Majestic Forts in Konkan

Maharashtra's History, Culture and people would not be existing without the forts in Maharashtra. The Great Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who was a true visionary, realized the importance of Strategically located strong forts at a young age and went on to capture and build many forts in his struggle to establish a 'Hindavi Swarajya'. Though there are numerous forts in Maharashtra, are giving information here only about the forts which are on the Konkan coastline.


Kulaba Fort - Alibag

The fort of Kulaba was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 to keep a check on the activities of the foreign naval powers of English, Portuguese and the Siddhi of Janjira. It is a testimony to the foresight of the great maratha king. The Kulaba fort is still in good condition and one can go to visit the fort by walking across the seashore at low tide or by taking a buggy ride @ 20 Rs. Per person. However be sure to check the proper timings to visit the fort as it is dangerous to try to go to the fort at high tide. You get approximately 3 to 4 hours to see the fort and come back.

The fort has two main entrances, one at the sea side and other towards Alibag. The average height of the fort walls is 25 feet. The fort has sweet water wells and some buildings inside its premises. The Siddhivinayak temple inside the fort was built by Raghoji Angre in 1759. The Ganpati Idol in the temple is very beautiful and many people worship it.

Kulaba fort - Alibag

Kulaba fort - Alibag

Revdanda Fort

located at 17 Kms. From Alibag revdanda is an important port. The Salav bridge at revdanda which joins Murud and Alibag gives a cool view of the surroundings, You can see a beautiful sight of Revdanda port, beach and The Vikram Ispat factory from the bridge. A walk to the adjoining beach will give you a breathtaking view of the Revdanda Fort. The fort was built by a Portuguese Captain by the name of Soj in 1558.

A visit to the fort is a must as it is a very beautiful ancient fort, though in ruins it is worth your visit. The view of the fort from the beach is quiet picturesque. You can see some buildings inside the fort. A walk along the fort will give beautiful views of the sea and also the Korlai fort.

The Fort of Korlai

Korlai fort can be seen from the bridge at Salav, located at three Kms. from Revdanda, on the Revdanda - Kashid road. The fort is an Old Portuguese outpost guarding the entrance to the river. A small road leads up to the top of the fort. There is a Lighthouse on the fort and a small climb from behind the lighthouse will take you to the fort. The fort is in ruins, but the view from the lighthouse is beautiful and the rocky beach at Korlai is also good.

Korlai Fort

Korlai fort

The forts of khanderi and Underi

The sea forts of Khanderi and Underi are Located three kms. in the sea near Thal. You can take a boat ride from Thal to visit the forts. However there is no permanent ferry to the forts and you have to hire a boat from the local fishermen. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built the fort of Khanderi and the fort was most of the time in possession of the Marathas barring a few years of English possession. The fort of Underi is at a distance of ½ kms. From Khanderi. There were continues fights taking place between the Marathas and the Siddhi of Janjira for the possession of these forts.

Janjira Fort

Located near Rajapur, Janjira is a majestic sea fort which remained unconquered till the end. The fort was built by Siddhi Amber who came from Abyssinia, the fort is an excellent example of fort building architecture and its outer walls are still in a good condition. I am sure you will be awed looking at the fort by thinking how the hell people would have built a fort in the middle of the sea? You have to take a boat ride to go to the fort, and there is a lot to see on the fort.

There are guides available who tour you through the fort while giving you an interesting version of the forts history. The inside premises of the fort are in ruins but still give you a glimpse of its glorious past. The Huge cannons by the names Kalal bangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam are worth a mention, it is said that these guns could fire at a distance of two Kms. from the fort making it impossible for enemy ships to come near. From the fort you can see the sea fort of Kasa or Padmadurg which was built by Shivaji Maharaj to counter the might of Siddhi.

Janjira Fort at Murud

Janjira fort

Bankot Fort

The Bankot fort is located near Bagmandla, which is near Harihareshwar. From Bagmandla you will have to take a boat ride to get to the fort, from where the trek begins which is approximately half an hour long. The Fort is also known as Himmat Garh, which means the fort of Strength. there is not much to see and it is in a state of ruins.

