Vandan Fort



Vandan Fort is located in Satara District. This fort is situated on a hilly spur from the main ridge of Sahyadri. This fort is frequently visited by trekkers and pilgrims.The villages at the base are rich in sugarcane and other cultivation.The Chandan and Vandan are adjacent forts. The trek to both the fort can easily be completed in a day.

Places of interest
The fort is in good condition. The main entrance gate is in good condition, There is a Dargah, water cistern and bastion on the fort. The path on the fort passes through scrubby vegetation. There are few rooms built for the sentries at the gate.On the southern part of the fort is a Dargah built in stone. They is a building in good condition with roof believed to be store room. There is an Inscription in Arabic written on the gate of dargah.

History
According to the evidence from the manuscripts found written on copper plates the Chandan and vandan forts were built by King Bhoj-II of Shilahar Dynasty in 1191-1192. King Shivaji won these forts from Adilshah of Bijapur in 1673. It was under control of Marathas till 1689 after it passed in the hand of Moghuls. In 1707 it was won by Ch. Shahu Maharaj.

How to reach
Nearest town is Bhuinj which is 87 km from Pune located on NH-4. There are no good hotels and resorts near the fort. There are two ways to reach the fort. one path starts from village Dudhanwadi which is easiest one and the other one from Belmachi. The road from Bhuinj takes a detour around the fort hill to reach Dudhanwadi. The vehicles are to be kept on either villages and further a trekking of 1 hr leads to the Chandan fort. Anarrow path bifurcating from the main path leads to the Vandan fort There are no good potable water bodies on the fort, however a night stay on fort near Dargah is a memorable experience.The way from Pune is shared in the link