Gagangad was built by Raja Bhoj II (Shilahara dynasty) in 1190. After that Singhan Yadava defeated King Bhoj in 1209 and captured this fort. After dividing Bahamani dynasty this fort goes to under Adilshahi. In Maratha Empire Chh. Rajaram Maharaj appoint there chief of Ramchandrapant Amatya as Jahagir. In 1844 British army demolished Gagangad fort.

Gaganbawda village is 55 km from Kolhapur. There is a regular bus service from Kolhapur. Apart from this, Gaganbawda is at a distance of 50 km from Vaibhavwadi, Kankavali in Konkan. Buses from Konkan to Kolhapur stop at Gaganbawda station. From there a 2 km paved road leads to Gagangada. About half the height of Gagangada can be reached by car. It takes 10 minutes to reach the fort by steps from the bottom of the train.

Monsoon season is best to visit the fort, Gaganbawda is a hill station and you enjoy lot more in monsoon.

• As Gagangad is at the tip of the Sahyadri Plateau, deep valleys descending into the Konkan can be seen to its west. The road is paved up to half the height of the fort. There are steps to reach the fort from the basement. At the beginning of the steps is the temple of Mhasoba. It has an image of Redya.
• Going up the stairs, on the left hand side, there is a large natural cave in front of the rock. Gagangiri Maharaj lived on this fort, he had done penance in this cave. Therefore, their temple has been built in this cave..
• Outside the cave is a magnificent image of Hanumanta carved in the rock. Next to it is an image of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Shankara. In front of the cave is the monastery office and dining room. There is a Bhaktanivas and Navagraha temple on the way up the steps from the cave. There are 2 cannons on the bastion near the temple.
• Ascending from Bhaktanivasa, we enter the open plateau. On the left side of the plateau is a marble temple. On the right is the ancient temple of Lord Shiva. Standing in front of this temple, you can see a mosque-like building at the highest point of the fort (Balekilla). It is the tomb of Gaiby Pira or the tomb of Gabinath.
• To reach the fort of Gagangada, there is a path of excavated steps near the Shankar temple. This way we reach Samadhi in 10 minutes. Nearby is the temple of Goddess Vitthalai and a water well. Apart from this, on the lower side of the fort, you can see the remains of old houses and ramparts.