Written by: Bhushan
Pratapgad
Pratapgad was the glorious backdrop for Shivaji’s legendary battle against Moghul satrap Afzhal Khan in 1656, when Shivaji used tiger claws to rip open his opponent’s belly. It is a strategically located fort in Satara and known more now for its proximity, to the popular tourist destination Mahableshwar.
Orientation
Located at 3500 ft (approx) above sea level, Pratapgad formed a vital and a very powerful cog in Shivaji’s network of forts. Pratapgad commanded the region of Satara. The fort is built on two levels, each complimenting the other on matters of surveillance.
Weather/Best times to visit
Monsoons are an ideal time to visit these forts. The best months range from June through October, although winter in the region stretches up to February. It is also excellent for day’s excursion from Mahableshwar.
Getting there / Route Information
Distances from major cities:
- From Pune – (120 km)
- From Mumbai – (200 km)
- From Mahableshwar – (20 km)
Connectivity
| By Bus: | Pratapgad is one of the few forts in the Pune-Satara region with excellent connectivity. The safest route would be take a bus from either Pune or Mumbai and get off at Satara bus depot, from where you could source Maharashtra State Transport Corporation buses to Pratapgad. You could also hop aboard a bus to Mahableshwar and de-board it on the way, along the Pratapgad detour. |
| By Train: | Take a train from Pune or Mumbai and alight at Satara road and take a connecting bus to Pratapgad. |
| By Air: | The nearest airport is in Pune. |
Shopping information
Mahableshwar is the nearest shoppng hub. In recent times the state government has allowed setting up of various handicraft stalls in the fort premises.
Pictures of Pratapgad
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Major attractions
After climbing hundreds of steps leading to the fort, several attractions on the fort await you, which include the famed Bhavani mandir which was built by Shivaji in the 1600s. The shrine is made of solid black stone and is located on the lower end of the fort. There is also the tomb of Afzhal Khan right at the spot where his head was buried. An Urs is held there each year at Khan’s mazar. A tower located near the mazar has also been called the Afzhal burj. There are several underground tunnels you can explore, along with water tanks and a range of cannons, which are littered all over the fort. The view from the fort of the terrain below is awesome.
Nightlife
The fort does not offer much when it comes to nightlife. You do find some revelers from Mahableshwar hanging around the fort during nights.
Cuisine
There is very little provision for food on the forts. It’s best to carry your own dry rations. Water is in abundant supply on the forts. After the rains, it would be advisable to carry water to the fort. You do find some snack vendors selling their ware near the fort premises in recent times.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Bottled water first aid kit, trekking boots, mosquito repellent etc.
Hotel/Resort availability
Mahableshwar is crammed with lodges and hotel of every conceivable budget.
Local transport
Being right next to a tourist haven like Mahableshwar has its own benefits. Pratapgaad has excellent connectivity be it buses or four wheeler taxies, which can be hailed from the main road.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospital: | Civil Hospital, Satara. Tel: (0216)-2237827 Cottage Hospital, Karad. Tel: (0216)-2222459 |
| Police station: | Addl. Suprintendent of police, Satara. Tel: (0216)-2234776 Suprintendent of police, Satara. Tel: (0216)-2232225 Satara taluka Police Station Tel: (0216)-2233949 |
To view pics of Pratapgad, click on the following link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sudarshan.multimedia/Pratapgad#