India is one of the most intact ancient nations. The beautiful sea forts in Maharashtra are another addition that further enhances this nation’s beauty and mystique. These sea forts tower tall and distinguish themselves as the early period’s finest work by Indian artisans. Maharashtra served as the capital of numerous dynasties, which accounts for the state’s abundance of forts. However, these beautiful sea forts are drawing tourists to the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Vijaydurg Fort
The Vijaydurg Fort is one of Maharashtra’s top sea forts because it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all three sides. This fort was once the Shivaji Empire’s naval base. Additionally, this fort was a manufacturing and maintenance facility for Maratha warships and cargo. It was constructed in such a way that the forty-kilometre-long shallow brook surrounding it makes the fort inaccessible.
Additionally, the majority of the stones used to build this Fort are Laterite. The fort is also surrounded by a massive guard wall that extends 200 km from the main structure. The Maratha naval force’s initial line of defense was this wall. In addition to this, the cannonballs’ dents and imprints on the exterior wall are still visible.
Murud Janjira Fort
The first instance of quality and wisdom is the Murud Janjira fort. The waters of the Arabian Sea surround it on all four sides as well. As a result, the rooftop, which formerly was a watchtower during the wars, offers a beautiful view of the ocean. The fort was initially constructed by the Sultans. However, the Marathas afterward added to and changed the fort in several ways.
Thanks to the cannons from the battles, this fortification will also give you a glimpse into the century-old Maratha history. These tombs are also present as a tribute to the dead, and the castle is full of various pieces of art. The sculpture with one tiger and six elephants at the fort’s entrance, famous as the “Sher Darwaza,” gives the gateway the nickname.
Sindhudurg Fort
The Sindhudurg Fort in the Konkan region is another historical masterpiece in Maharashtra. The fort was constructed during Chatrapati Shivaji’s rule. This is also the reason why it has come to symbolize his valiant deeds and courage. The Sindhudurg, in contrast to other marine forts, is present on a rocky island. Additionally, it is precisely present a few kilometres off the coast of Malvan. Because you must charter a boat, getting to it is also fairly simple.
The three water reservoirs at the Sindhudurg Fort, which never dry out in the summer, are just one of the fort’s many mysterious tales. Additionally, the secret entrance gate, the Dilli Darwaja, or the underground water route, opens to a village at the opposite end. Many visitors are also in awe of the fort’s elegance and have their mouths open wide in surprise. In addition, Shivaji engaged 300 Portuguese architects to build a fort that would serve as their significant operations hub throughout any conflict. Therefore, it is essential to see this fort.
Suvarnadurg Fort
The Golden Fort, also popular as Suvarnadurg Fort, is very famous. It is also one of Maharashtra’s most significant sea forts, which is excellent for constructing and defending ships. Shivaji was able to keep an eye on any hostile warship thanks to the presence of this fort on a small island in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, the Suvarnadurg Fort and a smaller land fort are the primary structures on the same island.
The island’s stony terrain serves mostly as the basis for the fort. However, there are several areas with substantial stone blocks. Also present are the “Maha Darwaja” and the “Chor Darwaja,” two entrances. The larger entrance, famous as the Maharaja Darwaja, faces the land, and the smaller entry, famous as the Chor Darwaja, faces the sea. Additionally, a visit is essential if you want to learn about the history of this fort.
Kolaba Durg
One of Maharashtra’s oldest sea forts, the Kolaba Fort, has constructed about three centuries ago. During Shivaji’s reign, it was previously the Maratha Navy’s operational hub. Due to its proximity to the water, getting there on foot or by boat is also a simple process. Furthermore, because it is one of the less popular tourist destinations, the atmosphere is quiet and serene.
Additionally, you can rove aimlessly at the huge sea from the fort’s rooftop. Certain cannons were formerly important in the battles. On the walls of the fort, there are also numerous carvings of animals and birds. A freshwater well is also present in the courtyard’s exact middle, and a Lord Ganesha temple is as well.
Undheri Fort
Among all the Maharashtra sea forts, Undheri Fort is popular for being a fierce fortress. Even though it was subject to countless attacks, the structure still stood firm without giving up. This is another reason this fort is essential to the Maratha Empire’s defense system. About eight kilometres from the city of Alibaug, in the Thal district, the fort is present.
Along with it, the fort has much to offer you, from the cannons to the iron sculptures. All of these previously decorated the fort’s walls and corridors. However, you must visit the fort during low tide, as there is no jetty nearby. Instead, thanks to the lack of water, you can get to the structure on foot.
These ancient forts demonstrate how skilled Indian artisans were during the Kings and queens era. Building such a massive fort on the water deserves praise and admiration from the bottom of our hearts. These stunning sea forts are also growing in popularity right now.
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