Dronagiri Fort, Uran

Dronagiri Fort crowns a forested hill near Uran in Raigad district, Maharashtra, and was strategically placed near Uran and Karanja. Once under the Yadavas of Devgiri, it was repaired by the Portuguese in 1530, and in 1535 a Portuguese priest built three churches here. It passed for a time to the Adil Shahis and was captured with Uran by Manaji Angre on 10 March 1739, before finally coming to the British.

The climb is easy and safe in any season, beginning at Uran bus stand and passing through Daur Nagar before winding round the hill through planted forest. Within the inner walls stands the church of Nossa Senhora da Penha, well preserved though bare of images and inscriptions, with two water tanks beside it. The main gate, 50 m south, has a broken arch but intact guard rooms, one holding a Ganesha from the keystone. Photography of the ONGC plant below is not allowed, and night halts on the fort are restricted.