Overview of Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort is an ancient fortress located on an islet in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Maharashtra. It was built by the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century to protect his kingdom from the naval attacks of the Mughals and the Portuguese. The fort is spread over an area of 48 acres and has 42 bastions, three temples, a palace, and several other structures. The fort is also known for its natural beauty and marine life, as it is surrounded by coral reefs and offers a panoramic view of the sea and the nearby islands. Visit during Kolhapur To Malvan One Day Trip by Private Cab
Location of Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort is situated in the Malvan town of the Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra. It is about 450 km south of Mumbai and 130 km north of Goa. The nearest railway station is Kudal, which is 45 km away from Malvan. The nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa, which is 140 km away from Malvan. From Malvan, one can take a ferry or a boat to reach the fort, which is about 1 km from the shore. Best 10 Places To Visit in Sindhudurg
Timing/Entry Fees Sindhudurg Fort
The fort is open for visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entry fee for Indian tourists is 5 INR per person and for foreign tourists, it is 250 INR per person. The ferry or boat ticket costs 90 INR per adult and 50 INR per child. The guide fee is optional and ranges from 400 to 600 INR per group.
How to Reach Sindhudurg Fort
The best way to reach Sindhudurg Fort is by road, as it offers a scenic drive along the Konkan coast. One can take the NH-66 highway from Mumbai or Goa and follow the signs to Malvan. Alternatively, one can also take a train to Kudal and then hire a taxi or a bus to Malvan. From Malvan, one can take a ferry or a boat to the fort, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Things to Do Sindhudurg Fort
There are many things to do and see at Sindhudurg Fort, such as:
- Explore the fort and its various structures, such as the temples, the palace, the secret passages, the wells, and the coconut tree with three branches.
- Visit the temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji, which is the only temple in India dedicated to him. It also has his footprints and handprints preserved in lime.
- Enjoy the view of the sea and the nearby islands, such as Vijaydurg, Padmagad, and Sarjekot, which are also fortified by Shivaji.
- Experience the marine life and the coral reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving near the fort. One can also spot dolphins, turtles, and various fish species in the water.
- Shop for local handicrafts, such as wooden toys, shell items, and kokum products, at the stalls near the fort.
History of Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji between 1664 and 1667, with the help of over 3000 workers and 200 expert stone carvers. The fort was named after the Sindhudurg district, which means “the fort that stands on the ocean”. The fort was designed by Hiroji Indulkar, a renowned architect and engineer of that time. The fort was built using huge blocks of stones, which were laid on a foundation of molten lead. The fort was also equipped with cannons, gunpowder, and other weapons to defend against the enemies.
The fort played a crucial role in the naval warfare of the Marathas, as it served as a base for their fleet of ships and soldiers. The fort also witnessed several battles and sieges, such as the attack by the Siddis in 1682, the attack by the Portuguese in 1739, and the attack by the British in 1818. The fort remained under the control of the Marathas until 1818, when it was surrendered to the British after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. The fort was later declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1925.
FAQ’s
Some of the frequently asked questions about Sindhudurg Fort are:
Q: How old is Sindhudurg Fort?
A: Sindhudurg Fort is about 357 years old, as it was built between 1664 and 1667.
Q: Who built Sindhudurg Fort?
A: Sindhudurg Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
Q: Why is Sindhudurg Fort famous?
A: Sindhudurg Fort is famous for its historical, architectural, and natural significance. It is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in India, and it offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Shivaji and the Marathas. It is also a popular destination for adventure and nature lovers, as it offers various activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and dolphin watching.
Conclusion
Sindhudurg Fort is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history, culture, and nature. It is a place where one can witness the glory and the courage of the Marathas, as well as the beauty and the diversity of the Arabian Sea. It is a place where one can experience the past and the present, the land and the water, the fort and the island, all in one. It is a place that will leave you spellbound and amazed.
