Sagargad

Sagargad Fort: Key History Origin is largely unknown. Timeline of Control: * **1660 A.D.:** Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from Adilshaha. He planned to fortify nearby islands Khanderi and Underi (British: Hunarey & Cunarey) to control British trade routes. * **1665 A.D.:** Handed to Mughals (one of 23 forts) via the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji Maharaj later won it back after escaping Agra. * **Post-Sambhaji Maharaj:** Siddi of Janjira took control. * **1698:** Recaptured by Kanhoji Angre, Bhivaji Gujar of Kulaba, and naval chief Sidhoji. * **1713:** Balaji Vishwanath Peshwe brokered a deal: Kanhoji Angre aligned with Shahu Maharaj and received Sagargad + 16 other forts. * **Later Angre Disputes:** Yesaji inherited it. His brother Manoji sought Portuguese aid to win it from Yesaji. * **1738 A.D.:** Sambhaji Angre won the fort from Manoji. * **Final Control:** Went to the British after the Marathas' defeat in the Pune war. General Fuller and British officers built rest houses due to the pleasant scenery.

Sagargad Fort: Key Info * **Access:** Reach the fort via Khandale village (Mumbai-Alibaug road). The unpaved, marked trail starts on the left side toward Alibaug. * **Hike:** Plan for a 2-hour trek to the top. * **Monsoon Sight:** See the 'Dhondane' falls during monsoon season. * **Nearby Landmarks:** Siddheshwar Temple and an old monastery are located right above the falls. * **Fort Structure:** Main entrance is dilapidated. Fortified by 4m tall walls and a citadel with 5 bastions. Features a peculiar 'Y-shape' when viewed from above. * **Highlights:** * Tall peak called 'Vanartok' on the left 'Y' fork. * Defunct moat and a secret door near the eastern ramparts (entry possible by climbing the wall). * Small temple with idols of Lord Ganesh, Mahishasurmardini Devi (Goddess Durga), and a Shivalinga. * Tank fed by spring water via a 'Gomukh' (Cow's Mouth) snout. * **Historical Spots:** * Right 'Y' limb: **"Saticha Mal"** - A tomb dedicated to a Sati, marked by a woman’s hand carving. * Left 'Y' limb: Remnants of old rest houses.