Chandan Fort

Chandan Fort sits on a spur of the main Sahyadri ridge in Satara district, beside its twin, Vandan. Copper-plate records say King Bhoj II of the Shilahara dynasty built both forts in 1191–92. Shivaji won them from the Adil Shahis of Bijapur in 1673, though recent studies argue that Chandan was the very first fort he took after his oath at Raireshwar. The Mughals held it from 1689, the Marathas regained it before 1695, Aurangzeb fought for it again in 1701, and Shahu Maharaj finally captured it in 1707.

Trekkers and pilgrims both come here. Paths from Kholvadi, Ibrahimpur (Banawadi, the easiest) and Belmachi cross bare, open ground to reach the top in about an hour; the nearest town is Bhuinj on NH-4. The fort is in good condition apart from its ruined gate, with the dargah of Gaus Pak Baba, a cistern, a bastion, an old Shiva temple with two lingas and three roofless stone rooms thought to be stores. Nearby villages hold a festival here each Shravan.