The precise origin of the square shaped Bankot Fort is unknown. Bankot Fort, also called Himmatgad Fort which means "Fort of Strength", was named "Mandagiri" by Pliny the Great, a Greek scientist. In 1545 the fort was captured by the Portugese from Adilshah and later taken over by the Marathas.
Not to be confused with Bhagamandala (a town near Coorg in Karnataka), Bagmandala is little village on a beach ~4 kms from Shrivardhan. In addition to the beach, one can visit the Peshwa Memorial and the Bankot Fort here. It is possible to take a small boat from Bagmandala to the north side of the bay to explore the area where the Peshwas, or the Prime minister of the Maratha Kingdom, originally resided.
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Peshwa Memorial in the adjacent village of Bagmandala, also called the Peshwa Samark, is a memorial for the Peshwas. The Peshwas were the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Kingdom who originally resided here.
The fort of Kohoj stands tall over the magnificent dam near Sajan village. The history of the fort is not very easily forthcoming and its only from it’s grandeur and construction that one can relate the history of this fort. The expert opinion dates the fort back to Bhoj period. The known fact remains that around the 16th century the Portuguese army was able to lay a siege and capture the fort from the King of Gujrat. The Portuguese enhanced the fort through bastions and fortifications.
Besieged by the charming Arabian Sea on the three sides, the massive Ratnadurga Fort presents a splendid look. A massive structure in the shape of a horseshoe, with a length of 1,300 meters and a width of 1,000 meters, Ratnadurg Fort was once a strong hold of the Maratha Empire.
Spread over a vast area of 120 acres, Ratnadurg Fort was under the Muslim rule for so many years. Now a collapsed structure, lying across two hills, Ratnadurg Fort gives a decrepit look.
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ratnadurg Fort offers the dazzling view of the sun going down the sea and the sweet sound of the pounding of the waves against the rocks makes a perfect symphony. Another specific attraction in the fort is the marvelous lighthouse situated in the bastions of the fort.
West part of the Rajmachi fort is Manranjan Fort. Its construction was strong so that no enemy could destroy it easily. The fort was built to have a watch on the plateau down the Manranjan hills. The fort has three entrances and also has a water tank at the top of the peak.
Presently the fort is in ruins and the government and local authorities are taking necessary steps to preserve this historical fort. The fort offers an excellent panoramic view of the plateau down. Fort is placed at the peak of the hill which is vibrant with thriving natural beauties.
Shreevardhan Fort, an ancient fort spotted with the history of Maratha rulers, is situated to the east region of Rajmachi town. The construction of the fort is in Martha style architecture and the imposing entrance of the Shreevardhan fort is in a semicircular shape. The fort is built at the pinnacle of one of the peaks in Rajamchi, so that one can view the movements of the downhill region. The view from the fort is breathtaking with wide greenish landscape and undulating hilly terrains.
These ruins date back to the period of the Maratha rule. They include residential and military establishments. A massive reservoir was built further down from the forest. There is a stone tablet that names the builder as Ramrav Narayanarav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri, which is close to Murud Janjira in Raigad district. After the place came under the control of the British in 1818 they overthrew the Peshwa administration.
Jijamata Palace is situated at Pachad, at the foot of Raigad and the palace was of Jijabai, mother of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who is credited for his greatness. She lived here till her death. The palace stands destroyed today due to the British and the ruins are now under the control of The Archaeological Survey of India. The Samadhi of Jijabai is situated close to the palace.
Jijamata Palace at Pachad holds significant place in the history of Maratha kingdom. Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji is credited for the greatness of Sivaji.
Jijamata palace is the place where Jijabai, a lady of high values lived till her death. Unfortunately, this monument was destroyed by the British during their rule in India. What remains is only the ruins of the grand mansion.
Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira. Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline.
