Sagargad
Grade : Easy
Region : Alibag
Base village : Khandale
Landmark : Alibag
Number of Routes : 1
Highest Altitude : 1357 Feet (414m)
Trek Duration : 2.5 Hours ascend, 2 hours descend
Surrounding Peaks : Manikgad , Karnala, Mirgad and Vanartok Pinnacle
Ideal Season : June to February (Monsoon months are good weather wise and Winter months for clear views)
Major Attarction :
Dhondane falls, Vanartok,Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial, Gadeshwat temple, Siddheshwar Temple and an old monastery. The citadel inside is strengthened by 5 bastions. There is a moat near the eastern ramparts which is now defunct. There is a secret door here. There is a small temple here which comprises idols of Lord Ganesh and Mahishasurmardini Devi (Goddess Durga), and a Shivalinga. There is a small tank near the temple which is fed from spring water source through a snout called Gomukh or Mouth of a Cow. On the right limb is a tomb with a woman’s hand carved on it called “Saticha Mal” and is dedicated to a Sati. On the left limb are the remnants of the rest houses. Ancient Saptarshi caves is also one of the attractions on the fort. Main entrance of Sagargad is in dilapidated state. Sagargad has a peculiar ‘Y-shape’ if seen from aerial view. On the left side of the fork of this ‘Y’ is a tall peak called ‘Vanartok’.
Water Sources :
Few water steams are there in Monsoon season and in other season one can get water near Siddheshwar Temple
Special thing about structure/route :
On the right limb is a tomb with a woman’s hand carved on it. This is called “Saticha Mal” and is dedicated to a Sati. On the left limb are the remnants of the rest houses.
History Info :
Ancient Name & Meaning (if any) :
Sagargad (Sagar = sea, Gad = fort), the fort itself is 5 miles from the sea.
Brief War History :
This fort was built to keep an eye on the shores of Alibaug and Dharamtar creek. Until the establishment of forts like Khanderi, Kulaba and Sarjekot by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the onus of protection of the coast around Alibaug was on Sagargad alone.
Shivaji Maharaj won the fort from Adilshaha in 1660 A.D. This was to keep a check on the trade route used by the British. Sagargad was one of the 23 forts handed over to Mughals in the treaty of Purandar in 1665 A.D. Shivaji Maharaj won the fort back after he escaped from Agra.
During the anarchy after the death of Sambhaji Maharaj, Sagargad was won by Siddi of Janjira. In 1698, Kanhoji Angre, Bhivaji Gujar of Kulaba and naval chief Sidhoji won back the fort from Siddi.
Later Kanhoji Angre sided with Tarabai during the fight between Tarabai and Shahu Maharaj for the throne. But in 1713, Balaji Vishwanath Peshwe orchestrated a compromise between Kanhoji Angre and Shahu Maharaj. Along with Sagargad, 16 forts were given to Kanhoji. After Kanhoji’s death, the possession of Sagargad transferred to Yesaji. There was an altercation between Yesaji and his brother Manoji. Manoji sought help from Portuguese and won the fort from Yesaji. In 1738 A.D., Sambhaji Angre won the fort from Manoji. The possession of fort went to British after the defeat of Marathas in the war at Pune. Seeing the attractive scenery and pleasant atmosphere, General Fuller and some British officers built rest houses on the fort.
Prisoners sentenced to death were said to be hurled down from the monkey point of the fort.
