Kothaligad Fort

Kothaligad Fort, also known as Peth Fort, is a historic hill fort located near Karjat in Maharashtra's Raigad district. Rising to approximately 3,100 feet, it served as a strategic watchtower and ammunition depot from the 13th century through the Maratha and British periods. The fort is distinguished by a unique rock-cut chimney staircase leading to the summit, ancient water cisterns, and a cave temple at its base. It remains a popular trekking destination within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary region.

Visitors can expect a moderate trek starting from Ambivli or Peth village, passing through forested trails and rural landscapes. At the fort, explorers can climb a distinctive internal spiral staircase carved inside a rock pinnacle to reach the summit. Key features include a Bhairavi Devi cave temple, rock-cut water tanks, and panoramic views of surrounding peaks like Padargad and Bhimashankar. Basic food and water are available in base villages, but facilities on the fort itself are limited to historical structures.

The site dates back to the 13th century with cave and temple carvings. In 1684, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's forces captured it and renamed it Miftah-ul-Fateh. It was used by Marathas under Sambhaji Maharaj for storing weapons and supplies. The British captured it in 1817 and maintained it as an outpost until 1862 for vigilance over surrounding valleys.

The fort houses the Bhairavi Devi cave temple which holds religious significance for local communities. The site represents medieval military architecture and the strategic importance of Sahyadri forts in controlling trade routes between coastal ports and inland Maharashtra.