Pratapgad

Pratapgad is one of three most famous forts of Shivaji Maharaj (other two being Raigad and Rajgad). In famous Battle of Pratapgad, Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan and defeated his army despite being outnumbered. Pratapgad is privately owned by Chhatrapati Udayan Raje Bhosale who is descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Significance of Pratapgad

• Adilshahi General Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji Maharaj on 10 Nov 1659. Shivaji Maharaj also settled a personal score with Afzal Khan as Afzal Khan had previously killed Shivaji Maharaj's brother in a battle treacherously.
• Shivaji Maharaj doubled his territory within fifteen days of the Battle of Pratapgad.
• With this remarkable and decisive victory Maratha Empire emerged as Significant Regional power.
• Pratpgad used to host Diwan-e-Khas (meeting of ministers) during the time of Shivaji Maharaj.
• Due to surrounded dense forest, no enemy dared to attack the fort in the time of Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.

Before Construction

Shivaji Maharaj extended his territory by winning Jawali Area from Chandrarao More (Adilshahi Sardar) in 1656. Jawali area in those days was heavily forested. Due to its strategic location, Shivaji Maharaj decided to build fort to protect Par pass.

Construction

Pratapgad fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in the period 1656 to 1659. As per historians, original name of the fort was Dhorpya or Bhorpya.

Shivaji Maharaj gave the responsibility of building the fort to Peshawe Moropant Pingale. The fort was constructed by Arjaji Yadav. In 1657, when majority of the construction was completed, Shivaji Maharaj appointed Ganoji Govindji as first Killedar of the fort. The construction got completed in 1659 and later in the same year the fort eyewitnessed great battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan.

Pratapgad Sightseeing

Pratapgad fort is definitely a must-see tourist attraction for tourists. Mahabaleshwar trip would be a little monotonous without Pratapgad. Below are few important sights.

Afzal Khan Tomb near Pratapgad fort is a sign of bravery of Shivaji Maharaj as well as his philosophy of "once the enemy is dead, the enmity is dead too". Afzal khan was killed by Shivaji Maharaj on 10 Nov 1659 after which his head was presented to Rajmata Jijabai at Raigad fort. Therefore Afzal Khan's tombs are at 2 places, one at Pratapgad and one at Raigad.

As shown in photographs on the right, Pratapgad entrance is hidden behind Buruj which looks like wall. This made it difficult for enemy to find out fort entrance from long distance. Even today the entrance of the fort is opened and closed at sunrise and sunset.

Pratapgad Fort (like many other forts) is divided in two parts viz. Lower and Upper Fort. Balekilla or Upper Fort is build as second level of shield in case enemy enters main fort.

On your left is the most picturesque photo of all forts in Maharashtra. Yes, I am talking about Pratapgad Machi. Machi is extended front part of the fort. Generally machi was protected using Buruj. Pratapgad machi is famous movie shooting spot. Famous Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy movie scene was shot here. Recently, Maharashtra Government has alloted Rs. 13 crore to improve the fort condition.

Another important aspect of constructing a fort used to be water resources. Pratapgad has in total seven lakes and wells. Enough water and food should be available in fort in case of long battles.

Photo on right is Bhavani Mata Mandir. It is believed that Mata Bhavani gave Shivaji Maharaj the Bhavani Talwar to fight against Afzal Khan. The temple was constructed by Shivaji Maharaj in 1662. As seen in the photo, Kalas or Top of Mandir is made up of pure 6 KG gold. After the victory, Kanhoji Mohite was awarded Sword of Honour studded with 6 diamonds. 6 diamonds indicate that Kanhoji had killed 600 enemy soldiers. This sword still can be seen inside the mandir. Outside the mandir you can see artillery of that time.

Balekilla has Mahadev Mandir. Unlike Bhavani Mandir which was built by Shivaji Maharaj, Mahadev Mandir was built even before the fort was built. This is understandable because original residents of Jawali area were Mahadev Koli who used to worship God Shiva. Diwan-e-Khas which was darbar of ministers and other officials used to happen in front of Mahadev Mandir. Diwan-e-Aam, darbar of common people, used to take place on Raigad.

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated in 1963 by Indian Prime Minister Pandit Nehru. Only left leg of the horse is lifted in the air which indicate that warrior's death had not happened in the war. The statue is surrounded by small garden.

Guided tour of Pratapgad is available for around Rs. 300. The tour covers 12 sights of Pratapgad fort with insider perspective as most of tour guides are local residents of Pratapgad.

Pratapgad - Mahabaleshwar Transport

Mahabaleshwar to Pratapgad Distance

Distance between Pratapgad and Mahabaleshwar is around 22 KM.

• Road Distance: 22 KM
• Air Distance: 7 KM
• Travel Time: 35-40 mins

Pratapgad Darshan Bus

Everyday Government operated Pratapgad Darshan bus runs at 09:30 AM to 01:30 PM.
The bus is regular Red bus (or sometimes semi luxury).
Bus stops for 1.5 hrs at Pratapgad fort. It takes around 30-40 mins to reach the top.

• Time: Everyday at 09:30 AM to 01:30 PM
• Tariff: Rs. 170
• Boarding Place: Mahabaleshwar ST Bus stand (City Center)
• Booking: Max 1 day prior at Mahabaleshwar ST Bus Stand
• Tour Duration: 4 hrs

Sights covered:

• Pratapgad Fort
• Hastkala Kendra near Pratapgad Fort

Mahabaleshwar Taxi Pratapgad Tour

Pratapgad Tour operated by Mahabaleshwar Taxi Union is another option available to tourists.
Below are the details:

• Tariff: Rs. 1000
• Duration: 3 hrs
• Sights Covered: Pratapgad

Pratapgad Food

Kanda Bhaji, Butter Milk, Bhakri - Pithala is very popular with tourists (like any other fort).

"Hunger is the best spice" as they say. You would work up a great appetite with walk around the fort which I think, is the real reason behind tasty food.

Pratapgad Restaurants

There are 2-3 restaurants in Pratapgad area. One at the foothill and couple of restaurants inside main fort.

Restaurant at Hastakala Kendra

Our tour guide told us that restaurant at Hastakala Kendra is good. However, we haven't tried it ourselves.

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