Pratapgad Fort is a huge mountain fort situated in Satara District of Maharashtra state. The fort is encircled by dense forest and hills too. It disregards the ways connecting the Deccan Plateau with Konkan.

Districts/ Region
Satara District, Maharashtra, India.

History
Pratapgad Fort was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
This fort is known significantly for its ‘Battle of Pratapgad’. The fort played a vital role in the battle between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal khan that ultimately gave rise to the Maratha Empire.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj killed Afzal Khan at the foothill. Afzal Khan's tomb is halfway to Pratapgad.
The fort has well designed and structured walls with bastions. It even contains two entrances that are well protected. Pratapgad is divided into two parts known as Lower fort (Machi) and Upper fort (Balekilla). There are temples of Shiva and goddess Bhavani situated within the territory of this fort. There are some residential structures on the fort giving evidence of the history of Marathas. The fort is approachable by road.

Geography
This fort is located at the height of 3454 ft. The Pratapgad fort is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. We can note a winding, sharp mountain road that leads to Pratapgad from Mahabaleshwar,which is about 21 KM away from Satara. From a distance, the fort appears to be a round-topped hill. The walls of the lower fort give the impression of the fort being a crown on the hill.

Weather/Climate
The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. 
April and May are the hottest months in the region when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm. 

Things to do
Bhavani Temple: Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the temple has wooden pillars and the roof was later covered with lead by Pratapsingh, the King of Satara.
Afzal Khan’s Tomb: The tomb of Afzal Khan has over time become a mausoleum. The tomb has been preserved as a memorial to Shivaji’s courage.
During the monsoon we get to see the real beauty of the fort and the scenic beauty around it. 

Nearest tourist place
-Venna Lake
-Lodwick point
-Elphinstone Point
-Wilson Point of Sunrise
-Mahabaleshwar Hill Station
-Dhom Dam

How to travel to tourist place by Rail, Air,Road (train ,flight,bus ) with distance and required time
-By air:-Nearest Airport is Pune. Pratapgad Fort is 148 KM away from Pune Airport and 224 KM away from Mumbai Airport
-By Road:-Pratapgad Fort is 81 KM far from Satara.
-By Train:-Nearest Railway Station is Satara 90 KM.

Special food speciality and hotel
Maharashtrian Cuisine

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station
There are various hotels available with bed and breakfast.

MTDC Resort nearby details
MTDC resort Mahabaleshwar.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit
The best time to visit Pratapgad is between October and May. In Summer the temperature is moderate and varies from 15° to 35°. In Monsoon rains exhibit the greenest best sight of Pratapgad.
-Fort is open for anyone who would like to visit. 

Language spoken in
English, Hindi, Marathi.