Sindhudurg Fort: The Fort That Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Built (2024)
Sindhudurg Fort is one of the few island forts in the Konkan area. The fort has a role in the history of the Maratha rule. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this fort, and it took about three years to complete the construction of the fort. If you are planning to visit the Sindhudurg fort, read this article to get an idea of how the tourist experience is.
Historical Importance of Sindhudurg Fort
Shivaji Maharaj built the fort in the 17th century, mainly to create a naval presence for the Maratha army. Historians believe that the fort, that is spread over 48 acres required a hundred engineers and more than 3000 skilled men. All the naval forts are a marvel not just of engineering but of breaking taboos as well. Back in the day, traveling to the sea was taboo, and someone building a fort right in the middle of an island is a commendable job. 
Structures in the Sindhudurg Fort
Tourists can reach Sindhudurg fort only by boat. It lies on the shore of the Sindhudurg district in Malwan. Like all forts, even Sindhudurg has the nook and crannies that make it a well-fortified fort. For example, the main door is difficult to spot, so that anyone trying to access the fort from outside will take time.
The fort has well-fortified walls, which are 12 feet thick and more than 25 ft high, making it almost impossible for the soldiers to scale. Laborers have used lead and iron to build the fort. The ramparts themselves are about 3 km long.
The fort and Chhatrapati Shivaji are forever connected. It is the only fort that has the hand and footprints of the Chhatrapati. The Sindhudurg fort also has the only temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which is a unique concept. The temple makes the Maratha King one of the very few Indians and human beings to have a temple dedicated to them. His second son, Rajaram, built the temple in his honor. The temple also has two swords that he used. The fort has three, not one drinking water well. Apart from the temple, you will also be able to see a Bhavani Mata temple. The existence of this temple and the Maharaj’s personal effects make this an integral part of fort tourism in Maharashtra.
Like other sea-side forts, even the Sindhudurg fort has an underground tunnel that would help the royals to escape in case of an attack.
Tourist Experience at Sindhudurg Fort
The experience of visiting the Sindhudurg fort is surreal. It is one of the few forts that does not include a trek. You can visit the fort only via the sea. This fort is a tourist location, so several restaurants are serving local cuisine in the nearby area. The view from the top is a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea, and it takes you right back to the glorious years of the Maratha regime.
If you are planning to visit the Sindhudurg fort, make sure that you plan well. That’s because the only way you can reach this fort is via a boat, and this route is down during the peak monsoon season.
The tourist experience to the Sindhudurg fort is a delight. There is no trek involved, so it’s easy for people of all ages to visit the fort. You will see several tourists offering their services, and it is a good idea to hire them. You will probably visit the fort in the afternoon, and the Konkan area is very humid. So, make sure that you keep yourself hydrated and wear a cap and sunglasses. 
Tourists must remember is that most forts are under the ASI of India, so there are some rules and regulations that they must follow. For example, photography is not allowed inside the Chhatrapati temple.
There are several shops and small restaurants that locals sell local cuisine. Also, this is one of the few forts that still have people living in them. These are the direct descendants of the people who helped to build the fort. Therefore, they do have some information about the fort. If you can strike a rapport with them, your tour to the fort will be much more fruitful.
Places to Visit Near Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg Fort is a tourist location, and several other places around the fort will interest tourists. You can visit the nearby Ganesha temple, which has a gold-plated idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple is popular among locals and tourists.
Another place to visit is the Rock Garden. The Rock Garden is naturally decorated and is a sunset point in the Malvan area that is popular among the locals as well as the tourists. Tourists get a great view of the sea from the garden. The garden also has some decorations made of waste. It is the perfect place for families to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening.
Malvan Marine Sanctuary: The Malvan Marine Sanctuary is the perfect place for anyone looking to spend time learning about the various marine life that exists in the Konkan region. The total area of the Sanctuary is about 30 km, so it makes for a well-spent time. The Sanctuary has a lot of coral and sea life, and you can take part in the watersports available in the Sanctuary as well. One of the few places in the Konkan area that offer you a chance of scuba diving. Several other beaches in the vicinity offer you a calm and serene experience as well as an adrenaline rush. You can visit Nivati Beach, the Talashil Tondavali Beach, and Devbagh Beach.
How To Reach Sindhudurg Fort?
You can reach Sindhudurg fort via Pune or Mumbai. From Mumbai, you can board a train from Dadar Station and reach Kudal. You can look for a cab from Kudal to the Sindhudurg fort. The duration of the train ride is 9 hours. You can also travel to Sindhudurg via bus. The bus ride is for about 13 hours. The bus ride follows the same route, where you need to ride until Kudal and then to Sindhudurg fort.
If you plan to travel to Sindhudurg from Pune, you will need to board a train from Pune to Kankavli and then ride to the Sindudurg fort. If you intend to take a bus, you will need to cover a nine-hour journey from Pune to Sawantwadi and then towards Sindhudurg fort.
