Vijaydurg Fort
Information:
The Vijaydurg Fort is situated in the Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra. This fort was built in the 12th century and was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century. It is also believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja named this fort as Vijaydurg, meaning the ‘fort of victory’. The Rameshwar temple is located inside the Vijaydurg Fort.
History:
Vijaydurg the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, was constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty (construction period 1193-1205). The fort was earlier known as “Gheria”, as it is situated close to the village of “Girye”. Shivaji captured this fort from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1653 and renamed it as “Vijay Durg” as the then Hindu solar year’s name was “Vijay” (Victory).
Earlier, the fort encompassed an area of 5 acres (1 acre = 4840 square yards or 4047 square metres) and was surrounded by sea on all four sides. Over the years the eastern trench was reclaimed and a road constructed thereon. Presently the area of fort is about 17 acres and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Shivaji extended the area of the fort by constructing three walls on the eastern side, each 36 metres high. He also constructed 20 bastions.
According to legend, this is one of only two Maratha forts where Shivaji personally hoisted the saffron flag. The other fort is “Torana”.
Vijaydurg Fort was called the “Eastern Gibraltar”, as it was virtually impregnable. Its locational advantages include the 40 km long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek. Large vessels cannot enter the shallow water of this creek. Also, Maratha warships could be anchored in this creek and yet remain invisible from the sea.
Type: Forts
Fort Range : None.
District : Sindhudurg.
Grade : Easy.
How to Reach:
Via Mumbai – Goa highway Vijaydurg is 245km. Nearest railway stations are at Rajapur and Kudal.
Ferry services are available from Malvan port to Sindhudurg Port.
One can trek from Donaje to the top of the Fort. Bus services are also available from Pune.
