Gowalkot Fort

Gowalkot Fort is a small hill fort situated near the city of Chiplun in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district. The fort is located on the southern bank of the Vashishti River. Spread over 2 acres of land, Gowalkot Fort is surrounded by the river on three sides and a trench on the fourth side. Today, the fort is in ruins, but still worth visiting owing to the beautiful views it offers.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered this fort in 1660 and renamed it as Govindgad. However, his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj lost the fort to the Siddis. In 1736, Chimaji Appa, the younger brother Peshwa Bajirao killed king Siddi Sat in battle and took over Gowalkot Fort. In 1745, Tulaji Angre captured the fort and it remained under his control for a decade. In 1755, the Peshwas once again conquered the fort. The fort was taken over by the British in 1818.

At the foothills of the fort is a temple dedicated to Goddess Karanjeshwari. A series of steps behind this temple lead to the top of the fort. Gowalkot Fort’s main entrance is in a state of ruins, but the two bastions on either side of it are in a good condition. Atop the fort, there are a few cannons, remnants of old buildings, a water pond and a small temple dedicated to Godess Redjai. From the top of the fort, enjoy the incredible views of the striking Vashishti River and picturesque valley below.