SINDHUDURG FORT

Location : Off the Malvan Coast, Maharashtra
Built By: Shivaji
Built In: 1664
Houses: Temple Dedicated To Shivaji

Maharashtra Guide

Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg are two old forts from the Shivaji era that present history along with coastal beauty. Sindhudurg, the Ocean fort was built by Shivaji in 1664 AD on a low rocky 48-acre island off the Malvan coast. The fort stands firmly as a silent sentinel to the lingering memories associated with the maritime history of the glorious Maratha Empire. During Satavahana rule in this region the ports of Maharashtra were reached to their zenith.

The Fort

Shivaji personally selected the site for the fort. The construction of a sea fort is a stupendous task, and at Sindhudurg no efforts were spared. Over 2,000 khandis (4,000 mounds) of iron were used for casting and the foundation stones were laid down firmly in lead. Even today, as one approaches the fort past a rocky reef, navigable through a narrow channel, one marvels at the transportation of such heavy material through such choppy waters.

Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra The fort houses a temple dedicated to Shivaji. Built by his son Rajaram, this is the only shrine of its kind in the country. The fort also has the hand and feet imprints of Shivaji on one of its walls. In course of exploration three triangular and three grapnel types of stone anchors were noticed at the entrance of the Sindhudurg Fort. Anchors were made out of local available sand stones. Presently these anchors are cemented on the platform of the small jetty of the fort, two other grapnel types of stone anchors are used as the mooring stones.

The original place of these anchors is not known. But, it should be from nearby area only, where there might have been a number of ancient wrecks. The submerged rocks of adjoining area caused wrecks due to inexperienced navigation. Local fishermen informed about the several shipwrecks behind.

History Of The Fort

One recorded reference speaks of the fort having been seized by the British and renamed as Fort Augustus only to be recaptured later by the Marathas.

Nearby Attractions

Other temples dedicated to Hindu deities renowned in the Maratha pantheon (as Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush, etc) lie within the limits of the fort. The Vijaydurg or 'Victory Fort' and the Padamgarh Fort are other attractions in the vicinity.

HOW TO GET THERE

Rail: Rajapur and Kudal are the nearest railway stations on the Konkan railway.

Road: Sindhudurg by road is 510-km from Mumbai via the Goa Highway.

Boat/Ferries: The fort can be approached only through a narrow navigable channel, between two small islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. Ferries ply at regular intervals from the Malvan port to the Sindhudurg fort.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation is available at the MTDC resorts at Ganapatipule and Tarkali.

Your Name
Country	Kindly enter city name
Your Email
Your Phone

Thar Desert	Kerala Backwaters
Ajanta Ellora Caves	Goa Beaches
Corbett Park	Himalayas
Khajuraho

Taj Mahal	Elephanta Caves
Fathehpur Sikri	Agra Fort
Konark Temple	Qutub Minar

Adventure	Ayurveda
Architecture	Beaches
Arts and Crafts	Festivals
Pilgrimage	Heritage

Agra	Delhi
Jaipur	Mumbai
Bangalore	Kerala
Goa