Pratapgad Fort ( प्रतापगड किल्ला )

Pratapgad Fort ( प्रतापगड किल्ला ) Information

Name of the Fort : pratapgad fort

Type : Hill Fort

Height : 1,080 metres (3,540 ft) 

Built by : Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Materias : Stone, Lead

Open for Public : yes

Pratapgad Fort ( Maharashtra ) is a mountain fort built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As per the records in the history, Pratapgad fort was built in the year 1657. Pratapgad is situated at 8 kilometres, west of Mahabaleshwar, in Jawali taluka of North Satara district. The fort is built on the mound named Deparya, between Par and Kineshwar towns. The fort holds a sturdy view of coastal Konkan. The Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's tomb and many other places of interest.

Pratapgad consists of two forts - an upper fort built on the top of the hill and a lower fort immediately below on the south and the east. Surrounding areas can be easily taken guard from the fort on almost all the sides. The southern side is rocky while the eastern side has a strong outwork ending in the Afzal Buruj.

History of pratapgad Fort:

A large castle placed in the Satara district of Maharashtra, the Pratapgad Fort is a very important site as the legendary Battle of Pratapgad was fought here. Now a popular vacationer destination, the Pratapgad Fort is placed 08 km from Mahabaleshwar at 1,080 meters above sea level. Built at such a location, the fort oversees the roads connecting the villages of Par and Kinesvar.

In the year 1657 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj became too powerful to be tolerated, for the rulers of Vijapur. His strength was on rise. He used to conquer new provinces of Vijapur kingdom from time to time. The below incident is recorded in the history in great details. To restrain Shivaji Maharaj, Afzalkhan was deputed, but Shivaji Maharaj tactfully assassinated him.  The tomb of Afzalkhan still exists there. It is built at levelled ground on the third stage of down slope amid trees. Pratapgad fort is very famous place for beauty of nature in and around it.

Pratapgad Fort is divided into 2 parts namely the lower fort and upper fort. The upper fort was constructed upon the crest of a hill and is approximately 180 m long on each of its sides having numerous permanent edifices. There is a shrine of Lord Mahadev, positioned towards the northwest portion of the fort, bordered by cliffs of height above 250 m. On the other hand, the lower fort is sited at the southeast end of the fort, being defended by tall towers and strongholds which are 10-12 metre high.

Important places to see on the fort:

1) Tehalni Buruj (Watch-Tower)

2) Temple of Lord Hanuman

3) Statue of Shivaji Maharaj

4) Mahadarwaja

5) Temple of Bhavani Mata

6)  Rahat Lake

7) Tomb of Afzalkhan

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Pratapgad Fort and Mahabaleshwar itself is from October to June. A trip to Pratapgad Fort can be planned any time of the year but during monsoons, the beauty of the region is Very Beautiful.

Nearest Destinations Pratapgad Fort

• Panchgani Hill Station
• Mahabaleshwar
• Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
• Vasota Fort
• Ajinkyatara Fort
• Sajjangad Fort

How to reach Pratapgad Fort:

Distance from Mumbai: 208 kms.

• Via Air

The nearest domestic airport is Pune from there you can go any private transport  or public transport.

• Via Rail

Nearest railway station is Vir Dasgaon.

• Via Road

Pratapgad is usually visited as a day trip from Mahabaleshwar, 22 km away by road. Otherwise one can also take a State Transport bus from Panvel to Poladpur at night & then stay at Poladpur ST stand for the first ST to Wada (base village). When you reach Wada village you can take a car to the base of the fort.

I hope You enjoyed reading this article..