Mansantosh Gad

Mansantosh Gad, Shivapur, Kudal, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra 416519

History

It is believed that this fort was built or repaired by Shivaji. Shivaji entered this area on 11 April 1667 to lift the siege of Rangana Fort. After lifting the siege of Rangana Fort, he arrived at Mansantoshgad on 13 May 1667. He stayed here for 34 days till June 15, 1667. Later, the control of Manohar-Mansantosh fort passed to the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur. In 1834, the fort garrison revolted against the Chatrapati which was again demolished by sending a chieftain. later due to regular cases of mutiny, Ch. Shahaji Maharaj himself captured the fort in 1936, it is recorded that he arrested the culprits and took back 2 guns from the fort. After the death of Ch. Shahaji Maharaj in 1838, the gadkars again revolted against the fort, The then Chhatrapati sent his chiefs to break it, he suppressed the rebellion and gave asylum to the rebels. In the rebellion against the British in 1844, the Manohar-Mansantosh fort brought the British to their knees.

How to reach

The nearest towns are Kudal and Sawantwadi. The base village of the fort is Shivapur, but there is a motorable road up to Gadkarwadi. From Bhairav mandir it will take 45 minutes almost to climb. There are good hotels at Kudal and Sawantwadi. Sawantwadi and Kudal both are well connected by rail to Mumbai and Goa. The trek route passes through dense forest and the ascent is very steep. It requires about 1 hour to reach the scarp. There are dilapidated rock-cut steps to climb the scarp. The night stay on the fort is not possible.