| Fort Name : | Alphabetically | RangeWise | DistrictWise | CategoryWise | GradeWise |
| Ghosalgad | FortHeight : 850 Ft. | ||||||
| Type : Hill forts | Fort Range : Roha | ||||||
| District : Raigad | Grade : Medium | ||||||
| Fort Avchitgad and Fort Ghosalgad are situated near the city of Roha. Fort Ghosalgad may have been built to keep a watch on the business & trade activities which were enrouted through Tamhanghat. This route passed through Janjira, Talgad, Ghosalgad, Tamhanghat, Ghangad and was considered to be an easy route to transport the goods to the cities in ghat areas. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort and renamed it as “Veergad”. As per the Treaty of Purandar with Mughals (Mirza Raje Jaisingh played an important role in making Shivaji Maharaj sign this treaty), Shivaji Maharaj kept 12 forts under his reign of which Ghosalgad was one of them. Thus one can understand the significance of this fort. |
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| History : | |||||||
| No documents are available so far to know who has built Ghosalgad. However, in the 16th century this fort was under Nizamshah’s regime. In 1648, the fort was conquered by Marathas. According to Sabhasad Bakhar, Raghunath Ballal (Korde) Sabnis VII took 5000 armed warriors and had marched towards Danda Rajapur, and won the district of Danda Rajapuri, Tale, Ghosale and the nearby coastal area was brought under the control of Marathas. In 1659, Siddhi tried to capture Ghosalgad, but when he heard the news of Afzal Khan’s assassination by Shivaji Maharaj, he retreated his army. Later this fort was under the supervision of Siddhi, Angre, and Marathas. In 1818 Col. Prauther won this fort. |
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| Fascinating Spots : | |||||||
| From Ghosale village one can see the fortification. Once we enter the fort, on the left side, there is a water cistern. Near the water cistern, there is a Chor Darwaja (a secret doorway) which can be used to descend the fortification. From the fortification, before entering the fort, one can view the ruins of the main entrance. There are Sharabh carvings on two stones. Once we reach the top, we directly go the Machi of Ghosalgad (The English word for ‘Machi’ is ‘Summit’ or ‘a plateau kind’. This Machi still has an intact Bastion. On the fortification, one can also view toilets constructed by the earlier regimes. At the end point of the Bastion one gets a breath taking view of the Citadel. One has to proceed to the Citadel. One has to climb a little before entering the Citadel. However, the main path to reach the Citadel is from the back side. On the left side there are Water Cisterns. The water in these cisterns can be used for drinking purpose. From this side it is possible to go around the Citadel. On this route towards the right, there is a water Cistern. Keeping the fortification on the left, one moves towards the caves. From here, one has to go further down towards the valley to view water cistern. After seeing this water cistern one has climb to come to the main route. We reach the backside of the Citadel. Here one can see a cannon. There is a path from here that leads directly to the Citadel. This path is slippery and hence one has to exercise caution. From the Citadel, one can get a panoramic view of the whole area. The Citadel has no remnants. | |
| Ways To Reach : | |
| From Mumbai, reach Roha. Route is Roha-Bhalgaon-Murud. On this route, Ghosale which is the base village is 10 kms from Roha. | |
| Accommodation Facility : | |
| There is no accommodation facility on the fort. | |
| Food Facility : | |
| Trekkers are requested to get food by themselves. | |
| Drinking Water Facility : | |
| Drinking water is available on the fort. | |
| Notes : | |
| 1. There are 4 forts in Roha. With proper planning and with your own vehicle one can complete Talgad-Ghosalgad-Birwadi & Avchitgad forts & Kuda Caves in one day. 2. Information on Talgad, Birwadi & Avchitgad is available on our website. |
| Marathi Version |