Mandangad Fort Information
• Location :
Mandangad is the northernmost taluka place in Ratnagiri district, located at the end bordering Raigad district in the state of Maharashtra. The Mandangad Fort is situated about 4 kilometers from here.
This is a hill fort (Giridurg type).
• Height :
The fort is situated on a high plateau of a hill, and its base height is approximately 300 meters.
• Routes to reach the fort :
• From Mahad on the Mumbai–Goa Highway, one can reach Mandangad via Mhpral route.
• From Khed in Ratnagiri district on the Mumbai–Goa Highway, Mandangad can be reached via Dapoli.
• By sea route, Mandangad can be reached from Velas Beach in the Bankot creek.
• Mumbai and Ratnagiri are the nearest major cities. They are connected by road, rail, and waterways. Mumbai also has an international airport.
• Places to see on Mandangad Fort :
One can reach Mandangad village via Mahad, Dapoli, or Velas Beach by road. From the bus stand, taking the Mandangad road, you can reach the fort from Dhangarwadi, which is about 2 kilometers away.
There is a motorable road up to the fort, which goes directly to the Ganesh temple on the fort.
• Ganesh Temple :
On the old platform, a newly constructed temple of Lord Ganapati can be seen. The structure includes a small outer hall and an open sanctum. Inside, there is an idol of Lord Ganesh, and a spire (kalash) is present above the temple.
Lord Ganesh is worshipped here as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta)
• Large Water Tank :
Near the Ganesh temple, there is a large excavated water tank with perennial water. It was likely constructed to fulfill drinking and daily water needs of the fort in earlier times.
• Large Plateau and Well :
Moving ahead along the edge of the tank via a footpath, one reaches a wide open area. There, a cannon placed on a platform can be seen, which belongs to the medieval period. A flagstaff is also present nearby.
• Well :
There is a well nearby which still contains water.
• Ruins of Wada :
At one place on the fort, ruins of a wada (residential structure) can be seen. The steps and elevated platform indicate its former grandeur. The upper roof and mud construction have been destroyed. It appears to have been a assembly (assembly hall).
• Tomb :
After the wada ruins, a tomb can be seen further ahead. Some believe it belongs to the Maratha naval chief Daryasarang Daulat Khan, but no written evidence is available.
• Carved Stone :
A carved stone can be seen at this place. It appears to be part of a nearby structure around the tomb. However, the carvings seem to be in Hindu style.
• Ruined Structures :
Moving ahead, many ruined structures can be seen. These were likely built for soldiers, Mavalas, and other officers stationed at the fort. Their structure gives an idea of the fort’s medieval grandeur.
• Second Tank :
At one end of the fort, another tank can be seen. Though it appears smaller than the Ganesh temple tank, it must have been large in the past. Due to neglect over time, it is now in a deteriorated condition.
• Other Ruins :
Near this tank also, remains of residential structures can be seen
• Fortification and Bastions :
Due to neglect over time and the effects of sun, wind, rain, and vegetation growth, the fort walls have largely collapsed. Only underground remains are visible now.
• Scenic View :
From the fort, one can enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. On the western side, the catchment area of Tulshi dam can be seen. The Mandangad village below is also visible. Additionally, the scenic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges are mesmerizing
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• Historical Information :
• It is believed that this fort was built by Shilahara king Bhoj.
• Later, this region came under Bahmani rule.
• After the division of the Bahmani Sultanate, the fort came under Adilshahi.
• Adilshah handed over the fort to his commander Yashwant Dalvi, who was involved in the Vishalgad siege.
• In 1661, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Kartalab Khan at Umberkhind while advancing towards Swarajya. When Shivaji Maharaj proceeded towards Dabhol, Dalvi, upon hearing the news of his arrival, abandoned the fort and fled to Shringarpur. Thus, the fort came into Swarajya without a battle.
• Till 1733, the fort remained under the Maratha Empire.
• For some time, it went under the control of the Siddis.
• Later, it was again captured by the Marathas.
• In 1818, after the fall of the Maratha Empire, the fort came under British control.
• After India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the fort came under the Government of independent India.
• This is the complete information about Mandangad Fort.

































































