Maharashtra is fortified by over 350 forts. Every brick of these forts boast of the glorious history of the great Maratha rulers. Most of the forts are associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who glorified the Maratha Empire and is believed to have developed almost 13 forts. The forts are now serving as great tourist spots.Forts in Sindhudurg District
Sindhudurg Fort and Vijaydurg Fort are the two prominent forts of Sindhudurg district, which are also popular tourist spots:
VijaydurgFort: Located in Devgarh taluka of Sindhudurg district, this is one of the oldest, which was built by Raja Bhoj II of Shilahar dynasty in the 13th century. The fort, also known as the "Gibraltar of the East" since it was impregnable is surrounded by the Arabian Sea from three sides. It was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji from Adil Shah in 1653. He renamed it as Vijaydurg.
Sindhudurg Fort: It is one of the most excellent sea forts of Maharashtra, which is located on the shore of Malvan taluka in the Konkan region. The fortress was constructed by Shivaji. Surrounded by rocks, the fort provided natural protection from enemy ships and gave the Maratha naval ships a secured base in the western sea.
Forts in Raigad DistrictSome of the popular fortsof Raigad district are Avchitgad Fort, BirwadiFort, Ghosale Gad Fort, KarnalaFort, Khanderi Fort, Kolaba Fort, Korlai Fort, Kothaligad Fort, Lingana Fort, Fort Mangad, Mrugagad Fort, Padargad Fort, Padmadurg Fort, Prabalgad Fort, Revdanda Fort, Sagargad Fort, Sarasgad Fort, Sarjekot Fort, Sudhagad Fort, Surgad Fort, Talagad Fort, Tungi Fort, Underi Fort, Vikatgad Fort etc. Some other forts in this district are:
Raigad Fort: This is located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Mahad taluka. This hill fort is elevated up to 820 meters above sea level. It was initially under the control of Chandrarao More of Jawali and captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he defeated ‘More’ in a fierce battle in 1656 CE, following which he renamed it Raigad and made it his capital.
Dronagiri Fort: This hill fort is a best place for trekking as it is situated close to Uran and Karanja. This fort was strategically important in the bygone era. The entire fort area is encompassed by dense forests.
Murud-Janjira Fort: This fort built in 15th century is mostly popular for its architectural grandeur. The fort gives an astounding view of its surrounding because it is located on the Arabian Sea coast. This fort was built for strategic purposes and it has secret spaces to escape and hide.
Forts in Ratnagiri District
The most popular forts of Ratnagiri district are Anjanvel Fort, BankotFort, Fattegad Fort, Jaigad Fort, Mahipatgad Fort, Mandangad Fort, Prachitgad Fort, Purnagad Fort, Rasalgad Fort, Ratnagiri Fort, Suamargad Fort, Suvarnadurg Fort, Yeshwantgad Fort etc. Some of the other forts of this district are:
Vijaygad Fort: Vijaygad Fort is 60 km from Chiplun. In 1862 the walls were found to be in ruins.Goa Fort: Goa Fort is located 15 km from Dapoli. It is one of the three forts, which was built to guard the Suvarnadurg fort, the other two forts are Kanakdurg and Fatte Durg.
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