Bhudargad
The Bhudargad fort was built by King Bhoj of the Silahara dynasty during 12th century AD. It is located in what is now known as the Paal village, which is about 50 kilometers from the modern city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The fort has witnessed many historic events since it was commissioned or pressed into service.
But there is a controversy raging over who really built this fort. One group of historians put the credit to king Bhoj-II of the renowned Silahara dynasty. The others however believe that none other than Shahu Sambhaji Raje Bhosle Chhatrapati Maharaj, the fourth Emperor of the Marathas constructed this fort. But whatever it is, the Bhudargad fort remains a very interesting one.
It was thoroughly renovated by Shivaji in 1667, but was soon captured by the Mughals quite easily. However this gain was short-lived because the Marathas, within just five years managed to re-capture the fort through a heroic battle in which the mighty Mughal general was killed within the fort precincts. To commemorate the event, the Marathas offered the standard colors of the slain general at the temple of Bhairav that is located within the fort. In fact, it is still to be found there.
Then at the close of the 18th century, Bhudargad fort changed hands once again. Parasuram Bhau Patvardhan captured the fort by bribing the garrison and driving out the Marathas from the fort. However, this time, it took a longer time for the Marathas to reverse the setting. They could win it back only after ten eventful years.
How to reach: To reach the fort, first you must go to Kolhapur in Maharashtra. There is an airport and a railway station here. Take a bus at Kolhapur or hire a taxi to visit the Paal village, situated at the fort’s base. The village is 50 kilometers from the city. From here you need to walk up to the fort.
It is best that you stay at the city of Kolhapur unless you are willing to camp at the village in the base of the fort. You won’t find any hotels near Bhudargad fort, resorts near Bhudargad fort, or home stays near Bhudargad fort.
