About Mandangad Fort
Mandangad Fort, also known as Chitradurga Fort, is a historic hill fort located approximately 2 km from Mandangad town in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Bhoj of the Shilahara dynasty, it is considered one of the oldest forts in the region. The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1661 and later by the British in 1818. It features ruins, water tanks, a Ganesh temple, and a 400-year-old cannon.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a trek through densely forested trails leading to a two-peaked hill fort with expansive views of the Savitri River, Raigad Fort, and Varandha Ghat on clear days. The site contains historical ruins including bastions, fort walls, rock-cut water tanks, a magazine, tombs, and a recently renovated Ganesh temple next to Thorla Talav lake. A notable 400-year-old cannon rests on a platform within the inner fortification area. Exploring the entire fort typically takes about two hours via a motorable road or mud trail.
Key highlights
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One of the oldest forts in Ratnagiri dating to the 12th century Shilahara dynasty
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Features a 400-year-old cannon discovered during excavation in 1994
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Contains Thorla Talav lake and a recently renovated Ganesh temple
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Offers panoramic views of Savitri River, Raigad Fort, and Varandha Ghat
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Comprises three distinct fortifications: Mandangad, Parkot, and Jamba
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Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1661 without battle
History of Mandangad Fort
Mandangad Fort is believed to have been built in the 12th century by King Bhoj of the Shilahara dynasty to safeguard ancient trade routes along the Savitri River. In 1661, it was held by Adilshahi Sardar Jaswantrao Dalvi before being acquired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj without resistance after the Battle of Umberkhind. The fort subsequently came under Siddhi and Angre control before being captured by Colonel Kennedy of the East India Company in 1818.
Route
| By road |
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