Fort Rangana

Keravade K.Narur, Maharashtra, India

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Rangana Fort, also known as Prasiddhagad, is a historic fort located on the Sahyadri mountain ridge on the boundary of Sindhudurg and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra.

Built in the 12th century by King Bhoj-II of the Shilahar dynasty, it was captured over time by the Bahmani dynasty, the Adilshahi rulers, and later by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1664 after defeating combined forces, when it was renamed Prasiddhagad. The fort famously served as a strategic stronghold, with dense forests surrounding it that host wildlife like bears and leopards.

It features five gates, two large lakes, and the temple of goddess Ranganai Devi, reflecting its cultural and religious significance. The fort’s location offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, and it played a crucial role in Maratha defense strategies, remaining under the control of various rulers until the British took it over in 1818.

Today, Rangana is popular for jungle trekking and nature exploration, remaining relatively less known and preserving its historical mystery amid lush greenery.