Revisit a historic battle at Pratapgarh Fort; it has something in round-up for everyone. Erected at the command of the legendary Maratha ruler Shivaji in the mid-17th century, the fort is located at a distance of 24 km from Mahabaleshwar. What makes this fort special is the double-line fortification that divides it into two parts—upper fort and lower fort. The upper fort is constructed across the northern and western side of the hill and the lower portion on the southern and eastern side. The fort also houses a temple of Goddess Durga on the eastern side of the lower fort. According to the legend, it was at this temple that Shivaji was rewarded with a shining sword. Another unique aspect of the fort is the tomb of Afzal Khan, commander of the Bijapur Sultanate, an arch enemy of Shivaji, who was tactfully killed at the foot of the fort by the Maratha king himself. If you appreciate antiquity and human endeavour, then you’d surely admire the fort as well as the breathtaking views of the Konkan Coast from here.