01
Murud-Janjira Fort
The Murud Janjira fort is the first example of excellence and intelligence. Covered with the Arabian sea waters on all four sides, thereby providing a seamless view of the ocean from the rooftop, which was once used as watchtowers during the wars.
Initially, the Fort was built by the Sultans. However, later one, several additions and changes were made in the architecture by the Marathas. This fortification will offer you a glance into the century-old Maratha history, thanks to the wars' cannons. These tombs have been built as an homage to the fallen, and other artwork spread across the castle. The Fort's entrance is known as the "Sher Darwaza" because of a sculpture with one tiger with six elephants.
Location: 55 kilometers from Alibaug in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.
Initially, the Fort was built by the Sultans. However, later one, several additions and changes were made in the architecture by the Marathas. This fortification will offer you a glance into the century-old Maratha history, thanks to the wars' cannons. These tombs have been built as an homage to the fallen, and other artwork spread across the castle. The Fort's entrance is known as the "Sher Darwaza" because of a sculpture with one tiger with six elephants.
Location: 55 kilometers from Alibaug in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.
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02
Sindhudurg Fort
Another historical masterpiece in Maharashtra is the Sindhudurg Fort in the Konkan district. The Fort was built during the reign of Chatrapati Shivaji, and that's why it has now become an emblem of his heroic acts and courage. Unlike other marine forts, the Sindhudurg stands on a rocky island, located a few kilometers off the coast of Malvan. Reaching this place is very easy as you have to rent a boat.
The Sindhudurg fort has many enigmatic tales, like the three water reservoirs, which never dry during the summers. This underground water passage opens to a village at the other end, the hidden entrance gate, or the Dilli Darwaja, and so on. The finesse of the Fort has left many tourists gobsmacked, with wide, open mouths in shock. Shivaji hired three hundred architects from Portugal to construct a fortification that would be their main operational center during any war. So, visiting this Fort is a must.
The Sindhudurg fort has many enigmatic tales, like the three water reservoirs, which never dry during the summers. This underground water passage opens to a village at the other end, the hidden entrance gate, or the Dilli Darwaja, and so on. The finesse of the Fort has left many tourists gobsmacked, with wide, open mouths in shock. Shivaji hired three hundred architects from Portugal to construct a fortification that would be their main operational center during any war. So, visiting this Fort is a must.
Location: Along the shore of Malvan town in Sindhudurg district, 450 km south of Mumbai
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03
Vijaydurg Fort
Covered by the Arabian Sea on all three sides, the Vijaydurg Fort is one of Maharashtra's best sea forts. In the earlier time, this structure was used as a naval base of the Shivaji Empire. Maratha cargo and warships were manufactured and repaired here, in this Fort. It was built in a way where the surrounding forty-kilometer shallow creek made the structure impenetrable.
Laterite stones were mainly used in the construction of this Fort. There is a vast guard wall surrounding the Fort, and standing at a distance of 200km from the main building. This wall acted as the first line of defense for the Maratha naval force. Apart from this, you will also see the marks and dents left by the cannonballs on the outer wall.
Location: Situated right at the mouth of the Waghotan River, in the Vijaydurg region of Devgad Taluka
Laterite stones were mainly used in the construction of this Fort. There is a vast guard wall surrounding the Fort, and standing at a distance of 200km from the main building. This wall acted as the first line of defense for the Maratha naval force. Apart from this, you will also see the marks and dents left by the cannonballs on the outer wall.
Location: Situated right at the mouth of the Waghotan River, in the Vijaydurg region of Devgad Taluka
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04
Kolaba Durg
The Kobala Fort is one of the oldest sea forts in Maharashtra, built around three centuries ago. It was used as the base of operations for the Maratha navy during the reigns of Shivaji. Since it's located near the coastline, you can easily reach the place by walking or taking a boat, depending on the tide. It is one of the less toured places, and hence, the ambiance is noiseless and peaceful.
You can wander at the vast sea with no endpoint from the rooftop of the Fort. Some cannons once used to be included in wars. Several carvings of birds and animals are there on the fort walls. There is also a freshwater well sitting at the center of the courtyard and a Lord Ganesha temple.
You can wander at the vast sea with no endpoint from the rooftop of the Fort. Some cannons once used to be included in wars. Several carvings of birds and animals are there on the fort walls. There is also a freshwater well sitting at the center of the courtyard and a Lord Ganesha temple.
Location: 2 kilometers away from Alibaug Coast
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05
Suvarnadurg Fort
Suvarnadurg Fort, or the Golden Fort, is one of the most critical sea forts in Maharashtra, used for naval constructions and defense. It's situated on a small island in the Arabian Sea, which allowed Shivaji to keep an eye on any enemy warship. The Suvarnadurg Fort is the main structure coupled with a little land fort present on the same island.
The Fort's foundation is mainly built from the rocky surface of the island itself. However, some sections are there where large stone blocks have been used. There are two entrances- the 'Maha Darwaja' or the bigger entrance opens towards the land while the 'chor darwaja'; or the smaller one is sea facing. If you want to unearth the history of this Fort, visiting it is a must.
The Fort's foundation is mainly built from the rocky surface of the island itself. However, some sections are there where large stone blocks have been used. There are two entrances- the 'Maha Darwaja' or the bigger entrance opens towards the land while the 'chor darwaja'; or the smaller one is sea facing. If you want to unearth the history of this Fort, visiting it is a must.
Location: On a small island in the Arabian Sea near Harnai of the Konkan region
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06
Andheri Fort
Under Fort is said to be a warrior amongst all other sea forts in Maharashtra. Despite having to suffer from numerous attacks, the structure continued to stand still and proud without giving up. This is why this Fort is considered one of the significant defense lines of the Maratha empire. The Fort is located in the Thal region, around eight kilometers from the city of Alibaug.
The Fort has several things to offer to you, starting from the cannons to the iron sculptures which once adorned the walls and hallways of the Fort. Since no jetty is there near the Fort, you will have to visit it during a low tide. The lack of water will help you to walk on foot to reach the structure.
The Fort has several things to offer to you, starting from the cannons to the iron sculptures which once adorned the walls and hallways of the Fort. Since no jetty is there near the Fort, you will have to visit it during a low tide. The lack of water will help you to walk on foot to reach the structure.
Location: near Mumbai's harbor's mouth, in the south direction from Prong's Lighthouse.
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