Pandavgad Fort

Pandavgad Fort is one of the most popular tourist spots in Maharashtra. It is located in the Wai Taluk of the Satara district. Wai-Mandhardev Road is where you will find the Pandavgad Fort. The fort is at a height of 4177 feet. 

Pandavgad is near Wai and easy to spot because of its rocky mountain top. It sits on the road from Wai village to Maandhardev and is very close to Wai. This fort is one of the most popular places to visit in Panchgani, with many nice spots nearby.

History of Pandavgad Fort

After the Chalukyas, the Shilahar family took control of Panhalgad in Kolhapur. They also ruled over large parts of the Deccan region during that period. A copper plate from 1191–1192 says that Shilahar King Bhoj-II built the fort. Adilshahi used to be in charge of this fort. 

The Marathas conquered the fort and included it in Swarajya on October 7, 1673. However, in 1701, Aurangzeb was able to successfully capture the fort. Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj reclaimed this fort. This fort was reclaimed by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. It was taken over by the British in 1818.

Pandavgad trek

Bhoja II, Silahara's chief, erected the fort, which played a key role in several historical battles. Modern defense barriers, 40–60 feet high and made of scrap metal, protect it. Hikers and locals should climb the fort to enjoy the view, even though it is lesser-known. The fort once had 18 water ponds for inhabitants and soldiers; now, only three remain, and visitors still use these ponds for water. This fort is often featured in Panchgani tour packages.

The fort's history shows that many armies took it over and used it in wars to protect their rule. Years of use have broken down and damaged the fort's walls and buildings. People have shattered all the old sculptures into small stone and brick pieces. People can still visit the only small stone temple that is still there.

The path to the fort is tiny, and as you go forward, it gets harder. To get to the caves, you have to walk straight, not up to the fort from the shoulder of the fort. From the top of the fort, you can see the town of Wai from above. Along with the square defenses of the fort, there are many caves to explore.

How to reach Pandavgad Fort?

From Menavali: Regular buses connect Wai to Menavali. Crossing the Dhom dam canal near Menavali, we can witness the beautiful Pandavgad. You can reach the plateau after a 30-minute walk. From this location, there are two different ways to get to the fort. One long journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. The second path is a one-hour straight ascent.

From the village of Gundewadi, there is an alternate route. It takes around two hours to reach the top, and it is not difficult to do so.