5 Must-Visit Sea Forts in Maharashtra You Can’t Afford to Miss

1. Murud-Janjira Fort

Location: Near Murud, Raigad District

Highlights:

 Janjira Fort, located on an oval rock near Murud, 165 km south of Mumbai, is one of India’s strongest marine forts. Accessible by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty, it features 19 intact bastions, rusting cannons, a main gate facing the shore, and a postern gate to the sea. Once a fully equipped fort, it housed palaces, officer quarters, a mosque, and a large freshwater tank. A unique sculpture of a tiger-like beast clutching elephants decorates the main gate. Originally a wooden fort built by a Koli chief in the late 15th century, Janjira was later captured by Pir Khan and strengthened by Malik Ambar, making it a stronghold of the Siddi rulers. Despite repeated attempts, the Portuguese, British, Marathas, and even Shivaji failed to capture it. Sambhaji later built Padmadurg fort nearby. The Janjira state ended in 1947, though the Nawabs’ palace at Murud remains well-preserved.

Significance: The fort remained unconquered due to its strategic location and robust defenses.

2. Sindhudurg Fort

Location: On an islet off the Malvan coast, Sindhudurg District

Highlights: The island fortress of Sindhudurg was built by Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji in the mid-17th century. Featuring 42 bastions, many of which remain intact, the fort is naturally protected by surrounding rock formations and served as a key Maratha naval base along the Konkan coast. Regular ferries connect the fort to the mainland.

Inside, a temple houses a statue of Shivaji dressed as a fisherman, and the fort walls offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can refresh themselves with a Kokum sherbet or seasonal Green Mango (Kairi) sherbet. Just outside the fort, private operators offer basic scuba diving services.

Sindhudurg can easily be combined with trips to Ratnagiri, Ganapatipule, or Malvan. By road, it is 135 km from Ratnagiri and 5 km from Malvan.

3. Vijaydurg Fort

Location: On the southern bank of the Vaghotan River, Sindhudurg District

Highlights: Vijaydurg Fort, located on the Konkan coast, is a coastal fortress surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Built in the 13th century by a ruler of the Shilahara dynasty, it was later taken over by the Marathas. The fort features 27 bastions, including three impressive three-storeyed structures. Visitors can still see old cannons and cannonballs, along with the remains of a water tank, granary, and prison.

The fort walls offer stunning views of the bright blue sea, but caution is advised while exploring. Situated in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, the nearest railway station is Kanakavali, about 75 km away by road. A trip to Vijaydurg can easily be combined with visits to Malvan and Sawantwadi.

4. Khanderi and Underi Forts

Location: Near Mumbai

Highlights:  Khanderi and Underi Forts, located in Raigad district, Maharashtra, are twin island fortresses best reached by riding the waves in fishing boats a journey that’s half the adventure. Thal Beach, about 100 km from Mumbai by road, serves as the main gateway.

Khanderi Fort has a jetty and can be visited regardless of tides, though permission from the Mumbai Port Trust is required. The fort features an old lighthouse, and local fishing communities visit to pay respects at the Vetal Temple and the Tomb of Daud Pir.

Underi Fort, lacking a jetty, is accessible only during low tide, making timing crucial for visitors.

5. Jaigad Fort

Location: Along the Shastri River creek, Ratnagiri District

Highlights: Jaigad Fort, located along the Shastri River creek north of Jaigad village, is a coastal fort spread over 12 acres with a commanding view of the bay. The fort is divided into Balekilla (the upper fort) and Parkot (the outer security wall). A security moat made of laterite stone and trenches beside the walls add to its defense.

Built by the Bijapur Kings in the 16th century, Jaigad later came under the control of the Naiks of Sangameshwar, who managed 7–8 villages and 600 troops. They famously defeated the combined forces of Bijapur and the Portuguese in 1583 and 1585. In 1713, it was one of ten forts ceded by Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa to Kanhoji Angre, and in June 1818, the fort was captured by the British without resistance.

Today, Jaigad Fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India under notifications issued in 1909 and 1910.

Exploring Maharashtra’s coastal and island forts from the mighty Janjira and strategic Sindhudurg, to the scenic Vijaydurg, adventurous Khanderi-Underi, and historic Jaigad is like stepping back into the pages of history. Each fort tells its own story of bravery, strategy, and resilience, while offering breathtaking views of the Konkan coast. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a travel adventurer, or simply seeking a unique getaway, these forts promise a blend of heritage, adventure, and scenic beauty.

So pack your bags, hop on a ferry, and let Maharashtra’s maritime marvels take you on a journey you’ll never forget!