Pratapgad

Pratapgad is a mountain fortress in the Satara district that spreads across several levels on a ridge, surrounded by tall stone walls with barred viewpoints. Inside the main wall, narrow paths lead to different sections, including a deep well and an open courtyard with a central shrine.

Construction started in 1656 on the orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to secure southern trade routes against sultanate forces. Three years later, a decisive encounter between Maratha warriors and Bijapur general Afzal Khan took place here, shifting the balance of power in the region.

The temple inside holds regular prayer ceremonies that visitors can observe, with devotees often offering flowers and sweets to the eight-handed deity. Local guides recount stories of the goddess blessing warriors before battle, adding a spiritual layer to the military architecture.

Regular buses run from Mahabaleshwar, which is 24 kilometers away, and the drive passes through wooded hills with views of the valleys below. The climb from the parking area to the main gate takes around 30 minutes on a paved road, with refreshment stalls available along the way.

A large bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaj on horseback was unveiled by Prime Minister Nehru in 1957 and stands near the inner courtyard. The sculpture reaches 17 feet (5.2 meters) in height and was one of the first memorials of its kind in post-independence India.