Updated On: 19 July, 2025 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona Fernandez
With UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Maratha Military Landscape in Maharashtra, Fiona Fernandez reaches out to experts from conservation, architecture, public awareness and history to suggest action plans to safeguard these forts’ invaluable heritage, and catapult it to the global tourist map

Pratapgad, built in 1656 on the orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is situated at an altitude of 1080 metres. Pics Courtesy/Shivaji Desai, Wikimedia Commons
Shivneri Fort
In a significant move to safeguard and enhance the newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) of Shivneri Fort, a comprehensive action plan has been submitted, outlining immediate conservation priorities. The inclusion of Shivneri as part of the Maratha Military Landscape has brought with it a renewed focus on preserving its historical integrity and ensuring a world-class experience for visitors.
At the forefront of the proposed initiatives is the urgent establishment of an Interpretation Centre at Amberkhana. This dedicated facility is envisioned as a vital hub for visitors to delve deeper into the fort’s rich history and its pivotal role in the Maratha Empire. A complete signage programme will complement this and will be implemented across key attributes and pathways, to greatly enhance visitor navigation and historical appreciation.