The state tourism department has plans to connect the forts in four circuits in order to promote fort tourism.

The government has also chalked out a plan, worth nearly Rs100 crore, which comprises improving the basic facilities at nearly 20 forts in the western and Konkan regions.

The Konkan and western regions of the state have numerous forts with sizable tourist footfalls.

To attract more tourists from within and outside the state, circuits have been formed covering an area of 100km to 120km.

The Maharashtra tourism development department (MTDC) has appointed a consultant to suggest the facilities needed at the forts for the convenience of the tourists.

The facilities will include a base camp to serve as a nodal access point, apart from other provisions such as parking lots, food joints, toilets and information centres. The state has also planned interpretation centres with audio-visual presentations.

The consultant is expected to submit the plan for improvement in the next few weeks, after which the proposal will be sent to the central government for aid.

The state government has released Rs10 crore to start the pilot project at the first circuit, which includes Sinhagad, Shivneri, Lohgad, Rajgad in Pune and Harishchandragad in Ahmednagar.

“Circuits within a 120-km distance will facilitate connectivity and basic amenities for the tourists,” said Avinash Dhakane, joint managing director, MTDC.

The second circuit will connect Panhala, Vishalgad and Vijaydurg, while the third will link Lonavala to Rajmachi and Sinhagad to Shivneri. The fourth circuit plans connecting Harishchandragad to Shivneri and Naneghat to Malshejghat.

Dhakane said though the MTDC plans to develop the infrastructure, it will be the the responsibility of private tour operators to bridge the gap between tourists and the destinations as per a report in DNA by Surendra Gangan.