Bankot Fort, Medieval fort in Ratnagiri district, India
Bankot Fort is a medieval fortification in Ratnagiri district that rises about 300 feet (90 meters) above sea level where the Savitri River meets the Arabian Sea. The structure features carved stone stairs, multiple gates, six water tanks at the entrance, and internal passages for movement.
The Portuguese conquered the fort from Mohammed Adil Shah in 1548 and held it for decades. The naval commander Kanhoji Angre gained control around 1700 and renamed it Himmatgad.
A Ganesh temple sits at the base, drawing visitors for prayer and ritual. Stone steps in the Nagarkhana section guide people upward while framing views of the river meeting the sea.
The fort is reached by a trek of about 30 minutes uphill from Bankot village. Accommodations are available in nearby Velas, which also serves as a base for exploring the surrounding coast.
Six water tanks line the entrance vestibule, evidence of careful planning for extended sieges. A secret passage hidden inside was constructed by the Siddis to provide escape routes and military advantage during conflicts.
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