Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Machnur Fort is located around 37 KM away from Pandharpur. One has to travel on the Bijapur Umadi Pandharpur Road to reach Mangalwedha. From Mangalwedha one has to travel on the Sangola - Mangalwedha - Solapur Road to reach Machnur Fort.

Machnur Fort and Siddheshwar Temple are located in the village of Machnur.

Fortification of Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Machnur Fort is tagged on google maps, so just follow the directions and you won't get lost. There are no signboards, but you can rely on the locals for help.

Fortification of Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

We decided to visit the fort first.The moment we parked the car near the fort entrance it started drizzling. But it stopped soon there after.

Main Entrance to Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

The fort walls were very short in height. There was a small door like structure to enter it. The fort walls were made of stone. The fort was square in shape it had fortification on three sides. There was no fortification on the side facing River Bhima. There is a  sheer drop there. So be careful. Due to the drought situation in Maharashtra, the riverbed was dry.  

Structure within Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

There is nothing much to see in the fort premises, except for a mosque like structure near River Bhima. There is a unknown tomb near the mosque like structure. The Siddheshwar Temple can be seen from the fort premises.  

Fortification of Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

The fort can be viewed by walking on the fort walls. Since they are small in height, one can easily climb them. It took us around 30 minutes to see the entire fort. There is plenty of wild vegetation in the fort premises along with ant farms. So beware for the red ants. You might just be invading their homes.

River Bhima riverbed from Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

This fort was built by Aurangzeb in around 1615 AD to protect himself from his enemies.

Siddheshwar Temple from Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Ant hills at Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

We then walked to the Siddheshwar temple located near the Machnur Fort.

Please do click on the highlighted words above to read about those explorations.