Purnagad was built in 1724 by the head of the Maratha Naval Admiral Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre. When you reach the fort, the main entrance is not immediately visible. The Hanuman temple situated near the fort is one of the important landmarks here. The Mahadarwaja or the main door is a strong, fine structure made out of lateritic stone and has the images of the Sun, Moon and Lord Ganesh engraved in the middle. You can see the cabin, locally called as Devadi once you enter through the door.
The Gawkhadi seashore which is to the south of the fort is engulfed in dense Casuarina trees and can be seen from the fortified top of the fort. You can see all the beautiful scenic spots on the fort by standing on the fortification area.
Neatly constructed staircase goes to the side of the main door leading up to the wall. Once you reach the top, you are mesmerized by the vast seascape and the creek of the Muchkundi River. There are small secret holes in the bastions and the wall of the fort from where the canons and guns were fired. There is a 10 feet tall vertical door in the wall of the fort that leads towards the sea. The descendants of the officers on the fort who were appointed by Peshwas are still living there today.
In 1818, after the rule of the Peshwa’s ended, the fort was passed down to the British. The Pawas, Ganeshgule, Kasheli Sun Temple, Adivare Mahalakali Temple, and the Satawali Fort are the few places that you can visit around Purnagad.
The Purnagad fort is situated on a 2-acre land on the northern bank of the Muchkundi River, at a height of 50 meters. Spread from north to south, this fort was the best dock with good opportunities for sea merchants. This fort is situated at a distance of 7 kms from Pawas. Tourists can reach the fort by the local transport or by their own vehicles. You can also climb the fort in just 20 mins but you must take the road that goes through the village.
