Kamandurg

**Fort History Snapshot** First mentioned as "Kamvandurg" in the 11th-century 'Mahakavti Bakhar', this fort guarded the Ulhas river trade route from Kalyan creek port. **Key Events:** * **1683:** Sambhaji Maharaj captures the fort from the Portuguese. * **Sep 12, 1685:** Portuguese recapture it, but soon abandon it due to lack of water. * **1737 (Peshwa-Portuguese War):** Shankarji Keshav urged the Peshwas to restore the fort, citing its crucial location near Portuguese land and its value for controlling the Kalyan-Bhiwandi route.**Rehabilitation:** Two new water tanks were built, and old ones repaired, making the fort viable again\!

Summit Sights! Visible from base village Belkundi, reach the fort via two hills and rock-cut steps. Enter through a ruined doorway to see the 100-foot-higher summit. *Remains:* 5 rock-cut water tanks (potable till January). Pass a carved stone statue (2 women with earrings) and a Satvahana Era water tank on the trail to the top. From the summit, spot Tungareshwar, Gumtara fort, Vasai creek, and the area up to Dharavi!