Yashwantgad Fort is located in Redi, Maharashtra, near the Maharashtra-Goa border.
It is located on a small hill North of Jaitapur creek.
As you approach the fort, you’ll be greeted with crumbling gateways leading through the surrounding forest, and past a deep trench that surrounds part of the structure. But don’t worry, we promise it’s not a trap set up by the fairies and goblins rumored to reside in this magical place! Once you make it through the gate, you’ll pass through several small rooms and corridors where tree roots cascade over the walls of the fort. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale!
As you make your way to the huge, roofless inner chambers of the citadel, be prepared to encounter some of the fort’s inhabitants. You might spot langur monkeys or drongo birds, but watch out for the mosquitoes – they’re always hungry and ready to feast on unsuspecting travelers!
The history of Redi Fort is just as fascinating as the fort itself. It was built by the Marathas in the sixteenth century and later captured by the Portuguese in 1746. The Sawant clan of Maharashtra, the previous citadel holders, were desperate to regain the fort because of its valuable strategic position on the coast. In an attempt to recapture Redi fort, they even poisoned the Portuguese garrison’s fish supply! But unfortunately, the attack was unsuccessful. The fort was eventually returned to the Sawants following a peace treaty, but their success was short-lived – in 1765 the fort was captured by the British, who later sold the land to local people in 1890 while retaining ownership of the fort walls.
Nowadays, Yashwantgad is a beautiful calm seashore on the feet of this foet which makes this place even more amazing. It’s located in the Nate village in Rajapur taluka of Ratnagiri district, and takes about three-and-a-half hours to reach this beach-side fort via Anuskura ghat- Rajapur- Nate route or the Ratnagiri- Adivare- Nate route. And if you have time, we highly recommend visiting the Ambolgad fort and Kasheli’s Kanakaditya temple en-route to Yashwantgad.
So what are you waiting for? Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the enchanting and mysterious Yashwantgad Fort. Explore the magical ruins, say hello to the monkeys and birds, and take a rest on the seashore which is just five steps away from the fort. Just remember to come prepared with mosquito repellent, or you’ll be eaten alive!
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