Places To Visit in Velhe

Velhe has two of Maharashtra's most significant forts and a landscape that remains almost entirely unspoilt.

Rajgad Fort

The crown jewel of Velhe. For 26 years this was the capital of Shivaji's Maratha Empire before the capital moved to Raigad. The fort at 1395 metres has three distinct sub-plateaus (mahals), ancient palaces, deep rock-cut cisterns and the famous Sanjivani Maachi with views across to Torna Fort. The scale of the fort — you can walk for hours on it — is staggering. Base village: Pali, 15 km from Velhe.

Torna Fort (Prachandagad)

At 1403 metres, Torna is the highest of the Pune district forts. Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1643 when he was 16 years old — the first fort of the Maratha Empire. The trek from Velhe village is 3 hours. The summit has an ancient Mengai Devi temple and views of Rajgad, Sinhagad and on clear days, the Konkan coast. Base village: Velhe, the tehsil headquarters.

Bhatghar Dam (Yedgaon)

A large reservoir about 25 km from Velhe. The dam overlooks a wide valley and is a pleasant drive destination. Boating available seasonally.

Velhe Village

The main village of the tehsil is a traditional Maharashtrian hillside settlement with a weekly market (on Sundays). Fresh produce, local spices and handicrafts — a genuine rural market experience.

Shingapur Village

An unusual village near Velhe where no house has doors — an ancient tradition rooted in faith in the local deity Shani. Worth a short detour.

Stay in Velhe — the perfect base for Rajgad and Torna fort treks.