Rasalgad

Rasalgad Fort is a historic hill fort located in the Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra, India, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of Khed City. Standing at an elevation of 1,770 feet above sea level on a narrow spur, the structure connects geographically with Suamargad and Mahipatgad to the north. Constructed primarily from stone and lead, the fort occupies a small triangular plateau spanning five acres and is currently owned by the Government of India. Declared a protected monument by the Maharashtra Department of Archaeology in 2003, the site remains in good condition and is openly accessible to the public as a developed tourist attraction.

The historical record of Rasalgad is somewhat sparse, yet it holds significance within the region's military past. The fort was originally held by the More clan of Javli before being captured by the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Centuries later, in 1818, British forces seized the stronghold from the Peshwas. Today, visitors can explore two well-preserved entrance gates, a storeroom, and large rock-cut water cisterns. Religious sites within the complex include a Veer Maruti idol near the first gate and a Zolayidevi temple featuring a stone Deepmala and Tulsi Vrindavan.

Recent years have seen active efforts to preserve the fort's military artifacts. While historically known for sixteen cannons, local conservation groups from the Sahyadri Pratishthan recovered two additional cannons from nearby valleys in early 2022, bringing the total to eighteen displayed on-site. These recovered pieces were placed near the temple and reported to state authorities. The fort serves as a popular destination for trekkers, often used as a night halt, and acts as the starting point for expeditions toward Suamargad and Mahipatgad. The base village of Rasalwadi provides road access, allowing visitors to reach the summit in about ten minutes.