Vishramgad

Vishramgad, also known as Patta Fort is located between Nashik and Ahmednagar is Maharashtra. Set at a height of about 4,556 feet above sea level, the fort is a popular trekking destination. From the top of the fort, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the villages below.

Vishramgad was built by the Bahamani Sultanate. In 1490, the Bahamani Empire lost this fort to the Nizams of Ahmednagar and the Mughals took over the fort in 1627.  In 1671, Moropant Pingale captured the fort but it was once again taken over by the Mughals. However, in 1675 Moropant Pingale was able to recapture Vishramgad. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited the fort in 1679 after winning Jalnapur. Later the fort once went under the Mughal control and the Peshwas conquered the fort in 1761. In 1818, the fort was taken over by the British.

The residents of the Pattawadi village at the base of Patta Fort are referred to as Pattekar or ‘residents of Patta Fort’. The Pattekars have constructed a Pattai Devi Mandir atop the fort. The climb to the top of Vishramgad is relatively easy and quite enjoyable. Beside Pattai Devi Mandir, the fort is home to cave-shrine of Shri Laxman Giri Maharaj. On full moon day or ‘Poornima’, the disciples of Laxmangiri Maharaj gather at this shrine. A big hall newly reconstructed hall atop the fort called ‘Ambarkhana’ can accommodate about 200 visitors for night stay. There is a rock-cut water cistern near Ambarkhana. The forest department with the help of villages has developed the pathways, steps and gazebo on the fort.