus: MSRTC buses run to Junnar from Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Nashik, according to the same guide. It does not give timings, so ask at the bus station.
- By train: there is no railway station at Junnar. The guide names Talegaon Dabhade and Pune as the nearest, with buses or a hired cab for the rest.
- From Junnar town: the guide says it is about a half hour on foot to the bottom of the fort, and that you can drive part of the way up in your own or a hired vehicle.
The climb
The main way up passes through seven gates (Wikipedia). Guides give different numbers for the steps, and different times for the climb, so treat any figure as a rough guide. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and start early on a weekend. Parking arrangements at the base are not described consistently, so ask at the gate.
What to see
- The birthplace area, a small temple to the goddess Shivai Devi, and statues of Rajmata Jijabai and the young Shivaji.
- Badami Talav, the pond at the centre of the fort, and two springs called Ganga and Yamuna.
- The seven gates of the approach, including a gate where you pull yourself up by chains.
- The Lenyadri rock-cut caves, about 2 km away, which are also one of the Ashtavinayak temples (Wikipedia).
Planning the day
- It is a long day from Navi Mumbai, so leave early and check the route for your date.
- Combine it with the Junnar area rather than rushing back, or break the trip with an overnight stay.
- For another fort trip, see our Pratapgad Fort guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shivneri Fort?
Near Junnar in Pune district, about 2 to 3 km from the town.
Who was born at Shivneri Fort?
Shivaji Maharaj was born at the fort on 19 February 1630.
How far is Shivneri Fort from Mumbai?
About 155 km by road according to Maharashtra Planet, by way of Malshej Ghat or the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Can I drive up to Shivneri Fort?
Guides say you can drive part of the way up, and the rest is a climb on foot through the gates.
What are the timings of Shivneri Fort?
Guides give different timings, so ask at the gate for the current hours and any charges.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Distances, routes, bus and rail | Maharashtra Planet |
| Birth date, gates, features, caves | Wikipedia, Shivneri |
| UNESCO listing | UNESCO World Heritage Centre |
| Fort page | Maharashtra Tourism |
| Photo | Nandini Jaybhaye, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Checked 12 November 2026. This page will be updated when current timings and charges are published.
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