Sindhudurg Fort

Information:
Sindhudurg is built on Kurte Island, very near to the coast of Malvan. Malvan being an important port, building a fort near this was an important strategic requirement. Kurte was a perfect island with sufficient rock surface, accessibility and sufficient potable water sources to build a fort, making it the best one amongst the 84 ports along the coast line from Mumbai to Goa. Sindhudurg increased the strength of Marathas and helped them keep a check on the English and Portuguese as well as the pirates. The Bakhar written by Chitragupta aptly mentions this fort as the most invaluable asset to Shivaji Maharaj.

History:
After selecting the island for building a fort, the auspicious day for building the foundation was chosen as 25th November 1664. There is a sacred rock near Malvan called “Moryacha Dhonda”, which represents has carvings of Lord Ganesh, the Sun and the Moon and Shiv Linga. This sacred rock was worshipped before starting construction of Sindhudurg fort. There are detailed letters which describe many aspects about the vision of building forts of Shivaji Maharaj and the details associated with it. One such letter details out the resources required for Sindhudurg. There were about 500 masons, 200 blacksmiths, 100 Portuguese and 3000 workers who worked for 3 years continuous to complete the fort. The characteristic of Sindhudurg is that the foundation stones are laid down in slots and molten lead was poured to fix them strongly. The lime stone was ordered from central part of the Deccan plateau. Shivaji Maharaj had written specific details on resource management in his letters, and was personally present on 29thMarch 1667 when the fort was completed.
After the death of Rajaram Maharaj in 1700, Tarabai ruled the Maratha Empire from Satara. As per the treaty of Warna between Shahu and Tarabai, Malvan came under her control. By that time piracy had increased near Malvan coast. Major Gordon and Captain Watson captured the fort on 28 January 1765 and renamed it as Fort Augustus. In an Anglo-Maratha truce the fort was returned to Marathas on 2nd January 1766. In 1792 the British again regained the fort by helping Karveerkars against Desai of Nipani.

Type : Sea forts.

Fort Range : None.

District : Sindhudurg.

Grade : Easy.

Ways To Reach :
Malvan is a famous tourist place, about 500+ km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Panaji. Kudal is the nearest railway station (about 31 km) if one travels by Konkan railway. ST buses ply regularly to Malvan from various places. From Malvan jetty, it takes 15-20 minutes to reach the fort by a small boat.

Accommodation Facility :
Malvan has lot of resorts and restaurants. No restaurants on the fort.

Time To Reach :
15-20 minutes by boat from Malvan jetty

Best Season To Visit :
Preferably October to May, to check with locals