Yeshwantgad, Island fortress in Ratnagiri district, India.
Yeshwantgad is a fortress situated on a coastal island in Maharashtra that extends toward the Arabian Sea. The structure features fortified walls and architectural elements arranged to defend the location from historical maritime threats.
The fortress was built to monitor trade routes and defend against pirates along the Maharashtra coast. It came under British control in 1818 when the Ratnagiri region was incorporated into the Bombay Presidency.
The site holds meaning for locals as a symbol of Maharashtra's maritime past and appears in regional celebrations. Visitors notice how the fortress connects the area to seafaring traditions that shaped the region.
Access to the island is by boat from nearby coastal villages, with services running best during daylight hours from October to March. The crossing is relatively short, and visitors should bring water and sun protection since shade is limited on the island.
The fortress grounds contain several Alphonso mango trees, linking this military structure to Ratnagiri's role as a leading producer of this prized fruit variety. This unexpected agricultural connection shows how history and local livelihoods intertwine at the site.
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