Kharepatan fort
Range
Nil
Altitude
24m
Difficulty
Easy
Explore Offline
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About Kharepatan fort
**Kharepatan Fort: 8th Century History** Located on the Mumbai–Goa Highway, Kharepatan (formerly Balipattan) sits on the Vaghotan creek. It was the capital of the Shilahar dynasty in the 8th century. Its location was vital for trade: merchant ships docked at Balipattan via Vijaydurg, and goods were transported across Baavda and Fonda ghats. The fort was built in the 8th Century to protect this essential trade hub.
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History & Significance
Built by King Shilahar Shwammiyara (A.D. 785-820) during the Shilahar dynasty's rule of south Konkan. The village became his capital. Shivaji Maharaj captured Kharepatan (and Rajapur) in 1660 A.D. and imprisoned English officer Gifford here. After Shivaji's death, Kanhoji Angre controlled coastal forts, including Kharepatan. In 1755, Peshwas and the British jointly won it back from Tulaji Angre. The British secured the fort in 1850 A.D. after a huge battle with the Marathas, causing major damage to the structure.
Places to See
Once protected by a creek and a trench (now gone due to urbanization), the fort's walls/bastions are currently mud-covered. Must-sees: Goddess Durga Temple (built by Shivaji Maharaj) on the citadel. Near the temple is a well with a hidden path leading to the horse stable near the creek. Also look for "Sulacha dagad" (a stone) and other devastated structures.
Journey & Transport
How to Reach
GETTING THERE: KHAREPATAN FORT Kharepatan village sits on the Sindhudurg/Ratnagiri border. NEAREST RAIL: Rajapur & Nandgaon (Konkan Railway line). The village is 25 kms from both stations. IN THE VILLAGE: Find the ST bus stand first, then the market. Follow the line of shops from the market toward the creek. Steps there lead directly to a school located within the Kharepatan fort premises.
Facilities
- StayNot Available
- FoodBYOF
- WaterWater Available