Suvarnadurga and kanakdurga - Harne

Located at 17 kms. from Dapoli at Harne, The Suvarnadurg fort consists of two forts, kanakdurga the land fort and Suvarnadurga the sea fort. The forts were built by Adilshah and later captured and fortified by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. Earlier there was a tunnel connecting both the forts but now only way to go to Suvarnadurga is through a boat. However currently there is no regular boat service to the fort and one has to arrange for the ferry from the local fishermen. There is a lighthouse inside the Kanakdurga fort.

Gopalgad Fort - Anjanvel

Anjanwel is a small town near Enron Company Plant at Veldur. Gopalgad Fort at anjanwel is one of the picturesque forts in Konkan. It is a coastal fort, half of which is on a hill and the other half touches the sea. You can drive up to the fort walls, but care should be taken while driving as it has very steep climbs. Roaming through the remnants of the fort is a nostalgic experience which you will definitely like.

Suvarnadurga Fort - Harne

Suvarnadurg fort - Harne

Jaygad Fort

The fort of jaygad is located at 25 Kms. from Ganpatipule. the fort is still in a good condition and quiet a few people still stay inside the fort. the fort was primarily built for guarding the Jaygad port. You can take your vehicle up to the fort and a walk along the fort walls will give you beautiful views of the sea and the port.

Ratnadurga and Bhagwati Forts

The Ratnadurga and Bhagwati forts were built during the Bijapur dynasty and captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the Adilshah and fortified by him in 1670. The forts are on a hill and its three sides are sea facing. The forts are spread in an area of 120 Acres. Both the forts are worth seeing and the Bhagwati fort also has a temple of Bhagwati Devi.

You can see the Bhagwati Bander (Port) at the foot of this fort and there is a Lighthouse near the fort from where you can get a view of Ratnagiri city below. The Bhagwati Bander (Port) is a major port on the Konkan coastline.

Ratnadurga Fort - Ratnagiri

Ratnadurga and Bhagwati Forts - Ratnagiri

Purnagad fort

Located at 25 Kms. from Ratnagiri after Pawas, Purnagad fort is spread in an area of 22 acres. The fort is located at the mouth of Muchikund river creek. The fort is in good condition and you can find some cannons in the fort. A walk along the fort will give you a good view of the surrounding area and you will find lots of squirrels running around.

Sindhudurg Fort

The Star attraction of the Malvan trip, the sindhudurg fort is an excellent example of the foresight of the great Maratha King, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He built this fort in 1664 on 'Kurte' islands and is an excellent example of fort building architecture. You have to take boat ride in order to visit the fort and will cost you 20 - 30 Rs.

The fort has 52 'Buruzs' with an average height of 30 meters. The fort has three sweet water wells with Bhavanimata, Mahadev Temples and also a Temple of Shivaji Maharaj himself. In the fort you can also find a rare example of branching of a coconut tree. A visit to the fort is a must for any tourist and you will enjoy going around in the fort.

Vijaydurga Fort

Devgad is famous all over the world for its delicious Alphanso mangoes, and this becomes quiet evident as soon as you approach Devgad. You can see Mango plantations everywhere and it is the main occupation of the people in Devgad. Located near Devgad the Vijaydurga fort was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the mouth of Vaghotane creek.

Vijaydurga Fort - Devgad

Vijaydurga Fort

The fort is on a strip of land going into the sea and is spread in an area of six hectares. The fort has 27 'Buruzs' and is still in a very good condition. The huge stones used for the fort walls and the strength of the walls are still visible and it is quiet interesting to think how these huge walls were built in the open sea.

Top

General Ads
 
 
Konkan Map | Konkan Destinations | Konkani Cusine | Alibag | Diveagar | Dapoli | Guhagar | Ganpatipule | Sindhudurga - Malvan | Amboli