Pratapgad Fort

Pratapgad Fort is one of the most famous and historically important forts in Maharashtra. It is located in the Satara district, about 20 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude of around 1,080 meters above sea level. The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 to guard the Koyna and Nira river valleys and to strengthen his control over the surrounding regions.

Pratapgad is best known for the historic Battle of Pratapgad, fought in 1659 between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur Sultanate. In this battle, Shivaji Maharaj achieved a decisive victory, which marked a turning point in the establishment of the Maratha Empire.

The fort is divided into two parts — the upper fort and the lower fort. The upper fort houses the Bhawani Mata Temple, which was built by Shivaji Maharaj, while the lower fort has strong defensive walls and bastions overlooking the valleys. A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the tomb (samadhi) of Afzal Khan are also major attractions at the site.

Surrounded by lush green hills and scenic beauty, Pratapgad offers breathtaking views of the Konkan region. It is a popular tourist destination near Mahabaleshwar, attracting history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The best time to visit is between October and February when the weather is pleasant. The fort can be reached easily by road from Mahabaleshwar or Satara, while the nearest railway station is Satara and the nearest airport is Pune.