Karnala Fort, Medieval fort in Raigad district, Maharashtra, India
Karnala Fort is a medieval fortification in Raigad district, Maharashtra, spread across two levels and surrounded by dense forest. The most noticeable part of the site is a 125-foot basalt pillar called Pandu's Tower, which once served as a watchtower to monitor the surrounding valleys.
The fortification originated under Devagiri Yadav rule and changed hands over centuries among various powers including Tughlaq rulers, Gujarat Sultanate, Nizam Shah, Portuguese, Marathas, Mughals, and finally the British East India Company. Each of these powers left architectural marks that remain visible in the walls and structures today.
The Bhavani Temple at the base displays inscriptions in Marathi and Persian, reflecting the changing rulers over centuries. These texts offer insight into the religious traditions that developed here under different powers.
The climb to the top takes about an hour and follows rocky paths through forested terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site opens daily from 7 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon, with an early start helping avoid midday heat.
A large cistern within the fort holds fresh water throughout the year, even during dry months. From the upper levels, you can see Bor pass, a historic route linking the coastal Konkan region to the Deccan Plateau.
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