Bankot is a town in India. It was made
part of the Bombay Presidency in 1756. Its most famous structure is Bankot Fort
(pictured). This was the first residency of the British Raj in Southern Konkan.
Bankot fort is still eluding us and the
origin of this fort is still speculative, a brief history can still be traced
about this fort. The fort was known to be under the control of Adilshahi and
later in 1548, the Portuguese took control over it. Later, Marathas, under the
able leadership of the great Kanhoji Angre took control over Bankot. They
rechristened the fort as Himmatgad. It is a historical place because it was the
first residency in the Southern part of Konkan coast of British.In the year
1756 Bankot became the part of Bombay Presidency. Bankot fort is the main
attraction here. Apart from this historic fort the nearby village of Velas
village can be a treat to your eyes. The actual creator of this fort is not
known to anyone but it is standing here since a long time and what is known is
that it was under the ownership of Adilshahi till mid sixteenth century and
after that in the year 1548 Portuguese captured this fort from Adilshahi
dynasty as Portuguese were strengthening throughout the coast line. But
Marathas then fought with Portuguese and took over the fort under the brave
leader named Kanhoji Angre. The Marathas renamed the fort as Himmatgad. After
Angre for some time the fort came under the control of British due to some
internal divide and the fort was again named Fort Victoria by British. But when
British saw no benefits to retain the ownership of this fort in terms of
business or ruling they gave its ownership back to Peshwas. Due to its location
this place could never witness any significant historical events during its
lifetime except seeing various ownerships.If we see the structure of the fort
it is in square shape. There a well in the premises that is said to be very
deep. Like other forts in the region this fort also has a grand entrance gate
decorated with multiple designs. As you enter the gate you proceed to a porch
that is said to be the place where performance by musicians performed for the
ruler of the fort. Now the remains of the fort can be explored as most of the
structure is now damaged due to its age, lack of maintenance and usage.
Bankot is a nice place to visit in any
season. The temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C and can go up to around
the 34°C mark. Heavy rain & thunderstorms can be expected in monsoon
season.
No accommodation facility available on the
fort.
By Air : Mumbai is nearest airport.
By Rail : Karanjadi - 59 km. Veer - 67 km. Mangaon -
87 km are the nearest railway stations.
By Road : To reach Bankot village, we have to go
from Mumbai Goa Highway. Before Mahad, there is Toll phata, and the route is
via Ambet-Mandangad-Bankot (about 248 km). It takes around one hour to reach
the fort from village by walk. Lohagaon, Pune - 139 km. Chatrapati Shivaji
International Airport, Mumbai - 180 km. Kolhapur - 240 km
There is a Ganesh temple at the base of
the fort. The fort is surrounded by moats dug up in the red laterite. The main
entrance faces north and is decorated with stone carvings. Near the entrance
are vestibules for gate keepers. In the vestibule on right side there are 6
water tanks. Going ahead we come across Nagarkhana, where we find decorative
steps to ascend it. From here we can have a glimpse of Savitri River and the
surrounding region. To walk on the ramparts, there are stairs from eastern and
western side. From the western doorway we can go the bastion outside the
ramparts. Here we find a deep well and a room for the patrolling soldiers.
There is a secret entrance near this bastion. This bastion lies on the way from
Bankot to Velas, and was built by Siddis to strengthen Bankot fort.