Jivdhan Fort lies in Junnar region of Pune. A fort with a pinnacle named Vanarlingi is an ancient fort which was used to keep an eye on Naneghat Pass which was used extensively for trade and commerce. Naneghat is a wide plateau on which the Jivdhan mountains stand tall appx 1100m asl. Naneghat can be accessed by road from Malshej as well as Junnar town and also can be trekked via Vaishakhare village from Konkan side.
Jivdhan fort was of strategic importance as it provided vantage points to view enemies and monitor trade routes to Junnar.
Jivdhan Fort is can be reached by two routes:
1) Kalyan Darwaja (Starts from Naneghat Pass)
2) Junnar Darwaja (From Ghatghar village nearby)
Both routes are equal and easy to climb, however Kalyan Darwaja will be a bit adventurous for small kids and elders. Kalyan Darwaja route however has large bastion and Gomukhi style entrance. The climb to the fort is small at about 400m appx if reaching by vehicle till Naneghat. If climbing of Naneghat is included from Konkan it is a full 1100m tiring climb. Jivdhan fort can be completed in one day even including climb of Naneghat. However one can make it a two day trek in order to casually enjoy the trek.
Jivdhan fort was looted an destroyed by British forces. However the fort was plundered and ruined. But the steps accessing the fort was not destroyed much like the other forts which made it inaccessible. The stairs to the fort are less damaged and can be used safely to climb the fort.
Kalyan Darwaja
Kalyan Darwaja (Door) is a more exciting route as one can see the Naneghat Nanacha Angtha on backdrop while climbing. This route can be a little tough for small kids and elders. However the steps are not blown off and safe to ascent. The route to Kalyan Darwaja is shown in the map at the bottom of the page.
Stairs to Kalyan Darwaja, Jivdhan Fort
Bastion of Kalyan Darwaja, Jivdhan Fort
Kalyan Darwaja Gomukhi Style Entrance (Sun, Kalash and Moon carved on door)
Stairs to Kalyan Darwaja, Jivdhan Fort
Water Tanks
There are many water tanks on Jivdhan Fort which also have steps down the tanks. Some tanks are also filled with ashes and oil which were used by British forces to burn down the fort. The ashes also lie in Dhan Kothi here.
Dhan Kothar
Dhan Kothar is a grainhouse used to store grains during the time when kingdoms flourished. Dhan Kothar is built underground. It is quite a big space with 5 large rooms inculding the entrance hallway. The rooms are filled with some ashes which was left over when British forces ignited it. Dhan Kothar has only one entrance and some sort of carved structure is destroyed on top of this rock room.
Entrance of Dhan Kothar with beautifully carved pillars.
Dark rooms inside Dhan Kothar
Jivai Temple Ruins
Jivai Temple is in ruins where one can see broken pillars. The fort is believed to be named after Jivai goddess.
Vanarlingi Pinnacle
Vanarlingi is a high grade 4 pinnacle just near the main mountain. This pinnacle is famous for rockclimbing events organised by various professional groups. Also valley ziplining is also carried on this. This pinnacle was first climbed during 1980's era.
Jivdhan Bastions
There are many bastions as well as walls intact and scattered over Jivdhan Fort. The line of defence of this fort was immense as seen by the wall constructions.
Junnar Darwaja
Junnar Darwaja can be reached by Ghatghar village which is nearby Naneghat. One can also stay or camp near or in the village. The route is easy and ladders are placed at the spots where stairs are destroyed. Junnar darwaja entrance is broken and is smaller than Kalyan darwaja entrance.
Jivdhan Fort Trek Map Route
