Just 24 km from the popular hill station of Mahabaleshwar lies the mountain fort of Pratapgad. Built as far back in 1656, the soaring cliff was selected by Shivaji to control three strategic passes, Radtondi, Poladpur and Par. Built by the architect Moropant Pingale, the northern and western sides have an almost vertical drop of 700 to 800 feet in places. Pratapgad is famous for the historic confrontation between the Sultan of Bijapur, Afzal Khan and Shivaji. Both the leaders agreed to meet and talk without arms. However, both broke their word. Afzal Khan pulled out a dagger to stab Shivaji, but the Maratha leader was just as cunning. He had concelead a suit of chain under his wardrobe and was carrying a "Waghnakh" or 'Tigers Claw' with which he killed Afzal Khan.

Reaching There:

Pratapgad is accessible now by motorable road from Mahabaleshwar.