Sindhudurg Fort

 

A Marvelous Island Fort Steeped in History

Explore the captivating Sindhudurg Fort, an island fortress situated on Kurte Island near Malvan beach in Maharashtra. Constructed between 1664 and 1667 AD by the great Maratha ruler Shivaji, this well-preserved fort stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of its time. With its strategic location, impressive ramparts, and historical significance, Sindhudurg Fort offers an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Historical Background and Construction
Sindhudurg Fort holds a significant place in history, as it was built by Shivaji after his unsuccessful attempts to capture the island fort of Janjira. Construction of the fort took place between 1664 and 1667 AD under the supervision of the skilled architect Hiroji Indulkar. Shivaji invited 100 Portuguese experts from Goa to contribute to the construction, while 3,000 workers toiled day and night for three years. Notably, the stones of Sindhudurg Fort were laid firmly in molten lead.

Architectural Marvels and Features
Sindhudurg Fort boasts impressive architectural features that have withstood the test of time. The fort spans 48 acres and is surrounded by a zigzag rampart stretching 4 kilometers. The rampart stands 9 meters high and 3 meters wide, fortified with 42 bastions. Massive stones, along with approximately 72,576 kilograms of iron, were used in the construction. One remarkable aspect is that the foundation stones were firmly secured in molten lead. Within the fort, visitors can explore the Shivaji temple, unique in the country as it depicts Shivaji without a beard. Other attractions include temples, tanks, wells, and the ruins of Padmagad, a small fort used for ship-building.

Historical Significance and Ownership
Following Shivaji’s era, Sindhudurg Fort changed hands multiple times. It was held by rulers such as Rajaram-Tarabai, Angres, Peshwas, and the Bhosales of Kolhapur. The fort came under British control in 1765 AD and was briefly renamed “Fort Augustus.” However, in 1818 AD, the British dismantled the fort’s defense structures.

Places of Interest and Accessibility
Sindhudurg Fort offers various attractions for visitors to explore. The fort is home to Shivaji’s preserved footprint and handprint, a unique temple dedicated to Shivaji, and the Ranichi Vela constructed by Shivaji’s daughter-in-law, Tara Rani. Additionally, visitors can discover three wells named “Doodh, Dahi & Sakhar” after the first three elements of Panchamrut. Mahadev Mandir and Tehelani Buruj (Bastion of Vigilance) are also noteworthy spots. To reach Sindhudurg Fort, one must travel to Malvan beach in the Sindhudurg District and take a ferry ride to the fort.

Conclusion:
Sindhudurg Fort stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the architectural brilliance of the past. With its historical significance, well-preserved structures, and intriguing attractions, the fort offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Immerse yourself in the captivating history and explore the wonders of Sindhudurg Fort—a journey that will leave you with lasting memories.

Attractions near Sindhudurg Fort
Kunkeshwar Temple:
The Shiva temple, built in 1100, is about 40 km away from Sindhudurg. It is situated on the bank of Arabian Sea and is also known as Konkan Kashi. Shivaji was a frequent visitor to the temple.

Kunkeshwar Cave:
To the east of the Kunkeshwar Temple, lies the Kunkeshwar Cave which has statues of male and female warriors. It is a famous attraction.

Tarkarli Beach:
It lies 8 km from Sindhudurg. Known for its white sandy beach and water sport activities, Tarkarli is arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in Konkan. The sea at Tarkarli is crystal clear and the seabed can be seen up to a depth of 15 ft or more on a sunny day.

Vijaydurg Fort:
The Vijaydurg Fort stands testimony to the naval prowess of the Marathas. It is situated 500 km south of Mumbai on the western coast of Maharashtra.

How to reach :

By Train:
You have to catch the train to Kudal. Kudal railway station is the nearest station to Sindhudurg. It is located at a distance of 34 Km away from Sindhudurg Fort.

From Kudal Railway station, about 10-15 min. of the walking distance you will get Kudal bus stand. From the Kudal bus stand you can take bus to Malvan. otherwise, you can take a rickshaw to Malvan.

By Air:
Chipi Airport is the closest airport to Sindhudurg, you can take a cab or bus from Airport to reach Sindhudurg.

Distance:
From Kudal: 34 Km
From Malvan bus stand: 1 Km

 

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