Kurdugad

Kurdugad Fort, also historically known as Vishramgad, is a stone hill fort situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Standing at an elevation of 2,020 feet within the Sahyadri hill range, it is located approximately 143 kilometers from Mumbai and 113 kilometers from Pune. The structure was originally constructed during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji with the assistance of Sardar Baji Pasalkar. Its name is derived from the local goddess Krudai Devi, whose temple stands at the base of the formation. Architecturally, the site functioned as a strategic military outpost designed to monitor and protect the vital trade route connecting Pune to various coastal ports, surrounded by dense forests and steep hill slopes.

The fort holds significant historical value due to its association with the Maratha Empire and subsequent control by the Peshwas before falling under British rule in the early 19th century. Although it lost its strategic importance after the onset of British colonization, the site was later brought back into public awareness by Dattoba Pasalkar, a descendant of its original builder. Today, the fort exists as ruins under the ownership of the Government of India and remains open to the public. While the main structure is dilapidated, visitors can still observe two prominent pinnacles and two water cisterns that remarkably retain water even during the dry summer months.

Accessing the fort requires a trek starting from base villages such as Jite or Dhamanwal, with the journey passing through the tribal village of Pethwadi. The hike involves navigating through thick jungle and includes a steep climb to reach the entrance gate, typically taking about two hours in total. Due to the absence of natural water sources on the summit itself, overnight stays on the fort are not feasible; however, local villagers from Pethwadi and Jite provide food and lodging arrangements for travelers. The ideal time to visit is between November and February when the weather is most favorable for exploring this historic piece of Maratha heritage.