Korigad, Hill fort in Pune district, India

Korigad is a hill fort about 18 km south of Lonavala in Pune district, Maharashtra, rising to 923 m above sea level. Its rampart of rough, dark stone follows the slope and remains intact for roughly 2 km, with a rounded archway set into the masonry. Inside are the Koraidevi temple, smaller Vishnu and Shiva shrines, two lakes and six cannons.

The Maratha Empire gained control in 1657, using the location to monitor troops and trade routes between the western coastal ports and the Deccan plateau. British forces captured it in 1818 after a three-day siege, ending its role as an active military installation in the region.

The fort takes its name from Koraidevi, its patron goddess, whose temple stands on the summit and was recently renovated. Her image is described as 1.5 m tall, four-armed and holding weapons. A 3-foot-high Deepmala, a tower of lamps, stands by the temple, and smaller shrines honour Vishnu and Shiva.

Korigad is hard to reach without a car, as few transport options run from Lonavala; the route follows the Aamby Valley road to Peth Shahpur, about 1 km north of the fort, where parking is available near the bus stop. From there a 5-foot-wide earthen road leads to the fort's steps, and the climb is easy. The fort can be visited at any time of year, including at night; camping sites exist on top, and the Korai Devi temple can shelter 25 persons.

The fort's wall survives intact around its whole perimeter, roughly 2 km, so visitors can walk the full circuit along the ramparts. The massive gate also stands complete, and six cannons remain on the summit, the largest of them, the Laxmi Toph, placed beside the Korai Devi temple.