A Day Trip to Pratapgad Fort

 

A journey through History, Culture and Natural Beauty

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00pm. (daily) 

Gradient: Easy to Moderate (400-450 steps from base to the fort) 

Entry fee: Nil

Time Required:  2 to 4 hours

Guides: Local guides are available.

Best Time to Visit: All Year | July - September to experience the monsoon magic

On my recent trip to Mahabaleshwar, I visited the historic Pratapgad Fort,  located in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is about 24 kms west of Mahabaleshwar and ideal day trip from Mahabaleshwar.  

 

This historic hill fort is famous for the battle between the Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur's general Afzal Khan. The fort is at an elevation of 3,454 feet, built to protect the Par Pass, offers stunning views of Raigarh Fort and the Konkan coast. Key structures include the Mahadev Temple and Bhavani Temple, the Afzal Tower, built after Shivaji's victory.

Key Highlights of the Fort

● Entrance of Bale Killa

● Watch Towers on the fort

● Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

● Bastions on the fort

● Scenic views of Sahyadri Mountains surrounding the fort

● Bhavani Temple

● Afzal Khans Tomb

Historical Significance

Pratapgad fort was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, under the supervision of Moropant Trimbak Pingle, the first peshwa or chief minister of Shivaji Maharaj (the Maratha Empire),  to defend the banks of river Nira and Koyna, along with Par Pass. 

 Beside its strategic importance the fort has witnessed many battles- the memorable battle of Pratapgad was fought between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal khan in 1659. Pratapgad fort was active in regional politics till 1818 and thereafter the Maratha forces surrendered the Pratapgad fort to  East India Company. Presently the fort is owned by Udayan Rajebhosale, the 13th descendant of Shivaji Maharaj.

Timeline of Control Over Pratapgad Fort

●	Maratha Empire: Controlled the fort from 1656 to 1818.
●	East India Company: Held control from 1818.
●	India: In control since 1947.

Architectural Features

Pratapgad Fort is split into two sections: the upper fort and the lower fort.

●	Upper Fort: Located at the hill's summit with a square layout and 590-square-foot walls; offers views of Raigad Fort and the Konkan coast. The Mahadev Temple is the main structure in the upper fort, perched near a cliff with an 800-foot drop.
●	Lower Fort: Rectangular in shape, measuring about 1,050 by 360 square feet; has defensive towers and bastions rising 40 feet high. There is a  Bhavani Temple in the lower fort, dedicated to Goddess Bhavani.
●	After Shivaji's victory over Afzal Khan in the Battle of Pratapgad, the Afzal Tower was built outside the fort as a lookout; it is believed Afzal Khan’s head is buried beneath it.
●	The southern side of the fort is naturally protected by rocky terrain, while the eastern side is heavily fortified.

Camping /Stay 

For camping at Pratapgad Fort, I would recommend  bringing your own tent as there is no natural shelter available. You can camp at Mahadev temple on the fort, but it can be crowded, especially during weekends. Make sure to carry enough food and water for overnight stay, the locals will assist you if needed.

If camping is not your preference, you can easily find accommodation at Mahabaleshwar, there are plenty of resorts and hotels available for comfortable lodging.

How to reach Pratapgad Fort 

By Air : the nearest airport is in Pune, about 120 kms away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mahabaleshwar and then proceed to Pratapgad Fort.

By Train: Satara is the closest railway station, approximately 60 kms, taxis and buses are available from here to the fort.

By Road: The fort is well connected by road. You can drive from Mumbai (about 215 kms) or Pune (around 120 kms) to Mahabaleshwar and then continue to Pratapgad Fort. Buses and taxis are readily available from Mahabaleshwar 

Travel Tips for Pratapgad Fort

● Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to hike approx. 400-450 steps. ● Carry water bottles to keep you hydrated. ● Hire an experienced guide to learn the historic details of the fort. ● The guide will charge around ₹ 300 - ₹400 per family. ● Local eateries are available. ● Visit the Cultural Library to witness the heritage of the fort.

Final Thoughts

My visit to Pratapgad Fort was not just a journey through beautiful landscapes, but also a walk through a significant chapter in Indian history. The fort’s impressive architecture, combined with its stunning natural surroundings, makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, trekkers, and nature lovers. Pratapgad Fort offers an unforgettable experience that connects you with India's glorious past.