Kothaligad

Kothaligad, also known as Peth Fort, is a historic hill fort located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India, situated east of Karjat near the Karjat-Murbad Road. Standing at an elevation of approximately 3,100 feet within the Sahyadri Hill Range, this stone structure is renowned for its accessibility and popularity as a trekking destination. The fort's architecture is distinct, featuring a unique chimney-like tunnel carved directly into a massive black rock pinnacle, which serves as an internal staircase leading to the summit. At the base, visitors can find ancient cave carvings and a small temple dating back to the 13th century, along with rock-cut water cisterns that highlight the site's historical self-sufficiency.

The historical significance of Kothaligad spans several centuries of regional conflict and changing sovereignty. Originally under the control of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, it was captured by Mughal forces in 1684 and renamed Miftah-ul-Fateh by Emperor Aurangzeb. The fort changed hands multiple times between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company during the 18th and 19th centuries, with the British utilizing it as a vigilance outpost until 1862. Local lore suggests the structure functioned less as a traditional fortress and more as a strategic watchtower or lighthouse, used to monitor enemy advancements across the Maval region and signal directions to allied forces.

Currently, Kothaligad exists as ruins under the ownership of the Government of India but remains open to the public. While the military structures have weathered over time, the distinctive internal staircase and steep steps remain intact, continuing to serve trekkers who visit the site today. The surrounding area boasts fertile soil and abundant natural resources, preserving the scenic beauty that has made this location a notable landmark in the Karjat area. Despite its ruined condition, the fort stands as a testament to the region's turbulent military past and architectural ingenuity.