Pratapgad fort was the glorious backdrop of Shivaji's legendary battle against Afzhal Khan in 1656, when Shivaji used tiger claws to rip open his opponent's belly. Pratapgad is a strategically located fort in Satara and is a popular and frequented fort due to its proximity to the popular hill station - Mahableshwar. Pratapgad is amongst the highest points in the hills of this region.
The Pratapgad battle between Afzal Khan and Shivaji is more of a legend in which Shivaji killed the mighty seven foot tall Afzal Khan with tiger nails - 'Wagh Nakh'. Shivaji after the battle had a tomb built for Afzal Khan befitting the mighty warrior.
Pune to Pratapgad140
Mumbai to Pratapgad 160
Kolhapur to Pratapgad345
Nagpur to Pratapgad 750
Nashik to Pratapgad 165
B'lore to Pratapgad 950
On the way up from Ambenali to Pratapgad there is a handicraft centre set up within a small campus where different artefacts and handicraft is on display and sale. An exhibition of art and pictures of historic moments in Shivaji's life carved in metal is a stop that you should take. There also is a refreshment centre within the campus.
