Fort Samangad

Location : Nearest Sahyadri Range.

Base Village : Gadahinglaj.

Height: 790 meter above from sea level.

Brief History: Samangad built by King Bhoj II, In 1667 Chh. Shivaji Maharaja captured this fort from Adilshah. In 1676, Chh. Shivaji Maharaja considerably improved the fortifications, subsequent to which it known as one of the "smallest yet strongest forts" of the Maratha to keep his arms, gunpowder and ‘Rasad’. After Chh. Shivaji’s death Samangad was captured by Aurangzeb in 1688, but return to Maratha Empire in August 1701. Aurangzeb again captured this fort by his son Bedarbakht and appoints there Shahamir, chief of army. Again Captured by Maratha in 1704. When the British Empire took the hold on Kolhapur District, Samangad garrison was firstly to rebel against British army in July 1844. Finally, Oct.1844 British army captured and destroyed this fort.

The fort is situated on the oval-shaped top of the hill. The eight-foot-high wall of the fort, which encircled the hilltop, is still intact. Earlier several cisterns cut out of the rock ensured a plentiful supply of water to the fort but by 1957, most of them were in ruins.

Fort is surrounded by trees. It is developed by the social forestry, government of Maharashtra as a tourist place. Near fort, Maruti temple and Chaloba temple can be also visited by devotees. A village near fort is Naukud which is a rural area having a population of around 1000.

What to See:

• Kaman Baav Scarping well.
• Ambabai Temple.
• Chor Darwaja
• Rama’s Cave.
• Shiva’s Temple Cave.

Where to Stay:

There are no hotels and restaurants in Budhargad fort, for halt u have to visit  Gadhinglaj.