Chandan Fort

Belamachi, Maharashtra, India

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Chandan Fort, located near Belamachi in Maharashtra's Satara district, is an ancient hill fort believed to have been built around 1191-1192 by King Bhoj-II of the Shilahara dynasty.

Strategically perched on a hilly spur in the Sahyadri range, it is adjacent to Vandan Fort, and both play complementary roles in regional defense. The fort has ruins that include an old Shiva temple with two lingas, the Gaus Pak Baba Dargah, bastions, water cisterns, and shelters.

It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the Adilshahi Sultanate in 1673 and later witnessed contest between Marathas and Mughals, changing hands multiple times. Today, Chandan Fort attracts trekkers and pilgrims, offering panoramic views of lush valleys and nearby sugarcane fields. The fort's ruins and surroundings reflect a deep historical and spiritual significance tied to Maratha heritage and the rich natural beauty of the Sahyadri mountains.