Pratapgarh Fort

Located near the town of Mahabaleshwar in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Pratapgarh Fort is a must visit site when in Maharashtra. It was built by Maratha king Shivaji in the 17th century and served as a strategic fortification to protect the region from enemy attacks.The fort is situated at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It has several entrances, each of which is guarded by gates and bastions.The fort was constructed in 1656 and just after three years, it played a pivotal role in the Battle of Pratapgarh, a turning point for the fledging Maratha. Translating to ‘Valor Fort’, the Pratapgarh fort was erected to protect the banks of the Nira and Koyna Rivers and the strategic Par Pass. Pratapgad Fort has great historical significance as it was the site of the Battle of Pratapgad in 1659, fought between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, a general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Shivaji Maharaj and marked a significant turning point in the history of the Maratha Empire. The fort is renowned for its impressive architecture and strategic location, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It has two main gateways, a large open space for public gatherings, and several buildings, including a temple dedicated to the god Mahadev. The fort also features a statue of Shivaji Maharaj mounted on a horse, which is a major tourist attraction.Today, Pratapgad Fort is a popular tourist destination and a pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts and devotees of Shivaji Maharaj. Visitors can explore the fort's rich history, marvel at its architectural features, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.

Timings – 10am to 6pm All days

Entry Fee – No fee

The history of Pratapgarh Fort can be traced back to the 17th century when it was built by the Maratha king Shivaji. The fort was constructed to protect the surrounding regions from enemy attacks, particularly from the Mughals.The fort was strategically located on a hilltop, which made it difficult for enemies to attack. It was also surrounded by dense forests, which provided natural protection. After Shivaji's death, the fort was taken over by his son Sambhaji, who made several modifications to the fortifications. However, in 1689, the fort was captured by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who ordered the destruction of several parts of the fort, including the Bhavani Temple.After the fall of the Mughal Empire, the fort was captured by the British in 1818, and it remained under their control until India gained independence in 1947. Today, the Pratapgarh Fort is a popular tourist destination and is managed by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. The fort has been restored and renovated, and it serves as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Maratha Empire.

Pratapgarh Fort is a magnificent example of Maratha architecture, and it is considered one of the best-preserved forts in Maharashtra. The fort has a rectangular layout, with a length of 1800 feet and a width of 800 feet. The fort is situated at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is built using local stone and has massive walls that are about 10-12 feet thick. The walls are adorned with battlements and parapets, and they have several bastions and watchtowers, which were used to keep a lookout for enemy troops. The fort has four main entrances, which are protected by gateways and bastions. One of the most striking features of Pratapgarh Fort is the Mahadev Temple, which is located near the main entrance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a beautiful stone-carved Nandi bull in front of it. The temple has intricate carvings and sculptures, and it is a must-visit for visitors.The fort also has several other buildings, including a palace, a granary, a water tank, and several barracks. The palace is located at the highest point of the fort and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The granary is a massive structure with several storage chambers, which were used to store grains and food supplies. The water tank is an impressive structure with a capacity of about 300,000 gallons and was used to store water for the fort's occupants. To conclude, the architecture of Pratapgarh Fort is a testament to the Maratha dynasty's engineering and architectural skills. The fort's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and it is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• Visit the Bhawani Temple to seek blessings from the holy deity. It is believed that Shivaji Maharaj was blessed with a sword here at this site, and since then it has been attracting a lot of visitors.
• Visit the Cultural Library to know more about the heritage of the fort. Right from the ideation of the fort to the modifications it has had over the years, the library has everything.
• Visit the handicraft center on your way to the fort to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
• Gorge on to delicious local food in restaurants and cafes available around the fort. If you are craving some homemade food, then the motorable road will lead you to Wada village near the fort where you can enjoy homemade food prepared by the villagers.

The best time to visit Pratapgarh Fort is during the winter season, between the months of November and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this time, the temperatures range between 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the fort and the surrounding areas. The monsoon season, from June to September, is also a good time to visit Pratapgarh Fort, as the region receives heavy rainfall, which adds to the natural beauty of the place. However, visitors should keep in mind that the roads leading to the fort can be slippery and difficult to navigate during this time.

• Mahabaleshwar: Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station located just 20km away from Pratapgarh Fort. It is known for its scenic beauty, strawberry farms, and several viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Panchgani: Panchgani is another popular hill station located about 17km from Pratapgarh Fort. It is known for its picturesque valleys, serene lakes, and colonial-era architecture.
• Tapola: Tapola is a small village located about 18km from Pratapgarh Fort. It is known for its scenic beauty and is often referred to as the 'Mini Kashmir' of Maharashtra.
• Kaas Plateau: The Kaas Plateau is a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 19km from Pratapgarh Fort. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and is home to several rare and endemic plant species.
• Lingmala Waterfall: The Lingmala Waterfall is located about 14km from Pratapgarh Fort. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its picturesque setting and the cool mist that surrounds the waterfall.

• Brightland Resort and Spa: This is a luxury resort located in the heart of Mahabaleshwar, just 15km from Pratapgarh Fort. The resort offers comfortable rooms and suites, a spa, a restaurant, and several recreational activities.
• Evershine Resort: This is another luxury resort located in Mahabaleshwar, just 18km from Pratapgarh Fort. The resort offers spacious rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and several recreational activities.
• Regenta MPG Club by Royal Orchid Hotels: This is a 4-star hotel located in Mahabaleshwar, just 17km from Pratapgarh Fort. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and several recreational activities.
• Hotel Saket Plaza: This is a budget hotel located in Mahabaleshwar, just 17km from Pratapgarh Fort. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and several recreational activities.
• Valley View Resort: This is a budget resort located in Mahabaleshwar, just 18km from Pratapgarh Fort. The resort offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and several recreational activities.

• By Air: The nearest airport to Pratapgarh Fort is the Pune International Airport, which is about 120 km away. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pratapgarh Fort.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to Pratapgarh Fort is Satara Railway Station, which is about 30 km away. From the railway station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pratapgarh Fort.
• By Road: Pratapgarh Fort is well connected by road to nearby cities and towns. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Pune, Mumbai, Satara, or Mahabaleshwar to reach Pratapgarh Fort. The fort is located about 22 km from Mahabaleshwar and about 25 km from Satara.