Pratapgad

Pratapgad is counted amongst the jweal forts in Sahyadri. In Marathi 'Pratap' means bravery, valor and 'gad' means fort, so 'Pratapgad' means 'The fort of valor'. This is one of the beautiful forts built by Raja Shivaji. 

• History:  The fort was built by Raja Shivaji on the hill formely known as 'Bhorpyacha dongar'  (the hill of Bhorapya) in 1656. Moropant Pingle was appointed by Shivaji Maharaj to look after the construction of the fort. Moropant built many buildings on the fort such as royal court (राजसदर), Redka buruj (रेडका बुरुज), Yashawant buruj (यशवंत बुरुज), Kedareshwar Temple (केदारेश्वर मंदिर), Balekilla (बालेकिल्ला) and other buildings such as houses. Assacination of  Afzalkhan is the most important event that took place here in 1659. The event has casted such impression that it became an identity of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj belived that godessa Bhavani helped him to defeat Afzalkhan, so after that Shivaji Maharaj constructed Bhavani Temple (भवानी मंदिर) on the fort. The stone was brought from river Gandaki (in Nepal) to create the idol of the godessa Bhavani. Later before coronation Shivaji Maharaj had dedicated the Chhatrachamara (छ्त्रचामर ) of gold to the godessa Bhavani on 19th may 1674. The victory against Afzalkhan gave Shivaji Maharaj an important position in the contemporary politics. 
• Views from Pratapgad:

            In east: Mahabaleshwar, Radtondicha ghat, Aambenali ghat, Jawali

            In west: Poladpur ghat, Konkan.

            In south:  Makarandgad, Chandragad, Kangorigad, Koyana valley, dense forest of Par.

            In north: Raigad.

•   How to go?

 From Mumbai:

Mumbai---> Panvel --> Mahad --> Poladpur ghat --> Kumbhroshi wada --> Pratapgad

From Pune:

Pune --> Shirwal --> Wai --> Mahabaleshwar --> Kumbhroshi wada -->Pratapgad

From  Kolhapur:

Kolhapur--> Satara --> Medha --> Mahabaleshwar -->Kumbhroshi wada --> Pratapgad

• When to visit?

One should give high priority to visit in summer or winter and should avoid visiting during rainy season. 

• Here are some pics of Pratapgad you may find useful:

This is royal court of Shivaji Maharaj. This is the place where Khandoji Khopade was punished by Shhivaji Maharaj for his treachery. Khandoji had helped Afzalkhan against Shivaji Maharaj. Khandoji's left leg and right hand were cut as he was sentensed by Shivaji Maharaj. The royal court (राजसदर) is shown in above photograph.

The content  meaning "The valor and deeds of this King Shivaji is so great that he can only be compared with Alexander the great --Portuguese Governer, Goa" has been inscribed on the stage of the statue of Shivaji Maharaj on Pratapgad. The statue is shown in the above photograph.  

Pratapgad is one of the attractive forts in Sahyadri. One should visit it at least once.

Raigad the King's fort

Raigad is one of the most safe and most tough forts. It is known since 11th century. It is known by about 11 names, some of these are: Raigad, Rairi, Tanas, Rashiwata, Nandadeep etc.

Raigad is situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The area was known as Jawali, in 16th century which was very dense forest and was

under kingdom of Adilshaha. Chandrarao More was subordinate of Adilshaha who used to rule the region. At that time the fort was known by the name Rairy. In 1656 King Shivaji seized this fort from Chandrarao More in a battle and later renamed to Raigad.

Coronation (Rajyabhishekh) of Shivaji Maharaj was one of the most important event in the history of India which took place on Raigad. Henry Oxenden was present at the function in behalf of British East India Company. Other incidents include escape of Chhatrapati Rajaram (son of Shivaji Maharaj) to Jinji on March 25, 1689.

there are many place of historical reference are here some of these are tomb (samadhi) of Shivaji Maharaj, market, palace, royal court of Shivaji Maharaj, a temple of god Shiva

(Jagdishwar Mandir). There are some reservoirs these are Hathi Talab, Gangasagar Talab, Kushavart Talab etc. Other are Hirkani buruj, Khub lada buruj, Chitta Darawaja, towers in the palace. Takmak tok and Bhawani tok are among the attractions of the fort.

Most of the constructions on the fort were destructed by a division of British artillery in 19th century. So the fort contains only remains of the glorious history.

• Geographical Place:

Raigad is situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is about 23km from Mahad, which is on Mumbai- goa highway. Pachad village is situated at the base of Raigad. The altitude of the fort is about 820m (2700 ft) above sea level.

• How to go?:

Pachad is the base station for Raigad. In order to go to Pachad you have to reach Mahad. Here are some of the routes you may feel useful.

1. From Pune: Pune---->Bhor---->Varandha Ghat---->Mahad---->Pachad---->Raigad
2. From Mumbai: Mumbai---->Mahad ---->Pachad---->Raigad
3. From Kolhapur: Kolhapur ---->Karad ---->Chiplun ---->Poladpur ---->Mahad ---->Pachad---->Raigad

• When to visit? : The fort can be visited in any season of the year, but the most suitable time is after rainy season. It is most appropriate to visit from October to June, but people visit the fort throughout the year.

Time being Raigad is developing as a most holy historical place. The facility of roap-way is also available there. Please visit the fort atleast once. Here are some pics of the fort.

Tomb (Samadhi) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Entrance of Palace

Jagdishwar Mandir

Main Entrance of Raigad

Mahadarwaja(Main Entrance) from Takmak tok

Palace on Rajgad

Rajsadar (Royal court) on Raigad

Remains of buildings on Raigad

Takmak tok

The Takmak tok is the most exciting place on the Raigad
Place of coronation of Shivaji Maharaj