Ambolgad Fort

Maharashtra, India

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Ambolgad is a small coastal fort located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, near the Arabian Sea. Built in the 17th century during the Maratha rule, it was primarily constructed to monitor the ancient port of Musakaji and oversee maritime traffic through the nearby creek.

The fort is relatively small, covering about 1,200 square meters, and has a square layout with bastions at its corners. Much of its walls and structures are now in ruins, with some remnants like a broken cannon, a square well, and the fort's old entrance still visible. It was under the control of Maratha naval commander Kanhoji Angre and was captured by the British in 1818. By 1862, the fort was evacuated and settlements moved outside its walls.

Today, the site is quiet, picturesque, and surrounded by natural beauty including a nearby beach, with a banyan tree growing within the fort remains. The Gagangiri Maharaj monastery is also located nearby, adding cultural interest to the area.