Fort Jadhavgadh

Discover one of the world's first Museum fort Hotel located in some of the most stunning and unspoilt mountain scenery in Maharashtra. Fort JadhavGadh sits on a hillock South of Pune at a height of 2511 ft above sea level, commanding a spectacular view of the Diva ghat and its erstwhile region of control. Fort JadhavGadh is a sublime restoration of an early 18th -century Maratha nobleman Shri Pillaji Jadhavrao's Fort. Mr. Vithal Kamat has restored it back to its former glory giving us a glimpse of the royal living and the heritage lifestyle that today we can only imagine.

Historical Importance:

Fort Jadhavgadh was made in the year 1710 as a place of residence as well as a safe haven when being attacked by enemies. Although not as magnanimous as other Maratha era Forts like Sinhagad, Jadhavgadh had quite a few architectural similarities and a fine example of Maratha craftsmanship. Built on a quaint hill top all that was visible of the fort, and still is, were the gigantic walls of brown black stones. The steps going up the main entrance were huge stone blocks making it easier for the animals like horses and elephants going up the fort. But the step way itself was curved. A sharp left turn after the initial climb and then again a steep climb with a left turn after entering through the main spiked doorway. This was essentially done to make the task of a probable enemy and his troops all the more cumbersome if they had to force entry through the main door, inadvertently giving precious time for those inside for last minute preparations.

Inside the fort was divided into the outer walled area and an inner structure where the women folk resided. This area was also utilized for rain water harvesting, dexterously taking benefit of the ample showers the region received and saving water for future use. A number of dungeons were also made in the fort, the main purpose of these being to store grains and as was inevitable during those tumulus times, to keep prisoners of war. Till date, four of these enigmatic dungeons have been traced and are being restored. It is believed that one of the dungeons may be a secret pathway that Pilaji Jadhavrao and his men used in times of crisis.

For most, the fortress was built for practical purposes, devoid of any intricate designs, delicate carvings or decorative art on the ceilings and wall. But the wood work, the main darwaaza wearing armour of spikes, the rock stair ways and the core area residential quarters are a sharp contrast from the 800 sq. ft. houses we are so used to today. Most definitely, it was people with grand status and even bigger hearts who resided in this warrior's den some 300 years ago.

In order to bring no harm to the 300 year old structure the 'Kholi' or Rooms of the hotel have been laid out in such a way that they seem to fit in naturally on the side walls of the fortress. You can even find in places, the original prehistoric stoned wall as a part of the modern room. The interiors too are a quintessential balance between the old world charm and the new world luxuries. And what is now naturally accepted of all Kamat hotels, the rooms are all environmental sensitive.

For more details log onto www.fortjadhavgadh.com

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