Murud-Janjira Sea Fort

Overview

Murud-Janjira is an oval island fort off the coast of Murud in Maharashtra. A small wooden fort was first built there in the fifteenth century by local fishermen as protection from pirates, and it was rebuilt in stone under the Siddis, who served the Ahmednagar sultans.

The Siddis held it for centuries, and the Maratha rulers Shivaji and Sambhaji, who tried repeatedly, never took it. Its main gate faces the shore and cannot be seen until you are very close, and the walls rise straight out of the sea.

What to look for

• The main gate hidden until the last moment
• The huge cannons on the bastions, including the famous Kalaal Bangadi
• The freshwater pools inside the fort
• The view of the fort from the boat as you approach

Visiting tips

• The fort is reached only by sailboat from the Rajapuri jetty, a ride of about 20 minutes.
• Boats do not run in the monsoon, and sea conditions can stop them at other times; confirm before you travel.
• Wear shoes with grip: the stone is uneven and often damp.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Murud-Janjira Sea Fort, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Elephanta Caves Gateway of India Marine Drive Raigad Fort CSMT (Victoria Terminus)