Tipagad

Tipagad Fort is a small hill fort located in the Korchi Taluka of the Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, India. Situated approximately 2,000 feet above sea level within a dense teak forest far from human habitation, the structure is currently in a state of ruins but remains open to the public under the ownership of the Government of India. The nearest village is Sawargaon, which lies about 100 kilometers from Desaiganj. Constructed primarily of stone, the fort features an outer wall and an inner Balekilla raised on a hilltop, flanked by bastions. A notable architectural feature is a large water tank roughly 150 meters in width, complete with an embankment and steps leading down to the water's face.

Historically, the site was part of the Murumgaon zamindari area and played a significant role under the rule of the Gond Prince Puram Raja. During his reign, the prince commanded a formidable force consisting of 2,000 fighting men, 25 horses, and 5 elephants, holding control over the entire Vairagad Fort country. The fort witnessed a major conflict when the King of Chhattisgarh launched an attack. Although Puram Raja successfully won the battle, the site's prosperity ended abruptly following an untoward incident in which both the prince and his queen drowned in the lake, leaving the fort desolate.

Categorized as a 16th-century military installation, Tipagad stands as a historical reminder of the region's Gond heritage and the Maratha Empire's influence in Vidarbha. Despite its ruined condition, the site offers visitors a glimpse into the past amidst its secluded natural surroundings. The combination of its strategic hilltop location, the remnants of its defensive walls, and the tragic folklore surrounding its former rulers makes it a point of interest for those exploring the lesser-known forts of Maharashtra.