Kurdugad

Kurdugad, also known as Vishramgad, is a fort in Raigad district that kept watch over the trade route between Pune and the coastal ports. It is named after the goddess Kurdai Devi, whose temple stands at its base. The fort was built in Shivaji's time with help from Sardar Baji Pasalkar, later passed to the Peshwas, and lost its importance under British rule until Dattoba Pasalkar, a descendant of Baji, drew attention to it again.

Thick forest and hill slopes surround the fort. The trek starts from Jite, 25 km from Mangaon (Kolad is the closest town), or from Dhamanwal, and takes about two hours: a safe path through dense jungle reaches the Katkari hamlet of Pethwadi in roughly ninety minutes, followed by a steep half-hour climb to the gate. On top are two pinnacles and two cisterns that hold water through summer, but there is no drinking water, so overnight stays are arranged in the villages. November to February is the best season.