Jaigad Fort RatnaGiri

Jaigad Fort  is located at the tip of a peninsula in Ratnagiri District. it is situated a bay formed where the Shastri river enters the Arabian Sea.

A jetty port, and a lighthouse is located nearby. Although in ruins, most of the fort's outer wall and ramparts still stand. It is a protected monument.

The fort was first developed by Bijapur Sultanate in the 14th Century. The legend goes about this construction that they were not getting the work successfully completed. One Jayba Mahar offered his own life for the human sacrifice which was suggested as a solution to the problem. 

In his memory the fort was named as Jaigad. Bijapur Sultanate could not retain their power in the area however and it was lost to Naik of Sangameshwar just a few years after its completion. The Naiks successfully protected it against attacks from Bijapur Sultanate and Portuguese. 

Subsequently it came into the dominion of Shivaji and his descendant Kingdom of Shahu. Peshavas handed this fort to Angre but somewhere in the timeline afterwards it again came back to Peshavas and then was lost to British in 1818.


Jaigad, surrounded over an area of nearly 4 Acres,stands very close to the shore,not more than 200 feet above the sea level. 

The fort consists of two buildings are still used by district officers but these require repairs now. To the west of the fort, on the sea slope of the cliff, protected from the sea by extensive outworks, stands the temple of Karteshvar or Shiv, still in good condition. There is also a reservoir of very pure water.

How TO GO:- The Fort is situated 14 KM Away from Ganapati Pule.


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Near By Places to Visit:- Marleshwar | Derwan |Parshuram |Ganapati Pule

Raigad Fort - In Raigad

Raigad is a hill fortress situated in the near Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The Maratha king Shivaji made the fort his capital in 1674.

Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji's kingdom. 

It was here that Chhatrapati Shivaji built his capital city in the 17th century, and here that he crowned himself Chhatrapati. For six years upto his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas with its broad gates and magnificent monuments. 

There was only one pathway leading to the top, and prizes were offered to those who scaled the fort through unconventional methods. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur.

You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha king at his Samadhi.




The fort, which rises 820 metres (2,700 ft) above sea level, is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. There are approximately 1737 steps leading to the fort, though today an areal tram exists to reach the top of the fort.

Ganga Sagar Lake at Fort

Shivaji Statue at
 Raigad

Rajgarh enjoys a unique position among the hill forts of Maharashtra.  It possesses all the salient features of fort architecture which are peculiar to the Deccan region.  The fort is at a height of approx.  1300 metres from sea-level and comprises three terraces (machis) and a citadel (Balekilla).  There are four gates called Gunjavane, Pali, Alu and Kaleshwari or Dindi gate.  The first two gates lead to the Padmavati machi, the third to the Sanjivani and the last to the Suvela machi.  Rajgarh looks like a winged bird flying in the sky – the Padmavati and the Sanjivani machis forming its two wings and the Balekilla and the Suvela machi its main body.

All the four of the fort have remains of buildings which included residential quarters, sadar or state offices, bazaar or business quarter, granary, armoury, temples, etc.  the fort had ample supply of water through tanks, cisterns and wells.  The water-supply being better on the Padmavati machi, it was major centre of activity on the fort.

Rajgarh, formerly known as Murumdeo, was earlier held by the Nizamshahi and Adilshahi rulers.  By 1648 AD, it was under the firm control of Shivaji, who gave it the new name Rajgarh, the king’s fort.   Shivaji’s construction activities here continued till 1670 AD.  For nearly twenty five years Rajgarh was the pre-coronation capital of Shivaji.  Out of Shivaji’s short life of fifty years (18,306 days) his stay of 2827 days at Rajgarh was the longest.  The fort witnessed a number of major political events of the Maratha period.








Location:- The fort is exact 26 km from Mahad city.

How To Go:-



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SuvarnaDurg Fort-(Sea Fort) In RatnaGiri

The fort was probably built by the Bijapur kings in the 17th century.  Captured and strengthened by Shivaji, it became a stronghold of Maratha navy and remained with the Peshwas till 1818 AD.  It was one of the main naval bases of the Angres.

Gova, Kanakadurg and Fatehgarh forts on the mainland are separated from Suvarnadurg by a narrow channel.  The small Gova fort was stronger than the other two.  It has two gates, one towards the land and another towards the sea.  On the wall of the sea-gate there are carved figures of a tiger, eagle and elephants. 

 The old buildings inside the fort are in ruins. Kanakadurg has the sea on three sides.  Nothing remains of the fort, except two broken bastions.  

There is a light at its higher point.  Fatehgarh is in complete ruin.  Most probably, these three small forts were built by Kanhoji Angre (1667-1729AD) to protect Suvarnadurg from the land route.

Location:-SuvarnaDurg Fort(Sea Fort) - 16KM Away from Dapoli Place in Ratnagiri Maharashtra.

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Near By Places:-Beautiful Resort to Enjoy SAGARSAWALI Resort which 30 Minutes Away from Dapoli.

