Pratapgad fort, also known as Valour Fort, is located in Maharashtra’s Satara district. Adventure, history, and wildlife enthusiasts will find it to be one of the most enjoyable destinations for a day trip.
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj constructed this mountain fort on a spur to watch over the route between the villages of Kinesvar and Par. The fort is located 23 kilometres west of Mahabaleshwar, another well-known hill station, and 15 kilometres west of Poladpur. At 1080 metres above sea level, it is situated. It is also well-known for the Battle of Pratapgarh, which took place beneath the ramparts of the fort between Shivaji and Afzal Khan.
The lower fort and the top fort are the two sections of the fort. Situated on the hill’s peak, the upper fort is a roughly square-shaped fort. One of the permanent structures is a temple dedicated to the deity Mahadev. The steep cliffs that descend to a height of 250 metres around the fort. This section of the fort is situated towards the northwest.
The southeast-facing lower fort is around 110 metres in width and 320 metres in length. Additionally, turrets and bastions that are between ten and twelve metres high encircle and guard it. In honour of Afzal Khan, whose skull is rumoured to be buried under the tower, there is also a tower called Afzal Tower. Its purpose is to defend the route leading up to the fort.
History of Pratapgad Fort
Moropant Trimbak Pingle, Shivaji’s prime minister, was tasked with building the fort, which was meant to protect the banks of the Koyna and Nira rivers. This is also the site of the renowned Battle of Pratpgarh. In 1957, following many assaults and devastations, a 17-foot-tall bronze monument of Shivaji was installed. PWD built a road in the same year to improve traffic and communication. Within the fort, a guest house and a national park were constructed in 1960. Uday Raje Bhosale, the heir apparent of the erstwhile princely State of Satara, currently owns this fort.
How to reach
The fort is situated 25 km away from Mahabaleshwar, and buses are available to go there. It’s easy to get to the fort thanks to a government-built road.
Timings of Pratapgad Fort
Every day of the week, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the fort is open.
Winter is the ideal time of year to visit this fort. This historical place is open for visits on holidays as well. It is marketed by Maharashtra Tourism and is under the purview of the Maharashtra Tour Department.
Entry fee
There is no cost to access the fort.
Activities to do in and around
For those who enjoy living in the middle of nature, this location is ideal for touring. The following attractions make it a well-known tourist destination:
- Lake Rahat
- Temple of Bhavani
- bastions
- Bale Killa
- Shivaji Maharaj Statue
- the fort’s observation towers
- The beautiful mountains of Sahyadri
- Afzal Buruj
- Afzal Khan Tomb
It is ideal for hiking and camping as well.
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