Vidarbha is a region filled with tons of natural beauty to the east of Maharashtra. In this region, which has an ancient tradition, many powerful rulers ruled, and during their reign, they also built strong forts. Narnala and Gavilgad are two such forts built by the Gond dynasty. Situated on a hilltop in a dense forest, these forts are huge as well. As Narnala fort is a part of the Melghat tiger reserve in Vidarbha, access to the fort is limited by the forest department and archeology department. The Narnala fort in the Melghat Tiger Reserve is a group of three forts. One of the forts of this trio is the Jafrabad fort. To visit Jafrabad fort, you have to reach the base of Narnala fort. Akot is located at a distance of 47 km from Akola city and Shahnur village at the base of the fort is 22 km from Akot. ... Standing at the Mahakali gate of Narnala fort, the hill on the right side of Narnala hill is the fort of Jafrabad and the hill on the left side is Teliagad. The hill of Jafrabad fort is spread from east to west and is separated from the hill of Narnala fort by a notch. The northern part of the fort is protected by double ramparts. The hill of Jafrabad fort is small in size and the road leading to this fort passes through Narnala fort. The gate part of Jafarabad fort near Narnala fort has been fortified and separated from Narnala fort. Due to the presence of tigers in the next part of the Jafrabad fort, this part has been included in the Melghat Tiger Reserve and entry to that area has been strictly prohibited. Although it is not possible to reach the fort, considering the ramparts and bastions on the side of Narnala fort are in good condition, then the ramparts and bastions on the other side in Jafrabad fort should also be in good condition. At present, we only have to look at the door and be satisfied. This door can be seen without getting out of the jeep. Your journey begins at the door and even ends here. According to an old man from the village, there is a Hanuman temple on the fort, one large lake, and three small lakes. Since the Jafrabad fort has been kept away from tourists due to the Forest Conservation Act, it cannot exactly be said that the fort's structures are in good condition or destroyed due to overgrown forest. As the Jafrabad fort is a part of Narnala fort, the history of Narnala fort is related to the Jafrabad fort.
© Suresh Nimbalkar