The ancient stones of Maharashtra’s hill forts have long stood as silent sentinels of India’s valiant past. Today, they roar with new relevance as the Maratha Military Landscapes have officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, earning global recognition for their cultural and historical significance.
Applauding the milestone, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) hailed the recognition as a landmark achievement for India, Maharashtra, and the tourism sector.
“This is a proud moment for the nation,” said Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson for HRAWI. “The inclusion of the Maratha Military Landscapes affirms the global significance of our architectural and cultural legacy. It’s a win not just for history, but for the future of tourism and hospitality in the region.”
The UNESCO listing comes at a time when Maharashtra is already doubling down on tourism development through its Tourism Policy 2024, which includes dedicated incentives for infrastructure projects, heritage conservation, and regional entrepreneurship.
According to HRAWI, the new recognition is expected to bring a surge in domestic and international travel, placing the spotlight on forts like Raigad, Shivneri, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad, among others that were instrumental in Maratha military strategy and architecture.“We expect this will catalyze heritage tourism in a way we haven’t seen before,” Shetty added. “The ripple effects will be far-reaching—from generating employment and boosting local economies to attracting investments in hospitality and travel services.”
Preservation with Purpose
HRAWI also called for a coordinated approach to managing the new tourism wave that the UNESCO tag is likely to generate.
“Preservation must walk hand-in-hand with promotion,” Shetty emphasized. “We’re eager to work with the Union and State governments, as well as local tourism bodies, to develop responsible tourism frameworks that not only showcase these forts but protect them for future generations.”
The association has proposed measures like training heritage guides, improving last-mile connectivity, supporting local artisans and food entrepreneurs, and integrating these sites into curated travel circuits with appropriate facilities.
A Broader Tourism Vision for Maharashtra
The announcement comes on the heels of several recent developments that indicate Maharashtra’s intent to reposition itself as a cultural tourism hub. From the Ajanta and Ellora caves to wine trails in Nashik and wellness tourism in Pune, the state is actively expanding its tourism offerings beyond urban centers.
The inclusion of the Maratha forts in UNESCO’s prestigious list aligns perfectly with this broader vision, offering a chance to revive forgotten landscapes and lesser-explored districts through heritage-led growth.
