Prachitgad
Prachitgad (also known as Uchitgad) is a fort in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra state, India. It covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2).
Location
It is located at 17°13′34″N 73°41′25″E / 17.22611°N 73.69028°ECoordinates: 17°13′34″N 73°41′25″E / 17.22611°N 73.69028°E on the western edge of Chandoli National Park in Ratnagiri district at Shringarpur. The closest city is Sangameshwar which is approximately 22 km away. The place is accessible only by foot from Shringarpur near sangmeshwar which is a 5 to 8 hour climb and trek through treacherous terrain or from chandoli dam which is a 14- to 15-hour walk through the forest.
History
It is not known who built the Prachitgad fort, but its masonry suggests that it was built during the Muslim rule (16th century).[1] The Maratha king Shivaji captured the fort in 1660s, and repaired it.[2]
It does not appear in historical records as the site of any notable event until 1817, when it was captured by Chitursingh, the younger brother of the Raja of Satara. On 10 June 1818, the fort was captured by a British East India Company force led by Colonel Cunningham. By 1862, the fort was in ruins, and had been deserted.[1]
Places to visit
- Being in the Chandoli National park Prachitgad is studded with beautiful spots. Two main spots being Sada and Kandhar Doh. Sada is the formation made up of frozen lava. Kanddhar Doh is the water fall on the river Warana.
- There is old Bhairav Bhawani temple at Prachitgad
- Ancient Sun temple called as Karneshwar near Sangameshwar
Nearest cities
Nearest railway stations
- Sangli
- Miraj junction
- Sangameshwar
- Ratnagiri
- Kolhapur
References
- 1 2 Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency 19. Government Central Press. 1885. pp. 544–545.
- ↑ Early English and French Settlements, Maharashtra State Gazetteer: Ratnagiri