Laling Fort

Maharashtra , India

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Laling Fort is an ancient hill fort located about 9.65 km south of Dhule city in Maharashtra, built during the reign of the first Faruqi king in the late 14th century. It served as a chief fort in the Khandesh region and played an important role in regional defense and control, with its strategic position along the Surat-Burhanpur trade route.

The fort was besieged in 1437 by the Bahmani Sultanate but was successfully defended until reinforcements arrived. It later saw military use during the Mughal campaigns and was occupied by the British East India Company after the Marathas. Architecturally, the fort showcases medieval stone masonry with notable structures like Hemadpanthi temples, rock-cut water cisterns, carved caves, and ruins of palatial buildings, reflecting a blend of Islamic and Hindu styles.

Presently, the fort remains in a dilapidated state but offers scenic trekking and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.​