Murud-Janjira Fort(Sea Fort)

Murud-Janjira  is the local name for a fort situated on an island just off the coastal village of Murud, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It was occupied by the Siddis and is famous for being the only fort along India's Western coast that remained undefeated despite Dutch, Maratha and English East India Company attacks.

Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast near the port town of Murud, 165 km  south of Mumbai. Janjira is considered one of the strongest marine forts in India. The fort is approached by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty. The main gate of the fort faces Rajapuri on the shore and can be seen only when one is quite close to it. It has a small postern gate towards the open sea for escape.

The fort has 19 rounded bastions, still intact. There are many cannons of native and European make rusting on the bastions. Now in ruins, the fort in its heyday was a full-fledged living fort with all the necessary facilities, e.g., palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, two big fresh water tank, etc. On the outer wall flanking the main gate, there is a sculpture depicting a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws. There are prominent "ASHOK-CHAKRAS" on all major gates of the fort Janjira. There are images of playing elephants, lions etc

The sculpture on the main gate

Small Water Pond in Janjira Fort

Originally the fort was a small wooden structure built by a Koli chief in the late 15th century. It was captured by Pir Khan, a general of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar. Later, the fort was strengthened by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian-origin Siddi regent of Ahmednagar kings. From then onward, Siddis became independent, owing allegiance to Adilshah and the Mughals as dictated by the times. 

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Location:-Janjira Fort is situated 165 KM Away from Mumbai and WE can reach  there Via Panvel.

How to Go: -

Nearest Airport is Mumbai, 165 km.

 Nearest railway station is Panvel, 122 km.

Mumbai - Murud via Revdanda, 165 km. Pune - Murud via Mahad, 230 km. Alibag - Murud, 52 km.

Where To Stay:- Local Hotels are available which are at affordable Cost.

Near By Places:- One can visit Jaljira sea fort first and then Murud(Beach) which is approx 10 km from Jaljira. Also, Alibaug sea fort & Beach is approx 50 km from Murud on Murud-Janjira Fort(Sea Fort).