Sudhagad

Sudhagad, also known as Bhorapgad, is a hill fort located in Raigad District, Maharashtra, approximately 53 kilometers west of Pune and 26 kilometers south of Lonavala. Standing at 620 meters above sea level on the Lonavala Hill Range, the fort is constructed of stone and is now owned and maintained by the Government of India. The surrounding area has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary, making it an important natural and historical site.

The origins of Sudhagad date back to the 2nd century B.C., when it was originally called Bhorapgad after its presiding deity, Bhoraidevi. The fort experienced significant changes throughout its history, being captured by the Bahamani Sultan in 1436 and later taken over by the Marathas in 1657, who renamed it "Sudhagad" meaning "the sweet one." Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj surveyed the fort and considered it as a potential capital but ultimately chose Raigad Fort for its more central location. The fort subsequently served under the Peshwas and British colonial rule before becoming part of independent India in 1947.

Today, Sudhagad exists largely as ruins but remains open to the public as a popular trekking destination. The fort features several notable structures including two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the well-maintained temple of Bhoraidevi, two lakes, a granary, tombs, and the impressive Maha Darwaja gate. From the summit plateau, visitors can view other nearby forts including Sarasgad, Korigad, and Ghangad, making it one of Maharashtra's better-preserved hill forts.