Vishalgad |
About: |
Vishalgad (also called Khelna or Khilna) was one of the important forts of Shivaji and Maratha Empire. The name ‘Vishalgad’ meaning grand fort in Marathi, was given by Shivaji after annexing it for the Maratha Empire in 1659. The fort is situated in Maharashtra, India. It is 76 kilometers North-West of Kolhapur, 60 kilometers north-west of Panhala fort and 18 kilometers south of Kolhapur Ratnagiri road. It is situated on the hills that divide the region into two parts viz Amba ghat and Anaskura ghat. Since it is placed on the border of the hilly portion of Sahyadri ranges and the konkan region, it got great political significance in the historical times. It was regarded as a 'Watch tower' for both the regions. The road to Vishalgad passes through thick wood. The fort is separated by a deep narrow riven from the road terminus. Its vastness is big as per its name Vishal. Steep cliffs separate it from adjoining land, making difficult to enter except existing entrance. One Bhosala warrior climbed this fort with the help of Ghorpad (an iguana) and captured it on behalf of Adilshaha of Bijapur. He was named Ghorpade onwards. The fort is about 1130 meters (i.e. 3630 feet) high from the sea level.
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Location info: |
Address:76 kilometers North-West of Kolhapur, 60 kilometers north-west of Panhala fort and 18 kilometers south of Kolhapur Ratnagiri road. |
District: Ratnagiri |
Nearest City: Ratnagir/Kolhapur |
Best time to visit: Any Time. |
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History: |
The fort was constructed by the Shilahara king ‘Marsinh’ in 1058 A.C. Initially, he named it as 'Khilgil' 1. Trimbakji Ingawale - 3 years In 1844, as a result of mutiny by the Killedars, British army demolished the entire fort and dismissed the officers there |
Interesting things to do: |
Its a good trekking place for trekkers.Photographers Delight , can take lots of photos of the beautiful place. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
The Bhunda Darwaja or a bare gate seen from the busstop shows wrong way of the entry. A Sati Mandir is there in memory of Ambadevi the queen of King Rajaram I , who burned as Sati after the death of her husband. The Samadhi or tomb of great warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande who fought until death with Siddi Masood, commander of Adilshaha who was perusing Shivaji at the time when he escaped from siege of Siddi to fort Panhala and was rushing to Vishalgad. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Ratnagir. |
Nearest Airport:Ratnagir Airport |
Road Transport:From BOMBAY proceed to KOLHAPUR by Bus.Take a bus on the RATNAGIRI road ( via MALKAPUR) to AMBE (62 Kms). Catch another bus to GAJAPUR and on to the base of VISHALGAD (4 Kms).State transport buses ply regularly from Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Belgaum. |
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Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Things to carry: |
Mineral water bottles, food, first aid kit,camera and so on |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:100 |
Nearest Hospital:At the Nearest City. |
Society/Community Phone Number |