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Jadhavgadh Fort is the world’s first museum heritage hotel & resort and offers an unparalleled experience. Built in 1710 by “Pilaji Jadhavrao”, a valiant Maratha general, the Jadhav Gadh fortress lies in the heart of the 25 acre Jadhav Wadi.
An imposing and impressive structure, the Fort Jadhavgadh Pune is now a unique luxury hotel and it stands, quite literally, in two worlds: the traditional and the modern.
Jadhavgadh is situated in the beautiful rolling hills of Saswad located 22 kms away from Pune on the old Pune – Satara Road at a height of 2511 ft above sea level. Fort Jadhavgadh was made in the year 1710 as a place of residence as well as a safe haven when being attacked by enemies. Although not as magnanimous as other Maratha era Forts like Sinhagad, Jadhavgadh had quite a few architectural similarities and a fine example of Maratha craftsmanship. Built on a quaint hill top all that was visible of the fort, and still is, were the gigantic walls of brown black stones.
The steps going up the main entrance were huge stone blocks making it easier for the animals like horses and elephants going up the fort. But the step way itself was curved. A sharp left turn after the initial climb and then again a steep climb with a left turn after entering through the main spiked doorway. This was essentially done to make the task of a probable enemy and his troops all the more cumbersome if they had to force entry through the main door, inadvertently giving precious time for those inside for last minute preparations.
Inside the fort was divided into the outer walled area and an inner structure where the women folk resided. This area was also utilized for rain water harvesting, dexterously taking benefit of the ample showers the region received and saving water for future use. A number of dungeons were also made in the fort, the main purpose of these being to store grains and as was inevitable during those tumulus times, to keep prisoners of war. Till date, four of these enigmatic dungeons have been traced and are being restored. It is believed that one of the dungeons may be a secret pathway that Pilaji Jadhavrao and his men used in times of crisis.
Fort Jadhavgadh is a hotel property with modern amenities catering to International Standards of a leisure hotel, without hurting its heritage status,which truly reflects the spirit of the local province, its people and its customs. Value-for-money luxury, after considering the secluded location and concept of a museum fort hotel, it is extremely neat and clean with the natives of the province making perfectly courteous hosts. Two restaurants, one serving authentic Maharashtrian cuisine and the other, a round the clock eatery, serving continental and Italian food (not quite great ) are the options in-house, whereas several dhabas (street side eateries serving variety of Indian cuisines) are in close proximity which do not belong to the hotel.
The hotel also has a temple (which is a part of the ancient fort) consisting the idol of Lord Ganesha. It has premium rooms (the preferred mid-category to stay) with a choice of mountain views or rain shower equipped bath-spaces attached individually to each of such rooms.
To conclude, Jadhavgadh Fort is a good family outing for the local people whereas a great, one of its kind cultural stay for foreigners seeking an exceptional life-time experience!