VijayDurg Fort(Sea Fort)

Vijayadurg is an ancient site.  Initially known as Gheria, it was enlarged by the Bijapur rulers and then strengthened and enlarged in the mid-17th century by Shivaji, to whom it owes its triple line of fortifications, towers and also its new name, Vijayadurg – Victory Fort.  During the time of Kanhoji Angre (1667-1729 AD), the naval chief of the Marathas, the fort was so strong and firmly held that it successfully withstood assaults of the European maritime powers.  Later in 1756 AD it fell to the combined operations of the English and the Peshwas.  However, it remained in the hands of the Peshwas till 1818 AD when finally it was surrendered to the English.

Earlier, the fort encompassed an area of 5 acres (1 acre = 4840 square yards or 4047 square metres) and was surrounded by sea on all four sides. Over the years the eastern trench was reclaimed and a road constructed thereon. Presently the area of fort is about 17 acres and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Shivaji extended the area of the fort by constructing three walls on the eastern side, each 36 metres high. He also constructed 20 bastions.

According to legend, this is one of only two Maratha forts where Shivaji personally hoisted the saffron flag. The other fort is "Torana".

Vijaydurg Fort was called the "Eastern Gibraltar", as it was virtually impregnable. Its locational advantages include the 40 km long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek. Large vessels cannot enter the shallow water of this creek. Also, Maratha warships could be anchored in this creek and yet remain invisible from the sea. It is a protected monument. 

Location:-VijayDurg Fort(Sea Fort)—29KM Away from Devgad Taluka Place in Sidhudurg Maharashtra.






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Murud-Janjira Fort(Sea Fort)

Murud-Janjira  is the local name for a fort situated on an island just off the coastal village of Murud, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It was occupied by the Siddis and is famous for being the only fort along India's Western coast that remained undefeated despite Dutch, Maratha and English East India Company attacks.

Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast near the port town of Murud, 165 km  south of Mumbai. Janjira is considered one of the strongest marine forts in India. The fort is approached by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty. The main gate of the fort faces Rajapuri on the shore and can be seen only when one is quite close to it. It has a small postern gate towards the open sea for escape.

The fort has 19 rounded bastions, still intact. There are many cannons of native and European make rusting on the bastions. Now in ruins, the fort in its heyday was a full-fledged living fort with all the necessary facilities, e.g., palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, two big fresh water tank, etc. On the outer wall flanking the main gate, there is a sculpture depicting a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws. There are prominent "ASHOK-CHAKRAS" on all major gates of the fort Janjira. There are images of playing elephants, lions etc

The sculpture on the main gate

Small Water Pond in Janjira Fort

Originally the fort was a small wooden structure built by a Koli chief in the late 15th century. It was captured by Pir Khan, a general of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar. Later, the fort was strengthened by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian-origin Siddi regent of Ahmednagar kings. From then onward, Siddis became independent, owing allegiance to Adilshah and the Mughals as dictated by the times. 

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Location:-Janjira Fort is situated 165 KM Away from Mumbai and WE can reach  there Via Panvel.

How to Go: -

Nearest Airport is Mumbai, 165 km.

 Nearest railway station is Panvel, 122 km.

Mumbai - Murud via Revdanda, 165 km. Pune - Murud via Mahad, 230 km. Alibag - Murud, 52 km.

Where To Stay:- Local Hotels are available which are at affordable Cost.

Near By Places:- One can visit Jaljira sea fort first and then Murud(Beach) which is approx 10 km from Jaljira. Also, Alibaug sea fort & Beach is approx 50 km from Murud on Murud-Janjira Fort(Sea Fort).

Pratapgad Fort - In Satara

Pratapgad, a very strong hill fort built by Shivaji in 1656-58 AD, is 24kms west of Mahabaleshwar and about 145kms south of Pune.  Before Shivaji, the hill, known as Bhorapya, was a flat-topped highround rock at the head of the densely forested Koyana basin. 

The construction of the fort was entrusted to Moropant Pingale, who later became Shivaji’s Peshwa, and Hiroji Indulkar, the architect.  A special feature of the fort is its double line of fortification and walls on all sides, their heights varying according to the nature of the ground. 

The upper fort is built across the northern and western crest of the hill measuring about 180sq.metres.  The lower fort is built on the southern and the eastern terrace with walls and strong bastions at corners on projecting spurs.  Apart from other monuments, there is on the eastern portion of the lower fort the temple of Bhavani, the family deity of the Bhosales, built by Shivaji.  Today a motorable road takes the traveler quite close to the fort.

The most important event connected with Pratapgad is the Shivaji-Afzal Khan episode.  It was the base of this fort that Shivaji, on 10the November 1659, scored a historic victory against the mighty Afzal Khan, commander of the Bijapur Adilshahi forces.  The episode, in which Afzal Khan was overpowered and killed by Shivaji, is well known.  In short, it can be said that in a very critical situation Shivaji showed the presence of mind and Afzal Khan paid the price for his rash overconfidence.  Now there exists a grave at the place where Afzal Khan was killed.  To commemorate the tricentennary of that historic event, and equestrian statue of Shivaji was installed at the top of the Pratapgad fort in 1959 AD.

