Friday, January 9, 2015

FORTS IN INDIA : PRATAPGADH

          Pratapgadh Fort is a mountain fort built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort is at a distance of 24 km from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. The fort holds a sturdy view of coastal Konkan. The Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's tomb are other places of interest.
        Pratapgadh 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.
        The famous minister More Tirmal Pingale on the command of Shivaji Maharaj to control the rebellious satraps of the surrounding Javali Basin built Pratapgad Fort in 1656. It is believed that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhavani here.
        The historic battle between Chatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate fought here. Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's Tomb are major attractions where are situated near the fort.
How to reach Pratapgad ?
      Pratapgad is usually visited as a day-trip from Mahabaleshwar, a popular tourist destination located 25 kilometres away.    One can take ST from Panvel to Poladpur at night & then stay at Poladpur ST stand for the first ST to WADA (Base village). Its around 7am. When you reach at Wada village you can hire a 4 wheeler to the base of the Fort. But there is an alternate fantastic trekking road surrounded by greenery, for that you have to ask villagers first.(it's a bit hidden). But if you go by the main road then you can see an arrow on the road showing the exact path and then you can see old rock stairs. From this route you can go walking in around 30 minutes to the top of the fort. (total time 1.1/2hrs - this does not sound right - can someone confirm the right details?). This was the old route of mawlas in ancient times. The main road was built by government when a bronze statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was placed in the fort.
                                                                          MAP OF PRATAPGAD




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