Ghosalegad Fort, Monument of National Importance in Raigad district, India.
Ghosalegad Fort is a monument of national importance perched on a narrow hilltop 260 meters above sea level. Fortification walls encircle the hill's 20-meter-wide crest, creating a compact defensive structure adapted to the terrain.
The fort belonged to Adilshah of Bijapur in the 16th century until King Shivaji captured it in 1648 following conflicts with Siddhi forces. This capture formed part of Shivaji's wider campaign to gain control over the coastal region.
Two stone sculptures of Sharabh stand guard at the entrance, reflecting the regional artistic tradition of the area. Inside, ancient water cisterns and caves show how people once lived on this hill and managed water during dry seasons.
The trek to reach the fort starts from a temple near Roha town and takes about 15 minutes to reach the top. The starting point is roughly 8 kilometers north along the Roha-Bhalgaon-Murud road, making it reasonably accessible for day visitors.
The fort has a hidden escape gate built into the fortification walls that allowed residents to flee in times of danger. A cannon still sits on the western side of Balekilla, standing as evidence of the structure's defensive importance.
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