Pratapgad Fort – प्रतापगढ़ किला
If you are planning to explore Maharashtra, then you should visit Pratapgad Fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had ripped off the stomach of Afzal Khan by his Tiger Claw. The Pratapgad Kila
Pratapgarh fort of Satara district is situated at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. Being located just 24 km from Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, it has become a very popular Tourist Destination in the last few years where people go for trucking. It is about this story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valor and valor which will tell you about this fort.
History of Pratapgad Fort – प्रतापगढ़ किले का इतिहास
Anan, Ban, Shan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan of Pratapgad Fort, near nearby Mahabaleshwar, surrounded by mountains and deep valleys, have survived since the time of their meeting. From the meeting, Afzal Khan was very impressed with Shivaji Maharaj’s personality and extended his hand on friendship, but after getting the opportunity, he struck Shivaji upside down. He had no injury due to iron armor inside the clothes. In response, Shivaji Maharaj, wearing his hand, hit the stomach, and stabbed his stomach.
The ancient fort from India, where the whole country could be ruled, now became a tourist destination
Pratapgad Fort is a symbol of Shivaji’s valor. There was also a second fort inside the fort. It is divided into two parts; its lower fort is 320 meters long and 110 meters wide, while the upper fort is 180 meters long. Mahadev’s temple in the upper fort was organized in front of the temple, a large court was there so that no one could lie about sitting in front of the temple.
The water of this fort of Maharashtra is not less than mineral water, tourists come to see this ancient technique with the fort.
Pratapgad visiting places
Bhavani Temple Pratapgad – भवानी मंदिर प्रतापगढ़
It is believed that in 1661 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had established this temple. The temple has 50 feet long, 30 feet wide and 12 feet high pillars. To enter the temple, you have to go through the Nagada Hall, where a big drum is kept, which is recited on special occasions. Here are the spears and other tools available for use by Maratha soldiers. The idol is in the sari of the eight-side Goddess Bhavani inside the temple. The sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji is also kept in the temple, where he killed 600 soldiers of Afzal Khan’s army in the battle of Pratapgarh alone.
To reach this fort of the country, it has to go through the world’s most dangerous track.
Hanuman Temple Pratapgad – हनुमान मंदिर प्रतापगढ़
Guru Ramdas Swami of Shivaji Maharaj had established this temple here. It is a special thing of the temple that this form of God Hanuman Ji did not get to see anywhere else.
Can enjoy at Mahabaleshwar – महाबलेश्वर
Watching Pratapgad Fort will definitely prove to be a good experience but if you do not visit Mahabaleshwar here, it will be like missing a lot. In the weekend you can stop here and explore the mountains and ghats and the beautiful surroundings. Boating can be enjoyed at the Venice Lake. Apart from this Arthur seat is also a very exciting place. The name of this place was Arthur seat because here Sir Arthur used to sit and see the Savitri river, in which his wife and children were lost during an incident. Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar, from where the rising and dying sun is really memorable.
How to reach Pratapgad Fort – प्रतापगढ़ किले तक कैसे पहुंचे
Distance from Mumbai- 208 km
Air: The nearest airport is Pune.
Rail Route: Veer Dighton is the nearest railway station here.
Road: Pratapgarh, which is 24 km away from Mahabaleshwar, where it will be good to go during the day. There is also the facility of buses from Panvel to Poladpur. You have to stop in Poladpur and then there you have to reach Wada village from where you can easily reach the fort by booking a car.
Maharashtra Tourism Website: https://www.maharashtratourism.net/pratapgad-fort
For more about the Pratapgad Fort, click Here