The Purandar Fort is located in Saswad, about 20 miles southeast of Pune. Once one of the strongest forts in the Deccan, it later became a sanatorium for European troops. It actually comprises two fortresses, Purandar and Wazirgarh, which command a passage through the hills, the former the stronger and more important of the two.

The earliest fortifications date from 1350. For a while the site was held by Chatrapati Shivaji`s grandfather. During Shivaji`s time it was the capital of the Maratha Empire for a long period of time. In 1665 it was taken over by rulers of the Mughal dynasty under the command of the famous Rajput general Raja Jai Singh, and in 1670 it was seized by Shivaji. In 1776, a treaty was signed here between the Peshwa and the British East India Company, represented by Colonel Upton, who marched across central India and back for the purpose. In later years it became the chosen retreat of the Peshwas in times of emergency. On 16 March 1818 the British under General Pritzler captured both forts, after which they fell into a state of decay, but the ruins are still impressive.

Both hills are crowned by ruins studded with impressive bastions. On a level terrace 1,000 ft above the plain lies the old cantonment area within the fortifications. A winding path leads to the upper fort, perched on a basalt cliff, the approach to which is commanded by loopholed masonry walls. The walls run for over 26 miles, relieved by three gateways and six bastions.

On the approach, a sharp left turn is commanded by the Delhi Gate, flanked by two robust towers. This door faces north. There is a temple of Goddess Lakshmi seen where the door turns near the Darwaja. From the bifurcation here, a leftward route leads to the end of the citadel. It also leads to a couple of water cisterns. A rightward route from the bifurcation leads to another Darwaja, which has two lions flanking either side of it.

The path passes two more gateways before it reaches a bomb-proof building. Proceeding forth from the Delhi Darwaja, there can be seen a huge rock extending eastwards. This is the called the Khandakada since it lies near a bastion.

The return path passes two bastions called Fateh Burj and Konkani Burj. Adjacent to the latter is a bombproof chamber from which criminals, rolled in blankets, with their heads and feet uncovered were hurled over the precipice as a punishment. To the northwest does a triple bastion resemble an elephant`s head, called Hatti Burj.

The Bini Darwaja is still in good condition. As one enters through this door, there are provisions for the guards to hide and attack the enemy. These are called Gatehouses (Paharekaryandiya Devdya). After passing through the Bini Darwaja on the right is the statue of Murarbaji Deshpande. The statue is seen depicting a fighting stance. Murarjibai was the keeper of the fort who died while trying to protect it from an attack. It was established in 1970.

On the summit of the hill is the Purandareshwar mandir. Instrumental in leading this construction was Bajirao.This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadev. It has been built in `Hemadic` style of architecture. Found in the temple is an almost 1.5 feet statue of lord Indra.

The Rameshwar temple is located towards the rear end of the Purandeshwar temple. It was built by Balaji Vishwanath during the early stages of the Peshwa dynasty. The temple was privately owned by the Peshwas. Lying ahead are the remains of an ancient two-storied building called Wada. Behind this is a well which is in a good condition even today. Also located at the top is the Kedareshwar temple. It is a reconstructed temple of Lord Kedareshwar. In front of the temple is seen standing the `Deepasthamba.`It is a stone pillar that has been erected there with the purpose of lighting lamps. This temple is still visited by thousand of devotees during Mahashivratri. At the rear end of the temple is a fortified place called Koknya.

The Purandar Fort has figured a number of times in the struggles and victories of Shivaji.He was only fifteen when he won this fort and it continued to play a prominent role in shaping the history of the Marathas. Purandar Fort now has a National Cadet Corps Academy.