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Sindhudurg Fort
Forts are the ideal log books for explaining the rich history of a land. The Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra is a popular tourist location. This fort is unique with its healthy, thought-out location and holds many cultural and historical significance. It would help if you visited it to understand the rich traditions and history of the Marathas. I will provide all the Sindhudurg Fort information you need in this article. So keep on reading this article and plan a trip here.
Location of Sindhudurg Fort:
Sindhudurg district, Malvan, Maharashtra
Sindhudurg Fort Timings
9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee of Sindhudurg Fort
No entry fee
How to reach Sindhudurg Fort
The Sindhudurg Fort is located on an island, and its distance from Mumbai is about 490 km. You will have to reach Malvan first to reach this fort. The nearest airport is the Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is about 130 km away. Kudal is the nearest railway station, which is 35 km away from Malvan. If you are travelling from any nearby cities, you can also get buses or travel by your own car to reach Malvan.
The fort is reached via a ferry ride from Malvan. The ride is about 15 minutes long and costs Rs. 70 per person. This ferry service is available from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days. However, it is not available during the monsoon months from June to September. You will have to buy the ticket at the jetty first.
Best time to visit Sindhudurg Fort
The ideal time to visit here is from October to March. This is the time when the weather is most pleasant, and therefore you can enjoy the whole area. Also, during this time, the sea is calm, so the ferry ride would also be hassle-free. The summer months from April to May can also be good for a visit. However, the scorching sun can be an issue. But since the location is set amidst water, it would be comfortable. However, you should avoid planning a visit during the monsoon months. The area is known for receiving heavy rainfall during June to September. Also, one dampener during the monsoon is the sea. Due to rainfall and thunderstorm activities, the ferry services are often suspended here. So plan your visit accordingly.
Sindhudurg Fort History
Initially, till 1765, the Marathas had control over the Sindhudurg Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji commissioned the fort, and the primary purpose behind the creation of this fort was to protect the ever-rising influence of French, English and Dutch merchants. They also wanted to curb the rise of Siddis of Janjira. Hirojee Tendulkar looked after the whole construction around 1664. Later, in 1792, the fort was under British dominance, and they named the fort Port Augustus. The Marathas handed over this fort to the British by their treaty.
Earlier, it was the naval headquarters of the Marathas. The foundation stone of this fort was laid in November 1664. Portuguese engineers of Goa were involved in the construction of this fort, which took place on a small island, Khurte Island. Shivaji Maharaj chose this particular place for the construction of this fort because of its strategic location. It was located near the mouth of the Malvan Creek, which was a natural defence against any naval attack.
During the period from 1664 to 1667, the construction took place. Within three years, the fort was complete. In total, 3000 workers, 1000 stone breakers, 200 sculptors and 100 blacksmiths were involved in the construction of this fort. From Portugal and Holland, engineers came and supervised the work. Also, as a symbol of unity and strength, Shivaji Maharaj brought soils from various other forts in Maharashtra and then mixed them with the soil of this fort. This fort is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.
This fort has also witnessed its fair share of battles as well. This fort was mainly a naval base and a military headquarters, so various activities occurred here. In 1673, the Battle of Wasagon was a battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji on one side and Vyankoji on the other. Shivaji Maharaj won this battle against Vyankoji. Also next was the siege of Sindhudurg in 1682. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb wanted to capture this fort. However, Rajaram, Shivaji Maharaj’s son, defended the fort for eight months and escaped through a secret tunnel. Aurangzeb failed and then had to withdraw his attack.
Another important event was the transfer of Sindhudurg, which took place in 1765. According to the Treaty of Purandar, the Peshwas handed this fort to the British. However, the British only occupied it for a few years, and later, in 1783, they returned it to the Peshwas. The revolt of Sindhudurg was yet another critical event, and some local soldiers and leaders revolted against the British rule. However, the British suppressed the rebellion and also executed and arrested many rebels.
The Freedom Struggle of Sindhudurg of 1942 is one of the most important events. Some freedom fighters participated in the Quit India Movement and hoisted the India flag in this fort. Later, the British attacked the fort, and many freedom fighters were also arrested.
Architecture of Sindhudurg Fort
The main thing that makes the Sindhudurg Fort so special is the unique and unshakable architecture. A lot of thought went behind the construction of this massive fort. Also, one of the distinctive features of this fort is that indigenous materials form the base of this fort, and the architects used them to their best capabilities. Sand from Gujarat is the main element of this construction, along with more than 100 kg of lead. The vast fort spreads across an area of 48 acres along with a 3 km-long boulevard. It has fortified walls 29 feet high and 12 feet thick and stretches for 2 miles. There are more than 52 bastions here. And some of these bastions even have secret tunnels leading to this fort’s exit.
There is uniqueness in the entrance of the fort as well. This fort has an entrance which is impossible to detect from the outside. All of these were, however, done to confuse the attackers. The Dilli Darwaza is the main entrance of this fort. And that is visible only from a close distance and otherwise looks like a part of the walls. Shivaji was, however, very content with the whole construction of this fort and how it turned out to be. The fort architect has requested Shivaji Maharaj ji for the hand and footprints, which are there on the slab of the fort.
One of the most memorable features of Sindhudurg Fort is the Temple of Shivaji Maharaj, located just at its centre. It has a statue of Shivaji Maharaj, which people consider very sacred. Along with that, you can also find clothes, weapons and portraits of Shivaji Maharaj here. Also, there are a total of three water tanks located near the temple. These water tanks deliver fresh water throughout the year as they are interconnected with natural springs. According to beliefs, these tanks’ water has healing properties. Three of these tanks have names based on the names of Shivaji Maharaj’s mother, Jijamata, wife, Saibai, and daughter, Putalabai.
Places to visit near Sindhudurg Fort
- Tarkarli Beach
The distance from Tarkarli Beach to Sindhudurg Fort is about 5.5 km, and it would take 28 minutes to reach there. Tarkarli Beach is a beautiful beach famous for its white sandy beach. Many water sports activities are also popular here. It is a lovely, picturesque beach with crystal-clear water. The water is so clear that you can even see the 15-foot deep sea bed, which is one of the most alluring sights.
- Kunkeshwar Temple
This temple is located at a distance of 40 km away from the Sindhudurg Fort. It is an ancient temple built in 1100, and the presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The temple is also famous as Konkan Kashi and is situated on the banks of the Arabian Sea.
- Kunkeshwar Cave
This cave is located east of the Kunkeshwar Temple. It is one of the popular sightseeing spots near the fort, and you can see statues of famous warriors there.
- We are wrapping up!
This fort has passed the test of time with flying colours. Today, it is standing tall with its charm, and you have no other option but to feel pride in the construction. The main idea behind the fortification was to control external attacks, and this fort has done its job too well. This is not just an ancient fort that is an integral part of the history of Marathas, the British, and India’s Freedom Movement. Furthermore, the Sindhudurg Fort has witnessed the capture and recapturing of powers yet has lost its charm. Once you visit there, you will know how gorgeous the construction is.
Moreover, the unique architecture and location make this fort a must-visit spot. So whenever you visit Maharashtra, make sure you plan a trip to this location. It will be an enriching experience for you to visit this splendid fort. So tell me when you are planning a visit here. Also, don’t forget to tell me if this article is helpful for you in planning a trip there.