Places of Interest:-
 
Afzalkhan's Tomb - The place is at the base of pratapgad, but these days its sealed & one cant go to this place but it is clearly visible from Zendyacha buruj (Flag Bastion). Zendyacha Buruj - This is flag hosting bastion on the fort very beautiful bastion came out from main body of Pratapgad. When Shivaji killed Afza in the shamiyana, the cannon was fired from this bastion indicating the troops hidden in the forest should attack Afzal Khan's forces.

Entrance Gate: The entrance get is very beautiful & in good condition still. One should observe the intelligent architecture of gate & the bastion opposite the gate protecting it.

Temple of Goddess Bhavani: This temple was originally built by Shivaji maharaj & he establishedbeautiful image of godess in the temple. One can also see sword of Hambirrao mohite in the temple.

Monument of Shivaji Maharaj constructed on the top of the fort.

The fort is currently owned by Uday Raje Bhosale, the heir of the Satara princely state.

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Location:-

Pratapgad fort is located 15 kilometres from Poladpur and 22 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station in the area. This fort stands 1,080 metres above sea level.
While traveling along NH17 i.e Mumbai -Goa high way, one has to take diversion from Poladpur & take the way which goes to hill station mahabaleshwar. The fort is very close to this road, on a small diversion. If you are visiting Mahabaleshwar you can descend down on Poladpur road & go to Pratapgad fort. Vehicles reach almost till the main entrace & you dont need to climb a lot to see the fort.

AJINKYATARA FORT - In Satara

The Ajinkyatara fort is the very famous landmark in satara. The satara city is situated around this fort. This fort can be seen any where from the city. Ajinkyatara was constructed by Bhojraj second. Satara was declared as the capital of Marathas 1698.

This fort is full of historical heritage. The Adilshaha, Shivaji Maharaj and Aurangjeb ruled this fort. Finally in 1844 this fort came under control of Chhatrapati Pratapsinh Maharaj.

The fort is located at Ajinkyatara Mountain, which is 3,300 feet high. As the fort is in the higher altitude, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire Satara city. There are number of water tanks inside the fort for storing water. So, there is no scarcity of water even as the fort is in the higher place .

In 1708, Shahu Maharaj won Ajinkyatara, remained with the Marathas till 1818. The Ajinkyatara fort is a major historic place of Maharashtra, and was very vital as one could keep watch of the entire South Maharashtra.

Location:- Fort is Situated 3 KM Away From Satara City.

How To Go:-

Near By Railway Station is Satara station is well connected by the Indian railway network. The railway station is 10kms from the Satara city .






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Where To Stay:- Satara has a wide range of hotels from Rs.700-Rs 2000 per night with flexible check in and check out times. All hotels are mainly located around the ST Stand.

Near By Places:Yavteshwar Temple|Sajjangad In Satara|kaas-plateau

Sajjangad In Satara

Sajjangad is a popular place for pilgrims and followers of Ramdas Swami(Born in 1606), the spiritual guru of Shivaji Maharaj. 

Ramdas Swami lived his entire life on this plateau fort. The maintenance of the fort and shrine of Sant Ramdas is taken care of by Shri Ramdas Swami Sansthan, a trust which has existed since the time of Shri Ramdas Swami.

The daily routine on the fort is fixed and strictly followed. It includes morning prayers, Abhishek and Puja, Maha Naivedya, Bhajans and reading of the manuscript Dasbodh written by Sant Ramdas. This is certainly a holy place and no bad behavior is allowed here. The main doors of the fort are closed on sunset to sunrise and hence you cannot enter the fort or even exit from the fort during this time.

The fort functions from sunrise to sunset, after which the main gates are closed for visitors.

His teachings and works written in books such as Dasbodh  are read and followed by many people even today in the state of Maharashtra and Sajjangad is a popular place of pilgrimage.

Ramdas Swami

Samahdi of Samarth Ramdas 

Location:- The fort is exact 18 km from Satara city.

How To Go:-

 
Near By Railway Station is Satara station is well connected by the Indian railway network. The railway station is 10kms from the Satara city .



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Where To Stay:- Satara has a wide range of hotels from Rs700-Rs 2000 per night with flexible check in and check out times. All hotels are mainly located around the ST Stand.

Hotels:-  

1.HOTELRAJTARA:New Radhika Road,Near Main S T Terminal,Satara - 415002
           

   

+91-(02162) 232116,233489,236846

 

2.NIVANTHILLRESORT :38/3/1, Sambarwadi (Yevteshwar),Satara - Kas Road, Satara.

+91-2162 282678, 282679/Cell: 9922999226, 9890087874



Near By Places:-Yawateshwar Temple|AjinkyaTara Fort|kaas-plateau