Pandavgad Fort Maharashtra

Pandavgad Fort
Maharashtra

 

Pandavgad Fort (also called Pandugad), 4177 feet above sea level, lies four miles north-west of Wai. The fort is conspicuous over a low spur branching east from its southern angle. From a distance it appears a square fortification with natural escarpment of cut black stone. The approach to the fort is very difficult and at places the path is barely a foot in width with the hill slopes on one side and deep valleys on the other. Hill though not covered with thick forest has a considerable foliage of bushy shrubs. A path from Bhogaon leads to small break in the above-mentioned spur and from this break it continues by a shoulder of the hill, on which are few huts belonging to Kolis formerly connected with the fort and charged with attendance on the temple.

The ascend from the Koli hills is steepish and for the last two hundred yards had steps cut in stone. At the northern end the path reaches the entrance gate which now consists of two broken pillars of enormous size. It had a single archway with apparently no door. The fort is about six acres in extent and nearly a square. Its defences consist of a scarp generally from forty to sixty feet high, more than usually precipitous and in many places actually overhanging and surmounted by a wall with masonry ramparts. The original materials of enormous blocks of dry stone have nearly all disappeared and except the northern end where the gateway and wall are of the huge masonry of the old forts what remains is very light work. Number of ancient buildings on the fort have been reduced to a mere heap of bricks. In the centre, remains of the main building are hidden by a thick growth of bushy shrubs. The fort commands an excellent view of the surrounding area.

 

History

 

The fort is said to have been built by the Kolhapur Silahara chief Bhoja II. (1178-1193) of Panhala. About 1648 it is mentioned as being in the charge of a Bijapurmokasadar stationed at Wai. In 1673 it was taken by Shivaji. In 1701 Pandavgad surrendered with Chandan Vandan to Aurangzeb's officers. In 1713 during his flight from Chandrasen Jadhav the Maratha captain or Senapati, Balaji Vishvanath afterwards the first Peshva, being refused shelter by the Sachiv's agent at Sasvad attempted to cross to Pandavgad in the opposite valley. Closely pursued, he contrived to conceal himself until two Marathas, Pilaji Jadhav and Dhumal, then common cavaliers in his service, gathered a small troop of horse and carried him with great difficulty to Pandavgad where he was protected by Shahu's orders. Chandrasen demanded that Balaji should be given up and in case of refusal threatened to renounce his allegiance. Shahu refused to give up Balaji and sent orders to Haibatrav NimbalkarSarlashkar then at Ahmadnagar to march on at once to Satara. Meanwhile, Balaji was in Pandavgad surrounded by Chandrasen's troops. But hearing of Haibatrav's arrival at Phaltan about forty miles east, Chandrasen quitted Pandavgad and marched to Deur about fifteen miles to the south-east. During Trimbakji Dengle's insurrection in 1817 Pandavgad was taken by the insurgents. It surrendered in April 1818 to a detachment of the 9th Native Infantry Regiment under Major Thatcher

State of Chalukya, except Shilahar, run the state on Panhala-Kolhapur Dakhkhana. According to the copper plate inscription found in 1991-92, Shilahar King Bhoja II found evidence from Bhoj. This fort was first in Adilshahi. Marathas won it on October 7, 1673. Later, 1701 Aurangazebane took the fort. Later Shahu Maharaj brought the fort into Swarajya. C. In 1818, the British took possession of Pandavgad.

 

 

GETTING THERE

Maharashtra ST (State Transport) buses and trains are available to Manavali Village,wai all over from Pune and Mumbai Mainly

The second way goes to Gundewadi village. Get up from Gundewadi village via Wai drive. It is easy to walk properly from the village of Gundewadi and in some places recently constructed stairs. It takes 2 hours to reach the top of the road.

ENTRY FEES

There is no entry fee to visit the fort, only ID is needed.

Places to visit on the Pandavgad Fort

• ·       There nearby Bhairoba temple.
• ·       There is a bungalow in front of the fort.
• ·       There are six water cores in one place.
• ·       The statue of Maruti carved in a stone in an open temple.
• ·       Pandjai is a devious temple of Goddess.

OPENING/ CLOSING TIMINGS AND DAYS

The fort is open 24 Hrs to general public for all days of the week. One has to show their ID to enter the fort and for foreign nationals, passport is mandatory. It comes under Maharashtra tourism and department also promotes the heritage site. This fort is a must visit place if you are going on a Maharashtra tour.

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Any time you can visit Pandavgad Fort.

The best time to visit Pandavgad Fort is during the rainy season with extra care.

Accomodation on Pandavgad Fort

Out of the house of Shri Sarvadai Wadiya, 10 people can stay in the shed outside. And 10 to 15 people can stay in the temple of Pandjaai Devi. We must arrange for our own convenience. Baram also has drinking water straps. To reach the fort, one hour, via Menevala, takes 2 hours via the runway.

Food Facility on Pandavgad Fort

We have to carry food or prepare there by ourself

Water Facility on Pandavgad Fort

Yes, water is available on Pandavgad for 12 months.

Note:
The Images which have been used here are from travelling freaks who have been wandering out there in nature sharing their experiences about how to do If images which are here are by them only, If you have any problem or query please do mail me and also suggestions are welcomed