Sumargad Fort

Ghera-sumargad, Maharashtra, India

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Sumargad Fort, located near the village of Ghera-sumargad in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, is a lesser-known historical fort with limited recorded history. Situated about 19 kilometers east of Khed city, it is perched atop steep cliffs and covers a small area of 1 to 2 acres. The fort is accessible via trekking routes from nearby Mahipatgad or Rasalgad forts, through remote forested terrain.

The trek to the fort is challenging with some sections requiring rock climbing, making it suitable for experienced trekkers. The fort features multiple rock-cut water cisterns, two of which contain potable water. There is a cave with a Shivalinga inside, along with idols of local deities such as Bhairi Bhavani and others. From the fort's summit, one can view neighboring forts such as Mahipatgad, Rasalgad, Chakdev, and Parvatgad.

Historically, Sumargad hosted a festival dedicated to a goddess, but the event was moved to Rasalgad following a tragic accident. The fort’s structures, built mainly from black stone, still hold several ancient cannons, and the site offers a quiet, natural setting with rich biodiversity in the surrounding forests.