Madangad Fort

Madangad Fort, also known as Mandangad Fort or Chitradurga Fort, is a historic hill fort located about 2 kilometers from Mandangad town in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It was originally built by King Bhoja II in the 12th century during the Shilahara dynasty.

The fort came under the control of various rulers, including the Adil Shahi and later the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who captured it without a fight during his march towards Dabhol. The fort complex consists of three fortifications named Mandangad in the south, Parkot in the center, and Jamba in the north. A prominent feature of the fort is a 400-year-old cannon, along with a Ganapati temple and a large water tank called Thorla Talav. The fort was strategically important for safeguarding trade routes in the region and offers a mix of historical significance, scenic views, and trekking opportunities amidst dense forested hills.

It was eventually captured by the British in 1818 and today remains open to the public as a heritage site showcasing Maharashtra's rich fort culture and history.