Sarasgad Fort

Sarasgad Fort is a historic hill fort situated near Pali village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, standing at an elevation of approximately 490 meters. Known locally as Pagadicha Killa due to its turban-shaped peaks, it served primarily as a watchtower monitoring the surrounding region and is considered the twin of Sudhagad Fort. The fort features rock-cut water cisterns, soldier caves, and a Shiva temple at the summit offering panoramic views of nearby forts and the Amba River.

Visitors can expect a moderate-difficult trek starting from behind the Ballaleshwar Temple, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to ascend via steep rocky trails and stone steps. At the summit, explorers will find ancient rock-carved water tanks, ruins of fortifications, caves formerly used for storage, and a Shiva temple providing views of Sudhagad, Sankshi, Sagargad, and Tailbaila forts. There are no food or water sources on the fort, requiring visitors to carry their own supplies.

Sarasgad Fort was captured by Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar during his Konkan campaigns in 1485. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj later allocated 2000 hones (gold coins) for repairing the fort's fortifications. Until Indian independence, the fort remained under the administration of the Bhor princely state.

The fort is culturally linked to the Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Temple at its base, one of the eight sacred Ganesha shrines in Maharashtra. Locally known as Pagadicha Killa, its distinctive turban-like silhouette holds significance in regional Marathi heritage and folklore.