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Built in 1710 by Maratha General Pillaji Jadhavrao—Maharashtra’s only restored 300-year-old stone fortress hotel where courtly Maratha traditions, battlements, royal tented camps, and deep heritage define Gadh hospitality.
Perched amidst the rolling Sahyadri foothills of Saswad near Pune, Fort JadhavGADH stands as a monumental tribute to the martial glory of the Maratha Empire. Commissioned in 1710 by Pillaji Jadhavrao—a distinguished general in the Maratha army under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj—the fortress was engineered as a strategic military stronghold to guard the southern approaches to Pune.
Meticulously restored over several years into a luxury heritage resort, the fort spans 25 acres of rugged stone architecture. Massive bastions (burjs), narrow arrow slits, hidden escape passages, and the imposing main entrance gate (Maha Darwaja) remain preserved in their authentic stone form. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with traditional Maratha fanfare—the booming sound of the tutari horn, dhol-tasha drums, and a royal saffron welcome.
Accommodations comprise 58 heritage rooms, royal suites, and luxury tents spread across different quarters of the fort—including the Maharaja & Maharani Suites, Museum Hillside Rooms, Chhajja Suites, and luxury Royal Tented Canopy Cottages. Rooms showcase stone walls, exposed timber beams, hand-carved wooden furniture, and vintage brass artifacts, blending 18th-century military aesthetics with modern comfort.
Gastronomy at Fort JadhavGADH celebrates authentic Maharashtrian culinary traditions alongside global favorites. Payatha, the poolside restaurant beneath the fort ramparts, serves traditional Pethi and Maratha thalis alongside fresh local grills, while Chhajja offers open-air dining on the fort balcony overlooking the valley. The property also features an in-house museum (Aai Museum), housing thousands of rare historical artifacts, vintage utensils, and Maratha weapons.
Days at the fort offer an immersive journey into royal Maratha living. Guests can swim in the open-air pool set beside ancient stone ramparts, indulge in herbal therapies at Angan Spa, try traditional archery and rifle shooting, or take guided heritage walks through the fort’s dungeons, secret tunnels, and stepwells. It remains Maharashtra’s premier living Maratha fortress experience.
Fort JadhavGADH is a triumphant piece of living Maratha history—a hotel that feels like stepping into the 18th-century courtly world of Maratha generals. We recommend it specifically to heritage enthusiasts, history lovers, and families seeking an authentic 300-year-old stone fort experience complete with traditional royal hospitality, museum treasures, and Sahyadri hill tranquility just an hour from Pune.
Because selecting between Maharaja Suites, Museum Hillside Rooms, and Royal Tented Cottages involves matching your preferences for heritage layout, arranging private airport or city transfers from Pune or Mumbai, and customizing fortress heritage tours, every detail is managed personally by our curators. Connect with our team to arrange your stay.
Many of our guests combine multiple destinations into one seamless journey. Whether you’re planning a West circuit or travelling further across India, we’ll personally design an itinerary that brings together exceptional stays, private transfers and memorable experiences—tailored entirely around you.
