Maharashtra has 350+ forts — more than any other Indian state. The list takes the 6 that survived: Raigad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, Lohagad, Shivneri, Vijaydurg. Each played a documented role in Shivaji's military strategy.
Pair sea forts (Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg) with hill forts (Raigad, Pratapgad). The trek to most hill forts takes 1-2 hours up; do them in October-February. Monsoon turns the trails dangerous; summer brings sun-stroke risk on exposed ramparts.
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