Hanumant Gad

Fukeri surrounded by Zolambe, Bhekurli, Khadpade, Gharpi and Asaniye, is one of the beautiful village of Sindhudurg district with 593.96 ha area, village has the population of 309 with 79 houses. After crisscrossing serpentine ghat road from Zolambe one reach to Fukeri where the sacred grove protected by villagers welcome. Without understanding the eco-sensitiveness of the area and annual downpour of the monsoonal rain the ghat road was built. However, during the rainy season the land slides causes hurdles for the villagers of Fukeri. 

At the foothill of the historic Hanumant gad, the temple of presiding deity Mauli in the form of Mahishasurmardini is situated, alongwith the semi-circular panel of Gajlaxmi worshipped as a Kelbai. In the past the temple of Mauli was nestled inside the densely forested patch of the sacred grove where medicinal trees, shrubs, creepers had dominated the area. While going to the fort of Hanumantgad, the pathway has two sides the vegetation of Karvi that flowers every after seven years. The melodious tweetering of numerous birds, multi-hued flying jewells, seasonal beauty of the wild flowers give warm welcome to the nature lovers while hiking in the direction of the fort. During the fifth month of the lunar calendar, Shravan green grass carpets decorates the fort. Standing at the remnants of the fort, one can enjoy bird eye view of the area. Two seasonal waterfalls and perennial springs add charm to the natural beauty of Fukeri. 

Fond Sawant of Sawantwadi kingdom, during the first half of the 18th century had built Hanumant gad to protect the kingdom from Kolhapur princely state and the Portuguese. Fond Sawant's second wife Durgabai, consolidated her position in the kingdom. Chandroba Subhedar compulsed Apaji Subraw to surrender in Fukeri Ghat in 1810. In 1838, the British took over possession of Hanumantgad. However, Atmo Choukekar and his fellowmen revolted and took possession of the fort. But the revolt could not last long.

During the mutiny, Atmo Choukekar took the possession of Hanumantgad on December 19, 1838 and made attempts to conquer the fortress of Sawantwadi by exercising the blockade of roads of Malgao and Insuli. However, British forces foiled the revolt. 

Though, village qualify all necessary parameters of the Eco-Sensitive Area and Dr. Madhav Gadgil, Western Ghats environment expert committee had identified Fukeri into the ESA, the high level committee headed by Kasturirangan has excluded Fukeri from ESA cover of protection. Fukeri is rich in the iron ore and efforts are going on to start iron ore mining. If the mining is started in Fukeri, it will create numerous problems to the wildlife, ecology and environment of the area. 

Today there exist a portion of embankment to the southward entry point. In 1783 canons were there on the fort. However, today only two canons are left in the neglected condition. From Fukeri village fort is situated at 150 mts height (820 ft). 

Village has immense potentiality of eco-tourism. The mammals like the Striped necked mongoose, Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer; a variety of avi-fauna like Malabar Pied Hornbill, thrive in the forest of Fukeri. By involving local communities eco-tourism activities can be planned by respecting environmental rules and regulations. During the  monsoon, Fukeri offer the panoramic view of the Western Ghat forest of Maharashtra, threatened by deforestation, mining, afforestation of exotic species, poaching and commercial plantation.