Devgad Fort, also called Janjira Devgad Fort is a fort located 5 km from Devgad town, in Sindhudurg district, of Maharashtra.
This fort is surrounded by water from three sides and offers an amazing view of the Arabian Sea and Devgad Creek. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a fun day out with friends or family, or if you’re simply in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Constructed by the brave warrior of Konkan coast, Kanhoji Angre, in 1705 A.D., Devgad Fort was used as a surveillance center and strategically placed on a narrow strip of land jutting into the Arabian Sea. The British Naval Battalion, led by Commander Walter Brown, tried their luck attacking the fort, but it was eventually captured by the British in 1818 AD.
Inside the fort, you’ll find a Ganesh temple, three old cannons, and a 15 m high lighthouse. The walls and structures of the fort are still intact and in good condition, so you can enjoy exploring the fort and imagining what life would have been like back in the day.
Devgad Fort has natural sea protection on three sides, and the fourth side has a trench 3 meters wide and 2.5 meters deep in Kattal to protect the side of the hill. Unlike the moats of other forts, water was not stored in this moat. The fortifications and towers of the fort are built using the stones (chire) dug in the trenches.
One of the most interesting features of the fort is the Gomukhi Darwaja hidden between two bastions at the eastern end of the ramparts. An idol of Hanuman is installed in the wall inside the door, and adjacent to it is a stairway leading to the entrance tower. The entire fort is visible from this tower, so make sure to take some pictures while you’re up there!
One of the best things about visiting Devgad Fort is witnessing the magical and mystical sunset from the fort. It’s a sight to watch and one that you won’t forget anytime soon. And if you’re a fan of mangoes, you’re in luck! Devgad is famous worldwide for the production of Alphonso mangoes, so make sure to try some while you’re there.
Getting to the fort is easy as it’s accessible through roads, and local buses are available too. You can also take your private vehicle if you prefer. The best time to visit is during sunsets and mango seasons when the view is simply breathtaking.
The fort is situated on the tapering end of a hill jutting into the sea. You’ll notice a paved road from the village to the hill, and as you ascend, you’ll see the densely populated initial part of the hill. Look out for the lane on the left side, which leads to a free tower at the end.
As you continue walking towards the fort, you’ll see two spare towers on the right side. All three watchtowers were used to monitor the sea, the port, and the surrounding area. Going towards the fort from the plateau on the hill, you’ll first see the east-west ramparts of the fort and its three towers.
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