Other Definitions
mahabaleshwar (dest)
mahabaleshwar (enc)
|
Mahabaleshwar Pratapgadh Fort A visit to the the Pratapgadh Fort, which is 42 kms from Mahabaleshwar, is a must for everyone visiting Mahabaleshwar. Shivaji Maharaj ordered Moropant Trimbak Pingle to build the fort in 1656 and it was completed within a very short time-span (two years). It's a wise idea to either buy the tourist guide (60Rs) or take a personal guide at the entrance. The fort's main entrance is remarkably narrow. Standing near the gate, you will see two tiny windows behind which the tanks were kept. Entering through the gate, you will face the spot where the Bhagwa Flag is hoisted. This is also the spot where the head of Afzalkhan was kept prisoner for three days. On your left, you can see another small gate which is better known as the 'Plakhi Darvaja', the place from which the Maharaja Shivaji used to arrive on horseback. On your right side, you will notice a staircase and a well, the latter one being used as a water-supply for local people. The well served its purpose, especially during the building of the fort. It did not only supply the workers with water, but also with building material, because the stones that came out of the well were used to construct the fort's walls. This well was built within two and a half months and is 30 metres deep. After climbing a few steps, you'll enter through a small gate the 'Bhavani Temple'. Because Shivaji Maharah was unable to visit the Temple of Bhavani at Tuljapur in 1661, he ordered the temple to be built at the fort. Two Deepmalas, that are both over 350 years old, are kept here to light the Diyas. It is believed that the 'Kanoji Amberao Mohite's' sword is kept in this temple, the sword that killed more than 600 soldiers during the war. There are two more temples in the vicinity of the fort, the The Shiva Temple' and the 'Kedareshwar Temple'. One thing that is quite amazing is that when you're within the walls of the fort, you're in the Satara District and when you're outside the fort, you're actually standing in the Raidegh district. Both Pratapgadh and Mahabaleshwar lie higher than the fort itself. The latter lies almost 1000 feet higher, whereas Pratapgadh is located at a level of 3543 feet above sealevel. You can also see the houses who used to be inhabited by local people who stayed here in the time of Maharaj Shivaji, and today are the homes of the 11th generation of descendants who offer there services as guides to the visitors. Moving ahead, you'll see the statue of Shivaji, sitting on his favourite horse 'Krishna'. This statue was built by Mr. Kambatkar in Bombay and is made of bronze, weighing almost five tons. The height of this statue is 17 feet from ground level. From the fort, you can also see the tomb of Afzalkhan, which is located at the foot of the hills. It might be worth to visit the handicraft exhibition showroom inside the Fort, nearby the Bhavani temple. Outside this showroom, you can admire cut pieces of old metal drums, remnants of bombshells and smaller versions of tanks. It will take you at least two hours to explore the fort. I think it is unbelievable that this kind of fort was constructed in such a time, at such a place, within such a short period of time. On your way back, you can't miss out on the people selling Kolhapuri chappals. These chappals are of a good quality and sold at a much cheaper rate than at then local market of Mahabaleswar. Getting There There are two to three options for arriving at Pratapgadh. You can hire a private taxi when you’re with a group of four or five. When you feel like it, you can also a bus from the busstand which runs every morning at 9.30, going to "Pratapgadh Darshan". The price for a return fare is 38 Rs.
|
 |