The fort is situated on the banks of river Nira.
This fort was restored by architects Dinkarrao Thopte and Avinash Thopte under the guidance of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare.
During the restoration, many statues of the Mawalas, and other things dating to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era were erected at this place referred to as ‘Shivashrushti’. Hence this fort is also named as ‘Shivashrushti’ Fort.

I was completely unaware of this beautiful place, Akluj fort until recently I got a chance to visit the fort.
Akluj fort, located at a distance of 115kms. from Solapur, is an important fort in Akluj, Solapur district of Maharashtra.

Outside the fort are the life-sized fiber statues of Mawalas being seated on the horse and elephant which seem to guard the fort entrance.
Mawla is a term used for soldiers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Past these statues is a huge entrance above which are seated statues of musicians to welcome the visitors.

Once you have entered the fort, you will find life-sized statues of Mawalas and murals depicting important events based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The first 3 murals on the left side depict the events at the time of the birth of the Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Past which is a scene or sight erected showing Jijau, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and, ladies surrounding the baby in the cradle depicting the naming ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
If you stroll further you will find many informative murals based on the important events in the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Another scene which comes to life is of one of the important events – The ‘Rajyabhishek’ or coronation ceremony.
Apart from the statues and murals, there are also fountains and gardens present in the fort.
All the statues have been carved beautifully and expressively to look like real life people.

Surrounding the fort stands a strong ‘Tatbandi’ or defensive wall which also has statues of Mawalas from various communities who seem to safeguard the fort by keeping an eye on the enemies.
View of the river Nira from the ‘Tatbandi’ is mesmerising.
What catches everyone’s eye is the ‘Buruj’ or tower at the centre of the fort which has an equestrian statue of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

This fort also has a museum having prototypes of the various forts of Maharashtra namely Raigad, Rajgad, Vijayadurga, Sindhudurga, Pratapgad, Devagiri.

The spectacular view of the fort, life-sized statues, murals, sights gives you a feeling as if you have time travelled to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Majaraj era considering yourself to be one of the people from the same era.

My visit to this place was so mesmerizing that hours after exiting the fort my mind had place only for the memories of the fort.

Apart from this fort, Akluj has many tourist attractions nearby the fort which include:

• Aklaidevi temple
• Sayaji Raje water park
• Shiva Parvati Temple

Points to note:
Entry fee for the fort is Rs.20.
The fort is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm.

How to reach:
Roadways to Akluj – Akluj is at a distance of 166Kms. from Pune on Pune-Solapur highway.
Pandharpur is at a distance of 45Kms. from Akluj.

Railways to Akluj – Kurduwadi station is at a distance of 50kms. and Pandharpur station is at a distance of 45kms.