Purnagad

Purnagad Fort is a small but historically important sea fort located about 25 kilometers from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, positioned on a hill at the confluence of the Muchkundi River creek and the Arabian Sea. It played a critical role in the Maratha Navy under Admiral Kanhoji Angre and is believed to have been constructed either by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or his naval chief Sakhoji Angre.

The fort covers around 22 acres and features two entry gates decorated with carvings of the sun, moon, and Lord Ganesha, along with a Hanuman shrine near the entrance. Though overgrown with vegetation, its sturdy walls, bastions, and historic staircases remain well preserved, offering visitors scenic views of Purnagad beach and the Arabian Sea.

The fort was used to protect and control maritime trade routes and defend against European powers, serving as a key element in the Maratha naval defense system. Today, it is a peaceful, less crowded destination that invites history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and trekkers to explore its ruins and enjoy the tranquil coastal landscape.