Purnagad Fort, Ratnagiri - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 10 km from Ganeshgule and 24 km from Ratnagiri, Purnagad Fort is an ancient sea fort situated at Purnagad village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular forts of Konkan and also one of the best places to visit in Ratnagiri.

Purnagad Fort is situated on a mountain which is at the confluence of Muchkundi creek and the Arabian Sea. It is believed that the fort of Purnagad was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but some evidences suggested that it was constructed by Sakhoji Aangre, son of Kanhoji Angre.

Spread over an area of 22 acres, Purnagad Fort has two entrance gates, one facing east and the other facing west. The main entrance door is a very robust structure between the two bastions. There is a Hanuman shrine and a well at the entrance. Pictures of Moon, Sun and Lord Ganesh are carved onto the main entrance door. Vestibules of security guards are present on the either sides of the main entrance door. There are stair cases from four sides to reach the top of the fort.

Although covered in thick vegetation and overgrown trees, this small fort is in good condition. The main entrance door and its buruj, boundary wall are still in good condition. The fort is located very close to the village Purnagad and it is a ten minutes' walk. One can get a captivating view of the Arabian Sea, Muchkundi creek and surrounding places from the top of the fort.