Bankot Fort

Location

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.

Near the main entrance of the Bankot Fort is the Gajanan Temple. The main entrance, called Mahadarwaja, has a decorative balcony with arches and a large space for seating. There is a porch with cellars nearby and another doorway that opens out into the outer tower. A deep empty well stands within the fort. A certain area at the outermost part was made for burial purposes and here graves are marked by platforms and vertical pillars with marble inscriptions. The wife and daughter of Sir Arthur Mallet of the famous Arthur Seat in Mahableshwar are buried here after they both drowned in Savitri creek river near Bankot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/khalilsawant/2677072012/