Purnagad Fort

Purnagad Fort stands on a hill on the north side of the Muchkundi River, 25 km from Ratnagiri, and covers about 22 acres. Though small, it mattered as a base for the navy of Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha force often seen as a forerunner of the modern Indian Navy. From here the fleet defended against and raided British forces and traded with other Europeans. Some credit its construction to Shivaji, others to Angre himself. Under the Peshwas it brought in little revenue.

The rectangular fort is built of black basalt. An idol of Maruti stands at the entrance, where the sun, the moon and Ganapati are carved in stone. Inside are a tulsi stand and ruined buildings. A second gate opens to the sea, and steps climb to the flagpole, which looks out over the ocean and Purnagad Beach.