Description

The Mandesh section of Satara district is drought prone. But the forts in this area are also worth seeing. One such fort is Vardhangad at the entrance of Khatav taluk. From a distance, the fort looks like an inverted coconut mill. It is believed that this fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj from the structure of the fortifications, towers and construction of the main gate of Vardhangad fort.

It is recorded that Shivaji Raja was present at this fort in 1661 AD. Two beautiful guns are kept at the beginning of the village. On going further to the fort, the main gate between the crenellated towers can be seen. After entering through the door, there is a temple of Vardhanimata on a high hill. Goddess festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm at Vardhangad during Navratri. The distance between Satara and Vardhangad is thirty kilometers.