Murud-Janjira Fort is a famous fort and tourist spot situated on an island just off the coastal town of Murud, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the strongest coastal forts in India and has never been conquered by any enemy. It is also a beautiful and scenic place that offers a glimpse into the past and a view of the Arabian Sea. Visit during Mumbai to Murud-Janjira One day trip by cab
Location of Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort is located on an oval-shaped rock island in the Arabian Sea, about 2 km from the shore of Murud town. Murud town is about 165 km south of Mumbai and 55 km from Alibag. The nearest railway station is Roha, which is about 50 km from Murud. The nearest airport is Mumbai, which is about 170 km from Murud.
Timing/Entry fees Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort is open from 7 am to 6 pm every day. The entry to the fort is free, but you will need to buy tickets for the boat ride that takes you to and from the fort. The boat ride costs around INR 50 per person and takes about 15 minutes. The boats stop ferrying to the fort sometime before it closes, so it is advisable to visit with at least an hour to spare.
How to Reach Murud-Janjira Fort
The best way to reach Murud-Janjira Fort is by road. You can drive from Mumbai or Pune via Alibag or Panvel. The road is well-maintained and scenic, passing through green hills and coastal villages. You can also hire a private cab or a bus from Mumbai or Pune. Once you reach Murud town, you can head to the Rajapuri jetty, where you can board a sailboat to reach the fort.
History of Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort was built by the Siddis, who were originally from Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) and came to India as merchants and sailors. They settled in Janjira island and became rulers of the region under the patronage of the Nizamshahi and Adilshahi sultans of Deccan. They built the fort in the late 15th or early 16th century to protect themselves from pirates and invaders.
The fort was originally a small wooden structure, but was later expanded and fortified with stone walls, bastions, cannons and other features. The fort was attacked by several enemies, including the Portuguese, the Marathas, the British and the Mughals, but none of them could capture it. The fort remained under the control of the Siddis until 1947, when it became part of India after independence.
Things to Do/Must see in Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort has many things to see and do for visitors. Some of them are:
- Explore the fort and admire its architecture, cannons, sculptures, ponds, mosque and palace. The fort has 26 bastions and is surrounded by water on all sides. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the sea and the coastline from the fort.
- Visit the palace of the Nawabs of Janjira at Murud town, which is still in good shape and has some interesting artifacts and paintings.
- Relax on the Murud beach and the Kashid beach, which are among the most popular beaches in the region. They have white sand, clear water and serene atmosphere. You can also indulge in various water sports activities like banana boat ride, jet ski, parasailing, etc. or just soak in the sun and the breeze.
- Visit the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 10 km from Murud town. It is home to some exotic birds and animals like peacocks, hornbills, leopards, barking deer, etc. You can also admire the natural beauty of the forest and the lake.
- Shop for some local handicrafts, souvenirs and seafood at Murud town or Rajapuri jetty.
Significance of Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort is a significant place for its historical and cultural value. It is a symbol of the bravery and resilience of the Siddis, who defended their territory against all odds for centuries. It is also a testimony of their architectural and engineering skills, as they built a formidable fort on an island with limited resources. It is also a place of religious harmony, as it has a mosque and a temple within its premises.
FAQs
Q: Is there any accommodation available near Murud-Janjira Fort?
A: Yes, there are many hotels and resorts available near Murud town or Kashid beach that offer comfortable stay options for visitors. You can also find some homestays or cottages that offer a more authentic and rustic experience.
Q: What are the best time and season to visit Murud-Janjira Fort?
A: The best time to visit Murud-Janjira Fort is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided, as the sea becomes rough and the boat service may be disrupted.
Q: What are the safety and security measures at Murud-Janjira Fort?
A: Murud-Janjira Fort is a safe and secure place for visitors. There are guards and guides available at the fort who can assist you with any queries or issues. You should also follow some basic safety precautions, such as wearing life jackets while on the boat, avoiding swimming in the sea, carrying enough water and snacks, etc
Q: What are the other attractions near Murud-Janjira Fort?
A: Apart from Murud-Janjira Fort, you can also visit some other attractions near Murud town, such as:
Kasa Fort, which is another sea fort located about 15 km from Murud town. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later captured by the Marathas.
Garambi Falls, which is a scenic waterfall located about 5 km from Murud town. It is a popular picnic spot and has a small dam nearby.
Ahmedganj Palace, which is a grand palace built by the Siddis in the 18th century. It has a beautiful garden and a museum that displays some rare artifacts and paintings.
Conclusion
Murud-Janjira Fort is a historical and majestic sea fort near Mumbai that offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. It is a place where you can learn about the history and culture of the Siddis, who ruled this region for centuries. It is also a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the Arabian Sea and the sandy beaches along the Konkan coast. It is a place that you should not miss if you are travelling in Maharashtra.
