Yashwantgad Fort is located in the quiet little fishing village of Redi formerly known as Reddipatnam or Revati. It’s one of those small villages located along the majestic coast of the Arabian Sea and comes under the jurisdiction of Vengurla Taluka of Konkan Region, South of Maharashtra.
A Brief History
Yashwantgad/Redi Fort is located atop a small hill to the North of Jitapur bay, and to the South of Maharashtra, amidst lots of coconut and palm trees. It used to serve as an important sea port and trading centre during the reign of Chalukya Swamiraja.
Originally, Yashwantgad fort was built by the great rulers of the Maratha in the early sixteenth century and was later conquered by the Portuguese invaders in the year 1746. After the invasion and possession of the fort by the Portuguese, the Sawants, a clan of Maharshtra and the previous Citadel holders, grew desperate and wanted to regain their foothold on the fort. This is because Yashwantgad fort was then of a great prominence to Marathas due to its tactical and strategic positioning which also served as a major trading point.
As a result, the Sawant clan decided to recapture the port one way or the other. They poisoned the fish in the Portuguese Garrison's fish supply. However, their attack remained unsuccessful as the Portuguese came to know of the Sawants’ intentions. Finally, as a part of peace treaty, the Fort was returned to the Sawants.
But the joy of regaining the fort was a short one. In the year 1765, the British conquered the fort and it remained in their control up until 1890, after which they decided to sell the land inside the fort walls to the locals. Though the land inside the fort was sold to the local villagers, the walls of the fort remained their control.
Some Interesting Facts
The entire fort was built in an area of 3 hectares or 7.41 acres of land
20mt deep into the ground and around the fort is the dry moat (a deep wide ditch surrounding the castle)
You need to pass not one or two, but a total of four gates to get into the fort. All of these gates are still intact and in fact as rigid as they might have been when built
The balekilla (meaning "small fort" or "citadel") inside the fort remembers us almost of a jigsaw puzzle
Though most of the fort is damaged, there are still many constructions which are standing tall, untouched and enchanting the greatness of ancient Indian architectural skills as well singing the praises of the great Maratha dynasty.
Last but not the least, this fort offers the best spots to take some finest shots of the pragmatic “Paradise Beach”
Other attractions nearby
Famous temples such as the Swayambhu Shiv Temple, the Ganesha Temple, the Mauli Temple, the Rampurush Temple and the Navadurga Temple, where Goddess Durga is worshipped are some of the religious places to visit. The Shiroda, Aravali and the Terekhol Fort are some of the historic constructions that you might want to visit. Paradise beach is located at a strolling distance from Yashwantgad Fort.
Food
Food at this place predominantly reflects the Konkan culture and often comprises rice and fish, though other varieties of seafood and chicken items are also available.
How to get there?
By Road:
Distance between Mumbai and Yashwantgad Fort is 553.9 km (10 hrs drive) Via NH 48; Pune and Yashwantgad Fort is 411.0 km (8 hrs drive) Via NH 48; Kolhapur and Yashwantgad Fort is 183.0 km (4 hrs drive) Via NH 48.
All of those who want to reach this place using public transport, can take a bus from any of these three spots and get down either at Sawantwadi (located at a distance of 33 km from Yaswantgad Fort) or at Vengurla (located at a distance of 26 km from Yaswantgad Fort) and take a taxi or auto rickshaw from there to the fort.
By Train
Alternatively, you can catch a Konkan railway train and get down at Sawantwadi or Kural and then hire a taxi to the fort. However, for tourists who love road trips, scooters are available for rent in Vengurla.
Source :
https://iratrips.com/redi/attraction/redi-fort
