Maharashtra’s Sea Forts: Where History Meets the Coastline

Stretching along the Arabian Sea, Maharashtra's western coastline is dotted with strategically built sea forts from the Maratha period that once served as maritime bastions for various dynasties and now stand as sentinels of time. Constructed mostly between the 15th and 18th centuries, these forts were integral to defending trade routes, managing coastal access and exerting naval dominance. Take a look at these enduring relics of military architecture that gloriously highlight the political history and ingenious engineering of the state.

Sindhudurg Fort

The Sindhudurg Fort is in the Sindhudurg district, just off the coast of Malvan. The fort’s construction started in 1664 CE by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and it was designed to defend the Konkan coastline and thwart growing foreign influence. The edifice, which covers 48 acres across a rocky islet, was constructed over three years utilising laterite and limestone. Its foundation was built using more than 4,000 pounds of lead.

The fort features 42 bastions, a 3-kilometre-long border wall, and multiple secret escape routes. At one point, it used to host more than 200 households. The fort is notable for having a unique temple devoted to Shivaji Maharaj. Boats enter the fort through the Malvan port, and a hidden main gate that is intended to deter intruders marks the entrance.

How to reach: The fort is accessible by boat from the Malvan jetty, which operates regularly except during the monsoon season (June–August).

Murud-Janjira Fort

Murud-Janjira is off the coastal village of Murud in the Raigad district, on an oval-shaped island in the Arabian Sea. Originally constructed in the 15th century by local fishermen, it was later fortified by Malik Ambar of the Ahmednagar Sultanate. The fort remained unconquered despite repeated attacks by the Portuguese, the British, and the Marathas.

It features 26 rounded bastions still intact today. The fort had freshwater lakes within it, along with grain storages and ammunition stockpiles, indicating prolonged siege resistance. Unlike other forts in the region, it was never under Maratha control, making it historically significant. The approach is via ferry services from Rajapuri village, available throughout the day, depending on tide conditions.

How to reach: To reach Janjira, one must take a sailboat from Rajapuri jetty, which is about 5 km from Murud town.

Vijaydurg Fort

Located in Sindhudurg district near Devgad, Vijaydurg Fort was originally constructed by Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahara dynasty in the 12th century and later expanded by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. The fort is spread over 17 acres and is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Shivaji reportedly added three layers of massive stone walls, numerous bastions, and underground storage chambers.

Vijaydurg also housed a naval dockyard, one of the oldest in the country, which was used to build and repair Maratha warships. Its strategic positioning allowed the Marathas to monitor the Arabian Sea and resist British naval movements. Accessible by road from Devgad, the fort is situated at a vantage point overlooking the coast.

How to reach: Vijaydurg Fort is accessible by road via Devgad, which is well connected to other Konkan towns. Local ferries also operate from Jaitapur during non-monsoon months.

Khanderi and Underi Forts

The twin forts of Khanderi and Underi lie south of Mumbai, near Alibaug, in the Raigad district. Khanderi was developed by Shivaji Maharaj in 1679, while Underi was built earlier by the Siddis around 1660. The proximity of the two resulted in frequent conflicts between the Marathas and the Siddis. Khanderi was eventually incorporated into the British naval strategy.

Khanderi Fort houses a lighthouse built by the British, still operational today. The fort was historically equipped with cannons and housed barracks and granaries. Underi, meanwhile, remained under Siddi control and was used as a storage and defensive outpost. Boats from Thal village provide access to both forts, depending on weather and tide.

How to reach: Visitors can access Underi Fort by boat from Kihim or Thal village near Alibaug, though services are irregular and dependent on tides and weather.

Kolaba Fort

Kolaba Fort lies about 2 kilometres off the Alibaug coast and was one of Shivaji Maharaj’s prominent naval bases. Construction began in 1680 and was completed after his death by his son Sambhaji. The fort served as a naval station due to its proximity to Mumbai and the surrounding Konkan coastline. It features freshwater wells, temples, and military installations.

The British took control of the fort after defeating the Marathas. The structure contains numerous inscriptions and artillery placements, including cannons of English and Portuguese origin.

How to reach: The fort is accessible on foot during low tide from Alibaug beach, or by boat during high tide, making it a rare example of a tidal sea fort.