Avchitgad

Avchitgad is a fort in the Sahyadri range near Roha in Raigad district, about 977 feet high, above the villages of Medha and Padam-Kharapti. It is believed to have been built by the Shilahara kings and later held by the Nizam of Ahmednagar; Shivaji is said to have rebuilt it in haste, giving it the name avchit, meaning in a hurry. Colonel Prother took it from the Peshwas in February 1818.

Three paths climb the hill: from Padam-Kharapti through the jungle, from Pingalsai in about two hours, and from Medha, starting at a large well with drinking water, in about an hour. On top are a large twelve-sided cistern once used for bathing and washing, six smaller cisterns with drinking water, a small temple of the goddess Pingalsai, four cannons and bastions at the north and south ends, the southern one with an inscription. The views take in Talagad, Ghangad, Sudhagad, Raigad and other forts.