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Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg are two old forts from the Shivaji era that present history along with coastal beauty. Sindhudurg, the Ocean fort was built by Shivaji in 1664 AD on a low rocky 48-acre island off the Malvan coast. The fort stands firmly as a silent sentinel to the lingering memories associated with the maritime history of the glorious Maratha Empire. During Satavahana rule in this region the ports of Maharashtra were reached to their zenith.
Shivaji personally selected the site for the fort. The
construction of a sea fort is a stupendous task, and at Sindhudurg no
efforts were spared. Over 2,000 khandis (4,000 mounds) of iron were used
for casting and the foundation stones were laid down firmly in lead. Even
today, as one approaches the fort past a rocky reef, navigable through a
narrow channel, one marvels at the transportation of such heavy material
through such choppy waters.
The
fort houses a temple dedicated to Shivaji. Built by his son Rajaram, this
is the only shrine of its kind in the country. The fort also has the hand
and feet imprints of Shivaji on one of its walls. In course of exploration
three triangular and three grapnel types of stone anchors were noticed at
the entrance of the Sindhudurg Fort. Anchors were made out of local
available sand stones. Presently these anchors are cemented on the
platform of the small jetty of the fort, two other grapnel types of stone
anchors are used as the mooring stones.
The original place of these anchors is not known. But, it should be from
nearby area only, where there might have been a number of ancient wrecks.
The submerged rocks of adjoining area caused wrecks due to inexperienced
navigation. Local fishermen informed about the several shipwrecks behind.
One recorded reference speaks of the fort having been seized by the British and renamed as Fort Augustus only to be recaptured later by the Marathas.
Other temples dedicated to Hindu deities renowned in the Maratha pantheon (as Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush, etc) lie within the limits of the fort. The Vijaydurg or 'Victory Fort' and the Padamgarh Fort are other attractions in the vicinity.
Rail: Rajapur and Kudal are the nearest railway
stations on the Konkan railway.
Road: Sindhudurg by road is 510-km from
Mumbai via the Goa
Highway.
Boat/Ferries: The fort can be approached only through a narrow
navigable channel, between two small islands of Dhontara and Padmagad.
Ferries ply at regular intervals from the Malvan port to the Sindhudurg
fort.
Accommodation is available at the MTDC resorts at Ganapatipule and Tarkali.
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