Bhudargad Fort

Bhudargad Fort is a historic hill fort located about 63 kilometers south of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, near Gargoti. It was originally built by Shilahara king Bhoj II and later came under the control of the Adilshahi dynasty before being captured by the Marathas in 1667.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renovated the fort, making it an important army post, though it changed hands a few times during that period. The fort played a role in regional conflicts and was a defensive site where significant historical figures like Rajaram Maharaj stayed.

The fort features a Shiva temple with a carved Nandi, a Hemadpanthi-style Bhairavnath temple with arches and Deepmal, a palace made of laterite rock, a milky white pond called Doodhsagar, and caves with idols. It is accessible by road with a moderate approach and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the base village Peth Shivapur.

Accommodation is available within the fort temple, although visitors should bring their own food and water. The fort is suitable to visit all year round and is a notable example of Maratha military architecture and cultural heritage.