Bhagwantgad

Bhagwantgad is a fort 18 km from Malvan in Sindhudurg district, on the north bank of the Gad river, or Kalaval creek. It covers about 1.5 acres and is thick with vegetation. The Pant Pratinidhi had it built to keep an eye on the Sawants of Sawantwadi, straight after they put up Bharatgad at Masure on the opposite bank. The fort first answered to the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur but soon passed to the Sawants, whose commandant held off Tulaji Angre, son of Kanhoji, for 18 months in 1748. On 29 March 1818 the garrison fled when East India Company riflemen under Captains Gray and Pierson crossed the creek.

Small boats ferry visitors across the creek from Kavawadi or Kawamasure, and Bhagwantgad and Bharatgad can both be seen in one day from the base village of Masure. The gates and bastions are ruined, and the Siddheshwar temple is the only building in good repair. An hour covers the whole site.