A Marine Fort That Never Conquered-Murud Janjira Fort India

The ultimate Janjira is the famous citadel occupying an island close to the Murud coast. The Siddis ruled the Murud region for more than three centuries and built this extraordinary fort. The Siddis were trader-warriors from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) who settled in Murud-Janjira and gradually merged with the locals. They were employed by the Bahamani Sultan of Ahmednagar and a Habshi, Malik Ambar (1550–1626), held a prominent position in that government. Some of them ruled the region for about 400 years and became famous for their fort. In 1682, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj tried to attack Janjira. He took shelter inside a fort near Murud built by his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Murud Janjira Fort is part of the Raigad district, spreading along the coast from Revdanda Creek to Aagardanda Creek. The entire coast is hilly and the coastal highway runs close to the Arabian Sea. Janjira, the prime attraction here, is the famous fort on an island 4 km south of Murud.

Geography and Geology

Murud Janjira fort lies to the south of Alibag on the shore of Rajpuri creek of the Arabian Sea. Murud was the capital town of the Siddis of
Janjira.  The fort is situated on the bank of Rajpuri creek which is 5 km away from Murud. Janjira fort is spread over an
area of 22 acres. The word Janjira is not native to India it originated after the Arabic word ‘Jezeera’ which means an island. The Arabian Sea crashes all around the fort, battered on all sides by sea waves. The Complex is located south of Mumbai and consists of dykes of lamprophyre and nepheline syenite, plugs of ijolite and carbonated and breccia pipes and all emplaced in Deccan basalt flows.

Places to visit in Murud Janjira

The golden beaches, sparkling waters of the ocean, adventurous water sports and gorgeous sunsets are all these ingredients that make Murud one of the best vacation spots. Murud Beach is a vast swathe of black sand with clear turquoise waters that stretches around 1.7km along the coastline. Murud Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the entire state of Maharashtra and a top destination for tourists to visit in Alibaug. The Palace of Nawab is located in Murud and was built in 1885 for administration purposes. The palace is still owned by the descendants of the Nawab and is private property. Murud is known for its notable beach, and for its proximity to Janjira off the coast of Rajapuri, a sea fort. Murud-Janjira fort is the local name for a fort situated in the coastal City of Murud. A two or three-day holiday is ideal to see Murud and its surrounding attractions. Janjira Fort is the main attraction and the peaceful beach is where people spend most of the day. The two island forts-Janjira and Padmadurg-can be seen from the beaches during the daylight hours. At sunset, the best place to be is the beach or up at Idgah, the highest point in Murud.

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Murud Janjira Fort

Murud Janjira fort is situated within 1km of Murud beach. The fort was established on an oval-shaped rock on the coast of the Arabian Sea.  Murud Janjira fort is considered to be one of the strongest marine forts in India. The vast sea, rocky terrain surrounding the coastal belt and scenic natural beauty. The Siddis built the stone citadel in the 16^th century.  The fort was spread over 22 acres, and there were 19 towers mounted with cannons and many turrets. Three huge cannons-Kala Bangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam can still be seen among the ruins.

Padmadurg Fort

The Siddis of Janjira posed a serious challenge to the Marathas, and as a counter-strategy, Shivaji’s son Sambaji commissioned a fortress, late in the 17th century, on a rock called Kasa, a mile into the sea. The now desolate fort was once guarded by high walls and six bastions and saw fierce battles between the Siddis and the Marathas. A number of cannons can still be seen within the walls of the fort. Private boats can be hired to visit the fort. The fort used to serve as the administrative headquarters of Shivaji Maharaj’s army.

Murud Janjira Beach

Murud Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand surrounded on three sides by hills. Rocky outcrops flank it to the south and north while east lie Murud town. One can enjoy rides on sailboats operated by the fisherfolk at the Rajpuri Jetty.

Datta Mandir and Idgah

Datta Mandir is located atop a hill to the north of Murud and is approached by steps or by a motorable road. The rarely used Idgah mosque is still higher on the same hill. Both these shrines offer panoramic views of Murud town hiding beneath a green canopy of coconut and areca nut palms. A line of hills rises in the east and there is a lovely blue spread of sea in the west.

Garambi Waterfall and Dam

Garambi is 8 kilometres to the east of Murud Maharashtra and is a scenic spot, famous for its perennial spring that trickles through laterite rocks. There is a dam here that is over 100 years old. Garambi is especially beautiful after the monsoon in October-December. Garambi Falls gushing down from a height of 100 metres, the falls here thunder in full bloom during the rainy season.