Pratapgad

Pratapgad is a mountain fort located in Satara district, in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort is situated 24 kilometres from the Mahabaleshwar hill station. The fort is now a tourist destination. The fort's historical significance is due to the Battle of Pratapgad, which took place here on 10 November 1659, between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan. The fort was constructed on a hilltop, about 1,080 meters above sea level, with views of the surrounding landscapes. There are two main entrances to the fort, and the fort's gates are protected by high walls.It is divided into two parts – the lower fort and the upper fort. At present, the lower fort houses the main entrance, while the upper fort contains temples, a modern statue of Shivaji Maharaj, and several buildings. The fort has several watch towers and bastion for providing strategic military advantages during its time of use.